Santorini is a magical place no matter how long you intend staying.
Here’s what is worth doing in Santorini:
· Sunrise from Roukounas Beach on Anafi
· Kamari and Perivolos for beaches
· Ancient Thera (historical site)
· Prehistoric Museum
· Watching the sunset with a cocktail from Oia
Whether you’re visiting for a couple of nights or staying for a week, Santorini will give you ample opportunity for romance, partying, relaxing with a cocktail or hanging out at the beach. And then there’s the historical face of this Island - sites, museums, churches, cathedrals and that recognisably Santorin-i-an architecture of white-washed walls and blue-domed roofs that is actually a common feature throughout all Islands in the Greek Cyclades (the collection of 220 Islands).
Cocktails at sunset
Whatever your reason for visiting Santorini, sipping cocktails from a bar perched high up on the edge of the crater is an absolute must (the East and West ends of the main street Nikolaou Nomikou are best). If you can manage to arrive before sunset (between 7.30pm and 8.40pm to it’s latest in mid July) you’ll be guaranteed a great seat and in for an awesome vista across the crater out to the smaller Islands of Kameni (Nea and Palaia) and Thirasia. No doubt you’ll see yachts anchored in the distance and wonder what watching the sunset from the yacht would be like. Consider Island hopping by sailboat next year.
An ancient visit
Whether you’re into ancient buildings and artefacts or not, almost everybody that’s been to Santorini would recommend seeing at least one museum or place of interest.
The Ancient city of Thera or the Prehistoric Museum on Santorini are definitely worth considering. Perched on a ridge of the Messavouno mountain, Ancient Thera (or Theras) as it was known can be reached from the town of Kamari (note to self - good beach). From here you’ll get some different views and photos of Santorini. If you’re pushed for time, visit the Prehistoric Museum to get a sense of all the highlights of Santorini. This museum also houses finds from Akrotiri (note: very cool Athens nightspot on the seafront of the same name).
Sunrise from Anafi Island
Tips for the guys - if you’re reading this and planning a romantic few days or even a honeymoon, for something completely different to the ‘Santorini sunset’ concept, look into taking a boat across to Anafi Island and consider spending a night there purely for the sunrise from Roukounas beach – unforgettable!
If you’re back at Santorini, Perivolos is a great beach spot with chill out cafes, tavernas and bars as it gets a bit later.
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