Santorini

Is it or isn’t it the long-lost city of Atlantis? Whatever you believe, the centre of the island of Santorini sank into the sea after an almighty volcanic eruption in 1630 BC.

Shaped like a giant boomerang, Santorini – or Thera as it’s also known - seems to reach out and hug you as you draw nearer. With its sheer-sided cliffs, hill top villages and dazzling white churches with domes like giant blue egg cosies, it’s a spectacular place. Bask on scorching black-sand beaches. Take a cable car or donkey ride up to exquisite Fira spread like icing along the cliff top and soak up the breath taking view from the top. Ready for lunch? Then call by one of the restaurants overlooking the dramatic crater and linger over gorgeous Greek food and divine local wine.

Don’t Miss

Fira – Stroll around the town set on the crater’s edge. Just don’t forget your camera – the views are to die for. If you’re into shopping, then get ready to flash the cash in the shops and boutiques lining the wibbly-wobbly streets.
Archaeological Museum – Want to see some of the amazing finds that were excavated after the volcano blew? Then visit the Archaeological Museum and get your fill of ancient artefacts.
Kameni Islets – Hop on a boat for a trip to the baby volcanic islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. If you’re feeling energetic you can hike up to one of the ominously smouldering volcano craters or take a relaxing dip in the sulphurous hot springs.

Santorini Action Ashore

• Hike to the edge of aslumbering volcano on the island of Nea Kameni, then hop across to Palea Kameni for a dip in its warm thermal springs.
• Roam the cobbled streets and little terraces of the cliff-top clinging Oia village.
• Get a taste for the local hooch at an island winery.
• Step back 3,500 years at Akrotiri’s excavations of a Bronze Age town, swallowed up by the volcanic eruption that blew the island apart.