Explore Santorini

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Explore Santorini

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Premium Services Santorini, welcomes you to the most beautiful and unique Greek Island “Santorini”. Treasured for its natural and exquisite beauty, it has evolved over millions of years as a result of major and catastrophic volcanic eruptions and natural disasters.

Beauty filled in every corner… adorned with history… …a mesmerizing island surrounded by the blue shimmering Aegean Sea and energized by the powerful active volcano… every traditional village has a story to tell and all without exception are worthwhile you visiting.

By far the most loved, world travelled, hypnotic and cherished island of Greece is here for you waiting to be explored. Read on to disclose the highlights of this magical island now at your fingertips and together with our boutique luxury travel office, Premium Services Santorini, you will take back home unforgettable memories which you will cherish.

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The Capital Fira

Fira is by far the life and buzz of Santorini with stunning views over the caldera and volcano. Situated 260m above sea level, Fira is made up of whitewashed cave houses built into the cliff tops one on top of each other boasting Cycladic architecture and filled with narrow, cobbled pathways which lead you to a variety of hidden shops, art galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars. Enjoy the history of the island, dating back to Neolithic times as early as 4000BC by visiting in Fira, The Prehistoric Museum of Thira, the Archaeological Museum, Megaro Gyzi, Santozeum and Lignos Folklore Museum all complimenting each other. The old port ‘Skala’ is also a sight from above and can be reached either by the cable car or 600 long steps… last but not least, light a candle in the exquisite Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral first built in 1827.

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Firostefani

Is the highest point of the capital, hence its name when translated ‘Fira & Crown’ or otherwise ‘The crown of Fira’. Enjoy reaching it with a short walk from Fira town along the cliffside paths, whilst taking in the spectacular views of the caldera. Well-known for its insta blue domes, variety of restaurants and small shops.

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Imerovigli

Is possibly one of the best positioned sugar-cubed housed villages situated on the cliff tops of Santorini. It offers beautiful views of the whole of the caldera and its entrances. Famous for its protruding “Skaros Rock”, where you can find the ruins of a Venetian castle built in the 13th century which was the perfect look out for an visitors, making the name of the village quite unique when translated into English ‘Day Watch’

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Oia

The sophisticated and charming village of Oia is situated at the north tip of Santorini and exceeds all expectations. Previously known as ‘Pano Meria’ or when translated the ‘Upper Side’, Oia reached its prosperity in the late 19th & 20th centuries as a result of its merchant seaborne trade throughout the Mediterranean, as well as Russia, Italy, Alexandria and many more conuntries. The Maritime Museum in Oia is the perfect place to visit to find out more about this period in time. Oia’s wealth is portrayed in its distinguished beauty, filled with narrow marble pathways, preserved white washed caves and canaves, blue domes and legendary sunsets over the caldera. Oia is well recognized by the rest of the world as one of the most photographed places ever and an inspiration to all artists, poets and travelers.

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Pyrgos

The old capital ‘Pyrgos’ is now classified as one of the least spoilt picturesque traditional villages on Santorini. Its name when translated means ‘Tower’, well deserved, as it is situated at the highest living point approx. 500m above sea level, and built amphitheatrically in the middle of the island. Its beauty lies within the labyrinth of quaint narrow winding cobbled paths, surrounded by medieval architecture which leads to the Venetian castle approx 100steps up at the very top, offering magnificent views almost all around the island. An ideal place to walk, explore and to feel the exquisite touch of nobility and history.

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Profitis Ilias Monastery

The monastery Profitis Ilias dates back to 1711 and was dedicated to the Prophet Elijah. Situated in the middle of Santorini, its highest point is approx. 600m above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of almost all the island. Back in its days the monastery was extremely wealthy, owing its own ship for private trade to excel itself. From 1806-1845 it ran a school where the Greek language and literature were taught. The monastery’s decline began in 1860. Due to the earthquake in 1956 the buildings suffered serious damage, but still to this day it preserves its beauty

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Emporio

Is considered one of the largest settlements and villages on the island, approx. 12km from the capital Fira. For centuries it was the trade centre for the island, which when its name is translated means just that ‘trade’. Explore the traditional side of the village, a hidden beauty, bursting, with narrow cobbled paths and cycladic architecture. Aim to reach ‘Goulas’ castle built under Venetian rule in the 13th – 15th century offering great views; a perfect village for a stroll back in time!

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Megalochori

When translated Megalochori means ‘big village’, but on the contrary, it is a small charming tranquil village embedded in the south-west of Santorini dating back to the 17th century and home to historical mansions, bell towers, traditional cave houses, pirate hideaways and wine canavas. Its picturesque square filled with restaurants & cafeterias is the heart & soul of the village, whilst its plains boast many vineyards. Megalochori alone is home to 3 distinguished wineries, Gav- alas in the village itself, Boutaris and Venetasanos.

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Mesa Gonia

When translated, Mesa Gonia means ‘inner corner”, a rural village set amidst many vineyards, and one of the most important wine making areas on the island, home to 2 famous wineries, Argyros Estate and Canava Roussos. The village itself took a devasting hit with the earthquake in 1956 and was abandoned by its people who relocated to Kamari village close by. The village which now has the feel of a ghost town, showing off many mansions and cave houses which were left untouched. Visit the oldest Byzantine church on its hilltop ‘Panagia Episkopi’ built at the end of the 11th century, replacing a three-aisled early Byzantine basilica where its floorplan takes the shape of a Greek cross.

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Ancient Thera

Reach the archaeological site ‘Ancient Thera’ by foot situated at the top of the mountain, passing by the church embedded on the side of it, ‘Zoodochos Pigi’, the ‘life giving spring’ when translated. Ancient Thera was built by Dorian colonists from Sparta in the 9th century, and the island was named after their King by its settlers, ‘Thera’. Definitely a rewarding walk with great views over Perissa and Kamari villages

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Akrotiri & Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Akrotiri, a traditional village of great interest in the south west coast of Santorini. It offers amazing views from its cliff tops and from one side over the caldera giving a different perspective of the caldera, not to mention legendary sunsets from the lighthouse ‘Faros’ which is definitely well worth the effort of a short visit. It is also scattered with fish taverns on its beach side and in town. Akrotiri is home to two of Santorini’s major landmarks, the Akrotiri Excavations and Akrotiri Castle. Akrotiri Excavations Archaeological site provides a rare glimpse into urban life in the Minoan Bronze age period between 3000 and 2700 BC and where in general lasted till 1450 BC. The Minoan civilization is famous for its sea trading and well-planned cities. Its elaborate architecture and vivid frescos demonstrate their advanced culture on Santorini, which was a stepping stone for other countries and cultures. Only 1/30th of its city has so far been uncovered.

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Perissa & Perivolos

Considered the best two beach resorts in Santorini. These volcanic black beaches extend to a 5km stretch and provide a number of well organised beaches, water sports and restaurants. For a shingle beach Perissa is the best place to go closest to the mountain ‘Mesa Vouno’ but if you are looking for an almost sandy beach Perivolos is the place to go with its trendy sought after beach bar/restaurants.

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Other Santorini Beaches

Vlychada and Monolithos: Both offer sandy beaches and lovely little fishing ports you can wander around, along with closeby fish restau- rants for a bit to eat, great for families with small children offering shallow and deep waters to choose from.

Mesa Pigadia and Cabia: Are isolated beaches in the south of the island best to get there by boat but if you wish to try the dirt tracks they are on the road towards the lighthouse! The White beach can only be reached by boat and is named the ‘white’ beach from its white cliff tops and pumice covering the black volcanic sand.

Koloumbo / Baxedes: beaches are situated across from Oia on the north east side of the island. More isolated sandy/shingle beaches great for a quiet getaway, adorned with towering volcanic rock formations a lovely sight. Santorini’s second active volcano lies in the sea depths of Koloumbo, making its sea water a little warmer than the rest. Nudism friendly.

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Kamari

An organized beach resort on the south east of Santorini lying under the impressive mountain of Mesa Vouno (Inside Moun- tain). You can walk along the beach into the next beach area Monolithos, approx 1hr walk, or stay on the beach of Kamari which offers waters sports and diving activities. You can stroll along its stone paved promenade, offering a good selection of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets.

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Red Beach

A short distance from Akrotiri Archaeological site, the red beach considered the most famous, beautiful and unique beaches on the island. Walk as far as permitted and admire its unique landscape of its red and black volcanic rock cliffformations.

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The Volcano

Santorini’s exquisiteness and charm is due to the still active yet dormant Volcano situated in the centre of the caldera. It has been active several times but its major explosive eruption is dated approx.1550 BC, and named the ‘Minoan’ eruption of the bronze age. The consequences of the biggest known eruption permanently changed the geographic shape of the island forever and created the stunning caldera and its rock formations as we know it today. It is still considered one of the most mysterious eruptions of all time which devastated not only the shape of Santorini but also the rich, highly developed economic center in Akrotiri by drowning the majority of the island with tens of meters of thick pumice and ash. The Eastern Mediterranean was also hit and without doubt effected other parts of the world as well. Later smaller eruptions built the old burnt island (Palea Kameni) where the hotsprings are with its warm sulphur therapeutic waters, as well as the peak of the volcano, the new burnt island (Nea Kameni) with the last recorded volcanic eruption dating back to 1950. Admire the colourful layered volcanic cliff tops and keep on mind all their layers have its own story to tell.

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Products of Santorini

Santorini is not only famous for its energy and beauty but also for its various products it cultivates. The unique volcanic land of Santorini with its fertile volcanic rock and soil combined with perfect humid climate condi- tions enables the land to produce small juicy fruits and vegetables amongst other products. Amongst its reknowned products are its succulent wrinkled tomatoes, capers, fava and chloro cheese but the most important produce by far are Santorini’s grapes giving the wine industry a significant income. The wines of Santorini are one of a kind and cannot compare to any other. The cultivation and style of wine making is unique only to Santorini offering unique tastes and flavours. The vineyards of Santorini have a great history and definitely well worth savoring!

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Whether exploring by yourself… having a couple’s romantic getaway… or enjoying a family vacation, there are a number of activities whether by car or boat which can make your stay unforgettable, below are just a few ideas all of which we can organise for you

Santorini Highlights

The perfect way to discover the best spots of the island tailor made to your preferences whilst maximising your precious time with professional & knowledgeable English-speaking drivers.

Helicopter Island Tours

See the sights of Santorini from a bird’s eye view taking beautiful panoramic photos or videos of the amazing island’s volcanic cliff tops including Oia, the volcano the hotsprings and beaches.

Flying dress photography

The unique and memorable way to capture stunning photos of the sugar cubed houses with the dress colour of your choice which will enhance your beauty, moving with the winds and luring you to be one with the island.

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Discover Santorini with Premium Services

Catamaran Tours semi private & private

Set sail across the magical caldera and enjoy the gems of the island whilst including everything you need from beverages, food on board and transfers.

Wine Tours

A chance to taste the exquisite flavours of Santorini’s wines at specially selected wineries. All filled with the history of wine making along with their special and unique wine making methods.