Santorini holidays

Santorini is home to a number of dishes you won’t find anywhere else, including chlorotyri, an island-produced cheese. Made in limited batches, this creamy goat’s cheese can be found (if you’re lucky) in Santorini tavernas where it’s best enjoyed with bread, or in a Greek salad. Another dish specific to the island is fava. Despite the name, this creamy concoction is made with yellow split peas grown in Santorini’s volcanic-rich soil, and comes with Protected Designation of Origin status. Fava is typically served warm, and dressed with olive oil. Made only in Santorini, apochiti is another must-try on your culinary adventure to the island. Pork loin is cured in salt and vinegar, then left to air dry, before being coated in black pepper and cinnamon. Apochiti makes a great accompaniment to Vassanos, a red wine produced on the island.

Red Beach is perhaps the most spectacular in Santorini. So called because of the red-tinted cliffs behind the beach, it’s an idyllic place to spend an afternoon. The water is see-through clear, making Red Beach a top spot for snorkelling, and you’ll find a scattering of sun beds and parasols for hire. Santorini’s most famous black sand beach, Perissa beach comes with vivid blue water, and steep, dramatic cliffs. At just under 2 miles long, you won’t be lacking in space to lay down your towel, and for active types, there are a number of fun water sports on offer, including wakeboarding and parasailing. One of the island’s most popular stretches, Blue Flag-awarded Kamari beach offers miles of volcanic sand, crystalline blue waters, and plenty of facilities. You’ll find water sports, changing rooms, and a long boardwalk with cafes for midday refreshments.

Iconic blue domes: Having seen the famous blue domes in every picture of Santorini, no doubt you’ll want to see them for yourself. Located in the hilltop village of Oia, the domes form part of Anastasi Church, built in 1865. The viewing point gets busy during peak season, so if you’re after some tourist-free photos, it’s best to arrive early for that perfect snap.

Windmills: The windmills are also an important part of the island, traditionally used to grind flour. There are 70 to find in Santorini, dotted around the volcanic landscape. Luckly, you won’t have to go far to see them – there are a handful in capital Fira, and in the popular village of Oia.

Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral: Another stunning sight you won’t want to miss is the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. This iconic whitewashed building features an impressive bell tower, and a series of archways forming a shaded courtyard. Inside, you’ll discover beautiful frescoes, and intricate stained glass windows.

Oia: One of the best spots to witness the spectacular Santorini sunset is at the castle ruins in Oia. Here, you’ll get extra-special views overlooking the village’s blue domes and whitewashed buildings. This vantage point does get busy during the summer – head down towards the centre of the village to enjoy the sunset without the crowds.

Fira: Another prime position for sunset watching is from the terraced bars of Fira. What could be better than sipping on a cocktail as the sun disappears beneath the Aegean? If you don’t fancy stopping for a drink, you can always view the sunset from one of the many pathways in the village.

Akrotiri: In Santorini’s southwest, Akrotiri Lighthouse stands in a commanding position over the ocean. While it takes a little effort to get to, visitors are rewarded with incredible sunsets and magnificent high-up views. As a bonus, the location of the lighthouse makes it less crowded that many of the more popular locations.