Gods, poets and heroes who followed were left so mesmerized by its extraordinary natural beauty and outstanding landmarks that it soon came to be known as one of the most romantic destinations on earth.
No wonder Santorini has become a firm favourite with couples looking for an idyllic Greek honeymoon escape.
In this post, I’ll outline 11 top romantic ideas that you and you’re loved one can indulge in, making the most of your trip to this Cycladic gem!
Getting To And Getting Around In Santorini
Between May and October, there are non-stop flights to Santorini from many European cities, while Athens offers year-round connections.
Athens, in turn, is connected around the year with almost all European countries as well as the USA, Canada, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and various international connecting flights too.
In addition, there are daily ferry services from Athens, Naxos, and Paros to Santorini.
The morning trips from Athens leave between 7 am, and 8 am from the Piraeus Ferry Terminal, very near the metro station.
A high-speed ferry takes five hours, and the conventional trip takes up to eight hours or more.
The ride is relaxing and unique as it offers great views of the caldera (Santorini volcano) and the villages above as you enter the port.
From Santorini airport, it is best to rent a car or opt for a private transfer or taxi to get to your place of accommodation.
Most hotels usually offer a free transfer, so be sure to check that when booking.
Buses are also available every hour in high season. Getting to any town from the Athinios port is also fairly easy as there is always a bus waiting as the ferry arrives.
All the major towns are no more than 40 minutes away from both the ferry and airport terminals.
Best Honeymoon Hotels In Santorini
Honeymooners who wish to shop and have easy access to restaurants need to stay in either of the four towns of Oia, Fira, Firostefani or Imerovigli that provide great views of the volcano.
Two of the best hotels to stay in are the Grace Santorini in Imerovigli, as well as Katikies Kirini in Oia. However, despite their high cost, these are often booked months in advance, so be sure to book early to get a room at these exquisite properties.
Alternatively, you may also consider Tsitouras Collection in Firostefani, an 18th-century mansion with just five suites.
The boutique hotel Cosmopolitan Suites in Fira has stylish rooms overlooking the volcano, with private terraces and stunning views.
Keti Hotel in Fira is a moderate family-run property that is also ideal for couples who just want to unwind and laze poolside whilst enjoying the idyllic views out over the Aegean.
11 Romantic Things To See And Do In Santorini
Planning a romantic getaway, consider these 11 most romantic things to see, do, and experience during your stay on Santorini.
Visit the Santorini Wineries:
Greece has been producing wine for centuries, and the vineyards in Santorini are said to be some of the oldest in the world.
The rare grape variety grown here makes a romantic evening wine tasting trip quite an experience.
A four-hour sunset tour of the wineries of Estate Argyros, Gaia, Vassaltis, and Venetsanos gives plenty of opportunities to sample flavours unique to the island and learn a bit more about their production.
Sunset Cruise In Santorini:
The sunset cruises in Santorini are often referred to as boat tours or volcano tours. There are many options available, but one thing is sure,t you will return back to shore dazed with the incredible beauty you have seen.
A romantic trip will often sail up to the caldera, and while you marvel at the views with your partner, the crew will be busy making a delicious buffet dinner.
The boat anchors at the best location just as the sun starts to set over the Aegean sea.
Watch a movie at the outdoor cinema:
The village of Kamari in Santorini is home to the only open-air cinemas on the island. Kamari is about 12 minutes drive from Fira and around 25 minutes from Oia.
Cine Kamari offers the latest English movies with Greek subtitles and is a great way to spend the evening under the Santorini stars with your beloved.
Tickets can only be hooked by cash on arrival, the seating is free, and the cinema operates from May to October only. A concession stand and bar inside serves wine, beer, cocktails and other snacks.
Dine at a traditional taverna:
Likely the first image visitors conjure up when thinking about Santorini is the island’s natural beauty and romantic aura, which has made this a leading worldwide destination.
Among the adorable settlements of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira are many traditional Greek taverns where delicious local cuisine is available all day long.
A dining experience with your soulmate in a traditional Greek tavern should absolutely form part of your travel itinerary. Savour the flavours of the island and sample fresh fish, seafood, and other Greek-inspired dishes.
Pair this with local Greece drinks such as ouzo and raki or a glass of the fine wines from the vineyards of Santorini to complement your meal.
A few of the best-rated restaurants in Santorini include Vinsanto, Melitini, or Parea Tavern, to name but a few.
Opt for a couple’s only massage:
After a long day of island sightseeing, a special spa treatment at an exclusive spa can do wonders to rejuvenate the mind and soul.
A couple’s spa treatment is a great way to unleash the tensed up muscles of the body. Check out the Caldera Massages Studio & Spa for professional couple massages, side by side, in a charming cave-like setting.
The package includes Oia sunset viewing for honeymooners and anniversary celebrations. Enjoy a glass of wine beforehand on the terrace for the ultimate relaxation.
Visit the beaches of Santorini:
The beaches of Santorini are often overlooked by visitors vacationing on the island. Don’t expect to find the quintessential white sand beaches that you’ll likely encounter on other Greek islands.
Instead, visit the unique red coloured sands at Perissa beach or the black pebbled Perissa beach. Other popular Santorini beaches include Vlychada beach and Kamari beach.
Most of these beaches also offer you the chance to rent your own sunlounger for the day for a nominal fee.
Hike Fira to Oia:
The picturesque 10 km hike from Fira to Oia can take up to four hours to complete but boasts fantastic photo opportunities and stunning views.
The scenic walk meanders along cliffs with great views of the caldera and the blue waters down below, passing by some of the most beautiful villages of the island.
Just keep in mind that this hike is mostly exposed with limited cover. As such, you’ll probably want to head out early morning to avoid the scorching midday sun.
Once you reach charming Oia, you’ll want to check out the stunning sights, including the Oia castle, a popular photo stop.
Then why not head down to Ammoudi Bay and lunch next to the turquoise waters, enjoying some of the freshest seafood the island has to offer.
(To get back to Fira from Oia, there are buses departing every 30 minutes, with a journey time of 20 minutes to reach Fira).
Take a daytrip to Akrotiri:
For history lovers, the fascinating ruins of Akrotiri will entice you into learning more about the fascinating insights of this place, which alas suffered a fate similar to Pompeii.
The lighthouse here is an admired piece of architecture, with its white cliff walls towering over the sea.
This is a perfect spot from which to admire the gorgeous Santorini sunset. (Akrotiri lighthouse is just 13 km from Thira and can be easily accessed by road from the village).
Buy a keepsake to remember your time on Santorini:
When you are travelling to a romantic destination like Santorini, you’ll likely be on the hunt for the perfect memento to remind you of your time on the island. Santorini, much like the rest of Greece, offers an extensive array of traditional Greek souvenirs to choose from.
From the ‘Evil Eye’ to ceramics, Olive oil and natural olive products, leather products, or even a traditional Flokati rug are all wonderful choices to consider when shopping for the perfect gift or souvenir in Santorini.
Take a Private Sightseeing tour of Santorini:
If you are short of time, a good way to see all the important islands in a single day is by opting for a private sightseeing tour of Santorini.
This excursion will cover picturesque sites like Akrotiri, Pyrgos and Oia, leaving you and your loved one with enough time to explore each one of them at your own pace.
Guests will be able to gain in-depth knowledge about the ancient Akrotiri settlement with the help of a professional guide.
These tours are designed for those looking for a unique experience, without the crowds, to explore the famous islands around Santorini whilst being guided by a knowledgeable local guide.
Indulge in outdoor activities:
There is no shortage of activities for adventure enthusiasts in Santorini. For starters, you can try the jet ski safari ride around the famous volcano.
You can also take your partner parasailing for exhilarating views from above. Rent an ATV bike and experience the thrill of riding together as you explore Santorini.
Author Bio:
Born and raised in South Africa, Marco Santos from Travel-Boo, currently resides in sunny Lisbon, Portugal. With an absolute love for Europe, he is on a mission to rediscover his own Portuguese & European heritage along the way.
Marco has set out to blog and share his passion for travelling through and exploring Spain, Portugal and other parts of Europe, sharing what he’s learned through his travel blog Travel-Boo.
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