Destination No. 07 — Cyclades, Greece
Santorini
A sunken volcano whose rim one inhabits.
Santorini rests on geology that cannot be repeated: a collapsed crater, three hundred metres of cliff, villages clinging to it. That explains the photographs — and the crowds between eleven and six, while the ships are in.
So our advice here is always about timing: rise early, spend the morning outside, stay in through midday and move south for the evening, where Akrotiri, the vineyards and the dark beaches are. Handled that way, the island remains what it is famous for.
Why we like this place
Three reasons
01
Because the light over the caldera in late afternoon really is what you have seen.
02
Because the volcanic wines — Assyrtiko, trained in baskets — are among the most singular in Europe.
03
Because Oia and Fira are only part of the island; the south is quiet and agricultural.
For planning
- Best time to visit
- May to mid-June, late September to October
- Spring and autumn bring gentler light and far fewer people. July and August are hot, bright and busy. October is our preferred month: warm sea, empty paths, open wineries.
- Suggested length
- Two to three nights
- Santorini is a strong opening but rarely the whole journey. Two or three nights are enough; spend the rest of the week on a quieter island.
What do travellers overlook on Santorini?
That the island has two faces. The caldera is the reason to come, but the eastern side with its vineyards and quiet villages carries the stay. Second: cruise ships set the rhythm of Oia. If you want the sunset there, skip the famous spot and walk two lanes further on.
Noted by Pure Voyage
Pure Voyage Atlas
Where this leads
The Atlas connects what belongs together: the region, the collections, the right season and the houses that sit within the same story.
Within These Collections
The Region
Where we stay
Addresses in this region
On Santorini we favour small houses on the caldera rim and a few calm addresses in the south — the choice depends heavily on the season.
Related collections
From the Collection
Continue through Pure Voyage
Where to go from here
Not a catalogue, but a next step: the houses, routes, countries and essays we would mention at this point in a conversation.
Hotels
Addresses that belong beside this page.
Journeys
Routes that open up this region.
Recommendations
What we suggest for this occasion.
Journal
Further reading before you decide.
An Invitation
Once a month: hotels, new openings and travel ideas
One hotel that convinced us, with our advice on suite and season. The openings that actually matter. And a destination at its best right now. No offers, no advertising.