With its soaring cliffs, whitewashed houses and sparkling views of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is a slice of paradise. It’s one of the most coveted islands in the Cyclades archipelago, and arguably the most beautiful. Its rugged landscape has been shaped by volcanic activity, which has left it with multicoloured beaches made up of black, red, white and gold lava pebbles.

Things to Do

Santorini is made up of multiple islands, but most of the action is centred on Thira. Fira is the lively capital city, home to white cobblestone streets lined with shops, hotels, cafes and tavernas. For a history fix, head to the Akrotiri archaeological site, which dates back to the Minoan Bronze Age.

Santorini boasts gorgeous beaches, with crystal clear water and not a wave in sight. Head to Black Beach for an upbeat vibe, while Kamari is perfect for families. If you’re looking for something truly unique, Red Beach wows with its crimson sand. For a more laid-back atmosphere try Vlychada or Eros.

At dusk, there’s no better place to be than the clifftop village of Oia. Picturesque in every sense, the pint-sized village is perched on the northern tip of Santorini. As the sun sets, Oia is bathed in a golden glow that wins it nightly applause.

Santorini is stunning, but it’s not just a pretty island. It is also home to a thriving arts scene, as well as a string of boutique wineries. If you like sparkling sea views with your meals, head to Fira and Oia for seriously spectacular rooftop restaurants.

Getting Around

If arriving in Fira by boat, you’ll have the option of taking a cable car up from the port or riding a mule up the 588 steps. Local buses connect villages across Santorini, with rental cars and taxis also available. If you feel confident zipping around the island, you might consider renting an ATV.