Santorini owes its looks to one catastrophe. More than 3,500 years ago, a volcanic eruption emptied the center of a round island. Then the sea rushed into the hole. What remains is a crescent of dark cliffs around a flooded crater called the caldera. White villages sit along the edge. Meanwhile, a volcanic island across the water is still geologically active.
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Santorini’s best caldera views
First, start with the caldera. Fira is the capital, and it has museums, shops, and a cable car down to the old port. From there, a path follows the rim north through Firostefani and Imerovigli to Oia. The full walk takes around three hours. Because the path stays on the rim, it offers the best continuous views of the caldera. Imerovigli sits at one of the highest points on the rim. In addition, it faces Skaros Rock, where a medieval fortress once stood.
Where to watch the sunset in Santorini
Oia, at the northern tip, is famous for its sunsets. Houses there were cut into the soft volcanic cliff. Before sundown, the narrow lanes fill with people for an hour or two. For a quieter view, try Imerovigli instead. Alternatively, you can watch from the lighthouse at Akrotiri in the south.
Ancient sites in Santorini
Akrotiri is the island’s most important archaeological site. During the eruption, ash and pumice buried a Bronze Age settlement there. As a result, multi-story buildings, storage jars, and wall paintings survived. Today, a large roof shelters the excavation. However, the wall paintings are mostly displayed in Athens. For other finds, visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.
Ancient Thera stands on the ridge of Mesa Vouno, above Kamari and Perissa. Its ruins date from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Also, the walk or drive up gives wide views over the southeastern coast.
Boat trips and beaches
A boat trip into the caldera reaches Nea Kameni, a black volcanic island. There, a marked trail leads to a crater rim where steam still escapes from cracks. Next, tours often add a swim near Palia Kameni, where warm water flows into the sea.
The beaches are volcanic, too. For example, Perissa and Kamari have long strips of dark gray sand and pebbles. Red Beach, near Akrotiri, lies under a rust-colored cliff. However, rockfall has led authorities to restrict access at times. Therefore, check local notices before going.
Wine and food in Santorini
Wine is the island’s other draw. Vines grow in volcanic soil with very little rainfall. Because of the wind, growers train them into low, woven baskets that shield the grapes. The Assyrtiko grape makes a dry white wine with sharp acidity. In addition, many wineries near Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Exo Gonia offer tastings with sea views. Pyrgos is a hilltop village inland with a Venetian castle, so it makes a good evening alternative to Oia.
Local food includes fava, a puree made from yellow split peas. Tavernas also serve small sweet tomatoes and white eggplant. In fact, they often offer all three as starters.