Santorini – the pearl of the Aegean
Book flights to Thira (predominantly known as Santorini) and be whisked away to the most iconic of the Greek islands. This dreamy destination is the heart of the Greek islands, where whitewashed buildings sit atop colourful cliffs and beaches are studded with volcanic sand.
Santorini is brimming with historic sights and artefacts from Ancient Greece. Uncover the ruins of Akrotiri and you’ll be gifted a spectacular glimpse into the Bronze Age or venture up Mese Vouna to discover the remains of Ancient Thera. Once a city perched on a hill, visitors can now enjoy a hike to admire Ancient Thera’s last remnants of the Roman and Byzanite eras.
Walk along the volcano of Nea Kameni and take a spectacular dive into the thermal spas of Palia Kameni, before exploring the shipwrecks at Taxiarchis. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner and watch the fiery sun dip below the horizon from Oia.
Fly to Santorini to bask in ancient cultures, indulge in the local cuisine and soak up the Greek sunshine.
Reasons to Visit Santorini
Unmissable sunset views
Flights to Santorini allow you to witness the magical sunset from Oia, one of the most beautiful sights in the whole of the Mediterranean. The island stops for a few minutes every evening, with locals and tourists alike taking time to pause and admire the views. The sky above transforms into a canvas of swirling purples, oranges and reds as the fiery sun sinks below the horizon. A scene bound to stay with you over the years, it’s worth finding a quiet bench or booking an outdoor table at a restaurant that gives you chance to take it all in.
Ancient ruins at Akrotiri
A flight to Santorini is your gateway through Ancient Greek history. Visit Akrotiri, an incredible site of historic importance, and explore the secrets of this Bronze age settlement.
A place of mystery, Akrotiri was believed to be the inspiration for the lost city of Atlantis. Wander over wooden bridges and encounter the remains of a Minoan city covered in ash by the great volcanic eruption of 1600 BC.
The site is covered by an overhead roof that protects the ruins against harsh weather conditions. Visitors can get a better view of the site from the suspended walkways, which climb three storeys high.
Unique beaches
Fly to Santorini and you’ll have access to some of the most unique beaches along the Mediterranean. A volcanic island, every beach is made of volcanic sand and scattered with beautifully formed rocks. Splay out along the sand and soak up the sunshine after splashing through the crystal waters as they crash along the beach.
One of the most famous beaches on the island is Red Beach. The russet-coloured sand gives the illusion of holidaying inside an actual volcano, all while offering refreshing swims in the glittering turquoise water. It’s also just minutes from Akrotiri, so you can enjoy some sandy relaxation after uncovering history.
Flying to Santorini: FAQs
Where should I stay in Santorini?
The best places to stay in Thira (Santorini) are Fira, Oia, Imerovigli and Firostafani. All these towns have fantastic views of the caldera and plenty of luxury hotels. Aressana Spa and Hotel Suites offer stylish quarters, a spa with an extensive list of treatments, a refreshing outdoor pool and breathtaking views.
How many days should I spend in Santorini?
You should look to spend at least five days in Thira (Santorini) to see the main towns, beaches and ruins. If you’re hoping to mix up your trip with historical discoveries and enough time to relax in the sunshine, we’d recommend anywhere between seven days and two weeks.
What should I see in Santorini?
The main things you should see when you fly to Santorini are the beaches and historical ruins. Hike from Fira to Oia, walk the Nea Kameni volcano, visit Ancient Akrotiri, swim on the volcanic sand beaches and explore the paths of Firostefani and Imerovigli.
What is the caldera in Santorini?
A caldera is a large volcanic crater. Thira’s (Santorini’s) crescent bay is the centre of the caldera that occurred after a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.