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Welcome to
Santorini (Thira)!
White buildings
against the deep-blue Aegean Sea make Santorini stunning.
• Santorini
and Greek Islands Photos
A visit to Mykonos, it has been said,
will stir one's soul. Santorini, on the other hand, will change your
life.
Regarded by many as one of the most scenic places on Earth, Santorini
reaches out and grabs you by the heart from the minute you step on its
soil. Okay, maybe it's that harrowing bus ride up the face of a cliff
from the ferry port that initially takes your heart away, but soon it
becomes the island itself that captivates the spirit.
 Santorini
offers the most stunning views in all of Greece. It's one of the only
places on the planet that has both sunsets and moonsets which can be
viewed from the exactly the same spot.
Santorini's steep cliffs are the result of the largest volcanic explosion
known to mankind; it was so powerful it blew the island into three pieces.
It also created cresent moon-shaped island from which the view of the
Aegean Sea is unparalleled.
Some will argue that Santorini is best visited by couples, that singles
in search of a good party will wilt from lack of alcohol exposure. This
is simply not the case. In fact, Santorini boasts one of the best bars
in all the Cyclades; go there and you may never leave. This site has
it all – what to do in the daytime, where to party at night (and
there IS a party!), visiting the volcano, where to stay and more.
Rooms To Let
Stay in Fira or Firastafani; Backpakers Prefer Perissa
Nice and clean and
close to the caldera in Fira is Loizos Apts..
Prices on Santorini vary greatly according
to demand and location. The best bet is to get a room in Fira
or around the adjacent Town Square. Fira – also listed as
Thira, which is what the Greeks call the town as well as Santorini – is
the heartbeat of activity. At night, all roads lead to Fira, so it's
convenient to stay there for the bar and dining activity. We recommend
checking out – and into – Loizos Apts. for clean,
basic accommodations just steps from the calera and the heart of Fira
(2286-0-2406; www.loizos.gr.
E-mail: mailinfo@loizos.gr).
Rates are 70 Euros for a double; they also rent scooters (15 Euro per
day). Fira hotels range from budget to budget busting; for backpackers,
there is a hostel near the Town Square and
 Some
of the most spectacular views of the caldera are in Firastafani,
(Fira-sta-faun-i), a 10-15-minute walk from Fira. Waking up in the morning
(or whenever) and having that view from your personal patio is breathtaking.
It's impossible to find accommodations in Firastafani off the ferry,
so head up the main road past the town square and explore the many pensions
and small hotels. It makes for a great daytime adventure; find a place
you like, knock on the door and bargain your way into it. If the price
is too high – always pretend it is – keep walking. You can
always return. The views on this journey are unforgettable.
College students and backpackers prefer Perissa Beach, which
has the most affordable places. It's a half-hour bus ride to Fira or
a very interesting moped adventure (don't try this at night, especially
after a night on the town).
For some, Oia (E-ya) is the only place to stay. But leave that
for the honeymooners and couples; it's a half-hour by bus or moped from
Fira and is so quiet you can hear the gentle wind blowing. "But the
sunsets," you beg. Hey, the sunsets in Oia are no more spectacular than
they are from the Tropical Bar in Fira, and the place is not nearly
as lively.
Santorini, Step by Step
From Daytime to Dawn, There's Always Something Happening
Yes, it's gorgeous.
This view faces to Fira from the edge of Oia.
Once settled, then it's off to explore
the island. Unlike some Greek islands, Santorini is relatively large;
to see it requires taking a bus, jeep, rental car or, for the adventurous
(and foolish, some night argue), a moped.
 Reliable
and cheap buses are available and Jeeps provide transport for
groups, but only the leisurely pace of the moped allows for frequent
stops when the inspiration hits. And on this island, there are plenty
of insiprations. Mopeds are a 40-50km "Born to be Wild" thrill.
Be warned, however; Santorini is on a cliff, roads are narrow and trucks
and buses can come careening around a corner at any moment. Ride only
within your limits and be careful!!! Four-wheel ATVs are also
available and for some are a more stable option. If riding atop a 50cc
stranger is unsettling, then rent a vehicle or take the bus.
Regardless of mode of transportation, here is where to go on Santorini
day, at sunset (a ritual on the island) and into the night.
Santorini By Day – Sighseeing and Activities
Beaches, the Volcano, Climbing the Cliffs and Ammoudi
At the bottom of
Oai, is Ammoudi the best swimming spot on the island.
Due to it's size and diversity, Santorini
lacks the all-out day party of Mykonos or Ios. Therefore for singles,
it's difficult to put the "meet in the daytime/meet out at night" strategy
into play that works so effectively on other Greek Islands.
Instead of trying to create a party, take advantage of Santorini's
splendor and beauty by exploring the island by moped, cliff jumping
or taking a ride on a donkey. It doesn't matter which way you go, since
treasures await in every direction.
The entrance to
Oia is one of Santorini's most beautiful locations.
PubClub's favorite spot is a hideaway called Amoudi. Located
below (way below!) Oia it's a simplistic four-taverna Greek fishing
village.
 Arriving
at dusk is like walking into a painting. It's a breathtaking scene,
one that will have you stopping in your tracks to admire. In the daytime,
it's ideal for splashing about in its crystal-clear waters. The harbor
offers swimming opportunities, but trek past the tavernas around the
rocky point. A small bay separates this area from a rock, from which
sunbathing and cliff-jumping are common.
There is no beach, but a few of the rocks are perfectly contoured to
the human shape, so find a comfortable spot and throw down the towel.
Gingerly walk to the water's edge and take the plunge. Snorkeling is
a great activity; an inexpensive mask and snorkel can be purchased just
down from the town square or in Ammoudi for about 10 Euros. The water
is refreshing and the views spectacular. Be careful of the sea urchins,
though. Adventurous souls can walk around the cliffs to, well, Fira
if you like. Be cautious of swimming outside the cove, though, as currents
there are strong and may carry one to Crete.
After a swim and a nap, enjoy lunch at one of the tavernas. The fish
is so fresh you can literally select it as its being brought in off
a boat. Prices for fish are not cheap – upwards of 35 Euros – but
beers are a refreshing 2.50. Each taverna is a bit different; we like
the one on the end closest to the road because the old Greek guy bringing
the beers shuffles along at an incredibly slow but amusing pace. The
taverna closest to the edge of the cliffs attracts the most people.
Bus service to Amoudi stops at Oia; you must either walk down the cliff
or hitch a ride from donkey. The moped ride is on a gravely road alongside
a cliff with no guardrail, so it's not for the faint of heart.
Now that looks like a good place to stop for lunch.
The Beaches
Kamari is the nicest
beach in Santorini; it's quiet and lined with tavernas.
The two main beaches (pay no attention
to the overly-hyped "red sand beach;" nobody goes there) are Kamari
and Perissa. Kamari is the most popular with the general tourist
set, a rocky black-sand beach with an ideal cliff-jumping spot for daredevils
of all nerve levels. It is lined with cafes and shops, although it is
not a big daytime party scene. In fact, it's often peaceful enough to
hear the wind blow.
Perrisa, one of
two black-sand beaches, caters to young backpackers.
Perissa is popular among backpackers and budget travelers as
it offers inexpensive accommodations such as camping for less than 10
Euros. The atmosphere is much more casual and it has a small beachside
bar providing music. A number of inexpensive and decent cafes dot the
landscape.
A huge rock separates Kamari from Perissa. It's about a half-hour
moped ride from one to the other through some spectacular scenery from
the highest points on Santorini. Monolithos Beach, near the airport,
is popular among locals.
Donkey Rides
It's a bit touristy,
but taking a donkey ride is a real kick.
This is a total tourist move but heck,
you're on holiday. At the base of Fira is a set of steps leading to
the cruise ship port. Donkey rides are available from the top or bottom.
It's best to walk down the steps and ride back up. It's a bit smelly
and donkey droppings litter the path, but where else can this be done?
(Well, okay, the Grand
Canyon.) Take a swim break at the bottom before
forking over a few Euros for the uphill adventure.
A good beer or other refreshing beverage break can be found at Kastr
Cafeteria, which is not a cafeteria at all but a twin-level taverna
and bar with a corner view of the volcano. It's one of the many taverns
at the Cable Car entrance, directly across the street from the sign.
The cool breeze and cozy chairs are the perfect companion to parched
throats and tired feet.
The Breast
A trail leads to
the peak of this cliff and there are steps to the sea.
Looking toward the town of Oia from Fira
is a large mountain in the shape of a female breast. It has a hiking
trail and a couple of churches where locals and some tourists in the
know alike make wedding vows. To find it, go to the very end of Firastafani.
At the top of the hill; you will notice a pathway. It takes about an
hour to reach the summit. It's a bold leap to reach the top and there's
no net to catch you if you miss, but dozens flock here to watch the
sunset. Take a flashlight for the return journey after dark. There's
also a path that leads down to the sea but it's nearly impossible to
find unless you are with someone who has trekked it in the past.
The Volcano
The views from Thira are spectacular and you can even viisit the volcano.
Still active, the volcano remains
a mystery. It exploded with a fury in 1628 BC but thankfully is quiet
today. It can be visited up close as travel agencies offer day trips.
This consists of a boat ride, a swim in the chilly "natural hot springs"
and a climb up rocky terrain. It's an okay way to spend an afternoon
and enjoy a sunset on the water.
Akrotiri Ruins
If you listen to the travel agents this
is one of those "must-do" Santorinni adventures. Akrotiri is the excavation
of what archeologists believe to be the lost city of Atlantis, buried
when the volcano (yes, that volcano) exploded. Frankly, there's
not a lot to see. Girls seem to enjoy it somewhat while men plot to
sneak off to the closest taverna.
Sunset
Why Go To Oia When You Can Have "Santa Barbara's" Margaritas?
Many people gather in Oia to watch the
sunset. However, you are better off from a social standpoint by heading
to the caldera in Fira. Stop in at the Tropical Bar, which offers
a spectacular view. The bartender, a lively Southern Californian we've
dubbed "Santa Barbara" and she is justifiably quite proud
of her margaritas. But she has not stopped there, creating an entire
menu of frozen concoctions. Watch out for the Tutty Frutty; it may sound
tame but it's not!
PubClub columnist
"The Bartender" with "The Capitol Girl."
Forget Oia; go for
"Santa Barbara's" cocktails in Fira for sunset.
Santorini By Night – Nightlife
and Bars
The Frenzy is in Fira
So who says there
is no partying in Santorini!?
Okay, time to party! In Santorini, it's
classy but casual, fun and inhibited, cranking and often crazy. In other
words, pretty much like anywhere else in Greece.
The social pulse of Santorini is the Town Square. It is the
prime gathering spot on the island, the place where people begin and
often end their nights. It has an outdoor bakery that serves cold beer,
a pair of so-so gyro shops, a crepe restaurant (mmmm!), and a small
bar pumping tunes.
Can't
think of your next move on Santorini? Grab a beer and sit down here;
the island will eventually come to you. After the bars close, the town
square combines the best of all Santorini clubs in one outdoor area.
Beer is sold in the adjacent restaurants, making it an all-night party
for those who desire to stay out until the moon gives way to the sun.
From the outside in, The Tropical Bar is a top place to dance, drink
and gather.
At about 11, head down the street by the convenience store, turn right
at the end and about halfway down the street on the left is the aforementioned
Tropical Bar. It's a classy small club with sophisticated Euro
tunes, a wide bar counter (ideal for dancing) and a balcony with a spectacular
view of the caldera. Quite often, a full moon will be beaming across
the sea. This is even more intoxicating than Santa Barbara's margaritas
(cocktails 6 Euros, beers 4 and 5 Euros). It's the best place to start
the night. It's friendly and social, which makes it hard to leave.
Big smiles abound
with all who party in Santorini.
The Two Brothers Bar once ruled the wild side of Santorini.
Most people danced on the bar and the scene was identical to what one
envisions when thinking of nightlife in Greece. It's not quite at that
level these days but after a brief experiment with club music, it's
back to playing rock 'n roll. And it's rockin' again. The brothers are
generous with the shots, the DJ knows how to keep the joint jumping
and it's fun. Two Brothers is Santorini's best kick-up-the-heels bar.
It's somewhat hidden, just past the main part of town down an alley.
Look for the sign over door.
Those who think
Santorini is all couples are missing a "shot" at fun.
Another fun bar is Murphy's, long and narrow with mix of rock
and dance music. Mostly great for hanging out with the group, it's a
casual hot spot in the heart of the land of the clubs.
Murphy's is next to the small but loud and proud Town Club.
And it's a few steps away from the true mega-clubs, Coo Club
and Enigma, which are right across from one another.
 Coo
Club is Santorini's long-standing club. It has a large outdoor patio
in a tropical setting a contrast to the high-energy dance scene inside
where it's hot, both in temperature and action. Coo Club is packed after
midnight, a testament to its popularity among tourists, locals and European
celebrities.
Like the Coo Club, Enigma is a large club that's thumping indoors
and out. Inside it's almost like waking into a Greek palace with the
curved caved-like arches, mood lighting, cushioned benches and dreamy
dancing. Outside it's a large cozy lounge, ideal for lounging between
songs.
Tithorha, located under the Town Square, is popular among locals.
These clubs charge cover during the summer (up to 10 Euros) and club
clothes are required.
Closed (unfortunately) is a the fun dance bar called Trip Into the
Night but next door is a small jazz bar called Kipa Thir. It's
good enough for a drink or two in between other bar stops.
Dining in Santorini
Fine Food is Part of the Greek Experience
The Caldera is covered with restaurants
offering sensational views. Most serve fresh seafood and cater primarily
to tourists. So, expect to pay tourist prices, at least by Greece standards
(30-50 Euros, for fish, for example).
If you want to eat where the locals go, the place is Naoussa
(about a five-minute walk past the Coo Club, towards Firastafani).The
Greek food is plentiful and inexpensive, served in an atmosphere so
friendly the owner passes out free wine while diners wait for a table.
Ousteria, along the caldera, is another great spot for Greek
food.
Next
stop on the Party Bus: Corfu
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