Santorini: where to eat, drink and stay

Sophie Paxton shares her guide to the Greek isle.
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Sophie Paxton9 September 2016

Santorini — or Thira as the Greeks call it — is a natural phenomenon. This beautiful circular island in the Aegean Sea is the result of a volcanic explosion back in the 17th century BC. Today, it’s a hit with honeymooners thanks to a slew of tranquil hotels and the swoon-worthy views of the surrounding seas.

Where to eat and drink

Grab a seat in one of the miniature bars around Fira’s town square Plateia Theotokopoulou for a casual evening out. You’ll have to negotiate winding streets to get up to the cliff on which it’s perched — but the views of the bay and Aegean Sea below are well worth it. For dinner, head to Katharos Lounge back in Oia for traditional meze-style dishes and to meet their resident pooch, Marley.

Katharos Lounge

What to do

Thanks to the island’s low rainfall, Santorini produces its own distinctive wine known as Vinsanto. The fruit is plucked late in the season and dried in the sun for 12 to 14 days, and each of the island’s vineyards has its own unique blend, best enjoyed with Greek delicacies such as dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) and rustic tomato and caper tapenade. For tours, look to Santorini Wine Tours, which will provide an expert to show you around the island’s wine areas. Prices from €95 per person for four hours. (santoriniwinetours.com)

What to see

The island is famed for its quaint beaches. Perivolos, close to the small town of Perissa, is heaven for diving enthusiasts and has been nicknamed ‘The Black Beach’ thanks to its distinct black sands. Over in Akrotiri, once the site of an ancient Minoan city, discover some of the island’s best tavernas serving catch-of-the-day sea bass and ice-cold Yellow Donkey beers. Barca Sailing tours provide a relaxed cruise around the island to visit the best swimming spots, and serve an authentic Greek lunch on board. Prices from €850 for a half-day tour with six passengers. (barcasailing.com)

Where to stay

From Imerovigli, the highest vantage point on the island, hotels in Santorini seem to stack on top of each other like piles of feta. The Grace is one of the best, with its picturesque views of Skaros, one of the island’s most dramatic rock formations. The hotel has had a recent facelift, giving each suite its own plunge pool and smart all-white interior, which you’ll need to keep your sunnies on for. Don’t miss the spectacular infinity pool, with views of the island’s caldera, to catch that famous Santorini sunset over the neighbouring town of Oia. Rooms from €600 per night including breakfast and taxes. (gracehotels.com)

Where to shop

Santorini feels light years away from the party atmosphere of Mykonos. In the town of Oia (perhaps Santorini’s most photographed thanks to its pretty domed churches and labyrinthine houses) you’ll find jewellery shops and fashion boutiques galore, as well as a growing number of wine purveyors selling the island’s much-loved sweet wines.

Getting there

British Airways, easyJet and Norwegian all fly directly to Santorini’s Thira airport. Check websites for seasonal fares.

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