Santorini Villa Rentals

Officially known as Thira, tiny, gorgeous Santorini is quite the head-turner. With soaring coastal cliffs topped with pristine, whitewashed buildings, when it comes to Instagram-worthy destinations, this Aegean gem tops our list for a luxury villa vacation. Part of the Cyclades island group, and halfway between Athens and Crete, this island is known for its panoramic vistas, picture-perfect sunsets and gorgeous volcanic sand beaches. A popular stop for every Greek island-hopping traveller, it hosts roughly 1.5 million tourists every year.

Must See Events & Places

https://hostedvillas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/shutterstock-424120906-1.jpgWalk from Fira to OiaThis 10km/6-mile walk is one of the best things to do on the island – the views are absolutely incredible. The trek is fairly simple but it takes between 2 and 5 hours. Be sure to start early before it gets too hot.

https://hostedvillas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/shutterstock-1285358932.jpgWatch the sun go downGrab any waterfront seat come sundown and just sit back and enjoy the view. Many people flock to Oia watch the sunset but really there is no bad view here – find a spot anywhere on the caldera and watch the magic.

https://hostedvillas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/shutterstock-506209222-1-e1548883999183.jpgWine-tastingSantorini’s wine are dry whites and the unfortified dessert wine known as Vinsanto. About a dozen local vineyards host tastings and it’s a fun and easy way to see the island away from the caldera.

https://hostedvillas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/shutterstock-334645436-1-e1548885815146.jpgHelicopter tourFor some absolutely stunning views, hop aboard a helicopter and explore Santorini, the volcano, the caldera, and all the villages perched along the cliff.

https://hostedvillas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/shutterstock-342763475-1-e1548885842968.jpgExplore the towns of Pyrgos and EmborioThese 2 historical towns feature a maze of walkways and alleys. Pyrgos is built on a hill with an old castle on top. Emborio is flat and smaller, but both offer plenty of opportunities to get happily lost.

https://hostedvillas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/shutterstock-1011331978-1-e1548884483513.jpgSantorini Jazz FestivalAt this annual summer festival, famous performers from the Greek or international scene take centre stage attracting lovers of jazz music from the world over. Held in July.

Santorini by boat

This is one of the best ways to explore Santorini. Explore the volcano and its craters, check out the hot springs, get a close-up view of the cliffs and enjoy prime seating for the sunset.

Hit the beach

From the red sand of Red Beach to the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari, Santorini’s unique beaches are enchanting. Perissa is the best beach for kids, just be sure to bring some aqua socks as it can get scorching hot in the afternoon.

Santorini Water Park

Simple but fun, the water park at Perissa beach features 3 pools, 3 waterslides, and a kids’ play area.

The ancient ruins of Akrotiri

These ruins belong to an ancient civilization that was buried by an earthquake in the middle of the 2nd millennium BC. Excavation started in 1867 and there’s now a museum that shows the buildings and artifacts that remained intact.

Cable car from Old Port to Fira

From May to October, a cable car runs every 20 minutes from water’s edge to clifftop. It costs 4€ for adults and 2€ for children and is a fun ride for the kids.