Photos by Goats on the Road
Have you ever dreamed of traveling somewhere with gorgeous sunsets, beautiful beaches, friendly locals and many activities on offer? Look no further than the tiny island of Santorini in Greece.
This has long been considered a romantic destination, and although watching sunsets with your significant other and strolling beaches hand-in-hand is definitely romantic, this is still an excellent destination for families, friends and solo travelers. Here are some of the many things you can see and do on this Mediterranean island.
Rent a Scooter or a Car
There are buses and taxis available but renting your own wheels is by far the best way to see Santorini! This gives you the freedom to explore where you want, and to go at your own pace. When you're driving along and see a pretty little cove, you can pull over and go for a dip. If you spot someone cooking up food on the side of the road, you can stop and have a snack. There are numerous little towns and villages here, all of which you'll want to explore. Definitely rent a vehicle for your stay. A scooter only costs around $20 a day.
Watch Sunset
Santorini is known for having some of the most beautiful sunsets anywhere in the world. The town of Oia is where everyone gathers nightly to enjoy this spectacle - and what a sight it is! However, if you want to avoid the crowds, then take that rented scooter of yours and find your own area to watch the sun go down. Watching sunset is a must, but watching it from Oia isn't.
Laze On The Beach
There are numerous beaches on this island, and though they aren't pristine white-sand stretches, they are unique and beautiful in their own way.
Red Beach is backed by a towering rusty-red colored cliff with boulders and the water here is very clear! Black Sand Beach at Perissa has volcanic sand, giving it the black hue, and clear waters. The sand here can heat up very quickly, so make sure to wear sandals! Amoudi Bay doesn't have an actual beach, but this is a great spot for jumping of off the rocks and into the water. Kamari Beach is the most upscale beach on the island and probably the most popular with tourists.
There are many beach chairs available and restaurants as well. Santorini has many beaches and very clear water for swimming; all you have to do is take your pick!
Visit Wineries
Did you know that there are seven wineries on the island? You can go in for a tasting and have a tour of the surrounding vineyards plus the cellars as well. Although a few sips are fine, you may want to hire a taxi rather than driving!
Visit The Volcano
This volcanic island has its own active volcano just a few kilometers off shore, and within a 10 minute boat ride (or less) you can be standing on it! There is a path along the rim that you can take, which is about 20 minutes each way. At the top you can see smoke and you'll definitely be able to smell the sulfur.
There are many more things to see and do while you're visiting Santorini, but these are a few of the highlights. Other notable sights include the ancient settlement of Akrotiri, the authentic countryside, the ancient town of Fira, the abandoned caves and various museums. Santorini is an incredible island, one that should display prominently on your Greek itinerary.
Have you ever been to Santorini? What would you add to this list? Share in the comments!
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