Santorini

Where to Stay

Stay at the Fanari Villas, Canaves, or the Kirini in Oia (a member of the Relais Chateaux) www.kirini.com

In Imerovigli (between Oia and Fira), the FILOTERA Xenones Tel +30 22860 28770 – has a beautiful location, stunning views, personalized but non-intrusive hospitality, lovely apartment/suites and a cute pool.

Or, in Oia, stay at Alexander’s boutique hotel (the big brother is in Fira)

Santorini - Photo by Dimitri Bersekas

 

Beaches

•  Perissa – long, very touristic beach with black sand
•  Monolitha – near the airport, not so crowded, with a few hotels and tavernas
•  Kamari – opposite Perissa, with a huge volcanic rock at one end. Tends to be
  pretty touristy.
•  The Red Beach – tiny, reddish sand and black and red rock – pretty crowded
  (think sardines) in high summer…hmm…not entirely sure its worth it.
•  Perivolos – the longest black beach of the island, near Perissa.

Actually, hotel pools can be pretty civilised….especially in August. So pick a nice one.

Where to Hang Out

Santorini is rightly known for sunsets, wines and restaurants.

In pedestrianised Oia, (pronounced EE-a), after doing the sunset in the (crowded) main square, a must-dine experience is the 1800, the Old Captain’s House with its original, inventive flavours and immaculate service (as well as very knowledgeable wine waiters). The fried Pollen honey icecream served on a galette of spun sugar is out of this world! tel + 30 22860 71485,

Ambrosia is another great restaurant, but not of the same style or level as 1800. Reservations required – and can be accessed through .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) tel. + 30 22860 71413. www.ambrosia-nectar.com

Open daily for dinner (go just before sunset and have a drink before dining) with great terrace views over the caldera, the sunset, the volcano, modern Greek cuisine – sister restaurant Nectar (Ambrosia has a slight edge, in ChI’s view). Local flavours mixed with international tastes

In Firostefani, eat at Aktaion, a tiny peaceful restaurant with gorgeous traditional recipes tel + 30 22860 25215.

Look out for the local specialities of capers and fava beans

And in Fira (also confusingly known as Thira in English), take in your Vin Santo on one of its many rooftop bars.

Seek out Koukla, an outlet for handmade jewellery, in Fabrika shopping mall.

Fira also has one of the only Lalaounis island outlets (on Ypapantis Street, the main drag for restaurants, cafes, bars) other than Rhodes, Mykonos and Corfu.

The tiny Amoudi harbour at the bottom of Oia with its string of tavernas, has been featured in many movies – and is truly lovely. Great fish, and good swimming off the rocks further round the corner. A drop of “real” Greece in touristy Santorini.

Travel

For the real hedonists among you, experience the Cyclades Italian-style in a mini-cruise around Santorini with Senses Reflection, the event management and luxury boat hire company.  Take a mini-cruise to Thirassia or other Cycladic islands, on the very, very stylish Andiamo Aquariva super power-boat!
http://sensesreflection.com