Visiting Santorini should be on everyone’s bucket list.
It’s everything you’ve read or viewed, and then some. We recently returned from our first visit to Santorini. It was everything we had hoped for: beautiful water, stunning views, lovely people, and delicious food. Santorini was our first stop on our Greek holiday. It was breathtaking. We loved visiting Santorini and think you will, too! Read our Top 5 reasons why Santorini should move to the top of your bucket list.
First View of the Caldera
Simple, Stunning. The views from anywhere on the caldera are remarkable. We stayed in Imegovia, which is midway between Oia and Fira. There are several hotels along this stretch, all offering equally breathtaking views. We had a friend who previously stayed at Rockabella. With similar style and travel preferences, this was a no-brainer: the rooms, the staff, and the location made for our perfect hotel.
Top 5 Reasons for Visiting Santorini
Experiences we loved
5. Wine Tours
Santorini Wines are well known for their unique flavor, which is attributed to the volcanic ash in the soil. A private wine tour with Santorini Wine Tours visiting two wineries with tastings, snacks, and lunch. It was an educational and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend it to understand the local wines and history, and see different parts of the island.
4. Wandering the Island
Getting lost in Oia, Fira, or Imerovigli is hard, as everything runs together. Up and down and around, catching glimpses of the sea, views, blue domes, and hidden passages, trying to capture all of the photos you see posted on Instagram. It’s a fun way to spend the afternoon. Small shops, churches, and historic spots keep you engaged and ready to take that next hidden alleyway. As we were in no hurry, we stopped and had a drink (or two) to enjoy the spectacular views. We found a lovely taverna for dinner before heading back to the hotel as the light escaped over the horizon.
3. History & Sites
There are several museums and sites dedicated to preserving the island’s history. The most remarkable is the Akrotiri site, which displays the devastation caused by volcanic eruptions, while also showcasing life before them. This city was encased in ash, maintaining its life as it was on that fateful day in the Bronze Age. It’s a bit eerie, but worth the walk back in time.
2. Sailing excursion
We took a half-day sailing cruise. The morning started a bit cloudy, but by the time we reached the volcano, the weather had turned beautiful and sunny. We joined other couples to explore Santorini from the water. The team provided drinks, a BBQ lunch, and details on the surrounding area. We made several stops where we could jump in the water. The volcano’s hot springs are a feature of these trips; maybe it was the time of year, but they were barely warm. We could feel the currents and flow from the volcano, but Hot was an understatement. It was still a great experience; we thoroughly enjoyed our day on the water. This excursion can be booked for morning or Sunset. The morning version ends in Oia, where we spent a few hours exploring the town before returning to our hotel for sunset drinks.
#1 Reason for Visiting Santorini
Sunsets. You see them all over Instagram – these incredible sunset images. Oia is the premier location for witnessing sunsets, with numerous spots on the caldera’s edge offering stunning views, drinks, and food. I think you should plan to find a spot well before sunset. Even with so many places, they fill up quickly. Grab a drink and relax until the sun dramatically dips below the horizon. Unfortunately, the Sahara winds created haze and limited visibility during our time in Santorini. But this gives us a strong reason to revisit Santorini!
Ready to visit Santorini?
Read our review of Rocabella Santorini Hotel and look for your perfect stay at Hotels.com
Have we convinced you to visit Santorini?
Santorini is undoubtedly a must-visit destination. It’s a lovely island with a wealth of things to offer. Taking a laid-back approach to Santorini is the best way to enjoy it. A word of caution, visiting Santorini is on everyone’s bucket list. So, wandering the villages can be crowded, especially on cruise days. Just prepare yourself with patience and enjoy the many lovely locations to grab a drink and enjoy the views. Or, on cruise days, book a sailing trip or wine tour. You can’t go wrong visiting Santorini on your next vacation.
