For an unforgettable stay in a boutique hotel, Santorini is your first port of call. An island of spectacular vistas, with a submerged volcano – the caldera – taking centre stage. Around the caldera, cliffs rise to 300metres, with traditional Greek villages nestled amongst the rocks – the whites and blues of the rooftops contrasting beautifully with the dark volcanic landscape.When it comes to luxury holidays, Santorini has it covered.
FOOD & DRINK
With very little rainfall during the summer, and the island’s volcanic ash soil, Santorini’s produce has a flavour all of its own. Look out for Santorini tomatoes, which have an intense taste, or the white aubergines. The local vines are ancient and produce a strong dessert wine known as Vinsanto.
SPORTS
There’s plenty to do on Santorini with waterskiing, diving, kayaking and even cave snorkelling available to experience. You can also hire a luxury catamaran to call in at secluded beaches on nearby islands. And, of course, the steep walls of the caldera make the island a favourite with rock climbers too.
HISTORY
Santorini gained its present shape due to a massive volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago. Just like Pompeii, the eruption froze a moment in time, and on a visit to Akrotiri you’ll be able to see the remains of a prehistoric Minoan town, captured in ash forever.
There is an airport on Santorini, but the best way to arrive on the island is by boat – you’ll have a stunning view of the distinctive lava cliffs.