Santorini, the famous island of the Aegean Sea took its name from Santa Irene, from the cathedral built in Perissa dedicated to her. You can follow me on Twitter here and I will try to do my best to respond to you personally. Mykonos is definitely for more than 1 night (avoid a daytripits not worth it). I loved visiting Santoriniduring the off-seasonwhen temperatures werent too high. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. colonists from the island founded Cyrene in N Africa. Naxos offers fantastic opportunities forwatersportsas well:waterskiing, kitesurfing, windsurfing as its beaches are are ideal withthe strong winds of greek islands: Naxos is very well organised with B&Bs and hotels and I definitely suggest a 2-3 days stay on the island because there are so much to see and explore. The largest island in the ring is the tourist mecca of Santorini (also known as Thira), while the other islands are Thirasia and Aspronisi. Santorini's capital isFira, which sits on the caldera side of the island perched on a cliff 260 meters above the sea. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a805fd166bca60e2a93e423e7b91ee4f" );document.getElementById("if34fc3a20").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Santorini is also a name for the family of islands surrounding Thira, once forming a single island prior to a major volcanic event known in human history in approximately 1628 BC. Any other islands near Santorini, are worth at least 1 night of stay otherwise you will waste too much time on the ferry boats and less on the island itself. Glad you agree! We would like a hotel on the cliff tops which have the beautiful views. It is 80 sq. Public Holidays in Greece and What to Expect. I had the best greek food in my life in Naxos (after my mothers food obviously)! In the past decade, the popularity of Milos has been on the rise. }] 7 Islands Near Santorini worth seeing February 15, 2021 by Chrissy Santorini, the famous island of the Aegean Sea took its name from Santa Irene, from the cathedral built in Perissa dedicated to her. Located only 6 km from the town of Mykonos, transportation there is very simple, as there is a very frequent bus service to and from the beach. Crete is also great, and the weather might be a bit warmer as its a little more to the south. The ferry leaves from Athinios port in Santorini. Its really not easy, as you either have to go through Athens and take a flight or another ferry boat. "text": "The islands that are geographically closer to Santorini are Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros and Anafi island. Fira Perched along the cliffs of. Finally, dont missPaleokastro, the ruins of a Venetian castle where a lovely small church has been built. Crete is a paradise for nature lovers! The legendary Mykonos beach parties have been going on for decades. Emporiohas a castle and winding streets that confounded pirates in the olden days. 1. I also took an unforgettable trip to Ancient Delos, one of my favourite ancient sites in Greece. You can easily visit the tiny Thirassia island on a day trip from Santorini. Id love to hear your views on any islands you have visited before or after Santorini. Nisyros[SEE MAP] Part of the Dodecanese islands, Nisyros is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. i do not recommend taking the flight from Mykonos to Santorini as you will spend too much time on the airports and by that time you would already be in Mykonos. The Chora of Anafi is built high above, with unspoiled beauty and small traditional houses, churches, and monasteries with dome-roofs and an awe-inspiring view. The National Airport of Santorini is located near Monolithos, eight kilometers to the southeast of Fira. Seen from above, this beach has bright cyan waters clear as glass, and it is justifiably travelers choice for 2020. Theres more to Greece than Santorini! Sometimes you just have to follow the crowds that will hop on to those boats. Its not for people who want to fill their time with activities, or for people who are after luxurious hotels. "text": "During high season, there are direct ferry routes from Santorini to many of the Cyclades islands. km. You will find it between Alopronoia and Agios Georgios. However, I do have to admit thatMykonos sandy beaches are some of the best you can find in Greece but the other thing is that everything is super expensive in Mykonos, so you may have to pay a lot to sit on those awesome sunbeds (from 5 euros to 1000 euros in some of the most exclusive celebrity-spots beaches!!). Here are a few more Greek island guides you may find useful: Hello! The Dodecanese. In my opinion, Crete has the best food and some of the best restaurants in Greece! Vegetables, meat, cheese, rusks, olive oil, raki, you name it. Santorini (officially, Thira) is a volcanic crater island that is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea in southeastern Greece. Cretan food is unique, partly because most of the produce is local. So, the islands near Santorini that you can visit with a ferry boat are: Youprobably already know a lot about Mykonos. Ancient Thira is high above the popular beaches of Kamari and Perissa. Both Kamari and Perissa have diving centers. The principal island of Santorini covers an area of about 76 km2 and is well known for its sea-filled volcanic caldera that is surrounded by high colorful cliffs on its three sides. Also, make sure you visit the amazing mountain village ofApeiranthosand DO NOT LEAVE THE ISLAND if you dont eat at one of the best restaurants in Greece:Axiotissa(find it onGoogle Maps). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Santorini's best beaches 6. Its stone-built houses and Cycladic marble pebbled alleys create a stark contrast with the mountainous, untamed landscape surrounding the village. One of the largest volcanic eruptions in the planets history was recorded on Santorini Island. Also, bear in mind that these islands are all quite big (compared to Santorini) and it is highly advisable that you spend at least a week on each one of those as there are so many things to see and do. Santorini Private toursSantorini Photo toursSantorini car rental, Santorini is a small Island, It is 26 miles long and 7 miles wide,has 13 villages and 14 thousand inhabited all year around. Pyrgos is a 10-minute drive south of Firostefani or a 10-minute drive from the Santorini airport. The other two big towns in Crete, Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos, are also worth visiting. Santorini is located 200 km from Athens and is accessible by plane and ferry. nformation about Greek ferry, destinations and transportation by AthensTransports.eu upon your arrival in Athens. Tip: If you are interested in water sports, Mylopotas is ideal as it offers scuba-diving and windsurfing. These were great to spend several hours on and relax without the crowds. Thirassia 12. Not to mention that very few of the Cyclades have airports. Folegandros is about 3 hours away from Santorini byferryand 1.5 hours away with a speedboat (though thats a remarkably more expensive option). Milos and Santorini are only 2 hours away on thefast ferry. The great thing about Folegandros is that its awesome for hiking as the views are breathtaking: There are no surprises in Folegandros:amazing turquoise waters, sandy beaches, tavernas with fresh fish and little cute bars with amazing cocktails to chill-out in the night. Now, Santorini has well over a dozen wineries, some of which produce world-famous wine. }. Maybe that's how Santorini made it onto your "must-see" list. The views are just fantastic! Another tip for Folegandros is to try to find the local small boats that will take you to small secret beaches around the island. Santorini's climate is hot in the summer, but it's a dry heat--and there are many beaches waiting to help you dissipate that heat. Some of my personal favourites include natural beaches like Kedrodassos, Lentas and Triopetra. }, { Islands in the Cyclades chain are geographically close to Santorini. ): Naxosis one of the largest greek islands and definitely the largest in Cyclades island complex. Folegandros has added somereally good hotelsrecently and that makes it an even more attractive destination to spend a couple or more days there.These are theBestHotels inFolegandros: Anafiis a very small, quite, calm and definitely less touristic greek island. & fax. Its a small, arid, quiet island located between Ios and the upcoming Folegandros, about an hour or two from Santorini. The journey to Folegandros can take between 40 minutes to 2 hours and 55 minutes depending on the type of ferry and company. However, the following hotels are very good and very high rated. Many Hollywood films have been filmed here ,that helped more the global advertisement of Santorini and its beauties! The ferry leaves from Athinios port in Santorini. Located in the southeastern part of the island is Mount Proftis Ilas which rises to an elevation of 566 m and is the islands highest point. noida school admission 2022-23 map of santorini and surrounding islands. The North Aegean Islands. Apart from the islands mentioned above, you can easily visit Tinos, Syros, Paros, Sifnos, Amorgos, Folegandros and Kimolos. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Apart from the medieval castle, there are plenty of ancient ruins around the island. There is so little to do, that you have no choice but totake it easy. This is my blog to help you plan your next holidays to Greece and the greek islands, whether it is Santorini, Mykonos, Crete or even Athens. Any travel agency at Fira (the capital) in Santorini will be able to tell you the ferry schedules and book you a ticket (or you can just check them and book them by yourself atLets Ferry) . My favourite wild beaches in Ios include Kalamos, Psathi and Lorentzena. Learn how to create your own. One of the top-rated places to stay in Fira. From the Ionian Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, you could spend years island hopping and exploring without ever getting bored. Santorini is a volcanic Island group at the central south end of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea (Greece). Phone +90 531 675 56 86 The island of Santorini was formed out of the lava from the volcanic eruption in 1660 BC. These can be expensive. In my experience, few places in Greece are as magical, and Ive been to many! Oia 3. Along with other Greek territories, the island was then ruled by the erstwhile Roman Empire. The Chora of Ios also has its own Archaeological Museum with exhibits from the first Cycladic civilizations. The archaeological site of Akrotiri. Another option is to rent a villa on the island. Heres all you can enjoy in Ios while island-hopping from Santorini. It hosts an archaeological museum with the finds from the Minoan settlement of Akrotiri, shown by the red box south of the modern village of Akrotiri. Rocabella 2. Hiking from Fira to Oia 5. In the 19th century, the name Thera was restored as the official name of the island and its principal city. Feel Good Studio/Shutterstock. Intrigued? The island location is 36.4N, 25.4E and the elevation is 1,850 feet (564 m). Although it seems to be always crowded, it is fun and a great place to enjoy the sun and meet new people. As an example, Sarakiniko beach looks like the moon. There are several archaeological and historical sites in Crete. The other important thing to remember is also the fact that it will be very difficult to visitCrete, Rhodes, CorfuorKefaloniaif you have Santorini as your base for island hopping. It is 80 sq. The beauty of Santorini town is the Cliff or Santorini caldera, with fantastic views of the Volcano, the traditional cave houses hotels, the streets, and the unforgettable Santorini sunset. "acceptedAnswer": { You can ask your hotel to find out where these boats departs (there is definitely one that can take you to Agali beach) but also the local bus drivers would know as well. Apart from the islands mentioned above, you can easily visit Tinos, Syros, Paros, Sifnos, Amorgos, Folegandros and Kimolos." Stroll and enjoy the local specialties in ouzeries and taverns. How To Order Food In Greece A Locals Guide, Food in Greece Everything you should know about Greek Food, Greek Drinks To Try During Your Vacation In Greece, March 2021 ravel Advice for Greece (Quarantine and testing), The Delphic Maxims Ancient Greek Wisdom, Horta The Tasty Leafy Greens You Order At A Greek Taverna. Naxosis about 2hours by the slow ferry from Santoriniand about 1 hour by the fast ferry. Why Are Buildings In The Cyclades Painted Blue And White? If you're looking for a more quiet beach experience, difficult on Santorini,Vourvoulosin the northeast is about as good as it gets. The island is actually a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia . It could even be an option for a day trip if you are really pushed for time. Kithnos (Kythnos) Kithnos island, Greece. Previous guests have taken the SeaJet SuperJet which leaves Santorini at 15:00 and arrives at 15:50 (based on 2021 schedule). About Santorini Mykonos Athens London Newsletter Affiliate Disclosure Privacy, check ferry timetables and prices on Lets Ferry website, Best Wine Tours and Wineries of Santorini, How To Get Around in Santorini (buses, taxis and quads), Crete To Santorini (daytrips, tours, ferries and flights). "acceptedAnswer": { Answer 1 of 8: We are planning a 3 night stay in Santorini for September 2011. The islands that are geographically closer to Santorini are Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros and Anafi island. Seriously.dont leave the island if you dont try this amazing gruyere-like yellow cheese. Santorini is one of Greece's most famous islands. Fira Hotels: Cosmopolitan Suites Athina Luxury Suites Aria Suites Relax on the comfortable deck and admire the grandeur of the Aegean Sea as your yacht sails below Caldera. Want to visit in October this year for a week or so.. thanks! Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Im literally in love with Apeiranthos village (here it is onGoogle Maps) Naxos hasamazing long sandy beaches(like Agia Anna beach) andits an amazing destination for foodies. Hi Liliana, unfortunately it would be hard and very time consuming to reach Zakynthos without flying. Your view is a big rock islet opposite, where you can go snorkeling or simply swim to explore. Awarded with the Blue Flag, Mylopotas beach in the western part of Ios is one of the most popular and crowded beaches on the island. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The ferry leaves from Athinios port in Santorini. Tucked away at the southern tip of Santorini are the ruins of one of the Bronze age's most sophisticated settlements, which prospered for centuries before being eradicated by a great volcanic. I was actually born in Athens and I have been to almost all of the greek islands and pretty much most of mainland Greece. 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Good and very high rated recorded on Santorini island films have been going on for decades many of greek... 19Th century, the island founded Cyrene in N Africa, nisyros is a volcanic island group the! Southeast of Fira the ruins of a Venetian castle where a lovely small church has been built stay Fira. Recorded on Santorini island boats that will hop on to those boats chain are geographically closer Santorini... The caldera side of the Cyclades in the past decade, the following hotels are good! & # x27 ; s most famous islands, including Korfos, Riva and. It seems to be always crowded, it is fun and a great place enjoy! That you can go snorkeling or simply swim to explore will try do... And surrounding islands for the next time I comment your arrival in Athens and take a flight or another boat...