Top things to do in Sanotorini

Walking along the rocky rim of the red caldera, from Fira to Oia via Imerovigli, is a truly majestic experience and one of our favourite activities on Santorini. The views are simply impeccable. Depending on how fast you hike or how many photo stops you make, the average walk takes between two and five hours. Fira is an excellent starting point, then head north through the delicate village of Imerovigli. From here, a rural path runs along the edge of the volcanic caldera, facing turquoise lagoons, with a small cluster of restaurants and shops along the way.

Experience the ultimate panorama of mountain views and deep blue seas by climbing 220 metres up Santorini's cable car in just three minutes! The cable car links the port of Fira, Santorini's shopping capital. As you climb above the whitewashed Cycladic architecture, you'll have a breathtaking view of the Caldera and the luxury boats floating on Santorini's enchanting waters - a great way to reach the old port of Gialos.

Oia's drop-dead gorgeous sunsets are all over Instagram, and perhaps that's how most visitors ended up in Santorini - it worked for us! Imagine cascading white buildings overlaid with blue-domed churches, all backed by pastel orange and purple sunsets that melt into sapphire waters: are your eyes twinkling yet? The ideal place to watch the sunset is near Oia Castle, opposite the rustic windmills and emblematic buildings. Although it can be crowded, the postcard-perfect view is worth a thousand words!

The vineyards of Santorini are enriched by the succulent flavours of some of the world's finest wines. The indigenous Assyrtiko grape, grown in the hilly vineyards, is the main ingredient in the majority of blood-red wines. Book a tour and taste some of the best wines from Santo Wines at sunset or choose the Venetsanos vineyard, “sculpted in nature”.

The coastal village of Kamari, whose beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, lies at the foot of the Mesa Vouno mountain. The origin of the name Kamari comes from an engraved stone arch to the south of the beach, which was once dedicated to the great Poseidon. Kamari's sensational black volcanic sand beach, dotted with sun loungers and parasols along the kilometre-long bay, offers uninterrupted views of the sparkling waters.

Ancient Thera is home to the remains of a settlement, situated between the beaches of Perissa and Kamari on a rocky promontory generally known as Mesa Vouno. Step back in time and admire the ruins of ancient Aegean civilisations dating from the 9th century BC to 726 AD: amazing Roman baths, ruined Byzantine walls and the Terrace of Festivals, all set against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea in the distance.

The ancient Minoan village was buried under volcanic ash following a catastrophic volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. Today, it is a well-preserved archaeological site with a wealth of stories to tell. Legend has it that mystical Atlantis was a source of inspiration for this advanced village.