The Santorini windmills, most famously the white round mills of Oia, were 18th and 19th-century grain mills powered by the island’s strong meltemi wind, now restored as iconic photo landmarks and unusual places to stay. This guide covers what they are, the history, where to see them and tips for visiting. The windmills are a … Read more
The best Santorini wineries, from clifftop Santo Wines and Venetsanos to family estates inland, pour the island’s crisp, mineral Assyrtiko and sweet Vinsanto amid volcanic vineyards and caldera views. This guide covers the top wineries, the wines, the tours, the cost and tips for visiting. Wine tasting is a signature experience of the wider Santorini … Read more
Santorini snorkeling is best at Caldera Beach, the Red and White beaches, Ammoudi Bay below Oia and the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni, with clear water, underwater caves, lava walls and plenty of fish. This guide covers the best spots, what you will see, boat trips and tips for snorkeling. Snorkeling reveals the volcanic underwater … Read more
The Santorini bus is the island’s cheap, efficient KTEL public network, hubbed in Fira and linking Oia, the beaches, the airport and the ferry port for around 2 to 3 euros a ride. This guide covers how it works, the main routes, the fares, the timetable and tips for using the bus. The bus is … Read more
The Santorini blue domes are the famous blue-roofed churches of Oia, the island’s most photographed sight, with the classic three-dome view found near the Anastasis church. This guide covers what they are, where to find them, the best photo spot, the best time and photography tips for the blue domes. The blue domes are the … Read more
Oia vs Fira is the key decision when choosing where to stay in Santorini. Fira is the central, lively, cheaper capital, best for first-timers, buses and nightlife; Oia is the quieter, most romantic and photogenic village, famous for the sunset and luxury cave suites. This guide compares them on convenience, looks, cost and atmosphere. Choosing … Read more
The Santorini to Milos ferry takes about 2 to 5 hours depending on the boat, with daily summer sailings from around 16 euros, linking volcanic Santorini with the colourful, beach-rich island of Milos. This guide covers the journey time, the prices, the operators, the schedule and tips for the crossing. Milos is a rewarding western-Cyclades … Read more
The Santorini to Crete ferry runs to Heraklion in 1.5 to 3 hours, with daily year-round sailings from around 15 euros, linking the volcanic Cyclades with Greece’s largest island. This guide covers the journey time, the prices, the operators, the ports and tips for the crossing. Crete is an easy onward hop from the wider … Read more
The best Santorini restaurants range from clifftop fine dining and caldera-view tavernas to fresh seafood at Ammoudi Bay and cheap, excellent gyros, spread across Oia, Fira and the villages. This guide covers where to eat in Oia, where to eat in Fira, seafood, budget options and tips for dining. Eating out is a real pleasure … Read more
Santorini cave houses, or yposkafa, are dwellings hand-dug into the soft caldera cliff, once the homes of poor sailors and now the island’s most coveted luxury suites, with private plunge pools and sunset views in Oia, Imerovigli and Fira. This guide covers what they are, the history, the experience, where to find them and how … Read more