There is something quite indescribable and magical about Santorini. First off, upon arrival and the first view out over the water will take your breath away. The vista and caldera alone…it’s like the universe has handed you the best of the Mediterranean on a platter. And, it has. Greece boasts between 1,200 and 6,000 islands and islets dependent upon size and only a fraction of these are inhabitable, making beautiful and fascinating geography.
Santorini is a type of heaven on earth, exactly like you’ve seen in the pages of a travel magazine, except you can stop pinching yourself because it's real life. Part of the Cylcadic islands, Santorini, is considered the “jewel” of the Cyclades, and captivates with its dramatic volcanic cliffs, azure caldera, and iconic whitewashed architecture.
When to Book: April – October. Dependent upon what your travel style is, the peak season runs July to August and will have the hottest temperatures (ranging from 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit) and the majority of tourists. April – June and September through October are considered the shoulder seasons with lower temps and smaller crowds. November through March is not recommended because it can be cold and rainy with many local restaurants and businesses closed. If you want to see any of Athens (Acropolis & Parthenon), it’s best to tack on one full day to see the city & major historical attractions.
Flight Route: Minneapolis to Paris and Paris to Santorini, or Minneapolis to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Santorini. Dependent upon preferred airlines, airport codes MSP, CDG, JTR or MSP, AMS, JTR are the best to check for time and price. Once in Greece, you can island hop using Aegean or Olympic, and most flights are about 50 minutes and range $150 - $200.
Where to Stay: There are countless beautiful hotels, but make sure you are looking at Oia or Fira for the best views and close proximity to activities. Booking a stay somewhere with an infinity or plunge pool is well worth the splurge. Even if you don’t make it into the bustling streets of downtown Oia, you can spend time gazing out into tranquility.
Experiences:
See it from the water – a group boat tour or a private caldera sail gliding past secluded coves, Red Beach's crimson sands, White Beach's pristine shores, hidden coves, volcanic rocks, and hot springs. Enjoy memorable moments of Santorini's coastline inaccessible by land.
Watch a sunset, or two, or three…a popular spot for locals and tourists alike is to gather at the northwest tip of the island in Oia (at the Oia Castle or Windmill) to watch the incredible view.
Fira's cliffside paths and Gold Street (Ipapantis), local shops, a haven of bespoke jewelry and artisanal pottery from master craftsmen, designer boutiques like Versace and Armani, and local cafes will keep you entertained.
Dining:
Apsithia – located in Oia with an incredible view. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner with a menu including seafood, traditional Greek cuisine, vegetarian and gluten free options, and a good wine selection. They accept cash and major credit cards.
Qhera – located on the island of Thirasia (just opposite of Santorini). You can get their by water taxi or ferry. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s an experience from the minute you depart by boat from Ammoudi Bay. Chef Fanis Maikantis elevates with his passion for Greek cuisine by incorporating fresh fish and locally sourced food. Qherasantorini.com
Selene – located in Fira. If it’s Micheline Star dining you seek, Selene is the place to make a reservation. The best of fine dining and unique wine tasting packages are available on a limited basis. Selen.gr