Sana & Steven

Oia (pronounced “ee-a”) is Santorini’s most famous village. This coastal town on the northwestern tip of the island is like a postcard come to life. You’ll find a maze of whitewashed houses rising out of the clifftops, as well as a sweeping view of the island over the horizon.

Oia is always brimming with tourists, and when you see twilight descend on the village, you’ll understand why. The warm yellow light of sunset seeps between Oia’s narrow streets, bathing the white houses in a buttery hue. Oia truly lives up to the phrase “golden hour” with a dependable magical atmosphere visiting the village each evening.

One of the best sunset views is seen from Oia Castle, also known as Fort Londsa. This 15th-century citadel offers a unique sunset experience. You’ll be able to see the Grecian sun setting over Ammoudi Bay from the castle ruins.

Santo Luxury Escape offers an unrivaled Santorini experience, seamlessly blending opulence with authenticity. With exclusive access to hidden gems and personalized, expert-guided tours, every moment is a tailored exploration into the heart of the island. Immerse yourself in luxurious accommodations boasting panoramic sea views, complemented by a concierge service catering to your every need.

From stress-free logistics to curated culinary journeys, Santo Luxury Escape ensures that your Santorini adventure transcends the ordinary, creating indelible memories of a journey where every detail is meticulously designed for discerning travelers seeking the pinnacle of Aegean luxury.

We had the pleasure of taking this tour last summer, and it's an experience I wholeheartedly recommend! Having a guide to share Santorini's rich history truly enhanced our visit. For an unforgettable journey, I suggest contacting Nikos or visiting the site below to coordinate your tour. For Nikos direct contact information, please reach out to Sana ahead of time.

Embark on a unique culinary journey at Petra Kouzina in the heart of Santorini. This experience isn’t just about cooking; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in Greek culture, learn about local life, and embrace the joy of sharing food. From the moment you step into the traditional Cave House, you’re welcomed with local wine and appetizers, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. Under the guidance of a passionate chef, you’ll dive hands-on into preparing traditional Greek dishes with fresh, local ingredients. But the magic truly happens when you gather on the beautiful terrace, sharing tales, laughter, and tasting the fruits of your labor with your fellow cooks. It’s more than a meal; it’s a celebration of warm hospitality and genuine connections. And you won’t leave empty-handed—a specially designed menu with all the recipes you created ensures the memories and flavors of Santorini stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Whether you’re seeking a semi-private or an exclusively private experience, Petra Kouzina offers a four-hour escape into the heart of Greek gastronomy that promises not just to teach, but to transform.

Santo Winery is one of the most scenic spots in all of Santorini, thanks to the spacious terrace that looks out over the caldera and surrounding islands. You can visit this hillside vineyard for a wine-tasting experience, a winery tour, or some light bites at the scenic cafe.

Santo Winery offers a unique cultural excursion for those interested in the island’s viticulture history. Santorini has a strong agricultural tradition that dates back to the volcanic eruptions that made the island what it is today.

The soil’s distinctive texture, which includes lava, volcanic ash, and pumice stone, contributes to the local wines’ quality and flavour profiles. One of Santo’s professional sommeliers will guide you through the vineyard’s best wines so you can taste the history for yourself.

Santo has delicious cheese, meat, and olive platters, which you can pair with the finest local Santorinian wines.

Other wineries to visit include:

-Koutsogiannopoulous Wine Museum

-Gavalas Winery

-Sigalas Winery

-Argyros Winery

-Vasaltis Winery

Would you like to feel the real vibes of a Greek Wedding and its traditions? The Greek Wedding Show is a unique Musical that engages couples, children, families and friends with the local culture in an entertaining way. The Greek Wedding Show is not only a “Greek night” , but an interactive performance with actors, dancers, singers, musicians and you. Celebrate the Greek culture through the music and dance.

We attended the Greek Wedding Show last summer, and it was an absolute blast! It felt like stepping back into Greece in the 1950s. The show was both hilarious and vibrant.

Located on the southern tip of the island, these ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Dating back to the 16th century BC, they are among the oldest in all of Europe. Akrotiri was once a thriving city, but it was completely buried by ash and pumice from a volcanic eruption until it was discovered in 1967. Today, you can explore its excavated remains and see how people lived more than 3,500 years ago

Let me paint the perfect night in Greece for you. The perfect sunset view in Santorini without massive crowds. Wine. Free Greek meze platter. Oh, and when the sun goes down, Mamma Mia plays on the big screen. Too good to be true?

No, this actually is a thing, in Santorini, at Volkan on the Rocks in Thira! You can book a ticket for €20, which includes the screening of Mamma Mia, a seat early enough to watch the stunning Santorini sunset and a small meze platter.

Located in town north of Thira’s busy center, next to the Nomikos Cultural Center, Volkan on the Rocks is a 7 min. walk from the cable car, along an ancient cobbled stone cliff side path that leads away from town.

Apart from the Caldera’s magical view, Santorini also offers amazing and unique beaches. Reflecting the island’s exceptional geological make up, Santorini offers an array of white, black and red sandy beaches in addition, pebbled beaches feature a variety of colors reflecting in the sea’s waters. Most beaches are located on the eastern side of the island, a handful of the most notable being:

Perissa & Perivolos
-The most popular beaches on the island where all the Greeks are used to go, with taverns,
bars, water sports kiosks, etc.

Vlychada
-The most beautiful beach location on the island.
The area looks like an area more like you are on the moon than on the earth!

Theros Wave Bar
-An amazing beach bar located at Vlychada Beach. Unique and private (no central roads or other beach bars are nearby, an absolute magical experience.

Red beach
-As its name suggests, volcanic deposits gave this beach it’s extraordinary coloring. From there you can take a small boat to go to the White Beach.

White Beach

-A very small white beach, the only white beach in Santorini.

Kamari
-Awarded with the E.U. blue beach flag, the waters are crystal clear. It is a touristic area with
many restaurants, bars and shops.

Mesa Pigadia
-Only if you like the natural scenic and more private beaches.

Monolithos
-With black sands and warm shallow waters, suitable for kids as well.

Imerovigli

This pretty village is about halfway between Thira and Oia on the west side of Santorini. The view from Imerovigli allows visitors to watch the sun drop over the small island of Thirasia. Head up to Skaros, the castle in Thirasia, for some great views or enjoy the view with a drink at one of Imerovigli’s cafes.

Pyrgos

This small village in the hills of Santorini has protection from tourism and a more authentic feel than other areas in Santorini. Head to the ruins of Pyrgos Castle or St George Church or best of all Franco’s Cafe to enjoy the sunset in Pyrgos.

Fira

Perched on the edge of a caldera, Fira is the vibrant capital of Santorini, where traditional Cycladic architecture meets the breathtaking beauty of the Aegean Sea. As you wander through its white-washed streets, you'll be charmed by the harmonious blend of natural beauty and historical legacy. Fira is a bustling maze of narrow alleys, alive with shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes, inviting you to explore every nook and cranny. Spectacular views of the volcano and neighboring islands are your constant backdrop, offering some of the most dramatic sunsets in the world. Whether you're sipping a coffee on a cliff-side terrace or exploring the wealth of cultural attractions, including the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the stunning Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Fira is a place where every moment is picture-perfect. Its unique energy captivates the hearts of visitors, ensuring that your time spent in this iconic village is full of wonder, discovery, and enchantment.

*Fira is my favorite town in Santorini 

If you fancy a waterside dining experience, Ammoudi Bay is the perfect place to enjoy a meal as the sun settles over the ocean. This small port is lined with seafood restaurants that sit right on the water’s edge.

Catamarans dock is a mere stone’s throw from the dining areas, so you’ll feel truly immersed in Santorini’s seaside culture.

Ammoudi Bay is rife with activity, with boat tours arriving and departing throughout the day. You’ll also see tourists and locals alike weave through the boats and dock bridges. Enjoy a glass of wine or a plate of oysters – most of the seafood served is fresh off the boat.

Note: Ammoudi sits at water level. There is a car park nearby or there are a decent number of quite steep stairs that will take you into the heart of Oia. If you’re a bit concerned about stairs book your taxi ahead of time for your departure from Ammoudi after the sunset or dinner.

Stanma Garden Tavern 

Address: Danezi M, Thira 847 00, Greece

Nick the Grill

Address: 25is Martiou, Thira 847 00, Greece

Ellinikson

Address: 84700 Fira

Momo 

Address: Kentrikí plateía Fira

Jaipur Palace

Address: Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis, Karterados 847 00, Greece

Taverna El Greco

Address: Danezi M 207 847 00 Δημοτική Ενότητα Θήρας

Please confirm with staff if meat is halal*

Experience the Sunset: Santorini’s sunsets are legendary. Popular spots like Oia get crowded, so consider less crowded locations such as Skaros Rock in Imerovigli or the Volcano Viewpoint in Fira for a more serene sunset experience.

Stay in Different Villages: While Oia is famous for its sunsets and Fira for its hustle and bustle, don't overlook other villages like Pyrgos, Imerovigli, and Akrotiri. Each offers unique perspectives, quieter atmospheres, and distinct charms.

Book in Advance: Santorini is a popular destination, so it's wise to book your accommodation and any specific tours or experiences well in advance. Early bookings ensure better deals and confirm spots on your desired activities.

Tap water is not for drinking: Unlike Athens, you cannot drink water from the tap in Santorini. Only drink bottled water.

Respect the Local Etiquette: Remember to respect local customs and privacy. Always ask before taking photos of private property or individuals.

Rent a Vehicle: To explore Santorini at your own pace, consider renting a car, ATV, or scooter. This gives you the freedom to visit beaches, wineries, and remote villages whenever you wish.

Wear comfortable shoes when exploring: With Santorini's uneven cobblestone streets and numerous steps, good footwear is a must. Opt for sturdy, comfy walking shoes or well-supporting sandals to navigate the terrain easily and avoid discomfort. Please also pack a pair of water shoes, as Santorini's beaches are quite rocky. Save your feet and enjoy more of what the island has to offer without any hindrances.