Discover Santorini: Unveil Ancient Wonders and Breathtaking Beaches

A tumultuous volcanic eruption nearly 4,000 years ago ensured that the scenic Greek island of Santorini is steeped in rich history. Some historians believe that a Bronze Age settlement, now known as Akrotiri, which was blanketed in volcanic ash, is the lost city of Atlantis that the philosopher Plato spoke of in his famous Dialogues. Santorini is home to ancient villages, plush resorts, and stunning volcanic beaches that are ideal for relaxing and exploring.

If you’re a history buff, exploring the ruins of Akrotiri is an absolute must. The ancient town of Akrotiri is located to the south of the modern village of Akrotiri. Much like the Italian city of Pompeii, Akrotiri is remarkably well-preserved due to a thick layer of volcanic ash. Thankfully, Akrotiri was evacuated prior to the eruption, so only artifacts such as a single gold ibex, some colorful frescoes, and a collection of impressive pottery remain among the crumbling buildings. Visitors can tour the once magnificent ancient trade center of Akrotiri in a climate-controlled room with paved walkways.

No trip to Santorini is complete without exploring one of the island’s striking volcanic beaches. Visitors can alternate between relaxing on red, black, or white volcanic sand and soaking in the Aegean Sea. Serenity Kayak offers tours of Santorini’s stunning volcanic terrain. Tour participants can snorkel in the shadow of Black Mountain, cliff jump off sheer cliffs at White Beach, and enjoy an orzo and seafood picnic at sunset.

The charming hilltop village of Pyrgos is less touristy than the rest of Santorini but still offers breathtaking architecture and sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. Visitors can climb to the site of Pyrgos Kallistis Castle—a former Venetian Castle. Pyrgos Kallistis Castle isn’t much more than a pile of rubble, but the foundation of the castle is one of the best places to see one of Santorini’s legendary sunsets. Pyrgos is also home to plenty of stunning examples of Cycladic architecture, which is inspired by the blue and white hues of the sea and the sand that surround Santorini. The streets of Old Town are car-free, so Pyrgos is a wonderful place to wander if you don’t mind traversing steep streets.

One of the finest accommodations in Santorini is 9 Muses—an elegant 5-star resort located near a black sand beach in Perivolos. Visitors can enjoy luxurious rooms that overlook a palm tree-lined swimming pool, a deluxe spa that offers massages, and a meal at an in-house restaurant that serves dishes prepared with local produce. Perivolos is an excellent starting point to enjoy Santorini’s most impressive natural and historical wonders, even if you are only spending a day or two on the island.

Greece is celebrated for its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and magnificent historical sites. The island of Santorini is one of the most scenic places to enjoy the very best of Greek history and culture. A rejuvenating getaway on the shores of the Aegean Sea makes for a magnificent graduation trip, honeymoon, or summer vacation.