Destination Bucket List: Santorini

  Santorini beckons with its panoramic sunsets, beaches with volcanic sand, white traditional houses dangerously perched on the cliffs and the iconic caldera in the middle of the sea. It was one of the most lethal earthquakes recorded in history that created Santorini’s beautiful crescent shape. Who knew that a Greek island paradise would emerge from the devastation centuries after? Officially known as Thira, Santorini belongs to a group of islands in the Aegean Sea called Cyclades. The region is ripe with ancient Greek history giving Santorini a mythical atmosphere. Its popularity as a leisure destination has earned the island an iconic status through the years. Nearly 2 million visitors make their way to Santorini every year. True enough, Santorini has become the epitome of an idyllic Greek island getaway. If you’re already planning your trip, it helps to take note of some unique activities to complete your Santorini vacation. Top Santorini Experiences

1. Stay on the cliff’s edge To relish the outstanding views in Santorini, stay in hotels set on the caldera’s edge. These ubiquitous white washed buildings are typical of Cycladic architecture found in the area. The blue doors, window panes and other accents add another level of aesthetic appeal to the traditional buildings. Cliffside accommodations, however, are quite expensive. But if you have ample budget, then go for it! 2. Watch the Santorini sunset from Oia The sight of the sunset painting Santorini and the Aegean Sea with vibrant colors is one of the reasons why travelers visit the island. Oia provides a strategic point for viewing the sunset. People flock to the ruins of the Byzantine Castle before dusk to catch a glimpse of nature’s handiwork. If Oia gets too crowded, you can always go to the lighthouse in Akrotiri for the same purpose. 3. Discover sights along the caldera trail Hiking enthusiasts should jump at the chance to take on the walking trail along the caldera’s edge. The route from Fira, Santorini’s main town, to Oia is quite popular because it affords travelers wonderful views of the sea, cliffs and scenic towns along the way. The walk along the rim of the caldera is fascinating and takes at least 4 hours. 4. Sample the local wines The special climate and the volcanic soil continue to give Santorini wines a unique flavor. Wine-making enjoys a long tradition in the island, dating back to the ancient times. Prominent names such as Volcan and Santo provide tours and tasting for visitors. While you’re in town, join a guided tour of the vineyards and wineries found in the countryside. 5. Explore archaeological digs Santorini has more to offer beyond the beaches and rugged cliffs. Archaeological diggings in the island have led to the discovery of pre-historic settlements in Akrotiri and ancient Thira. The sites are open to the public for viewing. For a more comprehensive look into Santorini’s history, you can also visit the Archaeological Museum in Fira and the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. 6. Choose from either red or black sandy beaches Coastal villages provide beach frolickers a different kind of sandy playground. The village of Kamari takes pride in its well-acclaimed black sand beaches complemented by a strip of restaurants, bars and cafés. Just a few steps from the Akrotiri archaeological site, Red Beach is another crowd-drawer in Santorini. Recently, however, the scarlet-hued cliffs near the beach are prone to landslides, posing a threat to visitors in the area. 7. Visit a local microbrewery The Greek craft beer industry is alive and thriving in Santorini. You can see for yourself when you pay a visit to Santorini Brewing Company, makers of the famous Donkey beers sold in bars and restaurants around the island. 8. See a volcano crater up close Volcano tours in Santorini bring visitors closer to the natural landscape of the island. Guides will take you through villages set on the caldera, passing by lava formations until you reach the crater in Nea Kameni. The tour usually continues to the Palea Kameni hot springs where you can take a dip in the therapeutic waters. Best Time to Visit Tourist arrivals reach a peak in Santorini in July and August, during which sunbathing and swimming remain top priority in the minds of travelers. Hotels and dining establishments are bound to be filled up. Therefore, it’s best to spend your vacation between April to May, or later in the year, from September to October. It’s also worthwhile to spend winter in Santorini because the scenery remains beautiful and the crowds are few. Best Options for Dining