Santorini is where the Gods go when they get tired of Mount Olympus. Santorini has it all: red sand, white sand and black sand beaches, stunning views, volcanic activity, wineries and amazing sunsets.
The ferry from Athens usually arrives at Santorini in the early morning (8am ish). The first impression of Santorini is of the little white washed houses clinging to the edge of the cliffs. Cliffs that were formed from one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. Breath taking!
Hotel, hostel, and domatia owners all greet the ferry. I like staying at Hostel Anna in Perissa, near the black sand beach. They have all kinds of accommodations: 20 bed, 10 bed, 6 bed dorm rooms as well as private rooms. They are a five minute walk to the black sand beach, and have a little grocery store just down the road that sells cheap wine right from the keg. There is also a nice common area where people hang out and chat.
Santorini has many beach options. You can opt for red, white or black sand. Red beach is interesting, but pretty small and usually
crowded. The white sand beaches are good, but I prefer the black sand. Warning, the black sand gets smoking hot! You need a mat to lay on, or rent a lounge chair and umbrella. The sand gets so hot, that when it's time to splash around, I sprint for the water.
Just about everybody who visits Santorini ends up doing the volcanic
tour. I've done it twice. The tour starts from Fira's excursion boat port, which can be reached by stairs, cable car or donkey. I recommend the cable car down and the donkey for the return trip.
The trip takes you to some sulphuric hot springs at Palia Kameni;
then to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, where you get to see thermal vents; off to Thirasia for lunch where you can dine at a restaurant that extends over the water, or up at cliff top diner over look
ing the ocean; and if you wish, you can be dropped off at Oia, or return to Fira.
The town of Fira is fun to explore. The winding little alleyways are easy to get lost in, but that is part of the fun. There are lots of cute little shops, and some good restaurants and pubs. A little diner, just south of the main square, makes the best gyros I've tasted. From the upper sections of town the views of the ocean and islands are outstanding.
The little village of Oia on the north side of the island is known for sunsets. Be sure to get there early, because it gets really crowded as sunset approaches. After sunset everyone tries to fight their way on to a bus heading back to Fira (there is a lot of pushing to try to get on a bus).
To sum things up: Santorini is awesome; Hostel Anna is a great place to stay; black sand beaches are really cool; volcanic tour good; and sunsets at Oia are phenomenal.
The ferry from Athens usually arrives at Santorini in the early morning (8am ish). The first impression of Santorini is of the little white washed houses clinging to the edge of the cliffs. Cliffs that were formed from one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. Breath taking!
Hotel, hostel, and domatia owners all greet the ferry. I like staying at Hostel Anna in Perissa, near the black sand beach. They have all kinds of accommodations: 20 bed, 10 bed, 6 bed dorm rooms as well as private rooms. They are a five minute walk to the black sand beach, and have a little grocery store just down the road that sells cheap wine right from the keg. There is also a nice common area where people hang out and chat.
Santorini has many beach options. You can opt for red, white or black sand. Red beach is interesting, but pretty small and usually
crowded. The white sand beaches are good, but I prefer the black sand. Warning, the black sand gets smoking hot! You need a mat to lay on, or rent a lounge chair and umbrella. The sand gets so hot, that when it's time to splash around, I sprint for the water.Just about everybody who visits Santorini ends up doing the volcanic
tour. I've done it twice. The tour starts from Fira's excursion boat port, which can be reached by stairs, cable car or donkey. I recommend the cable car down and the donkey for the return trip.The trip takes you to some sulphuric hot springs at Palia Kameni;
then to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, where you get to see thermal vents; off to Thirasia for lunch where you can dine at a restaurant that extends over the water, or up at cliff top diner over look
ing the ocean; and if you wish, you can be dropped off at Oia, or return to Fira.
The town of Fira is fun to explore. The winding little alleyways are easy to get lost in, but that is part of the fun. There are lots of cute little shops, and some good restaurants and pubs. A little diner, just south of the main square, makes the best gyros I've tasted. From the upper sections of town the views of the ocean and islands are outstanding.The little village of Oia on the north side of the island is known for sunsets. Be sure to get there early, because it gets really crowded as sunset approaches. After sunset everyone tries to fight their way on to a bus heading back to Fira (there is a lot of pushing to try to get on a bus).
To sum things up: Santorini is awesome; Hostel Anna is a great place to stay; black sand beaches are really cool; volcanic tour good; and sunsets at Oia are phenomenal.
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