subject: The Greek Islands, Santorini [print this page] Santorini lives up to its reputation for romance, sophistication, unforgettable views and world-famous sunsets. Holidays in Santorini are based on an astonishingly beautiful island in the Cyclades, 65 miles north of Crete. Santorini features a truly unforgettable, volcanic landscape with an amazing flooded crater. It also offers wonderfully picturesque villages with charming, blue-domed churches and sparkling, white cube houses set on steep cliffs. Spectacular locations are a memorable part of Santorini, particularly the amazing villages clustered along the rim of the crater like Imerovigli and Oia.
Stylish cafes, trendy bars and fashionable boutiques have given Santorini a decidedly upmarket reputation, but nowadays there are holidays to suit all budgets and tastes. A Holiday in Perissa is popular with younger visitors and water sports fans. More mature visitors enjoy the relaxed, cultured, cosmopolitan atmosphere found throughout the remainder of the island.
The marvellous beaches and sheer variety of coastal surroundings are what attracts so many visitors to Santorini. Sunbathing can be enjoyed on fine white, black and red sand beaches and along with deep blue seas offer unforgettable scenery. The main concentration of beach resorts is found on the eastern coast where ample water sports, restaurants and beachside facilities can be enjoyed. For more isolation, venture to the wild and remote northern shoreline which boasts long stretches of volcanic sand, rocky cliffs and secluded lagoons. The most famous beach, Kamari, is situated on the eastern side of the island and comprises of five kilometres of black sand and shingle, and is the islands most popular resort area.
After dark Santorini is not short of entertainment options with a mass of cafes, bars and live entertainment available in all major beach resorts. Upmarket cocktail lounges, traditional tavernas and bustling nightclubs are all enjoyed on a night out in Santorini and offer something to suit all tastes. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed and authentic Greek entertainment still attracts large numbers of visitors at many bars and tavernas. An early evening cocktail by the beach at sunset is an unmissable experience.
As a very cosmopolitan holiday destination, Santorini boasts wonderful shopping opportunities that should appeal to all. Trendy boutiques, quaint art shops and markets are plentiful, especially in the capital Fira. A haven for shopoholics, its narrow streets are brimming with shops selling a tremendous range of hand made jewellery, leather goods, local produce and authentic Greek artwork. Many art and craft shops will gladly make goods to order offering visitors a unique personalised souvenir of a Santorini holiday.
A former back-packer holiday destination and a favourite of Irish holidaymakers in the 80s Santorini has changed somewhat since then to become a jet setter favourite and is known as one of the most stylish islands in Greece. It is now poised to become, once again, a target for Irish holidaymakers seeking spectacular scenery, great nightlife, and easy access to all restaurants, shops and bars. Famous for its spectacular sunsets, romantic winding cobble back streets this is the island for those to who like to wine, dine, shop and stroll around in the evening. For a special holiday, Santorini is the spot!
