How to Plan Your Trip to Santorini
Are you thinking of taking a trip to the gorgeous Greek island of Santorini this year? This beautiful island hosts over one and a half million tourists every year and it has a huge allure due to its stunning architecture, food, wine, weather and things to do. Out of all the Greek islands, this is the one that is the most recognisable across the globe and it is no surprise that it is featured on many people’s travel bucket list. Here, we are taking you through everything that you need to know if you are planning on being one of the 1.5 million people to visit this Greek island this year.
Where is Santorini?
Santorini is a small Greek island and it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations around the world. Its official Greek name is Thira and you can find in the South East of Europe, in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea.
Travelling to Santorini
If you live in Europe, you will be happy to hear that Santorini is not too far away by plane and is very easy to get to. Most European cities will offer direct flights to Santorini which usually only take a few hours. If you live outside of Europe, then you will need to first travel to Athens and then take a 40-minute flight to Santorini. Even if you live in Europe, having a stopover in Athens is a great way to start your holiday as Athens is the largest Greek city and is filled with culture and archaeological hot spots.
What Is the Caldera?
If you didn’t already know, Santorini is actually a volcanic island and the volcano is active! Thousands of years ago, the middle of the island collapsed into the sea which created a unique open sea lagoon. This sea lagoon is called the Caldera and they are considered to be some of the most stunning views in the world.
Where to Stay in Santorini?
There are plenty of places to stay in Santorini and it really depends on what you want to prioritise on your holiday. Oia, Fira, Friostefani and Imerovigli are the most famous places to stay on the island and they will provide you with unique views of the caldera and the famous volcano. If you are looking for somewhere that is slightly off the beaten track and less touristy then you may want to relax at the towns of Perissa, Kamari or Perivolos. Pyrgos and Emporio also offer picturesque villages to stay in.
When looking for the perfect place to stay in Santorini it is important to keep in mind the following about each location. Oia is the most iconic town to stay and the most romantic. While it does not have as many shops or nightlife as other areas, it offers a very relaxing atmosphere with plenty of amazing restaurants to dine in. Just make sure you are prepared for how many tourists will be there! Fira is the island capital and if you are looking to stay somewhere with lots of buzz then this is the place for you as it is filled with great restaurants, bars, shops and nightclubs. Firostefani is very close to Fira but offers a more relaxing atmosphere, while Imerovigli provides stunning views of the caldera, is less touristy but is near enough to Fira for is great nightlife and shops.
When looking for accommodation in these areas, we would recommend that you look at Santorini villas as an option, through providers such as BlueVillas that have a range of amazing villas to choose from that offer amazing views, stunning living space and private pools. They really are the perfect way to enjoy Santorini and escape the tourist crowds!
When Should You Visit Santorini?
The high season in Santorini is from the months of April through to November. During these months, you can expect the island to be at full capacity and it is extremely busy at this time with tourists. If you can, we would recommend visiting Santorini in late September or early October. During this time the weather is still fantastic and the sea will still be warm too but you won’t have to deal with the hustle and bustle from quite as many tourists.
What Cuisine to Try
When you are in Santorini, there is a plethora of amazing food for you to check out. Everyone loves Greek food, so you can expect plenty of great, fresh seafood and a variety of cheeses on offer. Santorini is also famous for its local wines, so make sure you try these out on your visit.
Now, you can book your perfect trip to Santorini this summer!
Photo: Pixabay
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