Taking a day trip to Santorini can be one of the most memorable experiences you have during your vacation. You can visit the Prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, explore Oia, or simply relax on the Perissa or Perivolos beaches.
Oia
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, Oia is the perfect destination for your next vacation. It offers incredible scenery, delicious food, and plenty of natural attractions. It is also easy to get around. It is a small village located on the northern tip of Santorini.
Oia is known for its picturesque buildings and world class sunsets. If you want to see these, you should start early and go during the day. This is a good time to photograph the iconic blue domes. You should also visit the Church of Panagia Platsani. It is located in the village's main square, and was built after a major earthquake in 1956.
If you are into wine, you may want to check out the Sigalas Winery, which produces quality wines. You can also explore the vineyards, and even taste local cheeses and snacks.
Another must-see is the Oia Bookstore, which has floor-to-ceiling shelves of books. It is located in an old captain's house. This is a great place to pick up a souvenir or two, such as a cool hand-painted picture of the island.
The Oia Jewelry Gallery has an impressive collection of jewelry, and there are also plenty of artwork and photography prints on offer. There are many shops in Oia, and they are a great place to find something unique.
While there are many things to do in Oia, the best ones aren't necessarily the most popular. It's also a good idea to explore the lesser-known streets in the area. These can lead you to cool little cafes, and a variety of unique Cycladic buildings.
The best part of all is that the town is relatively small. You can easily spend a full day exploring Oia.
Perissa/Perivolos Beach
Located on the southern side of Santorini, Perivolos Beach is one of the most beautiful black sand beaches on the island. The beach is also home to numerous water sports, including jet skiing and parasailing.
Perissa and Perivolos are two of the best-known beaches on the island. Both are covered with black sand and have plenty of restaurants and cafes. The sand is finer and less rocky than other Santorini beaches. However, Perivolos is more private and not as popular as Perissa.
Besides the black sand, the beach has crystal clear waters. A number of water sports are offered, as well as diving. The beach is also home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. If you have a car, the beach is easily accessible from the capital Fira. The beach is accessible without a boardwalk, and there are lifeguards on duty at all times.
If you're looking for a great night out, visit Jojo on Perivolos. This beach bar serves amazing cocktails, and offers a huge selection of lounge chairs. Its location makes it a great place to catch a sunset.
The beach has a water park, which is a great way to cool off during the summer. There are multiple pools, a slide, and rain showers. There are also several restaurants and cafes, as well as a diving center.
Perissa and Perivolos Beaches are also good for nature watching. A few steps away from the beach is Timios Stravos church, which has a spectacular view of the Caldera. The sand is perfect for barefoot walking. The beach is also a photographer's paradise.
The beach is also home to the Cyclades restaurant. There are several restaurants on the beach, but if you're looking for a more budget option, try the Vitrin Cafe-Creperie. The food is great, and the view of the Caldera is fantastic.
Wine Tasting Tour
During your wine tasting tour in Santorini, you will taste eight different local wines. You will also learn about the art of wine making and the cultivation process. You will also enjoy Greek food and cheese.
You will receive an audio guide that describes the history of wine making in Santorini. You will also get an insider's view of three different estates. You will learn about how the volcanic soils of the island affect the flavor of the local grape varietals.
You will also see how the local grapes are pruned and the traditional method of harvesting. You will also learn about the patented Air Sanitizer system that is eco-friendly and eliminates 99.9% of the bacteria and allergens in the air.
One of the wineries you will visit on your wine tasting tour in Santorini is the Venetsanos Winery. This is a family run winery that produces some excellent wines. You will be able to sample several styles of white and dessert wines.
Another is the SantoWines winery. This is the largest winery on the island and is located on a beautiful terrace with a great view of the caldera. They also offer a gourmet cheese and coffee service.
You can find these wineries on Google Maps. You should book well in advance. Some of them may close during bad weather.
The wineries have done a nice job of accommodating guests. The website is easy to navigate and you can easily find out how to book.
Aside from the wine, you will also get to enjoy the panoramic views of the island. You can even get a photo stop at the Rock Heart formation.
The best part of this wine tasting tour is that you will be accompanied by an expert guide. This guide will help you get the most out of your tour. They will explain the history of the winery, the art of wine making and the cultivation process.
Prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri
Visiting the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri is one of the best things to do on Santorini. This archaeological site, located in the village of Akrotiri, tells the story of an ancient civilization, which ruled the island of Santorini in the Bronze Age.
Akrotiri was an important stopover port for trade. It also served as a fishing village. The people of Akrotiri were rich and sophisticated. They lived in stone and mud buildings with elaborate plumbing, drainage systems, and heating. They had large rooms facing the Aegean Sea. Their houses were multi-storied, with the upper floors dedicated to everyday life.
Akrotiri was also a trading center, and its residents traded with Egypt, Cyprus, and Crete. They cultivated olives, grain, and legumes. They also produced high quality pottery.
Akrotiri is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean. The village was once a Minoan settlement. However, it was destroyed by a giant volcanic eruption in around 1450 BC. The eruption was felt all over the world, as well as in Egypt.
Today, the village of Akrotiri is known as a peaceful coastal town. It is also home to a few museums. You can enjoy the scenic view of the caldera from the top of the castle ruins.
The best time to visit Akrotiri is during summer. You can take a guided tour to learn about the ancient settlement. There are also free admission days on certain days of the year.
It is advisable to check the official website for any details. The opening times and fees may change without notice.
You can also see the frescoes of Akrotiri in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. They are excellent examples of ancient Cycladic art.
Shopping in Santorini
Known for its beautiful landscapes, Santorini is also a great shopping destination. The island is full of boutiques, shops, and open markets. There are a wide range of things to purchase, from jewelry to clothing, souvenirs, and wine. You can find many local handicrafts in Santorini. It is a popular holiday destination, and is often a stop on cruise ships. There are a lot of luxury boutiques, but there are also a lot of more affordable options as well.
The main shopping area is Fira. The island has many small boutiques and stores, which line the cobblestone streets. Most of the shops sell jewelry, shoes, clothing, accessories, and books. In the summer months, shops tend to stay open late.
Oia is another popular shopping spot. You can shop for a variety of items, such as Greek art, ethnic jewelry, gold jewellery, and souvenirs. You can also buy handmade wooden artefacts. You can also buy unique artworks at the Kalimera art gallery.
The Fabrica Shopping Center is a three-story mall that offers a wide range of items. The center is home to a number of shops and eateries, including Fila, Adidas, Mati Art Gallery, and more. You can find fashion brands, as well as unique collectables, such as comic books, religious items, and vintage maps.
Some of the most well-known shopping spots on Santorini include Epilekton, Iama in Santorini, and Fira. Iama in Santorini sells a variety of wines and other liquors. It also holds weekly wine tastings.
For more upscale shopping, you can visit the Orion Art Gallery. This is a boutique that sells unique art work and has a unique interior design. The gallery features works by Greek artists and designers.
