Sunset at Oia
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[0.6 miles]
Watch the sunset at Oia and marvel at the changing colours of the rocky cliffs as the sun dips below the horizon.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 1-2 hours
Best places to stay:
There are few places on Earth that leave you speechless. The whitewashed village of Oia, perched high above Santorini’s spectacular caldera is one, and there is no better place to experience it than this pioneering cave-style hotel. Built on a slope under draperies of bougainvillea and a labyrinth of steps (bellboys carry your luggage), this is the standard-bearer of luxury cave hotels on Santorini.
The caves (or ‘canavas’ in local terminology) were originally dome-shaped wine cellars dug into the volcanic rock.
Andronis pioneered their conversion to suites that acknowledge local tradition, while providing sumptuous comfort: individual caldera-facing balconies with jacuzzis, Nespresso machines and bluetooth speakers – plus, amazingly, fast wifi with a router in every cave suite.
The Lycabettus restaurant, set on a balcony-like protuberance, is among the top three on the island, earning Greek Toques d’Or aplenty, under chefs Pavlos Kyriakos and Nikos Livadias. Their menu degustation is best enjoyed with their premium wine pairing.
Andronis lies at the heart of Oia; surrounded by other luxury hotels, all housed in the village’s trademarked whitewashed buildings.
The surrounding steps and alleyways are hugely picturesque and draped in bougainvillea. It’s a vertiginous place though, so take flat, comfortable shoes.
Oia is the top destination on Santorini; glitzy, ritzy, atelier-heavy and glamorous in the best St-Tropez tradition. It’s also renowend for its mesmerising sunsets. The village is Santorini’s biggest draw, so expect crowds of tourists as soon as you step outside of the door, although they do start to dissipate a little after sunset.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[0.6 miles]
Watch the sunset at Oia and marvel at the changing colours of the rocky cliffs as the sun dips below the horizon.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 1-2 hours
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[6.9 miles]
Arguably the most memorable hike in the Aegean, this easy 6-mile trek on the rim of the Santorini caldera offers precipitous views and mesmerising landscapes.
Best for ages: 16+ | Free | 4-5 hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[0.5 miles]
Antiquarian bookshop in Oia with many rare first editions some on sale for over £1,000, attracting clients from all over the world. Just walking through the doors feels like visiting a museum of books.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[6.9 miles]
A small archaeological museum stuffed with frescoes and figurines from Bronze Age Akrotiri. Furniture and figurines, tools and weapons, seals and ceramic vessels all reveal aspects of how the inhabitants lived thousands of years ago.
Best for ages: 18+ | £3
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[10.2 miles]
This small but interesting museum outside Kamari offers great insights regarding Santorini’s unique viniculture: and 400 years if wine-making history. You can sample the winery’s offerings, too. Here the vines are twisted into crown-shaped baskets so the grapes are protected from harsh winter winds.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[10.6 miles]
The Chapel of Theoskepasti, suspended between sea and sky in a nook on Skaros rock, is a spectacular spot to watch the sunset. Enjoy with a bottle of chilled Assyrtiko.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Greek Islands, Greece
Incredible volcanic scenery, enchanting cave hotels, fine wines and memorable sunsets equal heaven for romantics.