Known as a honeymooner’s paradise, Santorini is a Greek island famed for its multi-colored cliffs and dramatic landscape caused by volcanic eruptions hundreds of years ago. Surrounded by black, red and white sand beaches, Santorini is considered as one of the greatest spectacles of the Mediterranean. With its unique views and romantic sunsets, it’s no wonder that Santorini is a firm favorite for couples and should definitely be on the shortlist for your next holiday. Intrigued? Here are our top tips for a romantic getaway to Santorini!
GETTING AROUND
The island’s local bus service runs from the central station in Fira and will take you to various locations around Santorini until midnight. However, be aware that the bus doesn’t run to a schedule, so you never quite know when the next bus will be. Also, you will be restricted to certain destinations only. For those who want to explore the island more extensively, private car hire may be a better idea. Not only will this give you the flexibility to go wherever you please, the privacy of having a couple’s road trip against the beautiful backdrop of Santorini is far more romantic.
A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET HIKE
The 9km hike between Fira and Oia is a must-do for everyone! With gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea, Santorini’s famous volcano, and all the major villages on the island, this 4-hour hike is one of the best ways to experience Santorini. Your destination – Oia – is the island’s most picturesque village, filled with cotton-colored houses and churches with blue domes. It’s also the best spot in Santorini to watch the sunset together; this can get very busy with other tourists so get there early for a good spot – rooftops and hilltops give a particularly good vantage point.
GO DIVING TOGETHER
From the top of the island to the bottom, diving is not only exhilarating but it’s also the best way to discover the secrets of Santorini’s hidden underworld. With teaching available for all levels, book an excursion day with a guide for the best experience.
ONE-OF-A-KIND BEACH HOPPING
Of course, no Greek trip would be complete without visiting a beach, and Santorini has a host of unique beaches including a red beach, black beach, and white beach. Perfect for a lazy afternoon enjoying each other’s company and working on your tan.
VOLCANO TOURS
For more relaxation, Santorini’s volcano has both hot springs and mud baths. Deliciously hot, these natural springs are said to have exceptional health benefits for our bodies. For an extra dose of romance, take your volcanic tour at sunset.
WHERE TO STAY
Just like any vacation, where you choose to stay can really set the tone for your entire holiday. If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury, with the convenience of room service and housekeeping, then a hotel is the best option.
If on the other hand, you want to really immerse yourself in the local island life, you could rent one of Santorini’s iconic whitewashed villas instead. You might not be able to get room service, but the privacy and private pool will more than make up for it. Plus, you can even try your hand at cooking some of the local cuisines.
WHERE TO EAT
Just like its unique landscape, Santorini is known for its distinctive cuisine – largely due to the volcanic soil on the island giving locally grown foods different flavors. Expect to see ingredients such as white aubergine, yellow split peas and vinsánto (a dessert wine made from raisins) to be on the menus.
Known for serving the best seafood in Santorini, To Psaraki also has superb views over a yacht-filled port. Daily specials give you the freshest seafood imaginable and the restaurant also has an extensive list of local wines that can even be bought by the liter.
For a reasonably priced meal, Estia serves mainstream foods at competitive prices. Expect to munch on fried courgettes, lamb, and other traditional Greek foods. The owner is usually on-site too to explain the menu to tourists and advise what to try.
For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a candlelit dinner overlooking the volcano.
Ultimately, a romantic getaway isn’t about spending lots of money, it’s about spending time together, away from the stresses of day-to-day life. It doesn’t matter if you spend your afternoon getting a couple’s massage or simply hiking hand-in-hand – Santorini is the perfect romantic getaway for every couple.
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