For those seeking the perfect Mediterranean experience, look no further than the Greek island of Santorini.
Popular among cruise ship tourists as well as those flying in few a week or two, Santorini is famous for breathtaking vistas and iconic white architecture.
One way to visit Santorini is to book a Mediterranean cruise, many of which stop at several popular Greek island, including Santorini and Mykonos.
But if you’re in the mood for a relaxing vacation free of the schedule constraints and time pressures of a cruise ship, then booking a flight to Santorini and staying for a while is the way to go.
The area was hit by a giant volcano in ancient times, creating a caldera. Ships navigating the waters surrounding the island have detailed maps to avoid the underwater geological formations created by the volcano.
If you travel to Santorini via cruise ship, a tender will transport you from your cruise ship to the tram. The tram carries tourists up the steep cliff to the village above, overlooking the sea, with fantastic views along the way.
The most common flight itineraries first take you into Athens, the capital of Greece. The connecting flight from Athens to Santorini features scenic views of the ocean and the island itself during final approach.
Santorini can also be reached via Ferry lines that operate between Athens and the numerous Greek islands.
One of the first things you will notice on Santorini or any of the other beautiful Greek islands is the fresh ocean air, light breezes and extremely comfortable temperatures. The climate is ideal for exploring the island in shorts and a T-shirt. During summer evenings, the temperature drops a bit, so pack a light sweater or jacket.
The island also offers fantastic food. Whether you are in the mood for a Gyro from a street stand, which you can sample while walking the narrow cobble stone streets, or prefer a more formal outdoor cafe, Santorini’s food is part of the island’s charm.
As you walk about the island, you will encounter numerous, cafes and restaurants, inviting you with the aroma of authentic Greek cuisine.
There are also lots of gift shops featuring everything from postcards and local artwork to sandals and T-shirts.
The opportunities for snapping the perfect vacation photo are practically endless. As one turns the corner, another vista appears, creating the perfect subject or backdrop of your photo.
One of the most popular daytime activities on the island of Santorini is taking a donkey ride.
The donkey ride can get a little bit bumpy, and if you are afraid of heights, sitting on a donkey while looking over a cliff might not be for you. But the experience is well worth it for the amazing views!
Santorini is famous for breathtaking sunsets, which often elicit cheers and applause from tourists as they capture the beauty using their cell phone cameras. For the more advanced photographer with a DSLR, tripod, and lenses, Santorini is a great locale for creating that stunning photography portfolio.
Santorini also offers a variety of night life.
The local currency is the Euro. Hotel rooms can be found for under US $200 per night, with more expansive accommodations available in the $300 to $700 range.
To arrange a Mediterranean cruise, contact your cruise agent for one-one service and a successful booking.
