I managed to visit the greek island of love, Santorini as it's a personal bucket list travel destination. Santorini is different in every aspect from the rest of the Cyclades, it is shaped like a crescent moon around the caldera, a volcano crater, with the main settlements built along its imposing cliffs. Don’t expect white sandy beaches, or hills that are rough and dry: in Santorini you will discover black volcanic sand and beautiful, lush vineyards. The capital city of Fira, although mobbed by crowds most of the time, is charming and beautiful, especially in the mornings, while Oia, traditional and romantic, is the best place on the island to enjoy sunset and top-notch food. Because of its shape and the distances between beaches and towns, it is better to explore Santorini with a rented vehicle: tourist season on the island lasts from April to November, but if possible avoid August as the island is at its most crowded. If you like to explore and discover new places by yourself, then you definitely need to rent a car, ATV or scooter.
Imerovigli
My favorite village Imerovigli known as the “Βalcony on the Aegean” is famous for its sunsets and its hotels are built around the caldera: perfect if you enjoy a room with a view or breakfast on a cliff!
(Hora), Fira
The Capital of the city hora is lively and packed with bars, restaurants and shops, Hora is the ideal place to stay for those who want to be centrally located and don’t mind crowds.
5 Reasons Why I Chose Santorini
Views & Sunset: Delicious Greek breakfast with breathtaking views to the caldera and dinner with a view of the world-famous sunset is a must!
Greek Food: You have probably heard good things about Greek food, if not then you won't be disappointed but lets start with the basics Ya Mas ! (in Greek = Cheers!) as you would most likely need to say this at some point.
Santorini Villages: You have to see them all as they're all unique in their respective ways.
Oia for the beautiful sunsets, romantic and adventurous experience. It's seclusive but also full of energy with lots to do. Oia is best known as the most idle location to watch the sunset from.
Fira for the night clubs, restaurants, the shops and the local buses that can take you almost anywhere on the island for as little as €2.50.
Imerovigli for the views as majority of the hotels are perched on Caldera cliff, its more quiet and seclusive and close proximity to the city center a 20 mins walk which makes it the perfect location.
Kamari & Perissa for close proximity to the beaches, beach bars and huts, restaurants and parties. Hotels tend to be more cheaper than on the other islands.
Accessibility To Other Greek Islands: Why not hop onto another island and explore while in Santorini as it's a a great connection hub, there are other beautiful islands to see such as Mykonos, Ios, Folegandros, Naxos and Anafi. I've been privileged to visit both Mykonos and Ios. These are the 5 best Greek islands close to Santorini with Ferry as little as €12.50 via Lets Ferry for convenience and peace of mind. https://www.letsferry.gr/en/
Activities To Do: Santorini is packed with a heap loads of activities to do such as Donkey Riding, Cable Car Riding, Hiking, Wine Tasting, Boat Tours, Fishing and Photography, this list is endless after all it's an island which mean you can create your own fun.
TIPS
Travel in April/May as this is low season in Santorini whereby the weather is an average of 18 - 24 degrees, hotels are cheaper during this period and the island is less crowded than it'll be in months like July/August.
Book and stay in multiple hotels if possible, in different villages so you can experience the island overall, AND stay in an hotel on the caldera as this would be one of your highlights of the whole trip.
Rent a car or ATV, they are cheaper in low season as well and it'll give you a lot of freedom to explore the islands BUT be very careful as not only are Greeks known for being terrible drivers, the roads in Santorini can be very small and narrow.
Book flight tickets as early as possible because if you shop around properly you could secure a return ticket as low as £69.99
Wear comfortable shoes as the island has a lot of stairs and always walk around with a bottle of water.
Take lots of pictures as Santorini is a picturesque island, one of the most beautiful, charming and fascinating destinations in the world. Don't be camera shy as everyone will be busy taking pictures as well.
Have a budget and DON'T get 'lost in the sauce' as tour promoters are easily persuasive and can have you booking activities you might end up regretting due to their long hours and high cost.