Jun 30, 2024 • 6 min read
14.06.2024 - 12:23 / lonelyplanet.com
Jun 14, 2024 • 6 min read
When many people think of a Greek Island getaway, the whitewashed buildings and sundrenched hills of Santorini are what spring to mind. This incredibly picturesque isle has played a starring role in many photoshoots and routinely attracts visitors from all over the world.
But there's more to this Cycladic star than selfies – it's teeming with culture, tradition and outdoor fun if you just know where to look. These are our favorite things to do in Santorini.
Well over 3000 years ago, a catastrophic volcanic eruption (one of the worst in recorded history) consumed Santorini, causing the middle of the island to fall in on itself before being swallowed by the sea. Due to the unearthed writings of Greek philosopher Plato, it has long been believed that the ancient Minoan settlements that were destroyed during the eruption are, in fact, the fabled Lost City of Atlantis.
You can take a trip to the prehistoric town and archeological site of Ancient Akrotiri, located on the southern tip of the island, to learn more about the lost ruins of this Bronze-Age city and the island's dramatic past. The massive excavated site (often dubbed the "Pompeii of Greece") is visitor-friendly with covered, wooden walkways that lead you around the ruins while still protecting them. There aren't many placards and pamphlets to explain what you're looking at, so we'd recommend pre-booking a guided tour for the full experience.
The sunsets in Santorini are renowned as being some of the most beautiful in the world, and the picturesque town of Oia is a prime spot to give yourself a bird's-eye view. There are a few key locations in the town where you can catch the big event, but the Byzantine castle ruins have by far the most beautiful view. The crumbling remnants of the castle walls offer a gorgeous glimpse into Oia's past, and their elevated location also provides panoramic views of the island.
Unfortunately, these upsides deliver one downside – this spot is very popular with visitors and gets incredibly crowded as the evening draws in. Get there early and make yourself comfortable in a prime spot before the sun dips below the horizon.
Enjoy a guided hike up the ash-laden landscape of the still-active volcano located in the center of the caldera. Nea Kameni is the youngest of the two volcanos and is a popular tourist attraction due to its surrounding golden, sulfur-infused waters and springs known for their healing properties. During the hike, you can walk up to the black lava perimeters of the volcano, as well as discover the crater and other openings bursting with sulfur steam. Not only that, but you also get a magnificent view of the Santorini cliffs and sister towns, Oia and Fira.
The heat can be oppressive
Jun 30, 2024 • 6 min read
The islands of the Aegean are the jewels of Greece, but that doesn’t mean getting to them is a breeze. Until now, Greek island hopping — glamorous as it is — has required lengthy ferry rides, inconvenient flight schedules, cruises, or, if you're lucky, your own private yacht.
Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, June 25, 2024, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
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