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Santorini Holidays

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Holidays in Santorini

Book your Santorini holiday getaway to this enchanting volcanic island and discover everything it has to offer. Here, you’ll explore winding hilltop streets, magnificent views, and while you’re at it, why not indulge in a little of that acclaimed Mediterranean cuisine? 

Why not take a tour of the volcanic ‘smoking’ islands and steam vents in the centre of Santorini? You’ll see historic lava flows from as recently as the 1950s and take in the fantastic natural landscape including magnificent black, red and white lava pebbles. 

If you prefer a more relaxed activity, why not explore the island’s history with the grape and take a trip out to the island’s many vineyards? Or hit up the island’s capital, Fira for indulgent shopping and buzzing local nightlife?

Whether it’s a cosy romantic trip for two or an action-packed family holiday, our in-store travel experts can create you the bespoke trip of a lifetime.

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What to expect on your Santorini stay

Besides being one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Santorini is also one of the most geologically and archaeologically dramatic. Often called Thira, the island is shaped like an enormous pair of jaws encircling a lake filled with pure blue water. This is the core of an ancient volcano, which according to legend, destroyed the lost continent of Atlantis. Santorini's capital, Fira, perches on a clifftop. Ferries arrive and depart in the harbour below, while visitors walk or ride donkeys up the steep winding path to the town. Fira has hotels, good restaurants, bars and plenty of nightlife to keep tourists happy. History buffs should visit Ancient Thira's archaeological remains. They date back to the 9th century BC, and they're on the island's east side. Other attractions include the excavations at a Minoan Bronze Age settlement called Akrotiri, an archaeological museum, and an 18th-century monastery. Santorini has two swimming beaches, Perissa and Kamari, both characterised by their volcanic black sand.

Santorini is well connected with Greece's main cities by both sea and by air. Ferries and catamarans depart from Piraeus Port in Athens, and there are boats to ports on surrounding islands. All in all, Santorini's ferry system is reliable and convenient, though not always comfortable. The same is true for the entire country.

Athinios is home to Santorini's main arrivals port. Boats departing for the volcano and Thirasia sail from Fira. Santorini airport is about three miles (5km) from Fira and is easily reached by bus or taxi. Although there are not many direct flights to Santorini from overseas, there are some available from the UK, and it's easy to fly to Athens and take a connecting flight to the island. Fixed-rate taxis are available throughout Santorini. Visitors will find a well-organised bus network flowing from the main bus terminal in Fira. It's also possible to rent a car, motorbike or scooter, though Santorini's roads are steep and can be unnerving.

Santorini has one of the best nightlife scenes in the Cyclades, and visitors will find lots of action along the caldera at cafes, bars and nightclubs. Most nightclubs are in the capital, Fira, which is the best place for all-night partying. As with shopping and accommodation, Santorini is not the cheapest Greek island to party on. That said, it can be very rewarding for visitors who are prepared to pay a little bit extra.

Classical-music performances at the Nomikos Centre in Fira are a good option for visitors who prefer more relaxed evenings, and Santorini has some quieter, more authentic restaurants, where visitors can enjoy drawn-out meals with lovely views. Finding somewhere away from the crowds and bustle can be challenging in summer. As a rule of thumb, visitors should avoid resort areas and big towns, and look out for places that locals frequent.

Shopping in Santorini offers a range of lovely holiday purchases, the most popular being gold and amber jewellery. The island's cobbled lanes are flanked by jewellery shops, boutiques, galleries and leather shops, as well as stores selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. The Hondos Center and the Fabrica Shopping Center in Fira are popular destinations for jewellery and fashion items such as clothing, bags and shoes. Oia has great Art Deco galleries, as well as shops selling gold jewellery and handmade wooden artefacts. Santorini is also a wine-producing region, so bottles of wine are popular souvenirs; prices are generally higher than in most parts of Greece. Self-catering Visitors will find grocery stores and the like from which to buy supplies. Some shops and restaurants close during winter or have greatly reduced opening hours. Whatever's available will be cheaper off-season.

Santorini has some great attractions, including volcanoes, beaches and museums. Visitors will find the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni (Young Burnt Island) and Palea Kameni (Old Burnt Island) in the Santorini caldera. They're the youngest volcanic lands in the Eastern Mediterranean, with Nea Kameni having formed less than 500 years ago. Perissa and Perivolos are two of Santorini's most popular beaches, and travellers can choose from a selection of tavernas and restaurants on their black-sanded shores. Agios Georgios also has some amenities and tavernas, but the southern tip of the island tends to be quieter.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is worth a visit, with its wall paintings, golden ibex figurine and Neolithic pottery exhibits. Santorini's wineries are appealing, as are the island's smaller villages, where visitors can enjoy a more traditional atmosphere. Megalochori, Pyrgos, and nearby Thirasia Island are all options. Santorini Water Park is a great stop for kids.

Restaurants in Santorini range from bland and commercial near the tourist traps to unforgettable tavernas where tourists have to compete with locals for seats. Local specialities include tomato keftedes, white aubergine, and fresh-grilled fish. Fast-food-style gyros places are plentiful in all the larger towns and resorts.

So what's the weather link in Santorini?

Santorini is part of the Cyclades Islands, where the climate is almost typically the Mediterranean. The North African climate does influence it to some degree. Visitors will find hot, dry weather in summer and mild winters. Peak-season temperatures (July and August) range from 86F (30C) during the day to 72F (22C) at night. Conditions can get hotter during heat waves. Summer is crowded and temperatures can get oppressively hot. Rainfall is almost non-existent in summer but showers can be expected between October and April. Spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit Santorini; beach lovers will enjoy the sea towards the end of spring when the water gets warmer. The beginning of autumn is another good moment on the island. The ocean is still very warm, most tourists have left and the rainy season hasn't started yet.

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