Travelling the world and exploring new places is something we are all patiently waiting to do. Our next destination for you is the Greek paradise of Santorini, officially known as Thera in classic Greek. One of the Cyclades Islands on the Aegean Sea, Santorini is about 200km southeast of Greece. With an area of almost 73 sq. km, it is the largest island of its kind.
The island gets its deformed and rugged landscapes from a volcanic eruption that took place sometime in the 16th Century BC. Its beautiful nature, pleasing shades of blue and white, rocky edges, and picturesque views are just breathtaking. The villages, scenic architecture, multicoloured beaches, and mighty hilltops will leave you with a calmness that will rejuvenate your love for life, this world, and all it has to offer.
Go solo, duo, or take an entire team, but make sure to spend some time at some of the top tourist locations we’ve listed for you.
Firá
Located 300 meters above the Caldera and about 12km from Oia, Firá is the capital of Santorini. Home to beautiful white cubic houses, blue-domed churches, and scenic waters, Firá attracts tourists from all over the world to experience its beauty. Compared to Oia, Fira is a little more budget-friendly and thrives on the tourism industry. You can access Firá from different places either by riding mules that can be hired, by foot, or also by cable cars. The houses are mostly transformed into tourist-friendly spots such as souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as apartments and jewellery stores. The capital is also home to Three Bells of Fira which officially is the Catholic Church of the Dormition and is famous for its blue dome, three bells, and spectacular views. Additionally, Firá also houses two popular museums – The Archaeological Museum of Thera and The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, more on these two museums later.
Archeological Museum of Therá, Firá
Built in the year 1960, The Archaeological Museum of Thera is one of Firá’s most popular museums. The museum houses artefacts from Ancient Thera. Prehistoric vases from Akrotiri, which is located in the southwest part of the Santorini island, from the 20th to 17th centuries BC, inscriptions from the Archaic to the Roman period, ceramic pottery, and clay figurines are just some of the exhibits in this beautiful museum. Others ranging from the Dorian, Byzantine, Hellenistic periods. With a little bit of knowledge and a little bit of his history, this museum was built to replace another that was damaged due to an Amorgos earthquake in 1956.
Museum of Prehistoric Thira
Yet another famous museum located in Firá, the Museum of Prehistoric Thira is built on the grounds of the old Ypapanti Church. The church, unfortunately, was also damaged due to the 1956 Amorgos earthquake; however, it gave rise to a diverse museum rich in ancient Greek heritage. The exhibits at the museums are from the excavations at Akrotiri. This excavation was conducted primarily under the auspices of the Archaeological Society at Athens. Excavations from the Potamos site also produced exhibits that are showcased at the museum. Beginning from the late Neolithic period to the Late Cycladic Period, the museum covers the Island’s history and heritage through the exhibits it showcases. These include Neolithic pottery, early Cycladic metal art, bird jugs that are decorated with swallows from the 18th – 20th Century BC, and more.
Oia
If you want to experience gorgeous sunsets, stop at a small village named Oia. The village is located at the north-western tip of Santorini and can be accessed through public transport such as the KTEL bus or by foot if you’re up for a little adventure. The houses are whitewashed and most of them are converted into little hotels. These hotels make for a relaxing stay with their infinity pools that show a view of the Caldera. Also, indulge in delicious seafood at eateries located on the waterfront. Fresh air, the sound of waves, and the aroma of scrumptious food is a deal one can and should not resist!
Ammoudi Bay
If you are a water baby, then all you have to do is walk down 200 steps from the little village of Oia and make a stop at the exhilarating Ammoudi Bay. The Bay glistens with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and is famous for the little tavernas on the port that serve you with their fresh catches. Make sure to explore the water a little more closely by swimming in the isolated coves or sail towards the volcano and relax in the hot springs. If adventure is what thrills you, then jump off the rugged cliffs and straight into the water because cliff diving is a common activity for tourists at this beautiful location.
Beach at Perissa
Between the villages of Perissa and Perivolos, lies Santorini’s most popular beach on its southeast coast. This next destination is about 12km away from the Island’s capital, Firá. The shores shimmer of beautiful and fine volcanic black sand, and tamarisk trees shelter the beach making it a perfect spot to beat any stressful blues and just unwind. Eat at the seafood tavernas, spend time at a café, rent a sunbed and an umbrella, or get pumping with the water sports facilities. Whether you just want to bathe in the sun or have fun in the water, this beach has something in store for everyone.
Now that you have a checklist of what you should see in Greece, prepare your itinerary for when the world will be COVID free and plan your trip. Whether you’re an adventure junkie, nature lover, or history and heritage admirer, Santorini has a vast range of sites and activities to quench your thirst for a new experience. All you need to do is get ready, set, and take off!