Worth getting out of bed for
Get up early and follow the winding caldera cliff path into Oia. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira at Fira (+30 22860 23217) and the castle in Pyrgos. Ask Avaton’s staff to book you on a boat ride. Get into the Bacchanalian spirit with a trip to the Koutsoyannopoulos Winery (www.volcanwines.gr/mainen.html). Go beach hopping: pick from Pori, Perivolos, Perissa, Koloumbo or Kamari. Vlychada beach has dramatic cliffs lurking behind the sand, Red Beach has striking ruby-hued grains and Monolithos is a good family-friendly option. Pick up paintings and jewellery in Oia and the island’s capital, Fira.
Local restaurants
Sample experimental Greek cuisine at Koukoumavlos (+30 22860 23807; www.koukoumavlos.eu) in Fira. Food is pricey, reflecting the menu’s dash of Heston-style daring: parmesan or cucumber ice-cream, bergamot-flavoured mash, veal cheeks with mango, and the ilk. The Ginger Sushi Lounge (+30 22860 21335; www.santorinisushi.com) at St. Gerasimos, Firostefani, serves delicious fishy nibbles and ice-cold crisp wine. There’s also a little garden, designed for leisurely cocktail sipping. Continuing the global theme, Classico (+30 22860 34245) at Kamari Beach serves sophisticated Italian fare, with nods to the local diet.
Local bars
Cassablanca (+30 22860 23157) in Firostefani is a club-bar-restaurant hybrid that manages to fulfil each of its three functions with aplomb. Food is simple and flavoursome, the bar serves giddy cocktails, and the club delivers on atmosphere and anthems.
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A €100 gift voucher to spend at Babalu Art and Jewellery in Fira
