Santorini shopping centres on the lanes of Oia and Fira, with jewellery on the famous Gold Street, handmade ceramics, art galleries, textiles and local wine and olive oil. This guide covers where to shop, what to buy, the best souvenirs and tips for shopping on the island. Browsing the boutiques is a pleasure of the … Read more
Santorini donkeys have long carried visitors up the steep 588 steps between the Old Port and Fira, a centuries-old tradition now shadowed by serious animal-welfare concerns. This guide covers the history, the ride, the welfare issues, the weight rules and the kinder alternatives to a donkey ride. The donkeys are a famous but contentious sight … Read more
Mesaria is a central, authentic Santorini village just south-east of Fira, once the island’s industrial heart, with the restored Argyros Mansion, wineries, a blue-domed church and a relaxed, local feel. This guide covers what Mesaria is like, what to do, where it is and how to visit. Mesaria is a handy, down-to-earth base in the … Read more
Finikia is a quiet, authentic Cycladic village on the northern side of Santorini, barely a mile from Oia, offering traditional whitewashed lanes, charming tavernas and far fewer crowds than its famous neighbour. This guide covers what Finikia is like, what to do, where it is and how to visit. Finikia is a peaceful alternative within … Read more
Santorini vs Crete is a choice between a small, romantic, view-driven island and a vast one with better beaches, deeper history and lower prices. Santorini suits a short, scenic break; Crete suits a longer, varied holiday. This guide compares them on size, beaches, scenery, cost and who each suits. Both are top picks beyond the … Read more
Santorini has only around 40 taxis for the whole island, so fares are high, meters are rarely used and waits can be long in peak season. The airport-to-Fira ride costs roughly 25 to 35 euros. This guide covers the fares, how to get a taxi, booking ahead, the airport run and tips. Taxis are quick … Read more
Santorini history runs from the thriving Bronze Age town of Akrotiri, through the colossal Minoan eruption around 1600 BC that formed the caldera, to ancient Thera, Venetian rule and the modern age of tourism. This guide covers the prehistory, the eruption, the ancient and medieval island and Santorini today. The island’s dramatic past underpins the … Read more
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