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Boutique hotels

Santorini Overview

Greece

Coastline
Azure waters of the Aegean
Coast life
Lazy days and candlelit dinners

This rugged Aegean beauty, the southernmost of the Cyclades, is famed for its sunsets, wine and the turquoise sea that surrounds it.

From its terrifying birth in the apocalyptic volcanic explosion of 1450 BC to the snow-white cubist villas hugging its sheer cliffs, Santorini (also known as Thira) is arguably the most dramatic of all the Greek islands. Barhoppers and gourmets will love its lively tavernas and outstanding restaurants, where just-landed fish is always on the menu. Shopping urges can be similarly sated in the glamorous little town of Oia, with its smart jewellery boutiques and cute narrow streets. Take a hotel room facing the vast volcanic bay (the caldera) and, as you watch ships criss-cross below, you’ll realise that you’re looking at one of the most awe-inspiring, and romantic, views on the planet.

Suitably Santorini

Santorini has the oldest vineyards in Europe, producing mostly white wine – and surprisingly good it is, too. They are scattered all over the island. One of the most welcoming is the Santo winery, close to Pirigas, where for a few euros you get a tour and a tasting of some choice bottles.

Local knowledge

Taxis
Order one by phone or pick one up at a designated rank.

Tipping culture
No big tipping culture, but ten per cent is always nice. Taxis don’t expect a tip. It’s good form to tip the hotel staff at the end of your stay – a bit of cash in an envelope will be appreciated.

Packing tips
Comfy shoes and an oxygen mask for smokers – your hotel is likely to be on the side of a steep cliff, which makes for lots of marching up and down stairs. In the middle of summer it gets very hot but cools down considerably come the evening; bring something to throw over your shoulders.

Recommended reads
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin or Birds Without Wings, both by Louis de Bernières. If you’re feeling intellectual, try Plato’s The Republic – the Greek philosopher speculated that Santorini was created by the volcanic explosion that destroyed the lost city of Atlantis.

Cuisine
Classic Greek food such as cheese pie, hummus and tzatziki, meatballs, barbecued meat and, especially in these parts, lots of fresh seafood.

Currency
Euro.

Dialling codes
Code for Greece: 30. Santorini: 22860.

Do go/don't go
The high season is April through to October, but if you can find a hotel out of season you’ll see the real Greece. Our reviewer travelled there in the second week of October and described it as ‘quiet, but busy enough to give the restaurants a good buzz'.