Things To Do in Santorini : Day Trips, Shopping & Restaurants : Santorini Travel Guides

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Offering a good mix of sightseeing and water sports activities, Santorini appeals to both artistic and athletic types. Culture vultures will appreciate the archaeological sites, characteristic Cycladic architecture, and modern art galleries, while outdoor types will find sandy beaches and a multitude of water sports activities. The most common way to get around the island is by taxi (stands are located at Fira’s main square). Rates are fixed between destinations rather than metered. In addition, cars and scooters can be rented.

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Although the Akrotiri archaeological site is likely to remain closed through 2009, you can see finds from this ancient Minoan town, which was buried below lava in the 17th-century BC, at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. Highlights include painted ceramics and frescoes depicting swallows, antelopes, monkeys, and women in Minoan dress.

Behind the main church; Thira, Santorini; 011-30-22860-23217

Santorini is known for the busy black-sand beaches of Kamari and Perissa. To escape the crowds, head for Vlychada (Vlihada) on the south coast. This long, gray-sand beach is backed by dramatic pumice stone cliffs that were sculpted into bizarre formations by the elements. It’s peaceful and unspoiled (and nudist-friendly toward the west end).

Vlychada, on Santorini’s southern tip, west of Perivolos; Perissa, Santorini

Santorini’s underwater caldera offers fascinating opportunities for diving enthusiasts. Santorini Dive Center has a base near Akrotiri, affording fast and easy access to the caldera and the volcano, plus the chance to explore nearby underwater caves, reefs, and wrecks. At their second base, in Perissa, they run a two-hour Discover Scuba program for beginners.

Caldera beach; Akrotiri, Santorini; www.divecenter.gr

Greece is a haven for sailing. Santorini Sailing Center offers privately available sailboats, speedboats and catamarans, each with a skipper, by the hour or by the day. They can also arrange bespoke luxury private cruises around the caldera or to neighboring islands such as Anafi and Ios.

Vlychada marina; Perissa, Santorini; 011-30-22860-23891; www.sailingsantorini.com

Santorini produces some of Greece’s best white wines. The winemaking museum at the Koutsouannopoulos Vineyard (open 10am-8pm) traces the history of wine production on the island from 1660 onwards, with waxwork figures and reconstructions of working machinery. Personal audio tours are available in ten languages. And yes, it’s possible to taste the wines!

Koutsouannopoulos Winery; On the road from the port to Kamari; Kamari, Santorini; 011-30-22860-31322; www.volcanwines.gr

From April through October, this small gallery stages exhibitions focusing on contemporary Greek and foreign artists. Located in a late-19th-century winery – converted into a gallery in 1999 – the exhibitions are staged in two large cavernous kanaves (wine cellars) carved out of pumice rock.

Exo Gonia village (between Kamari and Pyrgos); Kamari, Santorini; 011-30-22860-32774; www.artspace-santorini.com

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