Santorini island in greece. Great solution for a summer holiday in Greece: the island of Santorini

The fabulous beauty of the Santorini archipelago is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in all of Greece. According to legend, the five islands of the archipelago are the remnants of the former greatness of Atlantis, which has gone under water. Now hundreds of thousands of tourists come to sunbathe on the volcanic beaches of the islands and admire the snow-white houses clinging to the rocks.

Santorini consists of 5 islands, the largest of which is Fira (or Thira). It is his images that are printed on all advertising brochures dedicated to Greece. The two volcanic islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni are a popular destination for excursions.

Santorini is a place where you should definitely come at least once. Snow-white walls of houses, blue domes of churches, of which there are about as many as there are days in a year, and colorful beaches will turn your vacation into a real fairy tale.

Climate and weather of Santorini

The climate in Santorini is Mediterranean, with dry summers and warm winter. The swimming season starts in May and ends in September. The best time to relax are the summer months, as well as the end of spring and the beginning of autumn.

Santorini beaches

The beaches of Santorini are a complete attraction. The islands were formed due to a volcanic eruption that occurred 3500 years ago. The "legacy" from the ancient disaster left amazing beaches with multi-colored sand. There are areas with black sand (just like in Tenerife), there are areas with red (like the dunes in Mui Ne), and there are snow-white and golden beaches, which are a pleasure to relax on.

There are few beaches on the island - only 15, but each of them is unique and beautiful. The depth is serious almost everywhere, the water is cool, clear, with a turquoise, green and even black tint, depending on the sand or pebbles at the bottom.

Perivolos is the longest and popular beach Fira Islands. Umbrellas and sun loungers are placed on 3 kilometers of black sand, the owners of numerous taverns and restaurants are waiting for guests on the embankment. Like almost everywhere in Santorini, the depth starts quickly, so families with children should be careful and make sure that the kids splash around the shore. In the evenings, there are discos on the beach of Perivolos and Perissa. There is a water park near the Perissa beach, and you can wait out the midday heat by taking an excursion to the Museum of Minerals and Fossils.

The Red Beach attracts not only swimmers, but also people with cameras. Red pebbles and red rocks, turquoise water - an amazing combination. If red is not your favorite color, you can choose White Beach - it is strewn with snow-white pebbles. One problem is that you can only get to it by boat, although this is also an advantage - there will definitely not be crowds of people.

Kamari Beach is the widest on the island. The infrastructure is well developed here, there are enough sunbeds and umbrellas for everyone. For the purity of the water, the beach was awarded the Blue Flag. Tired of wallowing in the sand, you can go to the archaeological reserve of Fira to admire the sea view.

The depth of the sea in Santorini is decent everywhere, but for families with children and insecure bathers there is the beautiful Monolithos beach, where the entrance to the water is gentle and you can safely let the heirs swim. The sand on the beach is dark, sun loungers and umbrellas are available, you can have a bite to eat in taverns nearby.

For vivid impressions, you can go to the beaches of the islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni - by the way, their names are quite telling, they mean "burnt". Tourists are brought to the crater of an ancient volcano, where you can swim in the thermal springs.

Sights of Santorini

Santorini is a symphony of three colors: blue, white and ocher. According to Greek traditions, white symbolizes faith and justice; blue - the sky; yellow-brown, ocher - the power of nature and the power of a volcano.

There are almost as many churches in Santorini as there are 352 days in a year. The most beautiful and famous is Ayiu Mina, perched on a rock. The chime of bells is heard from all over the island of Fira in the mornings and evenings.

You can get acquainted with the past of the volcanic islands in the Archaeological Museum and the museum of the city. The volcanic eruption greatly redrawn the local history: for example, there is even its own "Pompeii" - on Cape Akrotiri there are the ruins of a city buried under a layer of ash. The medieval history of the archipelago can be touched on the ruins of the Venetian castle in Imerovigli. By the way, this is one of the best places to watch the sunset.

The most popular excursion is to the volcanic islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. 3500 years ago, the local volcano exploded, and the echoes of the eruption are still heard: the last activity was observed only 65 years ago. An underwater volcano boils water - there are healing thermal springs here, and the soil itself is very hot. The tour includes the way to the island by boat, climbing to the crater, bathing in healing springs.

Orthodox holidays in Santorini are celebrated on a large scale. During the tourist season, you can get to the Assumption of the Virgin (August 15), Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6). In addition, each church has its own patron, whose day the islanders also celebrate with great festivities and church services.

In July, Santorini hosts a jazz festival, and in August, a volcano festival. Eyewitnesses say that this is an incredible sight, arguing in an abundance of pyrotechnics with the Chinese New Year.

Cuisine of Santorini

Due to its volcanic origin, the soil on the islands of Santorini allows you to grow amazing varieties of familiar vegetables and fruits.

The locals are very proud of their white eggplants - they taste sweet, they are fried in oil with thyme and served with seafood, such as fresh octopus grilled on coals.

The traditional Greek salad, horiatiki salad, also has a special flavor in Santorini. Special small cherry tomatoes of the Santorini variety grow here - they are added to the salad and cooked tomatokeftedes - vegetable meatballs. Cucumbers in Santorini are also not simple - the variety is called "katsuni". And although feta cheese is traditionally added to horiatiki salad, you can ask for the addition of chloro cheese, a special goat cheese with a creamy structure.

A signature dish in Santorini will definitely contain fava - a special variety of peas. It is especially good with pork, eggplant and tomatoes. You can also try it as a separate dish - the inhabitants of the island have ensured that their precious fava is recognized as a gastronomic asset at the state level.

The wines on Santorini are also special - assyrtiko grapes are grown here, from which the excellent Vinsanto wine is made, which has a citrus, fig or coffee hue. Dry white "Asyrtiko" or fortified white "Nichteri" will be excellent aperitifs before a meal in the Greek tradition.

Santorini is an archipelago of five islands in the Aegean Sea: Santorini, Aspronisi, Terasia, Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, of volcanic origin. Tours in Santorini are popular among honeymooners due to the spectacular landscapes, breathtaking sunsets and rich cultural life. Due to the mountainous terrain, hotels are favorably located relative to the coastline and allow you to enjoy sea and mountain landscapes. Sandy beaches are distinguished by a rich palette of colors: from black to red and even pink.

Excursionson the island of Santorini:

• Sightseeing tour of the capital of the island - the city of Fira, with a visit to the church of Ayiu-Mina, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Prehistoric Thira.
• Visiting the ruins of the Minoan city on Cape Akrotiri.
• A trip to the islands of volcanic origin Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.
• A Christian pilgrimage that includes visiting the churches and monasteries of Santorini.

Things to do in Santorini:

An impressive sight is the crater of the active volcano Nea Kameni, where it is interesting to make an excursion. Couples in love choose tours to the island of Santorini to enjoy the most romantic sunset in the city of Oia, where it is proposed to make sea ​​excursion. Bathing in thermal springs is good for health. In the city of Fira, you can make excellent shopping in jewelry and leather stores, souvenir shops, and clothing stores. In the resort towns there are many taverns, nightclubs, and some hotels have SPA centers.

The average price of a meal per person without alcoholic drinks is 10-15 euros, with alcoholic drinks 20-30 euros.

How to choose and buy a tour to Santorini, Greece

Tours to the island of Santorini will allow you to enjoy a wonderful and interesting holiday for tourists of all ages. A developed network of restaurants, nightclubs and discos located in the old and new parts of the city will also not make young people bored on vacation. Most often, tourists stay in hotels of three or four stars, choosing tours with the type of food "breakfast". The most popular months for tourists to visit are June, July, September. You can buy a tour to Santorini as follows: make a purchase online or pay in cash at the office (Moscow, metro Park Kultury).

I have always dreamed of visiting Santorini, which is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. This magical island appeared in the 17th century BC. after a powerful volcanic eruption, and there are various legends and myths about it. Locals consider it to be the hallmark of Greece, some even call the island the "Greek Pearl", and historians and philosophers say that Santorini is the same "Lost Atlantis", which still remains a mystery of history.

Undoubtedly, the island is very beautiful and mysterious, here on top of the krator underwater volcano there are two of the most, in my opinion, fabulously beautiful cities in the world: Fira and. What especially attracted my attention here is the picturesque view of snow-white city Fira, which opens from the sea. A very beautiful sight: the blue domes of family churches are illuminated by the rays of the sun, and houses and buildings in exclusively white and blue tones are randomly located on the side of the cliff. By traditional transport on the island is a donkey. It was on it that the guide suggested that we climb into the city.

This is not the best idea (the donkey will take a very long time), so I chose to climb the stairs of 800 steps myself to see all the beauties.

Not so far from the city of Fira, 11 km, is the most romantic place on Santorini - a city where lovers come, newlyweds from different parts the globe and arrange for themselves here an unforgettable Honeymoon.

Numerous snow-white small houses and windmills attracted my attention in the city.

How to get there

There are two ways to get to the island of Santorini: by air - by plane and by water - by ferry. Of course, the plane is much faster, but the ferry is much cheaper and more interesting, in my opinion. I took a ferry from Crete. I want to note that the trip was comfortable and fun. By the way, many people go by ferry with cars.

By plane

Despite the fact that the area of ​​the Greek island of Santorini is only 76 km², it has its own international Airport- Santorini National Airport (Kratikos Aerolimenas Santorinis).

There are charter (non-stop) and regular flights (with transfer via) from Moscow to Santorini Island. Companies Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, which mainly carry out these flights, often offer very favorable prices. The flight from Moscow to Athens takes about 3 hours, and then to the island itself no more than 40 minutes. There are also flights that last longer long time. I got to the island in the following way: I flew to Crete (city), and then I used the Flying Cat 4 high-speed ferry and after a few hours I was already there and enjoying the scenery.

You can compare ticket prices.

About how it is more convenient to get to the island by ferry, I will tell you in the "Ferry" section. As for the airport, it is located to the east of the island, not far from the Greek village of Kamari. In the airport building, which itself is small and, therefore, in summer it is unbearably hot and crowded. There are Duty Free, restaurants, an ATM, a cafe and an information desk.

To get from the airport to the cities of Oia and Fira, you can use a taxi or bus. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that you need to order a taxi in advance, as you can be left without a car due to high competition.

From St. Petersburg to Santorini fly different airlines. The most common of them are Aeroflot, British Airways, Lufthansa. The fastest flight from St. Petersburg to Fira takes approximately 4 hours 35 minutes. Flights are frequent, almost every day, but tickets must be purchased in advance.

By ferry

Ferries run to the Greek island every day from March 24 to October 10 from Athens, Crete and Rhodes. Among them, there are ordinary, high-speed ferries, high-speed catamarans and rocket ships. If there is nowhere to rush, regular ferries like Prevelis are ideal because they are the cheapest. Prevelis is a large slow ferry that you can use if you want to save money, since the ticket price is from 16-25 EUR, only the journey will take 6 hours.

Below I will add information about the schedule and ticket prices.

High-speed ferries (catamarans), such as Flying Cat, are quite fast and comfortable.

Apart from high-speed ferry Flying Cat 4, which runs every day between the Greek islands, there is also a MegaJet boat:

There are restaurants on the ferries and slot machines, bars - in general, everything to make traveling by sea interesting and unforgettable. From Athens to Santorini, the ferry departs from the port of Piraeus.

The cheapest ticket for one will be about 34 EUR. Ferry Flying Cat 4 from Athens to Santorini takes 4 hours. From Rhodes the ticket price is 30 EUR. I got to the island from the port of Crete for only 18 EUR. It was announced to us that the trip was supposed to last about 2 hours, but, hand on heart, I can honestly say that I did not notice how the time flew by. It was a lot of fun on board, live music played in the bar and we even danced.

For up-to-date ferry schedules and ticket reservations, visit ferriesingreece.com. By selecting the desired date, time, port of departure and arrival, you can book a ticket online. You can buy it in the port itself. This is how it looks like:

Since the port is located in the lower part of the city, we had to climb the serpentine for 20 minutes up by bus. And at that moment, the views of the endless sea and the port, which opened up to me from the bus window, struck me with their beauty.

Clue:

Santorini - time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Yekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season. When is the best time to go

The holiday season on the island opens in April and lasts until October. But the most best time- this is the velvet season, because the sun is no longer so “scorching”, the sea is still warm, the beaches are free, as the number of tourists is decreasing.

Based on my personal experience, I can say that in the summer (I was here in July) there is incredible heat on the island and, despite all the beauty, it is physically difficult to stay in the sun for a long time, which quietly “roasts” you, and there is absolutely no time for walking. Therefore, I think that the end of September - the beginning of October will be the ideal period for trips to Santorini. However, it must be taken into account that by mid-October the weather on the island changes dramatically: it becomes windy and it starts to rain.

Although it all depends on the purpose for which you arrive on this island: newlyweds who arrange a wedding in this romantic corner come at any time of the year. The bad weather does not stop creative personalities - writers, photographers, artists who love to create and think. But still for ordinary tourists it is not recommended to go here from mid-November to March due to strong winds and humidity, and besides, the ferries change their schedule and run much less frequently during this period.

A few words about holidays and festivals that are of a religious nature: “Agios Ionnis” is celebrated in July with an abundance of wine drinks, delicious food and music, the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated in mid-August. Jazz and wine festivals, which are held at the end of summer, arouse considerable interest among tourists, but I will talk about this in more detail in the "Holidays" section.

As for the difference in prices in season and out of season, then, of course, ticket prices in the off season are much cheaper than during the season. In addition, there will be no overpayments for hotels that are very expensive in summer. Thus, in the off season, you can enjoy the fabulous beauty of the island without crowds of people and at low prices.

Santorini in summer

Summer in Santorini is very hot, the average daytime air temperature in July is up to + 28C in the shade, but can rise above + 40C. There is practically no rain in summer, and sea water at this time heats up to + 25C.

Walking in the sights in the heat is a risky business: you must take precautions, otherwise you can get a powerful heat stroke. Despite the serious problems with fresh water on the island, a variety of vegetables and fruits (grapes, snow-white large eggplants, fava beans, miniature sweet tomatoes) grow well here, which I definitely advise you to try.

There are a lot of tourists in summer: despite the heat, everyone wants to have time to spend their vacation at this time of the year. Therefore, it is better to plan your trip in advance and book tickets and hotels.

Santorini in autumn

As I said above, autumn is the most wonderful time to relax in this paradise.

Not as hot as in summer, but still warm: the average air temperature in October reaches +22 C during the day, and the water temperature is +23 C, which allows you to spend a lot of time on the beach and in the sea. Many tourists go home, and long walks through the most beautiful places are more comfortable than in summer. There are also more and more weddings around this time.

However, by mid-October, nature reminds of the approach of winter: it rains more often, the air becomes cooler: +16 C.

Santorini in spring

Spring in Santorini begins in March, the air temperature during the day is +16C, and there may still be cold rains, but despite this, the nature on the island begins to wake up, and the locals are preparing to meet foreign guests. In April, the air temperature is already + 19C, and the water temperature in the Aegean Sea is +17. March and April are great for spring walks and sightseeing, but you need to be prepared for rain and chilly temperatures, so it's best to pack warm clothes. But what marvelous landscapes open up to the human eye, the island is truly beautiful at any time of the year:

But the weather in May is already starting to please: it is getting warm and sunny, the average air temperature reaches + 22C, and there is almost no rain, and every day it is getting warmer and warmer. Obviously, therefore, in May, the flow of tourists increases, who want not only to wander around the island, but also to plunge into the Aegean Sea.

Although the average temperature sea ​​water in May it reaches + 22C, the weather is still quite cool. You should not come at this time with children, but at the end of May you can safely open the swimming season and sunbathe. Toward the beginning of June, the average temperature rises to +26 C.

Santorini in winter

In winter, Santorini resembles a ghost island with empty streets, and this is not even due to cloudy weather, but the lack of ferries, which at this time of the year run less and less. Some resorts are completely closed, locals are heading to the continent until the next tourist season.

From December to January, the weather here is cloudy, but without much showers. The average daytime air temperature in December is +16 C, and in January and February - +14 C. Despite the fact that the winter on the island is unpredictable, there is no snow, and if it rains, it does not last long. Most likely, this time of year is suitable for those who like to be alone and think alone with the sea. But still, in my opinion, this is not the best time to relax on the island, because to get here, you will have to spend a considerable amount of money on a flight. A little patience - and spring will delight again with the warmth of the sun and bright colors.

Santorini - monthly weather

Clue:

Santorini - monthly weather

conditional areas. Descriptions and features

Santorini has many interesting resorts where you can spend an unforgettable vacation. Usually, tourists choose areas where it is better to stay on the island, depending on the type of vacation: active or quiet, calm. I select hotels in advance at competitive prices. Private apartments, apartments can be viewed on this site at

The map below shows the areas where most tourists stay on Santorini:

Highlighted in orange on the map:

• 1 - Fira;
• 2 - the village of Imerovigli;
• 3 - the village of Firostefani;
• 4 - Perissa:
• 5 - Kamari;
• 6 - Akrotiri.

Fira city

At an altitude of 260 m above the sea, on the slope of the cliff lies the capital of the island, its pearl is the city of Fira. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises, stunning views of the sea, landscapes, various attractions: museums, churches, galleries, temples, etc. will not leave indifferent any tourist. However, life here does not stop even at night, so if you prefer a quiet and relaxing holiday, then it is better to consider other options, because Fira is a very lively city. Since the very center is here and most of the sights are located here, the hotels here are expensive, there are practically no budget housing, so I personally never chose this area for living.

It is worth stopping here only if your tourist goals include not only a beach holiday, but also nightly entertainment: discos, bars. There is plenty of that here. And, of course, during the day you can enjoy visiting various museums and galleries.

Imerovigli

2 km from the capital of the island, on the very edge of the cliff, there is another cozy resort called Imerovigli, and it mainly attracts tourists who love secluded relaxation. This village, with a population of 470, is notable for its churches in typical Greek style. In addition, here you can see the ruins ancient castle Skaros, which was destroyed by an earthquake. I also advise to stay here for those who love not only the ruins of the past in the form of ancient ruins, but also for lovers of discos and numerous nightclubs, which are no less than in Fira. And another indisputable advantage of this place is a considerable choice of housing at affordable prices.

Firostefani

North of Fira is the small village of Firostefani. As I noticed, it is not as crowded and noisy here as in the capital itself, therefore, in my opinion, this is an ideal place for a family holiday. Firostefani is of interest to those who like to eat delicious food and walk along the narrow streets. You will not find any special attractions here, only traditional blue and white houses. And from anywhere in the village, amazing sunsets open up. Firostefani is most suitable for lovers of picturesque landscapes and a calm, quiet holiday. And due to the remoteness from the capital, the hotels here are the most optimal in terms of price, while it is convenient to get to the city center and other interesting places.

Perissa and Kamari

They are located quite far from Fira and are most popular among lovers beach holiday who want to save money on a hotel. The map of Perissa looks like this: And here is the map of Kamari: There is not much place to walk here, but housing and food prices are inexpensive. However, it is still unsafe to settle here, because there is an airport nearby and it becomes scary when you see how low planes fly. Yes, it's still noisy. And, of course, far from the center.

Among the sights of Kamari you can visit the monastery of Panagia Mirtidiotissa. Perissa, in turn, beckons with its ruins of the 5th century AD. e. I also recommend visiting big church Timio Stavrou.

Perissa, like Kamari, is famous for its black volcanic sand. Bars, cafes, taverns, restaurants - all this is on the beach. You can also go diving and water skiing. Thus, it is generally worth going to these cities for the sake of a beach holiday. But still, I would not recommend these areas for travelers to stay, despite the cheapest hotel prices.

Akrotiri

As I mentioned above, archaeologists believe that Santorini is the legendary Atlantis that went under water. And, of course, they believe so not without reason, since in 1967, during excavations near Akrotiri, entire cities were discovered with furniture, dishes, paintings. Minoan civilization.

So whether this is a myth or reality, we can only guess. This is how the map of Akrotiri looks like: As for hotel prices, here they are much cheaper, given the distance from the center. But I do not advise you to choose this area for living, still far from the capital. It is better to come here separately, especially since it is worth visiting the archaeological reserve and touching ancient world.

Another attraction of Akrotiri is the famous Red Beach. As a result of the break of the rock, a coast of red sand was formed, which, combined with the blue sea, form a very beautiful landscape. For vacationers there are sun loungers, umbrellas, in the nearest hotels you can buy drinks and food. The marine flora and fauna of these places is especially attractive to divers. Therefore, it is worth going to Akrotiri for various reasons: for the sake of excavations of the Minoan civilization, diving and beach holidays. And all this for a relatively inexpensive price!

What are the prices for holidays

Holidays in Santorini are not cheap. In this section, I will try to tell you more about the prices of hotels, car rental, bus, food and excursions, as well as how you can save.

• Housing prices on the island are more dependent on the season and hotel stars. So, for example, a week-long tour with accommodation in a 2-bed room in a 3-star hotel in high season will cost about 290 EUR, in a 4-star hotel it is already more expensive - 540 EUR, and in a luxury room - 870 EUR. However, if you go on your own and stay in an apartment, you will save a lot, as a 2-bed room for a week will cost about 170 EUR. And one more cheap option- is to buy tourist package in winter, autumn or early spring, i.e. in off season. During this period, a room in a 3-star hotel will cost about 130 EUR, in a 4-star hotel - 290 EUR, and in a 5-star hotel from 590 EUR.
• European food prices. So, a dinner for two will be about 30 -40 EUR, depending on the type of restaurant. And dinner will be more expensive: from 40 to 50 EUR. And the cost of a cappuccino in a cafe will be 2.7 EUR, black coffee - 2 EUR.
• The price of a bus ticket, depending on the route, will be about 1.6-2.3 EUR. Renting a premium class car will cost about 170 EUR per day, an average one - 89 EUR, an economy class -50 EUR per day, also keep in mind that the cost of a liter of gasoline will be about 1.8 EUR. For more information about car rental, I talk in the "Car rental" section.
• Since there are a lot of sightseeing tours on the island, the prices for them are different. Basically, they depend on the type of transport used, the availability of a Russian-speaking guide, the area, etc. An introductory tour of the main sights of the capital will cost about 40-55 EUR.

Main attractions. What to see

There are a lot of interesting sights in Santorini, there is definitely something to see and admire. I would like to highlight those that, in my opinion, must be visited, I will tell about them in more detail below. But first - what to see in 1 day.

To be honest, a place like Santorini needs more time. But what to see on the island if you only have one day? I will try to suggest such an itinerary to cover the most interesting sights and places.

• First you need to walk the streets picturesque city Fira, taking memorable pictures.

• Here you can also try to go down to the old port along the winding steps and look into the tavern overlooking the sea and have lunch. There are also souvenir shops here. All this can take you about 3-4 hours, although it also depends on how long you will be photographed. If you want to climb back up, you can use the services of a donkey for 5 EUR.
• Then we go to romantic Oia with its magical atmosphere, especially since it is located not far from Fira (11 km). This is very a nice place and no doubt you will want to make an amazing photo shoot here too. 2-3 hours will be enough for you.

• And finally, I advise you to complete a one-day tour of Santorini with a visit to Black Beach or Perissa Beach. Because, in my opinion, it is impossible to leave the island without plunging into the warm and healing sea here. By the way, it really has useful and healing properties that rejuvenate and heal the skin. And which one is here wonderful beach with black as coal, hot sand! It's worth seeing and feeling! Also along the seashore is full of restaurants, cafes, taverns. So you definitely won't leave hungry.

Top 5

Sunset in Santorini

One of the main attractions of the island is its famous sunset, which is so beautiful that it will leave a lasting impression in your memory for a lifetime.

I watched the sunset from the platform of Oia village. Don't be discouraged if you can't get there: great views open from the city of Fira, and the village of Imerovigli, and getting to them is much easier.

The cities of Fira and Oia

I advise you to visit the capital of the island - Fira - and romantic Oia immediately after arriving on the island. On central streets Fira has a lot of shops, souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes for every taste, however, at the height of the season it is not overcrowded among the crowds of people.

Traditional Greek architecture, windmills, a long staircase, the Venetian fortress of Oia, as well as impressive landscapes make for captivating photographs.

Venetian fortress in Oia

The Venetian fortress in the city of Oia, which used to protect the island from pirate raids, is located on the edge of a cliff and is a monument medieval architecture.

Today, its function is somewhat different - a cultural and historical landmark and a wonderful observation deck.

Windmills in the village of Oia

To see the most photographed attraction of Santorini - windmills, you need to get to the village of Oia. In addition, I advise you to capture this picturesque spectacle at sunset, you will not regret it!

Ancient Thira

And now a little history. In the 9th century BC, Spartan colonists founded an ancient city on Mount Mesa Vuno.

The ruins of Ancient Thira were discovered only at the end of the 19th century: the remains of houses, tombs, churches, etc. You can get here by taxi or tourist bus. You can visit the ruins on all days from 8:30 to 14:30, except Mondays. But, in my opinion, it is best to plan a visit to the excavations in the morning or in the evening: there are fewer people, and the sun does not bake so much. Entrance to the ruins costs 2 EUR. You can buy an excursion for 10 EUR, which includes a transfer from Kamari to the top of Mount Mesa Vuno and back, only the entrance ticket is paid separately. I also want to note that there are no cafes or restaurants on the territory of Ancient Tyra, there is only a vending machine with drinks, so take something to eat with you.

Faros lighthouse

The white lighthouse of Pharos was built in the south of Santorini in 1892 and is now one of the most remarkable lighthouses in the Aegean. Interestingly, for a long time, kerosene was used for its operation, and already in 1893, electrical energy. The lighthouse is currently operating in automatic mode.

Since sunsets of incredible beauty open up here, I advise you to come here with a camera, and along the way, if you get hungry, you can visit Greek taverns and try national dishes.

Beaches. Which is better

Santorini is famous not only for its sunsets, but also for colorful beaches: black, white and red. Below is a map showing the following beaches:

• Kamari beach;
• Perissa beach;
• Red Beach;
• White beach.

Kamari beach

Along the coast of the village of Kamari is the largest and most popular black beach of the island. The village itself is nothing special: bars, nightclubs, hotels, promenade. During the day you can swim, go in for water sports, sunbathe, and at night you can have fun and dance in discos.

Exotic black sand is the result of a volcanic eruption. They say it has magical properties: rejuvenates the body, treats skin diseases. And what surprised me the most was that in some places you can enter the water on a volcanic plate! Just imagine: not on sand or stones, but on the hardened lava of a volcano! You can get here in 15 minutes by bus from the capital.

Perissa beach

Another black sand beach is Perissa Beach. There are not many tourists here, probably because there are far fewer clubs, bars and restaurants.

But at the same time, the tourist infrastructure is well developed: you can order food and drinks right on the beach, and in the evening there are incendiary dances and entertainment. In addition, there is a water taxi to move between the two beaches, and for those who want to dive, there is a diving center.

red beach

The red beach of the island is located near the village of Akrotiri. Since it is very picturesque and beautiful here, this place is never deserted, almost the entire coast is always crowded with sun loungers and umbrellas.

A large rock of dark red color hangs over the beach. Red and black pebbles lie on the shore and in the water. You can get here by bus from Fira to Akrotiri in 30 minutes, and then carefully go down to the foot of the cliff.

White beach

Not far from the Red Beach is the only White Beach in Santorini. Very quiet and secluded place, it is especially suitable for lovers of romance.

You can sail here by boat directly from the Red Beach. And somewhere here, by the way, is the Faros lighthouse, which I mentioned above.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Ayiu Mina Church

At the top of a cliff in the town of Oia is a white church with a blue roof. Ayiu Mina Church is the symbol of the island.

I recommend visiting this beautiful place to admire the folk architecture and the sunset from one of the terraces. You can go inside as the church is open to the public. It is better to attend church before the service begins or after it ends. Although you can enter during the service, but carefully, without violating the rules of conduct. The schedule of services varies, but approximately the morning service lasts from 8.30 to 11.00, and the evening from 19.00 to 21.00.

Church of Panagia Episkopi

In the church of Panagia Episkopi, which is located near the village of Exo Gonja, ancient shrines are kept. She survived various catastrophes, so the locals believe that the Virgin Mary is guarding her.

This is one of the few churches on the island that is covered with tiles. I recommend visiting this magical place for a sense of peace. Opening hours: around the clock, the cost of visiting is free.

Monastery of the Prophet Elijah

The monastery of the prophet Elijah rises on the highest point of the island. Valuable handwritten books and Byzantine icons are stored here. It was founded in 1711.

Now there is a museum here, but during the reign of the Turks there was a center against Ottoman rule, which is why this monastery acquires local residents even greater importance. However, you can only visit it with a guided tour, because there is a NATO base next to it.

Cathedral in Fira

Fira has a cathedral of incredible beauty. It was built in 1827.

After the earthquake in 1956, it was almost destroyed, but later it was restored. The temple impresses with its elegant beauty. Bell tower, mosaic, arches outside create unique image. The frescoes decorating the interior from the inside were created by a local artist, Christophoros Assimis. Approximate opening hours: morning 9.00 - 12.30, afternoon: 17.00 - 17.30 and evening: 19.30 - 21.00, the schedule also varies depending on the services.

Catholic Cathedral

The architecture of this cathedral, built in 1823, greatly distinguishes it from others. Even from afar, you begin to notice the peach color of its walls, which is completely atypical for this area.

The baroque tower, with its latticework, balustrade and fine decoration, especially attracted my attention.

The interior of the cathedral is decorated with paintings, inside the dome is covered in blue and lilac, and the walls are painted in cream and orange hues.

In Greek, masses are held here every day at 8.00. On Saturdays services usually start at 19.00, on Sundays - at 10.00. At this time, the cathedral is also open to the public, as at any other time.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

Museum of Prehistoric Fira

Museum prehistoric Fira, which is located in the capital at the intersection of Mitropoleos and Dekigala streets, will introduce you to bronzes, tools, figurines, and other interesting exhibits and artifacts, many of which were found during the excavations of Akrotiri.

The golden ibex, made of gold, is the most famous exhibit of this museum.

Some practical information: the museum is open daily from 8:30 to 15:00, except Mondays. Ticket price: 4-8 EUR.

Archaeological Museum of Fira

I also recommend visiting the popular archaeological museum on the island, founded in 1902. Here you can find artifacts from different periods: prehistoric, Roman and even Byzantine. The museum itself is small, but its collection is of great interest to connoisseurs of antiquity: inscriptions, figurines, frescoes, clay figurines, vessels, vases, etc.

Museum opening hours: daily from 8:30 to 15:00, except Monday. Ticket price: - 2 EUR, while you can save money and visit the Museum of Prehistoric Fira with the same ticket.

Wine Museum

In the Votonas area, next to a private winery, there is a wine museum. I advise you to visit it if you are interested in the history of winemaking on the island, the stages of wine production, ancient equipment, which was used to create it.

The museum itself is located in a cave at a depth of six meters. I want to note that it is not necessary to become attached to a guide, as an audio guide is distributed here, which also speaks Russian. ending fascinating excursion tasting, and, of course, you will be offered to buy wine here.

But I do not advise doing this, since it is more expensive in a store at a museum than in ordinary stores. Museum opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 19:00, ticket price for visiting the museum is 7 EUR.

Maritime Museum

If you are interested in the marine theme, then in the city I recommend visiting a very interesting museum where you can get acquainted with maritime history, both throughout Greece and the island. It is located at the following address:

Its exposition is very interesting and varied.

On the first floor, various machine tools, ship building tools, navigational instruments, marine equipment, tackle, compasses, tools, photographs of ship crews are presented.

On the second floor of the museum you can see the binnacle and the ship's bell.

And also models of ships: both ancient and modern.

Here, in addition, there is a library with ship's logs, important historical documents and sea ​​charts.

But without the explanation of the guide, it is difficult to understand anything. Opening hours: all days except Thursday from 10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00.

nearby islands

Volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni

If you have already arrived in Santorini, then be sure to make unforgettable journey on two small islands that appeared as a result of a volcanic eruption in different eras. On the map below, these islands are marked in red:

Water excursions are organized here daily.

Hot springs and the Church of St. Nicholas - this is what people come to Palea Kameni for. And on Nea Kameni, I recommend climbing to the crater of an active volcano, unless of course you are from the “timid dozen”.

It takes about 10 minutes to sail here from the port of Thira, the tour lasts about 3-4 hours and it should be noted that there is no food and water here, so I advise you to bring drinks and something to eat, and of course bathing accessories. The cost of such an excursion will cost you about 52 EUR. It is difficult to get to these islands on your own, so I recommend purchasing an organized tour.

Food. What to try

In Santorini, tasting national Greek dishes was one of the main and most enjoyable entertainments for me. I would also like to add that white eggplants, giant capers and miniature tomatoes grow only on this island.

Moussaka

The first thing I advise you to try is a casserole of tomatoes, eggplant, minced meat, potatoes and bechamel sauce. They call her Musaka. I really liked this dish, a little greasy, but very satisfying and so tasty that you just lick your fingers!

Moussaka usually costs from 10 to 13 EUR depending on the restaurant, but the portions are very large.

Greek salad

In any restaurant or cafe, you will definitely be offered it as a snack. Salad portions are so large that you can take one for two, usually it costs from 7-8 EUR, maybe more, depending on the level of the establishment.

Almost everywhere, sour-salty capers are added to Greek salad as a seasoning, which give a piquant taste. They can also be used as a snack.

IN Greek cuisine there is a similarity with Turkish. I was especially captivated by dolma (Dolmades), which is made from grape leaves stuffed with lamb and rice. It smells of various spices and spices, this dish is served hot, be sure to try it! It costs about 11 EUR.

Sauce Tsadziki

It is a must, you will not be able to taste this sauce anywhere else, only in Santorini. It is prepared from yogurt, garlic and grated cucumbers. Delicious and unusual, I tried to cook it at home, the taste is not the same.

Stifado

For meat lovers, I advise you to try beef stewed in wine with herbs and onions. Looks very appetizing.

tomato balls

And for those who consider themselves vegetarians, I recommend trying cutlets made from tomatoes, sweet peppers, onions, mint and other herbs. Unique taste.

Fish dishes here are not cheap, although the sea is nearby, but very juicy and tasty. You will definitely be offered to try the rofos fish, which is an inhabitant of the shores of Santorini. This pleasure will cost you 12 -15 EUR. I didn’t like the octopuses, the taste seemed somehow strange. As for snacks, there are a great many of them: mussels in various sauces and even in wine, delicious feta, local olives, squid, shrimp. The cost of a plate with snacks will be about 7-9 EUR, but again, depending on the place.

I didn’t like the wines here, and the prices for them, it seemed to me, were too high. In local shops, wines cost from 10 EUR and more. Although it is still worth trying the most delicious - sweet red wine Vinsanto.

On the main street in Oia there is a cafe-confectionery with a huge number of cakes and other various sweets. If you take it with you, it will cost you less.

• Restaurant "La Maison". I would recommend this romantic place located in the village of Imerovigli. I have tried moussaka in many places, but here it is simply excellent, and the view of the caldera and the Aegean is amazing. Be sure to try the fig and cheese salad and chocolate desserts here. Only tables need to be booked in advance, as this place is also popular among locals. A full dinner will cost you about 30-40 EUR.

• Naoussa Tavern restaurant in Fira. I really liked the service here. The staff here is very friendly and hospitable, the food is of high quality and the prices are quite reasonable. I advise you to try baklava and Greek yogurt with honey and nuts for dessert. The average bill per person is from 20-50 EUR, depending on what you order. For an amount of 20 to 25 EUR, you can enjoy a dessert, a light salad and a cup of coffee. Hot, salad, dessert, coffee, wine will cost more and, accordingly, prices will be higher.
• Tavern - Taverna Giorgaros. It is located in Akrotiri, not far from the Red Beach. Tasty food, inexpensive prices and a colorful atmosphere, and some of the staff even spoke Russian.

In some cafes on the island, prices are more or less democratic: you can drink freshly squeezed juice, a cup of coffee, enjoy ice cream, and enjoy breathtaking views from the terrace. However, you will have to pay more for relaxing in a cafe by the pools.

Holidays

Every year, various celebrations, holidays, festivals, competitions and festivities are held on the island, many of them are related to religion and ancient traditions:

• Santorini Jazz Festival. If you are on the island in July, then I recommend visiting a very bright and beautiful jazz festival. Famous musicians and jazz groups come here every year.

• Holiday "Volcanoes" with fireworks, dances and competitions. It is celebrated in August: people have fun, dance, sing, show interesting performances, depicting a volcanic eruption. For them, this holiday is very important, because, despite the fact that the island died many times from hot lava, life was reborn again and again.
• Day of the Assumption of the Virgin. Considered the most important religious holiday of the island, it is celebrated on August 15 with great fun. Mass festivities are held on the streets, a festive service is held for parishioners, all this is accompanied by congratulations and treats.
• Well, if you like traditional entertainment, then be sure to participate on August 15 in the Festival of Culture "Ifaisteia". during which you can try a variety of traditional Greek dishes.
• And in early September, musicians and singers come to the island from all over the world and the international festival that surprises, pleases and amuses the people. Fira hosts concerts of classical and contemporary music.

• Parkour festival on the art of movement. It is held in early October. Unfortunately, I didn't catch him. Previously, the festival was held in different countries of the world, but later Santorini became the main venue, thanks to its unusual architecture. There are a lot of various obstacles on the island, such as the roofs of Greek houses, stairs, railings, walls. At this festival, against the backdrop of the fabulous landscapes of the island, tracers amaze with their ability to skillfully move through the narrow streets.

• Wine Festival "The Cities of the Sea". Usually held at the end of summer, a great time for tasting Greek wines. And by the way, white grapes are predominantly grown on the island, the most popular wines are Nichteria and Vinsanto, which are not exported.

Safety. What to watch out for

It is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. Also in Santorini everything is calm and peaceful. Traveling around the city for tourists and night walks are quite safe. And theft occurs, most likely, in the capital - Athens - and in Thessaloniki, and on the islands I have not heard of such a thing. However, you still need to be alert and beware of pickpockets and other scammers: watch your wallets, bags, cameras. I advise you to pay for the safe at the hotel immediately after arriving on the island and keep your passport, tickets, and jewelry there. If the hotel does not have a safe, then hide all the documents and money in a suitcase and lock it. Do not leave valuables unattended. On the beach, of course, take everything only to a minimum, you never know what. In addition, I want to note that the trip for girls without male escort is quite safe. I went alone and everything was fine.

Things to do

Top 3 non-tourist activities in Santorini

Watch a movie under the stars

In Santorini, there is an amazing opportunity to visit the Cine Kamari outdoor cinema in the summer.

If you like to watch movies in a romantic setting, then you should definitely visit this delightful place. The cinema is equipped with modern video and sound equipment.

I will never be able to forget the surroundings of the hall with potted plants, the night smell, the open starry sky, the rustle of gravel - the sensations are simply indescribable and unforgettable. The cinema is open from May to October, every evening you can watch movies here at 21:30 and 23:15, however, the schedule may be subject to change. The entrance to the cinema is open from 20.30. The ticket costs 8 EUR. Films are shown here in English with Greek subtitles.

Touch the secrets of the sea depths of the Aegean Sea

If you want to go scuba diving and try something new in your life, then why not do it on this beautiful island. Aegean Divers Diving Center, located in Pyrgos, Agia Irini area, organizes scuba diving for both professionals and beginners. In addition, there are also such centers in Akrotira and Perissa.

The diving center is open daily, and diving is carried out here 24 hours a day. Experienced instructors, a guarantee of safety, professionalism and a pleasant friendly atmosphere - all this allowed me to dive into the water with scuba diving for the first time, although I was very afraid, to be honest. But everything was so exciting and interesting that I could not resist and tried it, and I do not regret it! I will tell you in more detail how beginners are taught diving. First, the instructor introduces you to the equipment, diving and diving techniques. Then, trial dives are carried out in shallow water, and only after a full briefing, beginners, together with instructors, go to explore the depths of the sea.

We arrived at the dive site on a comfortable boat along the picturesque beaches of Santorini. Amazing marine life, corals, underwater treasures, caves - all this and much more opens up to your gaze underwater, as the visibility here is very good. It just took my breath away!

And every visitor gets Gift certificates for different amounts, which are valid for six months after they are received. These certificates can be used to purchase swimwear, diving equipment, and accessories in the store, which operates at the Aegean Divers center. You can also spend them on additional scuba diving lessons.

Plan your future wedding in the most romantic place on Earth

If you are not married yet, but plan to do so soon, then, in my opinion, such an original and memorable place as Santorini will be ideal, and the wedding ceremony itself will be remembered by lovers for a lifetime.

And of course, this is a great reason to return to the fabulous island. Wedding ceremonies, which are held on open terraces with amazing views of the volcano and the sea, do not last long, about 30 minutes in Greek, the presence of an interpreter is required.

The marriage certificate that the newlyweds receive at the end of the ceremony is legally valid in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Many couples stay here for their honeymoon as well. And by the way, such a wedding will cost less than in Russia: you don’t need to spend money on a banquet, limousines and invite only your closest ones to the celebration, because such a magical day can be spent only once in a lifetime!

And there is also a belief: if you get married or get married in Santorini, then this marriage will be very strong and the couple will be very happy and love each other forever.

shopping

So, if you are tired of lying on the beach or walking around the neighborhood, then go shopping. This is also a vacation, only more emotional. In my opinion, Fira is one of the best places to go shopping on the island. Here them a large number of.

In the capital, you can buy various goods: clothes, jewelry, food, natural cosmetics, wines, etc. In Oia you can buy art products. Local cheeses, cherry tomatoes, fava are cheaper to buy in village markets, which I will talk about in more detail later.

In Fira, as I already mentioned, there are a lot of shops, some of which I would like to highlight. I recommend looking at bags, clothes, belts made of genuine leather of famous brands in the Drakkar Gold brand store. But look for shoes of world brands in Milo. In "Leather Collection" you can choose products from both genuine leather and leatherette: trousers, raincoat, skirt, jackets, bag, sandals, wallets. See exclusive works of world designers in Marrio Exclusive Fashion.

But the prices in all of the above stores are very high, after all, these are branded stores. Inexpensive goods for women, such as lingerie, cotton and knitwear, I advise you to look in the Greek store "Nicol". Also, those who are not ready to spend a lot of money on clothes can look into Marco Rousso, where there is a large selection of dresses, shorts, beachwear. I want to highlight the Aris Woman Fashion store, which presents elegant and elegant clothes. Some of the dresses presented here reminded me of the ancient robes of Greek goddesses. In Oia, clothes and shoes of world brands can be seen in "Kalderimi". Male and women's clothing made of cotton and silk, I advise you to look for hats in Fivos. And there are also handicrafts and jewelry.

Do not be too lazy to go to the brand store "Its a beautiful day".

Shopping centers

I would also like to point out shopping malls located in Fira: Hondos CENTER and Factory. The latter presents a large selection of clothes and shoes of Greek and world brands. A large selection of natural cosmetics, shoes, clothes, swimwear is presented in Hondos CENTER. Shopping centers have galleries and cafes where you can relax and drink coffee.

Markets in Santorini

I highly recommend visiting the markets on the island, which are in every town and village. For several reasons. Firstly, only here you can find the freshest and most grown products. And secondly, this is a very fun activity, because the locals are very friendly and cheerful people. They offer to try their product, joke, and in the process of such communication, the mood immediately rises. You can, of course, try to just walk around the market, enjoying the local atmosphere. But still, just don't get by with it, be sure to buy something. In Imerovigli there is a Jimmys market where famous wines such as Visanto are sold on tap.

Best Grocery Stores

Certainly, grocery stores There are many supermarkets on the island, but there are those that have earned a reputation among both tourists and locals. In Fira, I advise you to look at various delicacies, wines, cigars, cheeses and other things in Cava Mejjo and Diporto. In Oia, check out Nectar and Traditional Products of Santorini. There is olive oil, wines, pistachios, sweets and other delicacies. In Akrotiri, in the Karmen, Faros Market and The Good Hard stores, you can buy agricultural products grown and produced on the island: cherry tomatoes, fava peas, wines, marmalade, honey, cheeses from cow and goat milk and much more.

Duty Free in Santorini

There is a Duty Free shop on the ground floor of the airport. There is a very large selection here, which can even take you by surprise: souvenirs, sweets, clothes, alcohol, perfumes and Greek cosmetics, ceramics, etc. Therefore, when going to the airport, plan time to visit Duty Free, but do not miss the plane!

Bars and nightclubs

Many of the bars that I advise you to visit in the capital are located in the labyrinth of streets and in the Caldera, from which incredible scenic views to the volcano. In Oia, Kamari, Perissa, there are also good establishments of this type. Beach bars are open during the day until 21, and some of them until late at night. I recommend dressing lightly in such places or even coming in swimsuits to play volleyball, participate in foam parties, and dance. Beach bars I recommend visiting:

• Chilli Bar in Perivolos;
• "Wet Stories" in Perivolos;
• Tropical in Fira.

Parties on the beaches in Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos start at noon and continue until the morning. In these places, the entire youth party is concentrated, which splashes in the sea all day, sunbathes, and lights up at discos in the evening.

At Chilli Bar or at Wet Stories in Perivolos, you can enjoy DJs to your heart's content.

Wet Stories has live pop or rock music.

And in "Chilli Bar" - mostly Greek music plays.

But cozy atmosphere tastefully decorated interiors, delicious national food will make your stay at Chilli Bar unforgettable.

And it is located in Perivolos at the following address:

In Fira, the Tropical bar is located at the following address:

The price range is varied: from 8 EUR to 13 EUR just for a drink, if you also order something from food, then the check for one person will be approximately 20 EUR and more.

The atmosphere of the burning fires of the caldera makes the island even more beautiful and magical at night. When I walked around Santorini at this time of day, it seemed to me that I was in a fairy tale.

I was also surprised that there is a very vibrant nightlife on the island, as if no one is sleeping, but having fun all night! So it is: young people have fun until 4-5 in the morning, and then they go to the coast to meet the dawn. main centers nightlife here are Fira and Perissa, where grandiose parties and discos are held every evening. Dance to your heart's content!

In any city or village on the island, numerous nightclubs, restaurants, bars, pubs, taverns are located along the promenade or in the central square. In Caldera, many outdoor clubs are surrounded by a high fence, and those that are indoors are equipped as a bunker. It's all here because of the strict legislation regarding loud music.

Fira is full of rock bars, traditional taverns, nightclubs with dance floors for every taste: salsa, merengue, bachata, Argentine tango, jazz - whatever your heart desires. Famous DJs often come here in summer. However, the entrance to such establishments is usually paid - about 5-7 EUR, one soft drink is included in the ticket price.

I advise you to visit "Enigma" and "Koo Club" with indoor dance floors, but there are also outdoor areas with bars, sun loungers and tables.

And for connoisseurs of live music, there is an exclusive jazz bar "Kira Thira". I really liked the interior design of this establishment, and especially the variety of musical instruments hanging from the ceiling. To listen to classical music, it is worth visiting the capital's "Franco" s bar.

There is a very calm atmosphere here, you can admire the sunset under the melodies of Mozart or Bach. Only drinks here are expensive - about 9 EUR.

But in Oia, Kamari, a more colorful shade of entertainment prevails, here you can often find live Greek music than Latin American or jazz. But Perissa is full of diverse establishments: modern nightclubs, hip-hop bars, pubs and traditional Greek taverns. In Kamari on the beach, you can dance all night long at the Albatross Club, which doesn't close until the morning. In Tire, I want to highlight the Lemoni disco bar, where you can also listen to modern Greek music. For fans of rock, you need to look into "Tithora Bar". In Tango Bar, which is located on a rock, there are not so many places and cocktails are expensive - from 12 EUR. However, the place is very glamorous and the music is varied throughout the night.

extreme sports

Freerunning and parkour

In Santorini, such extreme sports of the art of movement as freerunning and parkour have recently become popular. I already mentioned them in the "Holidays" section. Firostefani hosts world-class competitions. What is the extreme here?

Athletes overcome a variety of obstacles, while acrobatics and rock climbing are involved. The terrain, steep cliffs, rooftops, and endless stairs make the Greek island the most natural parkour ground in the world. And the volcano, sunsets and the Greek traditional architecture of Santorini create a unique backdrop for the competition.
With the help of bold jumps, risky tricks, tracers (athletes who practice the art of movement) overcome obstacles in the form of voids, walls, curves and others in a certain time. But do not try to repeat, without training, you can get serious injuries. But if you get to the competition, I'm sure you'll like it!

Water sports

Also popular here are surfing, water skiing and motorcycles, bicycles, riding bananas and scooters, catamarans.

For lovers active rest there is a club on the island - X-Treme Sports, where extreme sports are taught, competitions and games are held.

And in Akrotira and Perissa there is a diving center where experienced instructors teach how to dive into the depths of the sea.

I mentioned this earlier. And for families with children there is a park with slides and attractions. Tickets to the water park cost 6 EUR for adults and 3 EUR for children. The park is open from 10.00 to 24.00. I want to note that you can visit the water park for free from 19 hours to midnight. This is true in summer and early autumn.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

On this island you can find a variety of souvenirs and gifts, ranging from magnets with the symbols of the island, art souvenirs, natural cosmetics, and ending with a fur coat.

• Ceramics. As a gift to relatives and friends, you can buy dishes, figurines, frescoes, sculptures of ancient gods, vases, plates, the price will be approximately 5 EUR and more.

• Items made of cotton, wool, linen with national ornaments, such as tablecloths, blankets, towels will also be an excellent souvenir. Here the price range is from 20 to 50 EUR.
• And every little thing like magnets, donkey figurines, T-shirts with the image of the island costs from 1 to 5 EUR.

And I also noticed that the prices for souvenirs in Kamari are much cheaper than, for example, in Oia or other tourist areas.

• Greek honey, pumice and volcanic lava decorations that I couldn't resist.

Briefly about honey: it is made on the basis of coniferous trees and citrus fruits (orange and lemon), the taste is amazing! One jar cost me 7 EUR.

• Olive oil. In Santorini, it is imported from Crete, but no less high quality. But if you buy it here, then I advise you to buy it not in glass bottles, but in canisters, it will be easier and safer to bring it home. The price for 300 ml is 5 EUR.
• Natural cosmetics: soap, scrubs, creams. However, here it is quite expensive, although its cost starts from 5 EUR, then higher-quality products will cost more.

• From alcohol, as a souvenir, you can buy Greek cognac - metaxa - or plum, grape vodka - crayfish, the price of these drinks also starts from 5 EUR and more. Four-year-old Santorini wines - Vinsanto and Mavrathiro - are best bought in supermarkets, but not in shops along the Caldera and the winery. However, do not buy wine cheaper than 6 EUR: the quality is not the same.
  The climate and volcanic soil of the island give the grown grapes, from which wine is then made, a unique taste. The cost of a bottle of Vinsanto 0.3 l will be from 17 EUR and more, depending on the degree of aging of the wine. Well, of course, the longer the shutter speed, the more expensive the price. Locals say that real wine must be aged for at least 100 years.

How to get around the island

There are several transportation options on the island. When you travel with a group of tourists, the transfer problem will be solved, however this option is more expensive and you will not be able to deviate from the planned route and will be tied to the guide. At independent travel already there is a need for transport to move around the island. I want to note that there is no metro and railway. The only options left are buses, taxis, car or motorbike rentals. Inside the city you can move on foot or on a donkey. But renting a bike in Santorini is not a good idea, although it is quite feasible. However, it is difficult to imagine how to move on it on steep terrain and serpentine.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxi services are also available on the island. You can order a taxi. Getting from Oia to Fira will cost about 20 EUR, from the port to the city of Oia will cost about 30 EUR, and from Fira to the port - 18 EUR. And here it is considered good form to leave a tip of 10% of the cost of the trip. An expensive pleasure, but quickly and comfortably, but every day you won’t ride to Kamari beach from the city of Oia.

There are times when drivers do not turn on the meter and then you need to agree on the cost of the trip, but this must be done in advance. There is no competition among taxi drivers, the cars are worthy: quite comfortable Mercedes and Toyotas, usually yellow with a TAXI checkered. You can call a taxi 100 meters from the ferry or city center at the taxi station or call the phone and ask the hotel staff for it. I want to mention one more feature so that it does not seem unceremonious to you: for local residents, the taxi service is absolutely free. Once, when I was driving from the port to Oia, the driver asked me if I would mind if he would pick up two more acquaintances on the way, naturally, for free.

Public transport

Regular buses run around the island and connect Fira with many beaches and villages. A ticket costs from 1.6 EUR to 2.3 EUR.

There are bus schedules and ticket prices. They go once every half an hour and stop at waypoints. Standing is not allowed and if all the seats are taken, it will pass you by and you will have to wait more than 30 minutes.

Transport rental

Car rent

You can rent a car, or any other transport in Santorini (scooter, quad bike, motorcycle) at any corner, as the rental service is very well developed here. Usually, the cost of renting a car with insurance per day will cost you 50 EUR, also consider the cost of gasoline: 70 -80 EUR per tank. Renting a scooter will come out a little cheaper: 30 - 40 EUR per day and 30 for gasoline. You can choose and rent a car in advance. If you want to save on car rental, then look for a rental company away from the hotel, where prices are much cheaper. To draw up a rental agreement, the following documents are required: a passport with a visa, an international driving license with a driving experience of at least 1 year, about 200 EUR. Read the contract carefully (in this case, you will need knowledge of English), and also make sure that the landlord does not add anything to your copy of the contract after signing. Problems with parking mostly only in the center. Paid parking it will cost about 1.5 EUR per hour, you can park for free in those places where there are permit signs. But just be careful: the tow trucks here work very well and will immediately take your car to the impound.

Motorcycle rental

It is very popular among tourists to travel by moped or motorcycle, as this type of transport is very convenient in the summer: it is easy to park and move around the island, and it is also quite economical. But there are certain nuances: drivers from outside the European Union must have international driving license category A on a moped or motorcycle or scooter, as well as when driving, helmets must be worn. As for the roads, in the cities they are two-lane, and in the villages they are narrow. I recommend using free parking lots, which are plentiful in Fira and other cities and villages of the island. Not only in Santorini, but throughout Greece, traffic is on the right side of the road.

Although the traffic police are loyal to tourists, I still advise you to follow the rules and behave decently: do not speed, fasten your seat belts, wear helmets when driving motorcycles. Fines, as in all of Europe, are very high in Greece, and in the future this may affect the receipt of a Schengen visa. But still, if you were suddenly stopped by a policeman, my advice is: sit in the car and wait for him to come to you.

Santorini - holidays with children

Santorini constantly attracts a large number of tourists. Also, many families with children come here. But, from my point of view, despite the picturesqueness, this is not the best place for a holiday with a child: deep sea, steep and rocky shores, a volcano. But if you are still going to Santorini with a child, then I will try to give some tips to make your vacation safe, comfortable and less tiring. First, you need to be careful with the choice of hotel.

You should not choose its location on a rocky landscape or a caldera - the crater of a volcano. Rocky shores, narrow streets of the island, constant descents and ascents are very dangerous for small children. Secondly, as for the beach, when relaxing with kids, I advise you to opt for Perissa beach in the south of the island. It is here that there is everything you need for a normal holiday with children. The beach here is wide sandy, equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, and the territory of the embankments is protected from strong waves and winds, thanks to high cliffs. And, besides, there are good taverns not far from the beach.

Last but not least, get ready to climb ladders and descend endless stairs. This is sometimes difficult for adults, but what is it like for a small child! So take that into account too. Of course, you can rent a car and drive around the entire island up and down, but there are already some nuances. About how to rent a car on the island and what documents are needed for this, I talk in the "Rent a car" section.

: sleek, fabulously beautiful, aristocratic, although at the same time cozy at home. Everything here is in superlatives: the scenery is amazing, the architecture is incredible, the service is impeccable.

Santorini is more than 3500 years old, and the traces of ancient civilizations now and then remind of the rich past of the archipelago. But here, the last thing you want to think about is time: rest surrounded by volcanic landscapes, amazingly blue sea, well-groomed beaches with multi-colored sand and postcard houses with snow-white facades is truly serene. People come here to admire the sunsets, enjoy the moment, restore the inner harmony lost in the eternal rush and bustle. And it is unlikely that anyone will dispute the guesses of scientists: perhaps it was Santorini that was once part of the lost Atlantis.

How to get to Santorini

There are two ways to get to Santorini: by air and by water.

By plane

Santorini National Airport is located on the island of the same name, in the vicinity of the village of Kamari, 6 km from the capital of the Fira archipelago. There are no direct flights from Moscow, the choice of interchanges is quite wide: they are organized by Aeroflot, Aegean Airlines, Air Serbia, Finnair, British Airways and other carriers. Most often, connections are made in Athens, but there are also routes through Thessaloniki, Vienna, London, Helsinki, Munich and other cities. The cheapest is to fly with Aegean Airlines, but the travel time is decent - 18 hours 45 minutes. UTair will help shorten the waiting time: you will only have to spend 5 hours and 10 minutes on the road, but the price is much higher.

From airport to city

You can get from Santorini airport to Fira by bus, shuttle or taxi. A bus ticket costs 2.50 EUR, the interval is 15 minutes, but sometimes transport is very out of schedule. Small shuttle buses carry passengers to any address on the island for 10-15 EUR. A taxi ride will take about 20 minutes and cost 20-25 EUR (don't be afraid to bargain with the drivers). An alternative for the most fastidious - personal transfer, which can be ordered on the airport website for 31 EUR (for 1-3 people) The prices on the page are for October 2018.

Search for flights to Heraklion city (nearest airport to Santorini)

On water

It is also convenient to get to Santorini by water: regular ferries and speedboats run from Heraklion, Rethymnon and others Greek cities. A boat trip from Heraklion will take from 1 to 4.5 hours, tickets - from 68 EUR (early in the morning or late in the evening - half the price). The distance between Rethymnon and Fira can be overcome in 3 hours, the cost of the trip is from 75 EUR. Most ferries (from 40 EUR, 4 hours) and planes (50 minutes) go to Santorini from Athens, so it would be useful to think about how to lay a route through the Greek capital. The cost of the trip can be calculated on the Greek ferry website (in English).

The main resorts of Santorini

There are several in Santorini popular resorts, each of which is charming in its own way. The capital of the archipelago is the town of Fira, located on the slope of a sheer cliff at an altitude of about 260 m above sea level. Two dazzling colors reign here: rich blue - the shade of the sea and sky, combined with boiling white, in which the facades of neat, chaotically scattered Cycladic houses are painted.

It is best to start your acquaintance with Fira in the busy port, from where you can climb the 800-step staircase, funicular or riding a donkey to the town itself.

The main sights of the capital are the Museum of Prehistoric Times with a unique collection of archaeological finds, the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of Ayiu Mina - the hallmark of the island.

Another cozy resort of Santorini is Imerovigli with a permanent population of 470 people. It is not surprising that fans of a calm, secluded vacation most often stop here. There are many churches in the typical Greek style in the village, and the ruins of the ancient Venetian castle of Skaros, destroyed by an earthquake, are also noteworthy.

Entertainment and attractions

The first settlements on Santorini appeared in 3000 BC. and who knows how much ancient monuments would have survived to this day if it were not for powerful eruption volcano that flooded most of the archipelago. But there are already enough sights on the island, and it is better to start acquaintance with them in Fira. The local architecture is traditional Cycladic houses and churches, the most famous of which is Ayiu Mina with a sky-blue dome that flaunts on advertising brochures. The Museum of Prehistoric Times contains priceless finds: the most ancient ones date back to 3300 BC. e. Not far from the capital is the main church on Santorini Panagia Episkopi, built in the 11th century.

On Cape Akrotiri, the ruins of one of the oldest settlements on the shores of the Aegean Sea were found. People lived here as early as the 4th millennium BC. e., and today anyone can examine in detail the elements of their life: not only multi-storey buildings and complex drainage systems have been preserved, but also pieces of furniture and household utensils.

There are many impressive temples in the village of Imerovigli: Theoskepasti church hanging over the abyss, Panagia Malteza with a carved altar, convent St. Nicholas. There is something to see in Perissa: in the center rises the church of Timio Stavrou, at the foot of the mountain - the ruins of the Basilica of St. Irene of the 5th century, at the top - the snow-white chapel of Panagia Katefiani. One of the most famous temples of Santorini, the monastery of Elijah the Prophet, is located near the town of Pyrgos.

So observation deck the monastery of Elijah the Prophet offers magnificent views of the Aegean Sea. On fine days, you can even see the outlines of Crete.

In the vicinity of Kamari, there is a Wine Museum with galleries at a depth of 8 m and an exhibition covering the history of winemaking since 1600 (website in English). The culmination of the tour is a tasting of the best varieties of local wines.

After seeing Santorini, you should go to other islands of the archipelago - Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. On the first one there is a dormant volcano since 1950, on the second - hot sulfur springs, bathing in which is good for health.

Santorini for kids

Santorini cannot boast of a variety of special activities for children. family leisure on the island, these are walks along the picturesque streets of cities and villages, combined with relaxation on numerous local beaches. A play area with attractions is open on the coast of Kamari, a small playground is on Monolithos beach, here is the safest surface and a gentle seabed. Older children will certainly be interested in visiting archaeological museums, especially the excavations of Akrotiri, where you can walk among the ancient houses.

Another place that is guaranteed to please both children and adults is a small water park in Perissa. There are only a few pools and slides, but the water in them is the purest, there are enough sun loungers and umbrellas for everyone, and the food is excellent in the local restaurant. The water park is open from 10:00-0:00, attractions are open until 19:00. Entrance - 6 EUR for adults and 3 EUR for children.

Weather

Santorini's climate is typical of the Mediterranean, with hot, sunny summers and mild, wet winters. In the south and in the central regions it is warmer than in the north. Most of the time the sky over the island is cloudless, rare rains begin in October. From November to March it is cool and damp, gusty winds blow. In winter, the island literally freezes: the streets are empty, transport links with the mainland are suspended. It is quite hot in July and August and walking around hilly terrain sometimes turn into a difficult test. Therefore, the best time to visit Santorini is May, June and September.