Beach Resort Guide
Santorini
Santorini Beach Resort Guide
Introduction
Santorini's extraordinary shape can be traced back to around 1600BC, when a massive volcanic explosion blew out the middle of the island, creating the impressive sea-filled caldera (crater). Today, Santorini is one of Greece's most glamorous island destinations. The upmarket settlements of Fira and Oia, which are perched upon the reddish-black cliffs that plummet 300m (980ft) into the deep-blue waters of the caldera, offer sophisticated boutique hotels and gourmet dining. For many people, the quintessential Santorini experience is watching the sunset from Oia, an evening ritual during high season, when crowds gather around and applause as the sun sinks into the horizon.
Who goes there?
Santorini remains a favourite bolthole for romantic escapes. It's popular with couples of all ages, and also makes a stunning wedding and honeymoon destination. It attracts visitors from all over the world. Moneyed travellers, including a smattering of celebrities, favour the glamorous west coast, while the east coast caters for those on a lower budget. Most cruise ships sailing the East Mediterranean stop here for a day.
Where in the world?
Santorini is the southernmost of Greece's Cycladic islands. It rises from the Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. Its port, Athinios, lies 237km (147 miles) southeast of Athens' port, Piraeus. Santorini Airport (JTR) lies 6km (4 miles) southeast of the island's capital, Fira.
When to go?
Peak season is from July to August when Santorini is swamped with holidaymakers, hotel prices rocket, reservations are essential and temperatures can exceed 38°C (100°F). Try to visit in mid season (May-June and September-October), when the weather is warm and the island is not overcrowded. Through low season (November-April), most tourist facilities shut down completely.
Beach
Santorini's busiest beaches are the black-sand-and-pebble beach of Kamari in the resort of the same name on the east coast, and soft black volcanic sands of Perissa and Perivolos on the southeast coast. Both Kamari and Perissa have umbrellas and sun beds for hire, which are often reserved in advance through high season, as well as decent watersports facilities. The black sands can be very hot underfoot, so sandals are recommended. In addition, the Kokkini Paralia (Red Beach), backed by terracotta-coloured cliffs on the southwest coast, below Akrotiri, makes a memorable day trip.
Beyond the beach
The cliff-top towns of Fira and Oia, overlooking the caldera, are must-sees for their postcard-perfect, whitewashed, cubic buildings and blue-domed churches that are typical of the Cyclades. Santorini's top archaeological site is Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan town buried beneath lava in 1600 BC. It is currently closed for restoration, and looks unlikely to reopen before 2010 or 2011. However, beautiful ancient frescoes and ceramics from Akrotiri are on display in the Museum of Ancient Thira in Fira. Santorini produces some of Greece's best white wines, and several vineyards, including Santo Wines and Boutari, both near Pyrgos, are open to the public for wine tasting sessions and tours.
Family fun
Santorini is orientated more towards couples than families. Families are best catered for in the beach resorts of Kamari and Perissa, where many hotels have outdoor pools, and the beaches are equipped with watersports rentals. Also near Perissa, the Santorini Water Park (www.santoriniwaterpark.gr) has three pools, three water slides and a kids' playground. Note that some of the exclusive west-coast hotels overlooking the caldera do not accept guests under the age of 16.
Retail therapy
The main shopping venues are Fira and Oia, where narrow pedestrian alleys are lined with souvenir stores stocking museum replicas, paintings and ceramics. Fira is renowned for its jewellery stores selling handcrafted gold and silver pieces, hence the main street, Odos Ipapantis, is nicknamed ‘Gold Street'. For something less costly, buy some of Santorini's highly-esteemed white wine or Vinsanto (dessert wine) - if possible, visit a vineyard, where you can taste a few glasses first.
A night on the town
Fira and Oia are sublimely romantic after sunset, and make idyllic venues for wining and dining. Fira is also home to several chic cocktail bars and clubs, such as Franco's and Koo Club (both overlooking the caldera) and attracting international celebrities. Singles and those in search of more boisterous fun should head for Perivolos where several beach clubs offer open-air dancing into the small hours - Chilli is one of the most popular.
Eating out
The most sophisticated restaurants, such as Selene (in Fira) and Ambrosia (in Oia) serve creative Mediterranean cuisine at top-end prices overlooking the caldera. In contrast, some of the pseudo-rustic tavernas lining the caldera charge for the view rather than the meal, and the quality of the food is questionable. There are also plenty of cheap and cheerful seaside tavernas in Kamari and Perissa, serving Greek favourites such as kalamari (squid) and mousaka (layered minced lamb, aubergine and vegetables), and wine by the carafe.
Getting around
The island is served by public buses, which are cheap, but very crowded in high season. Regular lines run from Fira to Oia, Perissa and Akrotiri. Although taxis are generally inexpensive in Greece, Santorini proves to be the exception to the rule. Fearless drivers could consider hiring a car or moped, but should be aware that the island's roads are narrow, twisty and often dangerous. Keen hikers can walk the stunning 12km (8 mile) cliff-top path between Fira and Oia.
Exploring further afield
Popular excursions from Santorini include boat trips around the deep-blue caldera, where visitors can explore the tiny uninhabited black volcanic islets of Palea Kameni (with hot springs and therapeutic muds) and Nea Kameni (home to the smouldering volcanic crater). On the opposite side of the caldera, the island of Thirassia hosts several seafood tavernas affording fine views back to Santorini. East of Santorini, the unspoilt island of Anafi, with a pleasant south-coast sand beach, can be reached by ferry.
Splashing out
Treat your loved one to a romantic night at the unforgettable Perivolas Traditional Houses (www.perivolas.gr) in Oia. Set in landscaped grounds with a stunning infinity pool, Perivolas offers 20 luxury suites, each occupying a restored ‘cave dwelling' complete with a private caldera-view terrace. Facilities include a gourmet restaurant, poolside bar and a wellness centre.
Flying in
Santorini Airport (JTR)
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