What To Do In Santorini

A dry Mediterranean climate and rich volcanic soil have helped make Santorini wines “a journey of senses and aromas,” says Alexandros. Though vines have been planted here for centuries, today there are about 20 main producers on the island, many of which guests can visit for tours, tastings, and chats with the winemakers and owners. Founded in 1903, and currently overseen by a fourth-generation winemaker, Estate Argyros (Episkopi Gonia, Thira; +30-22860-31489) has won international awards for several of its releases, and is a particular favorite of Alexandros’s. Visit to learn more about indigenous varietals like assyrtiko, which yields a crisp, mineral-style white wine, and vinsanto, a Santorini-born drink that became popular during the rule of the Venetian Empire.

You can’t visit Greece, the birthplace of Western civilization, without a trip to an archeological site, and luckily, Santorini boasts an important one. Like Italy has Pompeii, Santorini has Akrotiri (Thera; +30-22860-81939), an ancient Minoan Bronze Age city that was buried in volcanic ash sometime around 1627 B.C. Known as Akrotiri of Thera (the ancient name of Santorini), and said to be the inspiration for Plato’s story of Atlantis, the town was, at its high point, very prosperous, and today, you can see evidence of that in the remains of the homes, pottery, and decorative objects that have been uncovered over the years. Most notable are the stunning frescos, which feature elaborate and intricate scenes painted in rich mineral pigments.

“Sailing around the Santorini caldera and its volcanic islands in an extravagant Riva Rivarama is the chicest way to discover the area,” says Alexandros. Based in the town of Fira, Caldera Yachting (Fira; +30-22860-23000) offers several different cruises that showcase the beauty of the region, including a daytime journey with stops at several beaches, a light house, the hot springs, and the old port of Ammoudi. A sunset itinerary starts in Ammoudi, then heads along the Caldera for a vibrant natural light show, before docking in Vlihada for a delicious dinner. Private trips in traditional kaiki boats, sailboats, catamarans, and luxury motor boats can also be arranged, as can day trips to nearby islands of your choice.

Visual beauty is taken to another level on Santorini, where, as Alexandros notes, “the combination of natural light with white-and-blue buildings turns Santorini into a real heaven on earth.” To keep up with the aesthetics, visitors are often dressed to the nines in their most stylish island wear, be it a chic caftan or impressive piece of bling. Pick up some of the latter at Poniros (Oia; +30-22860-72260), a jewelry designer with three boutiques on the island, including two near the Kirini. Pieces from the Volcanic Flower collection—inspired by Santorini’s black volcanic beaches and blue Aegean waters—or from the Akrotiri Collection, an homage to the archeological site’s famous frescoes, make for elegant souvenirs from the island.

When asked what makes Santorini so special, “the sunsets” and “the seafood” are among Alexandros’s first thoughts. One of his favorite spots for both is Sunset Tavern by Paraskevas (Ammoudi: +30-22860-71614). Opened in the early-1980’s by a fisherman, Paraskevas, and his wife, Margarita, it is the first fish taverna in Ammoudi Bay, the main port of Oia. Full of good cheer and rustic charm, the place is beloved by all in the know—including many visiting international chefs—for signature dishes like lobster spaghetti, traditional fava beans, and feta-stuffed eggplant. Naturally, the fresh fish and seafood are replenished daily, and prepared to perfection.