Visit Quarantine-Free Sensation Santorini

Santorini (officially Thira) is one of popular Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea; it was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century causing the middle of the island to fall into the sea, leaving just a steep-edged crater known as the Caldera, which is a stunning sight from the island’s clifftops today. Now Santorini is famous for its whitewashed towns, magical sunsets, fresh fish and ntomatokeftedes (that’s a tomato fritter to me and you).

There is also a theory that many scholars and scientists of the past claimed that Santorini is the location of the legendary lost city of Atlantis. Recently, the island opened the World’s first Lost Atlantis Experience Museum, located in the heart of the Caldera, were visitors have the opportunity to learn more about Atlantis through the use of the newest interactive technologies, including 9D virtual reality, 3D holograms, and dioramas. For more information visit: www.lost-atlantis.com.

Anyway, enough of its history lets move on to why this tiny island (just 18 miles in length) stole my heart.

Santo Winery

The winery is located in the picturesque village of Pyrgos (which is well worth a visit too if you don’t mind an uphill walk) and it was the venue of my wedding. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Caldera, and the wine isn’t too bad either. A group of us enjoyed a wine tasting flight on the terrace at sunset, which I recommend as a must-do in Santorini. The price ranges between 18-55 euros depending on the package you choose. Santo also offers daily wine tours from 12 euros per person. For more info visit:www.santowines.gr

A wine flight at Santo Winery. Image Credit: Supplied

Fira and Oia

Oia is a traditional Greek village located on the north tip of the island and is world-renowned for its beautiful sunset and spectacular views over the volcano of Palia and Nea Kameni and the island of Thirassia. With its narrow streets and blue-dome churches, it is must-see for any visitor. Beware, it does get hectic at sunset and bars, and restaurants can be pricey.

Fira is the charming capital of Santorini with its cobbled streets and winding lanes and is the centre of the action on the island. As well as stunning views and plenty of shops, there is a wide variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs for those in the mood to party. It is also the only place on the island to have a taxi rank. (Taxis are few and far between in Santorini).

Oia Sunset. Image Credit: Clark Van Der Beken

Perissa

The coastal resort of Perissa is one of the main tourist hubs of Santorini and is famous for its black beaches. We spent a lot of time there as many of our family and friends stayed there, and I would highly recommend it for a family holiday. Perissa also offers visitors water sport activities and plenty of bars,nightclubs and taverna’s and is a less expensive option than many other towns on the island.

Perissa Beach. Image Credit: Supplied

Where to Stay

Carpe Diem

We opted to go upmarket for this stay (Although Santorini does offer accommodation for every budget) and spent a fabulous time at the award-winning Carpe Diem Resort. Nestled on the hillside of Pyrgos, the island’s highest village, it boasts a 270-degree wide panoramic view of the northern part of Santorini. As an adults-only spa resort, it offers guaranteed privacy and VIP service.

Every suite is like a cave house that is open plan and gives guests luxurious features including a private outdoor veranda, sunbeds and a private pool; even the linen is hypoallergenic. The highlight of our stay was enjoying a champagne breakfast on the terrace while soaking up the magnificent view.

The late Giorgos Kopatsaris built Carpe Diem, and his children Sotiris and Sofia Kopatsaris still run it today. On our stay, they couldn’t have been more welcoming; their primary focus is service and quality, to which they excel in. It didn’t win the World’s World’s Best Honeymoon Hideaway for nothing, staying at this resort made me feel like royalty and added to the special memories of my wedding day.

Suites at Carpe Diem start at approx £300 a night based on two sharing and includes breakfast. For more information visit www.carpediemsantorini.com 

Carpe Diem. Video Credit: Suppiled

Getting There

EasyJet and British Airways fly direct to Santorini from London Heathrow, London Gatwick & Manchester. Flight prices start from approx £300.

Things to Remember

• Santorini is a small island and while there are plenty of buses, taxis are few and far between, so make sure you prebook them in advance or hire a car.

• Prepare yourself for the wind.

• Avoid riding the donkeys.

• Always carry money, cash machines are often out of order.