Top 10 things to do in Santorini
February 14, 2014
Santorini, the charming fairy of the Aegean! An island of surprises, featuring lots of novel experiences, not only for the first-timers but also for the loyal visitors. Lets get a taste of the top 10 things to do in Santorini, creating memories to share and cherish for a lifetime:
Watch the Sunset
The sunset in Santorini is famous worldwide for painting the sky in unique tones, crafting a breathtaking palette in the Aegean. During evenings, several spots get crowded with people gathering to watch it. No matter the crowd, everyone hushes to enjoy the tranquility of the moments while the sun fades into the sea.Savor Santorini’s breathtaking sunset by the Kastro walls, at the north end of Oia.
Visit Ancient Thera and Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a Minoan Age settlement buried by the widespread Theran eruption in the middle of the second millennium BC. As a result, it is remarkably well-preserved. Ancient Thera, an ancient city built circa 800 BC from the Spartans, which named the island after their commander. From that point the view is amazing while surrounded by the Royal Arch, the ruins of Artemidoros Temple, the Ancient Agora (Forum), the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of Apollo Karneios, ancient burial grounds and a Theater.
Caldera boat trip
Take a“Caldera Boat Trip” and sail by a beautiful traditional boat to see the volcano, learn all about its history, swim in the Hot Springs and discover the nearby island, Thirasia. A volcanic experience!
Stroll to Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi is a tiny bay close to Oia. You can get there either by car, or by riding a cute donkey or descend the 214 steps on foot. It is an ideal place for fresh fish and a spot where you can enjoy the sunset from a different point of view!
Donkey Riding
A folklore experience at the Old Port, at the bottom of the Caldera cliffs in Fira. Choose the traditional way to get there, by descending the 588 steps backriding a donkey. From the port, you can ride a boat to the volcano and complete your ride onboard, chasing after the magnificent sunset.
Trip to Anafi island
Anafi island lies a breath away from Santorini, within 2 hours sail. A small island for high expectations, combining unique landscape, tranquil beaches as well as mythological and archaeological sites.
Wine tour
Join a wine tour and visit Santorini’s wineries, taste fine local wines and learn about the history and practice of over 3500 years old cultivation of Santorini’s vines.
Swim at the Red beach
Not far from the archaeological site in Akrotiri, lies the famed red beach. You couldn’t ask for a more breathtaking landscape for your sea dip! Soaring red lava cliffs dropping right to the black sandy shore and into the clear blue sea make for a majestic setting. For a deeper exploration, boats leave from Akrotiri to other beaches further down the southwest coast.
Visit Thirassia islet
Often referred as “Santorini in its smaller form”, Thirassia was part of Santorini until 235 BC, when a great eruption separated them, turning it into an exotic rocky island. Nowadays, it offers many beautiful landscapes and amazing natural spots almost untouched by human activity., it can be reached by the organized boat tours to the volcano area, departing from Santorini.
Visit Emborio Village
A breath away from the crowded beaches of Perivolos and Perissa, Emborio village is the entry to another, past era. Small whitewashed houses carved in rocks and narrow alleys compose a unique, quaint architecture, lively and originally illustrating the past. Don’t omit to visit the row of windmills on Gavrilos hill, the Church of Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis (ancient temple converted to a Christian church) and the Ancient Ehentra with the tombs carved on the rock.
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