An island-volcano embraced by the Aegean sea
Santorini
The power of this volcanic island creates an energy that overwhelms the senses
Santorini erupts with charm. A volcano embraced by the Aegean, this island-phenomenon in the Cyclades gives its visitors a mythical experience.
Santorini – also known as Thera in Greek – is the island immortalized by poets and painters, thanks to its celebrated light, multi-coloured cliffs and picture-perfect sunsets. On this island all senses are magnified, a product of its many contrasts: black earth against whitewashed homes clinging to the cliffside, or wild volcanic sculptures against sleek Cycladic lines.
Welcome to the Aegean, to one of the most beautiful islands in the world and one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Welcome to Santorini!
What to do in Santorini?
A walk along with the volcano of Nea Kameni
Red and black rocks create a wild landscape around the crater on Nea Kameni, a small island at the centre of the caldera. From the top of a volcano with a 2.5 million-year history, you have an incredible view of the caldera. The myth that Santorini is the ancient city of Atlantis, which submerged over 9,500 years ago, comes to life before your eyes.
A spa in the Aegean Sea
If you don’t have a boat, you can easily rent one or hop on a day cruise at Athinio, Gialos or Ammoudi, and take a tour around the caldera. Discover the churches built into caves and the old stairs used for mining excavations along the cliffs. On the small island of Palia Kameni, if you dare, you can dive into the thermal waters that form a volcanic spa.
Get your feet onto higher ground
Holidays in the villages of the caldera are one of a kind, with extraordinary cave-like houses grouped together in volcanic soil. Enjoy a leisurely stroll from Fira to Firostefani and Imerovigli. The more adventurous can challenge themselves by taking the path to Oia, passing the Prophet Elijah’s Church, the Chapel of the Cross and the Black Mountain, which is iridescent at sunset, all of which makes a walk that defies description.
Summertime and the living is easy
Santorini is one of the most luxurious destinations in Greece. Plunge into one of the infinity pools that flirt with the edge of the cliff, the Aegean laid out in front of you in all its glory. Relax on a sunbed, refreshing cocktail in your hand. Enjoy a massage in your suite and a dip in your jacuzzi.
Candle-lit terraces glimmer when the sun dips behind the volcano. An intimate dinner for two, paired with a fine wine from a world-renowned volcanic vineyard and views of the caldera. Holidays at Santorini’s luxurious hotels and restaurants will certainly bring your dreams to life.
The Pompeii of the Aegean
Akrotiri is a prehistoric city that lies beneath a bioclimatic shelter. Walking over wooden bridges you will encounter one of the most important and well-preserved civilisations in the Mediterranean, which was covered by the ashes of the great volcanic eruption of 1600 B.C. Visit the museum of Prehistoric Thera, at Fira, to admire its famous frescoes, among them Spring, The Monkeys and The African. A world frozen in time awaits you.
Santorini’s gastronomy
The cuisine here boasts extraordinary ingredients thanks to the nutrient-rich volcanic soil. Amongst the island’s specialities are its world-famous sun-dried cherry tomatoes, fava beans (split peas), capers, and white eggplant. Santorini’s chefs are always experimenting with local products, combining traditional recipes with modern gastronomy, and making the island a top culinary destination in the Aegean.
Swim with nature
The island is lined with unique beaches in exotic colours of black, red, and white, a product of their volcanic sand. At Kokkini Paralia (Red Beach), Aspri Paralia (White Beach), Perivolos, Perissa and Kamari, the volcanic earth creates immortal works of art. Comfortable sunbeds, hammocks, cocktails and delicious snacks await you at all of the organised beaches of Santorini.
Volcanic love
Imagine your wedding and honeymoon in Santorini with the caldera and volcano as a backdrop. In the courtyards of the island’s churches and on the terraces of the hotels and restaurants, the island offers couples a real-life fairytale wedding venue each year.
Hidden gems of Santorini!
The wineries of Finikia
TA stone’s throw from cosmopolitan Oia, you will discover the multicoloured hamlet of Finikia. These old wineries have been converted into homes that are not your typical Cycladic stonewash white but rather are painted in ochre, blue, and pink, and provide a beautiful contrast against the dark blue background of the Aegean. Walk the cobblestone streets, take a rest in the courtyard of St Matrona, with its huge palm tree, and taste the local delicacies in the area’s tavernas.
The mediaeval capital
The commanding conical rock of Skaros, visible from Fira and Imerovigli, is situated 330m above sea level. Here you will discover the mediaeval capital of Santorini. Within the Venetian castle, you will find houses, temples and the former residences of the nobility. Climb to the top and the entire panorama of the caldera – from Oia to Fira – unfolds in front of your eyes.
A private sunset
If you prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, enjoy the sunset in Skaros at Imerovigli, in Kato Fira, or at the lighthouse of Akrotiri.
Scuba-diving in volcanic waters
Explore the mysterious depths of the Aegean: Cape Tripiti in Thirassia, the shipwreck at Taxiarchis, Palia Kameni, Adiavatis reef, the caves at Mesa Pigadia and the “Indian rock” in Akrotiri.
The taste of ancient vineyards
It’s time to invoke the spirit of Dionysus! Try the one-of-a-kind whites and reds of Santorini, especially the renowned Vinsanto from the volcanic vineyards that are over 3,200 years old.
Lessons in Santorini’s gastronomy
Enrol on one of the many culinary classes on offer and learn to make Santorini’s rich and varied delicacies, such as tomato patties, sfougato, melitinia and sweet koufeto.
One of the most beautiful and famous Greek islands invites you to unveil its secrets together.
Boats
Featured
Hanse 508 – 6cab – Neraida
Hanse 508: Smarter, more elegant, and more comfortable than ever. The innovative new Hanse 508 is the perfect yacht for relaxed blue water sailing, with its progressive design and one of the most thrilling performance levels of its class. With a fascinating interior and an exceptionally diverse range of clever customization options. Hanse 508 lives up to the highest standards of flexibility, style, and quality of life. Let yourself be amazed by excellent luxury.
Hanse 508 – 6cab – Andros
Hanse 508: Smarter, more elegant, and more comfortable than ever. The innovative new Hanse 508 is the perfect yacht for relaxed blue water sailing, with its progressive design and one of the most thrilling performance levels of its class. With a fascinating interior and an exceptionally diverse range of clever customization options. Hanse 508 lives up to the highest standards of flexibility, style, and quality of life. Let yourself be amazed by excellent luxury.
Hanse 418 – 3cab – Anyma
Hanse 418: Break the rules "Breaking rules and setting trends" is the motto of Hanse and the 418 most certainly lives up to this promise. With large hull windows offering great views over the water, a glass companionway with complementing glass skylights at either side, the light inside the 418 is breathtaking. The interior is also laid out to maximize the living space within.
Hanse 458 – 4cab – Bellatrix
Hanse 418: Break the rules "Breaking rules and setting trends" is the motto of Hanse and the 418 most certainly lives up to this promise. With large hull windows offering great views over the water, a glass companionway with complementing glass skylights at either side, the light inside the 418 is breathtaking. The interior is also laid out to maximize the living space within.
Hanse 388 – 3cab – Orca
SPORTY SAILING PLEASURE ACROSS THE BOARD. THE HANSE 388 An exceptional yacht that stands for sailing pleasure without compromise, the Hanse 388 provides pleasure in enjoyment, sun, water, and wide views. And in a comfortable life on board with lots of space, in carefree and dynamic sailing. On this innovative yacht, everything is possible. And it looks outrageously gorgeous.
Hanse 508 – 6cab – Moby Dick
Hanse 508: Smarter, more elegant, and more comfortable than ever. The innovative new Hanse 508 is the perfect yacht for relaxed blue water sailing, with its progressive design and one of the most thrilling performance levels of its class. With a fascinating interior and an exceptionally diverse range of clever customization options. Hanse 508 lives up to the highest standards of flexibility, style, and quality of life. Let yourself be amazed by excellent luxury.
Lagoon 42 – 4+2cab – Zoe
THE FINEST CRUISING EXPERIENCE Innovative design is a strong suit of Lagoon's and the 42 is where performance and comfort have come together in harmony. Created with a unique approach that still traditionally aligns with Lagoon Catamarans, the 42 reveals a new, organic approach in the search for harmony between its living space and people aboard.
Bali 4.1 – 4+2cab – Micha
The BALI 4.1 picks up on all the innovations which have been so successful with the BALI 4.0
Hanse 508 – 6cab – Quantum Wave
Hanse 508: Smarter, more elegant, and more comfortable than ever. The innovative new Hanse 508 is the perfect yacht for relaxed blue water sailing, with its progressive design and one of the most thrilling performance levels of its class. With a fascinating interior and an exceptionally diverse range of clever customization options. Hanse 508 lives up to the highest standards of flexibility, style, and quality of life. Let yourself be amazed by excellent luxury.
Bavaria Cruiser 41 – 3cab – Leonidas
Bavaria Cruiser 41: Perfect sailing fun. Whether you want to go on a relaxing holiday cruise with your family, take a short break with friends or just spend a few days alone as a couple – welcome to the CRUISER 41, welcome to a whole lot of fun. The CRUISER 41 is available in a 3-cabin version.
Bavaria Cruiser 46 – 4cab – Oceanos
Bavaria Cruiser 46: Clever concept. The jury said: “European Yacht of the Year 2015”. We say: that comes as no surprise! That is because you would be hard-pressed to find another sailing yacht in its class that offers more space, more comfort, more luxury if you want it, and is also this easy to handle.
Hanse 458 – 4cab – Oreo
Hanse 458: STYLE – DESIGN – PERFORMANCE The New Hanse 458 is the latest addition to the 8 Series and delivers all that one would expect from the Hanse Yard. Spacious and stylish interiors, coupled with a wealth of innovative and ingenious features promise to make the Hanse 458 the leading contender in her size range.
