For the earliest inhabitants of Greece, Santorini was known as Thera, which means “a round island”. Today, its shape is completely different. Around 1628 BC a gigantic volcanic eruption destroyed the island, collapsing its core into a caldera, surrounded by spectacular cliffs.
Wondering where to stay in Santorini? Check our list of Top Boutique Luxury Hotels in Santorini: Which are the best?
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All photos in this post are by Laskowski & Zadros. © TravelPlusStyle.com.
The prehistoric volcano explosion not only altered the island’s geology but also changed the course of history. The tsunami and climate change that followed the eruption may have contributed to the collapse of the Minoan civilization, whose political and cultural center was located on the nearby Crete.
The Minoan demise gave birth to the first city-states of ancient Greece and the memory of disaster was woven into the fabric of the Hellenic culture, inspiring the myth of Atlantis. Today, the volcano sleeps quietly under the sea, and Santorini is one of the most popular islands in Greece, especially amongst couples and newlyweds—and photographers.
Located on the southern tip of the Cyclades, it’s a paradise for casual shutterbugs and professionals alike. At every turn, sights and subjects call to be captured: the quintessentially Greek white houses and blue-domed churches, picturesque cliff villages perched on cliff tops, the fantastic panoramic views of the Caldera and the sparkling Aegean Sea, and, most of all, its amazing sunsets.
Picture-perfect villages cling to the cliff-sides of Santorini, each boasting its unique charm and character. Oia, with its labyrinthine streets, has whitewashed buildings adorned with cobalt-blue domes overlooking the Aegean Sea. Fira, the island’s bustling capital, has the vibrant ambiance of its markets and charming cafes amid the maze of alleys. And then Imerovigli, with its serene beauty, the village known as the “balcony of Santorini,” offering stunning panoramic views of the Caldera.
Santorini enthralls with some truly spectacular vistas, and the bewitchingly beautiful sunsets of Santorini contribute a lot to the island’s appeal. It’s undoubtedly this is one of the best places on earth to watch the spectacle of the sun disappearing into the sea. The many vantage points on the cliffs, often taken up by restaurants and hotels draw crowds eager to experience the surreal and enchanting evening.
Where to stay in Santorini
The best views are from the village of Oia, and this is where romance-seeking couples prefer to spend the late afternoons. In our opinion, the company of each other is best enjoyed in exclusive small boutique hotels—such as our favorites Katikies Santorini, Vora Villas, Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection — and Cavo Tagoo Santorini.
Once filled with sunset romance, the following day is best spent exploring archeological sites or art galleries, shops, and taverns—which fill quickly with the cruise ships’ passengers—or just enjoying the fantastic Greek food, and Vinsanto: Santorini’s local wine.
Inspired to visit Santorini but have yet to book your trip? Here’s a selection of some of the best Santorini tours.
*All photos in this post are by Laskowski & Zadros. © TravelPlusStyle.com.
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 02/12/2025
