Black sands and famous sunsets: Top things to do as Santorini reopens after a month of earthquakes
Vacationers look set to return to Santorini after a month of tremors rocked the Greek island.
Chatting with Euronews Journey at ITB Berlin 2025, Greek Tourism minister Olga Kefalogianni reassured the general public concerning the state of affairs, stating that as seismic exercise round Santorini is declining, islanders want to a season that may “function as usually as attainable”.
“We wish to be sure that our residents and our guests in Santorini will really feel secure, and that they may get pleasure from their time on the island.”
Already faculties have opened and, as Santorini prepares to welcome again guests, listed here are a number of the island’s must-see experiences.
Absorb the sights in world-famous Fira
If Athens has the brains and Sparta has the brawn, Santorini is the epitome of Greece’s magnificence.
With its whitewashed facades, mesmerising sunsets and cerulean sea, the Greek island is a transparent head-turner, but there’s extra to this paradise than simply attractiveness.
Santorini’s foremost city is a hive of exercise with eating places, bars, golf equipment and cafés at each flip. Famed for its gleaming white buildings topped by vibrant indigo domes, Fira embodies the postcard-perfect Santorini scene – lovely buildings, panoramic views, and trailing bougainvillaea.
Absorb the sunshine whereas wandering the cobbled streets or sit at one of many many roadside espresso retailers to look at the world go by. For a dose of historical past, head to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera to marvel at extraordinary finds excavated from Akrotiri, which has been settled since neolithic occasions.
From right here, head to Fira’s caldera edge the place the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral rises majestically into blue skies.
Inbuilt 1827, the cathedral was badly broken in a catastrophic earthquake in 1956. However shortly after, it was superbly renovated with intricate mosaics, a statuesque bell tower, and sumptuous rolling arches. Inside, the church is adorned with lovely frescoes so that you can admire, painted by native artist Christoforos Asimis.
Benefit from the nice outside on Santorini’s black shores
No go to to Santorini is full with out witnessing one of many world’s most beautiful sunsets. For one of the best views, head to the Byzantine fort ruins within the charming, well-liked city of Oia.
From right here, you’ll not solely be elevated to a primary place however you’ll even be handled to a glimpse into Oia’s previous amongst its crumbling fort partitions. Get right here early to ensure your prime viewing place among the many crowds and settle in for Mom Nature’s headline act.
Sunsets apart, Santorini can be identified for its black sand seashores, fashioned by means of centuries of volcanic exercise. Perissa Seashore on the base of Mesa Vouno Mountain is Santorini’s longest black sand seaside, providing crystal-clear waters and a vibrant environment.
Right here you’ll discover cozy solar loungers, watersports, cafés and a waterpark with three slides and swimming pools for the whole household. On the finish of the seaside, an elevated spot is well-liked amongst divers who leap into the ocean under.
To proceed your out of doors journey, embark on a guided hike by means of the ash-covered terrain of Santorini’s lively volcano within the centre of the caldera.
Nea Kameni, the youngest of the 2 volcanoes, is a must-visit for its beautiful sulphur-infused waters and therapeutic sizzling springs. As you trek up the black lava perimeters, you’ll encounter the crater and vents releasing sulphur steam, which provide a singular wellness expertise.
The hike additionally rewards you with breathtaking views of Santorini’s cliffs and the picturesque cities of Oia and Fira. To keep away from the extraordinary noon warmth, begin early, or time your hike to catch the sundown for an unforgettable view.
Get off-the-beaten-track in Thirasia
Thirasia is an island remnant of Santorini previous. Situated on the caldera’s west aspect, you’ll discover only a few vacationers right here, permitting you to discover the tiny coves and hovering hills uninterrupted.
One of the simplest ways to discover the hidden seashores and half-abandoned villages is by way of motorcycle or on foot, although you’ll have to hop on a ten-minute water taxi from the Ammoudi harbour to succeed in its shores.
In hanging distinction to its neighbour’s full of life bars and bustling retailers, Thirasia stays largely undeveloped, and is described by locals as ‘Santorini 50 years in the past’.
Pattern locally-grown Greek delicacies
From conventional tavernas to worldwide nice eating, foodies can discover Santorini eating places with menus starting from contemporary seafood to sushi.
For a real style of the island, go for native flavours washed down with Greek wine. Santorini is lauded for its crisp dry whites and the amber-coloured dessert wine referred to as Vinsanto, produced from the indigenous grape selection, assyrtiko.
Take a look at the native vineyards, which provide excursions and wine tastings – some even curate pairings with meals grown on the island.
To be taught from the masters, enroll in a cookery class just like the Petra Kouzina Cooking Expertise, throughout which you’ll get to strive your hand at a number of Greek dishes earlier than sitting down for a communal meal on the terrace.
