Santorini Escape: From Cliffside Views to Local Brews

Santorini, the most famous of Greece's islands, is known for its stunning vistas and postcard-worthy scenery. Created by a volcanic eruption millennia ago, the island is characterised by cliff-lined shores that gaze out over the shimmering Aegean Sea, providing visitors with unforgettable panoramas at every corner.

The village of Oia is especially famous for its magical sunsets, attracting tourists from all over the world to watch the sky come alive with colour above whitewashed houses. Whether exploring its charming streets, sunbathing on volcanic beaches, or indulging in the island's unique architecture, Santorini offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and romance that makes it an unforgettable destination for any traveller. In contrast to the fluffy white sand and crystal coves of most Greek islands, the volcanic topography of Santorini has deposited beaches in iridescent shades of black, red, gray, and white.

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Oia, Imerovigli, and Firastephani: Santorini’s Best-Kept Secrets

Colourful village Oia is situated atop the precipitous Santorini volcano caldera cliffs, near the northern island tip. Its cultural and historical significance has resulted in Oia's status as a protected historic monument. Oia's narrow lanes were the first Greek archaeological sites to gain such recognition by the Hellenic Tourism Association.

With minimal houses and hotels, it still maintains a calm ambience, ideal for a relaxing respite and dramatic views as part of a hike.

Traditionally, the village expanded as a seafaring centre. Troglodyte dwellings, cut into the cliffs beneath the central pedestrian street (Nomikos Street), were originally occupied by sailors and crew. Above them were larger houses—captains' houses—constructed for shipowners and officers. Their higher elevation provided panoramic views of ships passing by on their way between the port, the surrounding Cycladic islands, and Europe.

Imerovigli is another town situated at the caldera's peak in Santorini, providing unrivalled vistas of Nea Kameni—the dramatic black volcanic island standing in the middle of the lagoon. Some even say that the sunsets are as good here, or better, than those in Oia. Peaceful and largely residential, Imerovigli contains some of the island's most upscale hotels, discreetly hidden behind modest gates. Some of these elite accommodations are situated in cave homes excavated into the cliffside beneath the scenic walking path.

Hidden between Fira and Imerovigli, the tranquil Firastephani village provides sweeping views from its cliff-top position. With minimal houses and hotels, it still maintains a calm ambience, ideal for a relaxing respite and dramatic views as part of a hike.

A Culinary Tour of Santorini’s Classics

Santorini is not just stunning scenery—it's also got a distinct local cuisine that embodies the spirit of the island. Fava me koukia, or just "fava," is a simple but delicious staple consisting of mashed fava beans blended with a tangy lemon sauce. Fava has a rich and rewarding texture due to the pureed beans, complemented by the herbaceous, fresh flavors of fennel and parsley. Typically eaten as a side dish or an appetizer, it's popular among locals and tourists alike.

Domatokeftethes are crunchy golden fritters created from the exceptionally sweet Santorini cherry tomatoes, which are combined with onions, peppers, mint, and herbs, then deep-fried in olive oil batter, giving them that aromatic flavor. This dish bursts with sweet and savory notes, making it a satisfying vegetarian option even for meat lovers.

Apochti is a must-try for fans of cured meat. This ancient dish is produced by soaking pork loin in vinegar, drying it, and then sprinkling it with pepper and further vinegar to result in a powerful, acidic flavor. Usually taken together with wine as a cleansing agent, it's a familiar ingredient both in domestic cooking sites and the greatest wineries in Santorini. You’ll likely find it paired with a glass of bold Vassanos red wine at spots like Oia’s Domaine Sigalas or Vassaltis Vineyards in Vourvoulos.

A Coastal Journey Through Santorini’s Wild Side

On sun-kissed Santorini Island, three unique coastal retreats have something for all types of travellers. Vlychada Beach, bordered by dreamlike pumice cliffs sculpted into alien shapes, lies in peaceful comparison with busier beaches. Its grey-and-white pebbles, relaxed beach bar, and private swimming areas make it the perfect place for those looking to unwind, and the nearby harbour’s To Psaraki restaurant offers some of the island's best seafood. Just 250 steps below Oia, Ammoudi Bay is alive and kicking—catamarans bob in the sea, tavernas along the shore, and a dash of volcanic rock to the floating chapel of Agios Nikolaos, perfect for a splash of cool. Meanwhile, Koloumbos, a local favourite, remains blissfully underdeveloped. Its black-pebble beach, cooled by striated lava cliffs and warmed by an offshore underwater volcano, provides dramatic vistas of surrounding islands on clear days. With such highly regarded wineries as Sigalas and Vassaltis within a few minutes' drive, Koloumbos is the ideal spot to wind down a beach day with wine, sea air, and sandy feet.