Santorini lives up to the hype. Before I went, I thought it was all about the Instagrammers lining up for that famous white-roofed sunset shot overlooking the sea. But it’s so much more than that. Consider the following:
- The giant volcano caldera that is the basis for Santorini and its surrounding islands is one of the most impressive sights I’ve seen anywhere in the world. Its eruption was so intense, it isn’t an exaggeration to suggest it changed Europe’s historical trajectory forever.
- The walk from the two famous spots from Fira to Oia rivals any walk in the world for its dramatic views and the combo of snaking through uber-high end restaurant spots and complete wilderness.
- The island itself is packed with beautiful vineyards, separate isolated beaches, and some of the best-preserved prehistoric Bronze Age settlements anywhere in the world.
Its an Instagrammer’s wet dream, and also just about any traveller’s wet dream too. Blown away by Santorini and a maximum Wow-factor score of ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.
In a nutshell:
- Why go: most wow of the Greek islands and a highlight of Europe
- Best base: Fira (cheaper, better sunsets, less crowded)
- Must-do hike: Fira → Oia in the morning
- Don’t miss: seeing the islands by boat and Akrotiri ruins if a history geek
- Budget tip: stay east side (we used Michelangelo Beach Villa)