5 REASONS TO TAKE A WINTER VACATION TO TRANQUIL SANTORINI ISLAND, GREECE

People who live in cold climates are looking for any way to get away to a warm weather climate during the cold winter months. Caribbean? Check. Hawaii? Check. A winter vacation in Santorini, Greece, is another level, especially for those who live in North America, one of the most famous islands in the world.

Santorini is known for its volcano – a large, mostly submerged caldera, in the southern Aegean Sea, around 120 kilometers north of Crete. The island group consists of the main island of Santorini, Therasia and Aspronisi on the periphery, and the Kameni islands in the center. Just over 15,000 people are on Santorini, scattered over 13 villages.

The whitewashed, cubi-form houses of Fira and Oia, its two principal villages, with its blue-domed churches, rise up its cliffs, overlooking an underwater caldera (crater), the Aegean sea and islands to the west. It a wondrous, serene place to hang out, and not surprisingly, a very popular destination for weddings.

You can get there via flights to Athens International Airport (and check out the city), then ferry boat from Piraeus or Rafina ports (high speed ferry takes about five hours; however the eight-hour ferry is a great way to relax and take in the beauty of other Greek island stops). You can also fly to Santorini. The National Airport of Santorini is situated in the village of Kamari, five kilometers away from the main town of Fira. Private jets direct to the island is an option, as well.

From its iconic architecture and captivating sunsets to its volcanic landscapes and ancient history, Santorini has a charm and allure that makes it one-of-a-kind. If authentic experiences are your priority, where natural beauty meets cultural heritage, here are five reasons to place Santorini on your go-to vacation list this winter:

Fewer crowds

Santorini is one of the most popular summer destinations, but in the winter, you can enjoy stunning views, picturesque towns, and iconic blue-domed churches without the overwhelming crowds. You’ll have more space and tranquility to explore.

Private wine tours are popular with the luxury traveller crowd, guided tours where one can sample exquisite local wines. Gavalas Winery, one of the oldest family-run vineyards in Santorini, is a great place to experience the art of winemaking, preserved for generations, where people savor their renowned Assyrtiko and Vinsanto wines.

Argyros Estate is another popular destination, where tourists explore the modern facilities and expansive vineyards there, and discover innovative winemaking practices. Indulge in a tasting session that highlights the unique characteristics of Santorini’s volcanic soil, featuring both traditional and contemporary wine varieties. Santo Wines tourism center has nibbles and tastings with an unbelievable volcano view.

Other big tourist attractions on Santorini include Red Beach, famed for its red-hued volcanic sand, and the archaeological site at Akrotiri on the southwestern tip of the island (site of a Cycladic Bronze Age settlement, a fishing village dating back to 5000 BC, before being buried in a volcanic eruption in 1600 BC, much like Pompeii). Amoudi Bay is a tranquil place to sit with a glass of wine, with picturesque cliff views and crystal waters, ideal for sunsets. There are volcanic hikes you can take, with dips in hot springs, and stunning caldera views, ideal for those looking to get active.

Mild weather

While it won’t be beach weather, Santorini’s winter climate is still quite mild compared to many other parts of Europe. Tourists can enjoy pleasant walks, explore the villages, and take in the breathtaking sunsets without freezing. Many travellers don’t like the intense heat, all the time. Getting out for hikes, taking in the surreal, dreamlike landscape (the contrast of the whitewashed buildings of traditional Cycladic architecture, next to the deep blue sea), is one of the big things that draw people there.

Affordable prices

Accommodations, flights, and dining are much cheaper in the winter compared to the peak tourist season. This makes Santorini a more budget-friendly option if you’re looking to experience a luxury destination without the high costs.

There are so many restaurant recommendations – it doesn’t get more romantic than the Panorama Terrace at Canaves Oia Suites, overlooking the sea; Metaxi Mas, referred by some the best restaurant on the island; Selene, located in a converted monastery in Fira; Naoussa, in Fira, with its wonderful Greek traditional food and views of the caldera; charming Karma restaurant, with some of the best dishes in Oia; and Ambrosia, perhaps the most romantic restaurant in Oia – or all the of Santorini.

Local culture and authentic experiences

With fewer tourists, you’ll have a more authentic experience of Santorini’s local life. You can interact more with locals, explore traditional Greek culture, and visit smaller restaurants and shops that cater to residents.

Hiring a private driver is a great way to build a customized tour. Fira is picturesque, the island’s capital city, while Oia is renowned, a village that looks like a work of art. The houses are carved into the lava rock. Imerovigli and Firostefani are great spots to get your sunset views.

Other famous yet smaller villages, some cosmopolitan, some more traditional, some with vast vineyards to explore, others on a cliff-top affording amazing views over the Aegean are Akrotiri and Messa Vouno – with their famous archaeological sites – Pyrgos, Karterades, Emporio, Amoudi, Finikia, Perissa, Perivolos, Megalochori, Kamari, Mesaria and Monolithos.

Incredible sunsets

Santorini is famous for its sunsets, and in winter, they’re just as breathtaking. The cooler air often makes the sky even clearer, creating stunning sunset views over the caldera with shades of pink, orange, and purple.

Top image: Oia