SANTORINI ISLAND
Santorini needs no introduction.
It is one of the most famous islands in the world for good reason.
A head-turner whose face is instantly recognisable around the world:
multicoloured cliffs soar out of a sea-drowned caldera, topped by drifts of whitewashed buildings.
With its reputation for dazzling panoramas, romantic sunsets and volcanic-sand beaches,
it’s hardly surprising the island features on so many travellers’ bucket lists.
LOCATION
Part of the Cycladic islands, Santorini, officially known as Thera, (a name that encompasses
the volcanic islets within Santorini’s orbit) sits in the Aegean Sea, roughly halfway between Athens and Crete.
The island is shaped like a wonky croissant and the neighbouring islets
hint at the fact that Santorini was once circular; it was known as Strongili (round one).
Thousands of years ago a colossal volcanic eruption caused the centre of Strongili to sink,
leaving a Caldera (crater) with towering cliffs along the east side – now Santorini’s trademark landscape.
Santorini’s commercial development is focused on the Caldera-edge clifftops in the island’s west,
with large clusters of whitewashed buildings nesting at dizzying heights,
spilling down cliffsides and offering gasp-inducing views from land or sea.
Fira, the island’s busy capital, sprawls north into the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli, the highest point of the Caldera edge.
A path running through these villages is lined with upmarket hotels, bar/restaurant terraces, shops and endless photo opportunities.
These 3 conjoined settlements draw most visitors, together with the stunning and quite exclusive village of Oia in Santorini’s north.
Santorini’s east coast is lesser known than the celebrated, elevated west coast.
Here, the caldera-edge heights have sloped down to sea level,
and volcanic-sand beaches and resorts offer a very different drawcard.
Sunlounger-filled beaches, water sports, bars and taverna-lined promenades.
The east coast’s beaches are lined with black sand; on the south coast,
there’s a string of beaches famed for their multicoloured sand – the dramatic Red Beach is a favourite.
Wine-tasting is a must.
Santorini’s lauded wines are its crisp dry whites and the amber-coloured, unfortified dessert wine known as Vinsanto.
Both are made from the indigenous grape variety, assyrtiko.
About a dozen local vineyards host tastings and offer food, with scenery and local produce combining to great effect.
Santorini’s history intrigue reaches deep into the past,
with the fascinating site of Akrotiri displaying a Minoan city destroyed by the volcanic eruption of 1613 BC.
In Fira, the impressive Museum of "Prehistoric Thera" helps piece together the story of ancient Akrotiri.
Accommodations
At the top of our Luxury Locations list,
we offer Santorini for private custom made retreats only, minimum of 8 people.
This luxurious hotel in the highest point of the Caldera offers magnificent rooms
and suites with private outdoor hot tubs and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean
and the magnificent sunsets that Santorini is known for.
Although we can plan a trip any time between the months of May to October we strongly recommend you avoid July and August as it is a super high tourist season and can be challenging to be constantly surrounded by thousands of tourists.
10 people minimum
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
- 7 nights accommodation
- asana or restorative practice
- walk through the Caldera promenade
- exploration walk of Pyrgos
- visit to Akrotiri, the ancient Minoan city
- visit to the impressive Prehistoric Museum of Thera
- breakfast daily
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
- your travel to and from Santorini
- car or scooter rental if you wish to explore the island
- boat trip around the Caldera and to the hot springs
- wine tasting and vineyard tour
- alcohol
tipping (suggested -95euros per person for the week)
More information on Santorini Island click here