Discover Santorini 2026

The village of Oia at the island's northern tip is considered Greece's most photographed sunset destination, with its white houses carved into the caldera rock, blue domed roofs and narrow stepped lanes down to Ammoudi harbour.

The vast caldera was formed by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history around 1600 BC and today forms the characteristic crescent-shaped cliff coastline along which the capital Fira and Oia stretch.

Unlike the rest of the Aegean, Santorini's volcanic origin gives it unusually coloured beaches such as the Red Beach near Akrotiri with its rust-coloured cliffs, and the Black Beach of Perissa with its fine, dark lava sand.

The volcanic soil and the unique basket-woven vine training method known as kouloura protect the vines from strong winds and produce the characteristic white Assyrtiko wine, offered for tasting at numerous wineries with panoramic views.

Direct flights to Santorini operate in peak season from several European cities, with a flight time from Zurich of around three and a half hours. Alternatively, the island can be reached by fast ferry from Athens (Piraeus) in about five to eight hours.

The village of Oia at the island's northern tip is considered Greece's most photographed sunset destination, with its white houses carved into the caldera rock, blue domed roofs and narrow stepped lanes down to Ammoudi harbour.

The vast caldera was formed by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history around 1600 BC and today forms the characteristic crescent-shaped cliff coastline along which the capital Fira and Oia stretch.

Unlike the rest of the Aegean, Santorini's volcanic origin gives it unusually coloured beaches such as the Red Beach near Akrotiri with its rust-coloured cliffs, and the Black Beach of Perissa with its fine, dark lava sand.