The most beautiful destination in the world? Santorini is certainly in the running!   It’s no wonder travel enthusiasts are eagerly jetting off to experience Santorini’s flowery courtyards and whitewashed villages hanging like grapes over the caldera cliffs.

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Whether you’re looking for your next extraordinary adventure or hoping to set the tone for a romantic getaway, this island’s majestic sunsets and astonishing views of the deep blue Aegean will surely take your breath away. Frequently sought as a top honeymoon destination its undeniable beauty and charm continue to “woo” newlyweds. This “island of black rock” is filled with wonder and encompasses a little something for everyone. 

If you’re considering a trip to Santorini, you’ll want to plan several months in advance as hotels, restaurants, and excursions book up fast. Here you’ll find a collection of information crafted to inspire and assist you with pro travel tips to avoid waiting in the queue and personal recommendations that highlight the island’s most marvelous features. 

Pro Tip #1:  Get ahead of the game and avoid waiting in queue for a ride by arranging transportation from the Santorini airport to your hotel in advance- it’s tiny and when multiple planes land at the same time it creates massive wait times for taxies and buses.

Wake up every morning to sparkling blue waters and have an assortment of delicious breakfast foods brought to your table out on the balcony. If Santorini has been on your radar for a while then I’m sure you have seen the alluring pictures people have posted with many hotels to chose from like Andronis Luxury Suites. Their suites are cozy, romantic, and magical, staffed with employees that will exceed your expectations when it comes to customer service. They go above and beyond to treat you like royalty during your entire stay. If you are looking for accommodations in Santorini search no longer, this is the place. 

The best time to visit is late April right when “season” begins or October/November as it’s coming to an end. The weather is warm and there’s less of a chance of having your vacay dampened by rain and large crowds. 

Pro Tip # 2: Avoid booking your trip in August. Not only is it the busiest time of year, but also the most expensive, and no one wants to pay top dollar just to end up with longer wait times. While traveling during the winter months surely has its perks, be aware that most Santorini restaurants, attractions, and nightclubs will stay closed until the return of “season”. 

October is ideal for my fellow wine connoisseurs considering Santorini’s harvesting season.  Why stop at one glass when you can have six? It’s called tasting and it’s classy! Santorini is basically a Mediterranean version of Napa Valley. Wineries are incredibly popular so I suggest you book well in advance. The ones with the best Caldera views are Santo and Venetsanos, highly recommended as wine tour destinations. If a wine tour doesn’t pique your interest be sure to at least try a glass! 

I’ve put together a list of this island’s hidden gems for my fellow FOMO journeyers. Check out these top five ways to discover Santorini’s treasures on foot.

1.     Explore the underwater active volcano and discover the sensation of steam beneath your feet as you climb to the top and gaze into its crater. 

2.     Venture the Hinterland of Santorini and hike the trail from the capital of Fira to the village of Oia. The views are well worth it, and if you plan just right once you’ve made it to Oia you can reward yourself with shopping, wine, and a sunset view dinner.

3.     Book a tour to learn more about the island’s rich history and the volcanic rock landscape. Afterward, meander to the black and red-sand beaches.

4.     Visit the island of Palaia Kameni and take a dip in the hot springs. Delight yourself with an alternative mud bath and soak up all the therapeutical benefits from these waters full of sulfur. Swimming in these waters will make you feel as if you just spent the entire day at the spa.

5.     For my lavish sunset lovers, I’ve put together a list of the top five spots to watch the sun melt. Be sure to arrive early, especially if you are going during “season”. 

1.     Church of Agios Efstratios, Southwest Santorini

2.     Church of Kyra Panagia, Northwest Santorini

3.     Church of Panagia Theoskepasti, North Santorini

4.     Lighthouse of Santorini, Southeast Santorini

5.     Castle of Agios Nikolaos, North Santorini

Pro Tip #3: If you want to go to a restaurant with a sunset view you will need to make a reservation well in advance. I recommend Le Ceil Restaurant.  

If you are a lover of the sea and looking for a nice relaxing day set sail the open waters of the Aegean and book a sailing trip around the island. I highly suggest Spiridakos Sailing Cruises.  The Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise is a 5-hour excursion and truly the most spectacular experience. I am eager to give my personal testimony and will be adding a full review soon. 

Excited to get a taste of Greece yet?

The local cuisine is full of mouthwatering dishes similar to the Mediterranean- healthy and full of fresh flavors. With so many to choose from it can oftentimes be difficult to make up your mind, so I’ve put together a few recommendations you definitely don’t want to miss. A healthy way to start the day is with the Sfougato which is an omelet filled with locally grown fresh mixed vegetables. Strapatsada is a scrambled egg entry with garden tomatoes. For feta cheese lovers, make sure you get a taste of the Spanakopita: a flaky filo pie oozing with feta and spinach. A very popular side dish made from locally grown fava beans called Fava Me Koukia is similar to hummus and makes the perfect snack. An amazing dinner plate suggestion would be the Moussaka- eggplant, tomatoes, ground lamb, covered in Béchamel sauce. For dessert try this cheesy/sweet treat called Melitinia. 

Try something totally different that will tickle your feet, literally.  Kissing Fish Santorini offers a fish pedicure. This unique experience involves little baby fish that nibble on the bottom of your feet resulting in amazing exfoliation. This new sensation will leave you with feet as soft as a baby’s bottom and an interesting story to share with your friends back home. 

Pro Tip #4: Complete your Greece trip by taking a popular route: Santorini — Mykonos — Athens. The best way to get to Mykonos from Santorini is by taking the ferry and from there it’s a very short and rather cheap flight to Athens. 

Stay tuned for my next blog post on all things Mykonos.