719

One of the main islands in the Cyclades, Santorini is a stylish destination and one of the most romantic places in the world. This stunning volcanic island offers picture-postcard panoramas of white-washed houses and blue-domed churches typical of the Greek islands, with the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea as a backdrop.

Santorini is a must-visit destination to add to your bucket list if you haven’t been to this spectacular Greek island already.

Here are 5 things to see and do while in Santorini:

1. Laze on a black sand beach. Santorini is unique for its fantastic volcanic beaches. Kamari beach on the east coast has a long stretch of black powdery sand and is the island’s largest beach. There’s another picturesque black sand beach worth visiting at Perissa. Another beautiful beach is the unique red sand beach near Akrotiri, sheltered by a dramatic red rock cliff face. These beaches are great for those who love snorkelling too.
2. Take a boat to volcano island. The volcano is still active here and can be easily reached by boat. After a climb to the top, stop in the nearby hot springs for a swim in the warm waters heated by the volcano which also have healing properties. A boat trip is worth it just for the spectacular views of Santorini island on the way back, which you would have missed if you arrived by plane.
3. Watch the sunset. The picturesque town of Oia on the northern edge of the island is famous for its spectacular sunsets. This is the perfect place to toast the end of the day with an apéritif or enjoy a romantic dinner while watching the sun make its slow and majestic descent into the Aegean Sea.
4. Shop to your heart’s content. The narrow cobble-stoned lanes of the main town of Thira are bustling with stylish boutiques offering jewellery, designer clothing and handbags, as well as many tavernas and cafés for a lunchtime break.
5. Visit the ruins of Akrotiri. This important archaeological site showcases the remains of an ancient 3500-year-old Minoan town destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 17^th century BC. Like Pompeii, the ancient streets, squares and buildings of the town are preserved in volcanic ash, taking you back in time.

Post by Isabel Putinja, Travel Writer