There are places you visit and places that visit you — that stay with you long after you've come home. Santorini is firmly in the second category. I had seen the photographs a thousand times: the white-washed walls, the blue domes, the caldera dropping away into the deep Aegean. But nothing quite prepares you for the moment you actually stand there and take it all in. It is, without question, one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Navigating the Island
Santorini is small but surprisingly layered. The two main clifftop villages — Oia in the north and Fira in the center — are where most visitors spend their time, and for good reason. Oia is the more polished of the two: narrow pedestrian lanes lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, all perched above the caldera with views that stop you mid-sentence. Fira is livelier and more accessible, with a cable car connecting it to the old port below. We based ourselves in Imerovigli, the quieter village between the two, which gave us the best of both worlds — caldera views from our terrace every morning, and easy access to both Oia and Fira without the thickest crowds.
Sanaz's tip: Rent an ATV or hire a driver for a day to reach the quieter southern villages like Pyrgos and Akrotiri — they're a world away from the tourist trail and absolutely worth it.
Where We Stayed
We stayed in a clifftop suite in Imerovigli with an infinity pool that seemed to float directly above the caldera. Waking up to that view every morning never got old — not on day one, not on day five. The suite had a private terrace where we had breakfast delivered each morning, watching the light shift over the water as the day began. For families, I'd recommend looking for properties with private pools rather than shared ones — the caldera-facing infinity pools are stunning but can be quite deep and not always ideal for young children. Many of the boutique cave hotels have been carved directly into the volcanic rock, which makes for an incredibly atmospheric stay.
Sanaz's tip: Book caldera-view rooms at least six months in advance for summer travel — the best suites sell out quickly and prices climb steeply as the season approaches.
The Famous Oia Sunset
Yes, the Oia sunset is as spectacular as everyone says. And yes, it is also extremely crowded. Hundreds of people gather along the castle ruins and clifftop paths each evening to watch the sun drop into the sea, and the atmosphere is genuinely electric — strangers applauding together as the last sliver of light disappears. If you want a more intimate experience, find a restaurant terrace or a quieter stretch of path slightly away from the main viewpoint. The sunset looks just as beautiful from there, and you'll be able to actually hear yourself think. We found a small terrace at a wine bar just a few minutes' walk from the main crowd that became our favorite spot. Later in the trip we visited Santo Wines Winery for a tasting — the caldera views paired with a glass of local Assyrtiko are hard to beat.
Sanaz's tip: Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot — the main castle viewpoint fills up over an hour before the sun goes down in peak season.
The Volcanic Beaches
Santorini's beaches are unlike any others in Greece. The volcanic history of the island has left behind dramatic black and red sand beaches that feel otherworldly. Red Beach near Akrotiri is the most famous — a striking cove of deep red cliffs and dark sand that looks like something from another planet. Perissa and Perivolos on the eastern coast have long stretches of black sand with beach clubs, sunbeds, and a more relaxed atmosphere. The water is crystal clear and the swimming is wonderful. With children, we found the calmer eastern beaches easier than the more exposed western side.
Sanaz's tip: Visit Red Beach early in the morning — it's a short walk from the parking area and gets very busy by midday. The path can be rocky so wear proper shoes.
Where to Eat
Santorini's dining scene ranges from simple tavernas at the water's edge to refined clifftop restaurants — here are the ones that stood out.
Ammoudi Bay Fish Tavernas
Freshest seafood on the islandDown 300 steps from Oia (or a short drive) lies the tiny port of Ammoudi Bay, where a handful of fish tavernas sit right at the water's edge. The octopus drying on lines in the sun, the fishing boats bobbing nearby, the freshest seafood imaginable — it's one of the most authentic dining experiences on the island. The walk back up is steep but absolutely worth it.
Santo Wines Winery
Caldera views with local Assyrtiko winePerched on the caldera cliff with sweeping views, Santo Wines offers wine tastings of Santorini's distinctive Assyrtiko grape alongside small plates. The setting is spectacular and the wines are genuinely excellent — crisp, mineral, and unlike anything you'll find elsewhere. A wonderful way to spend a late afternoon before heading to watch the sunset.
Selene
Refined Greek cuisine in a medieval villageOne of Santorini's most celebrated restaurants, Selene in Pyrgos village offers refined Greek cuisine that celebrates local ingredients — fava from Santorini, cherry tomatoes, capers, fresh seafood. The setting in the medieval village is beautiful and the food is exceptional. A special-occasion dinner worth planning around.
