Day trips to Santorini will give another meaning to your vacations

December 20, 2021 TRAVEL

Santorini is much more than whitewashed houses overlooking the caldera, as its tradition and history are important, according to Santorini private tour. To really appreciate this Cycladic island and its surroundings, get up from the sun lounger and plan a day trip, noting traditional villages, ancient sights and volcanic islands on your list.

Boat tour of the volcanic islands

Just opposite the Santorini caldera are two uninhabited islands, Palea and Nea Kameni, which were formed gradually after the main and subsequent volcanic eruptions that resulted in the cutting of parts of Stegurili. It will take you a day to discover their beauties and swim in their warm, divine waters. Boat tours from Fira promise to let you walk on the ridge of the volcano and take the selfie you have always dreamed of.

Excursion by boat to Thirasia

Along with Palea and Nea Kameni, the inhabited island of Thirasia was once part of the larger Strougili before being cut off by the eruption. Now Thirasia is proudly opposite Santorini and adds a little authenticity to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Thira. To reach the island, you must travel by boat from the ports of Athinios or Oia. Once there, explore magnificent settlements and picturesque churches, with unparalleled views.

Excursion to Anafi

Escape from the hustle and bustle of Santorini with a short ferry ride to the peaceful island of Anafi. Its narrow, cobbled alleys will invite you to take leisurely walks alongside characteristically whitewashed houses, with large ovens that seem to be part of an over-filtered Instagram post. The island resembles the picturesque area of Anafiotika in Athens, as workers from Anafi who settled in the Greek capital in the 19th century helped rebuild it. Thus, they gave it its unique architecture.

Swimming, villages and Monastery of Profitis Ilias

Start your day with a swim in the Red Beach of Akrotiri, where you will be impressed by the red sand and the impressive red and black rocks. Alternatively, try the beach of Perissa, where you can practice water sports or relax lying on the black sand. In the afternoon, take a walk to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias of the 18th century, located at the highest point of Santorini. Pass through the traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli, before touring the boutiques of the enchanting Oia.

This excursion will take you to the caldera and the most emblematic beaches of the island, stopping for swimming and snorkeling at interesting points along the way or for a good dip in the thermal springs of Old and New Kameni.

The largest catamaran in the fleet is spacious and comfortable enough to accommodate luxury guests. Go down the caldera to the hot springs where you will make the first stop for about 30 minutes where you will make the most of the springs.

Continue south passing Aspronisi Island, Akrotiri, Indian Rock and the ancient lighthouse where you will enjoy a stop in the area of Kokkini Paralia for 30 minutes to take photos, swim and snorkel. The last stop will be in the area of Lefki Paralia.

Perissa is also famous for its black sand beach, which includes many beach bars, but the most important thing is that you can visit the remains of the Byzantine period, such as the church of Agia Irini or Santa Irini that gave the name Santorini to the island. , the church of the Holy Cross, one of the largest churches and the Museum of Minerals and Fossils where you will discover wonderful minerals and fossils from Thira and the rest of Greece.

What else you need to know about Santorini

There is generally no dress code on the island, unless you plan to visit certain restaurants, bars and clubs of high standard. When visiting churches and monasteries, you must be properly dressed, which means that beach-type appearances are not allowed. A thin jacket or cardigan can be useful on windy nights.

Depending on your tastes, food prices vary in Santorini. You will find many cheap fast foods that sell rounds and sandwiches for about 4 euros for a meal. Cheap restaurants will cost around 9 EUR / person. A nice restaurant will cost around 18 EUR / person, and from there on there are luxury restaurants and restaurants specializing in various cuisines where the prices are much higher.

The settlements and villages of Santorini that attract the most visitors are: Fira, the lively capital of the island, Firostefani (about 15 minutes walk from Fira) and Imerovigli (the highest point of the Caldera coast, about half hour walk from Fira) and the amazing and quite special village of Oia in the northern part of Santorini.

Kamari is located on the southeast side of Santorini and is mainly appreciated and preferred for its beautiful and famous beach with its crystal clear waters and natural environment. In Kamari you should visit the church of Panagia Episkopi, built in 1100 and the church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa.

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