City Guide: Santorini
Stay tuned for a full photo diary of Santorini gorgeousness next week. In the meantime, bookmark this mini guide for the best restaurants on the island (including what to order), not-to-miss activities and souvenir shopping tips…
IN THREE WORDS: breathtaking, magical, romantic
WHERE TO STAY: 270° Oias View
MUST SEES: red and black sand beaches, the quaint village of Megalochori, Goulas Castle in Oia, Fira’s famous winding path down the caldera
BEACHES BY COLOR: Kamari Beach (black), Red Beach (red), Kambia Beach (white)
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT: watching the sunset every night, a half-day sailing charter to see the island from the sea
WHERE TO EAT: Krinaki in Foinikia for traditional dishes like fava beans, tomato balls, chloro cheese, beef liver; to Psaraki at the marina for fresh whole fish and grilled goat cheese with pesto; Sunset Taverna in Ammoudi for lobster spaghetti; Selene in Pyrgos for white eggplant octopus tartar; Red Bicycle in Oia for a fine dining twist on traditional cuisine
FOOD TO TRY: as many kinds of meze as you have time to try, chloro cheese, grilled fish, Santorini rose wine
BEST PLACE FOR A DRINK: Domaine Sigalas—sample Santorini vintages and nibble on meze at this peaceful winery near Oia
HOW TO GET AROUND: Towns are pedestrian only. Rent a car to explore the island’s beaches and villages.
GOOD TO KNOW: Fira is extremely touristy. Skip the ancient archaeological site Akrotiri.
WHAT TO PACK: shorts, tanks and swimwear for day, colorful dresses and glam (but flat) sandals for evening
WHAT TO BRING HOME: colorful prints from a local art gallery in Oia, a bottle of rose from Sigalas winery, local capers, jewelry from one of the many shops in Fira
WHEN TO GO: High season is July-August. Go in June or September.