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If you’re seeking stunning island vistas and unique experiences, you may want to consider Santorini, a volcanic marvel of an island offering an otherworldly landscape and chic resorts. Longtime tour guide and local Kostas Sakavaras gives us some insider inspiration.
Santorini enjoys a Mediterranean cuisine and climate, whitewashed buildings, light blue waters, and a vibe that’s equal parts relaxing and invigorating. For these reasons, the Greek island is at the top of many vacation bucket lists. And when you consider that its jagged landscape was born from a 3,000-year-old volcanic eruption, the fact that it even exists seems like a stroke of cosmic magic.
Here, licensed tour guide and Santorini local Kostas Sakavaras shares the island’s history, must-visit restaurants and beaches, and best spots for social media-worthy views. After all, this is the land of iconic, cliffside buildings, pools set against panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, and outdoor terraces where smiling, sun-kissed travelers enjoy crisp white wine and fresh octopus.
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The jaw-dropping view from the Canaves Oia Suites
It’s easy to forget your cares lounging in the sun atop Santorini’s cliffs. Case in point: The Canaves Oia Suites transforms Oia’s cliffside caves into elegant luxury, with extraordinary spas and private room terraces designed to capture the Aegean sunsets. The minimalist, all-white decor is the perfect blank canvas for the stunning caldera views.
If you’re looking to get away from Oia and the tourist crowds, check out the newcomer NOŪS Santorini, situated in a tiny cliffside village just 10 minutes from the capital. Featuring the largest infinity pool on the island, this resort also sets itself apart with organic architecture and decor that, along with the fitness, massage and beauty experiences, holistically express wellness. The hotel’s spa offers even more tranquility away from the Santorini bustle because treatments are included with your room charge.
Also scattered around Oia and neighboring Foinikia is Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, a group of hotels cultivating a more intimate experience. With only 18 cliffside suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa offers personalized service, such as delivering a full breakfast to your private terrace overlooking the caldera or curating a private picnic in a beautiful spot for you and your loved ones.
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Mouthwatering moussaka at Metaxi Mas
“Santorini offers a distinct culinary tradition, featuring specialties like fava, white eggplant, tomato fritters, and world-class wines,” Sakavaras says. And its restaurants offer a range of vibes from casual to more refined, with something for everyone in your party. For a beachy dining vibe, visit Seaside Santorini, set against the black volcanic sands of the Agios Georgios beach. Sit under a straw umbrella and watch the fishing boats in action: Sakavaras is loyal to the linguini seafood and calamari carbonara, two dishes that exemplify the best of the local seas. Since many of Santorini’s restaurants, including Seaside Santorini, are seasonal, always call ahead before heading there.
Foodies searching for a gem off the beaten tourist path must try Metaxi Mas, a Cretan-owned restaurant in the tiny southern village of Exo Gonia. Here, Sakavaras loves the moussaka and traditional black cod salad.
Make sure a meal at Selene is part of your experience. Housed in a gorgeous former nunnery in Fira, this restaurant—the island’s longest standing fine dining establishment—features a menu that modernizes Santorini’s seafood cuisine, such as the perfectly balanced squid and fava risotto. Sakavaras suggests the artful caramel sphere for dessert.
Save an evening for a tasting at Vassaltis Vineyards, a new arrival with exciting wines that are all made from indigenous grape varieties (like Assyrtiko). Linger a while in the stylish tasting room where chefs pair wines with excellent fresh mezzes.
Join a nighttime cooking class at Petra Kouzina. A modern setting nestled in a traditional cave house, this is a memorable way to meet other travelers and learn to cook Greek classics like fava bean dip and moussaka. The hosts even present you with a cookbook at the end so you can relive your island getaway in your own kitchen.
A Vista Yachting Aqua-adventure
Start your Santorini adventure at the highest point in the capital, Fira, and marvel at the iconic, blue-domed church at its outskirts. From here, hike Sakavaras’ favorite secret trail: the coastal path around the caldera’s rim all the way to the picture-perfect village of Oia that is blessed with sweeping Aegean views. “Santorini’s diverse terrain makes it a fantastic place for hiking,” Sakavaras says.
The cliffs aren’t the only vantage point to admire the island’s beauty. Reserve a tour on a private catamaran or yacht with Vista Yachting to enjoy another perspective on the coastline. “Unique to Santorini's beaches are also the striking red and white volcanic cliffs that provide a dramatic backdrop,” Sakavaras says. “Don't miss the opportunity to explore these cliffs, especially at Red Beach and White Beach during a cruise tour.” Start your boat tour around midday and spend the afternoon snorkeling in hidden coves or soaking in volcanic hot springs. Then, lie back on the boat with a glass of local white wine (like Assyrtiko) to take in the gorgeous sunset.
Of course, you’ll want to save a day for Santorini’s famed beaches. On the island’s east coast, “Kamari Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with its black sand and waterfront promenade,” Sakavaras notes. You can also check out Ammoudi Bay a few hundred steps below Oia. Swim out to the nearby island and cliff jump into the clear waters below, or stay closer to shore and try the day’s fresh catch at one of the bay’s charming seafood restaurants.
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Kostas Sakavaras offers a profoundly personal take on the island that he calls home.
