After your Greece investment immigration application is approved, a trip to Santorini is an absolute must when traveling in Greece.
The most enchanting place in the Aegean Sea is undoubtedly Santorini. It boasts the world's most beautiful sunsets, fairytale-like white building complexes, sacred blue-domed churches, and ancient civilizations buried under volcanic ruins. The legendary story of Atlantis, the colorful volcanic crater, the intoxicating sunsets, and that all-encompassing blue—it is truly mesmerizing.
Day 1: Athens, Gift of the Goddess
Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, this city was prophesied by Zeus, the king of gods, to be the most glorious city in the world. With thousands of years of history, it is one of the oldest cities on Earth. Athens is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the Aegean Sea on the fourth. The entire city is built around the Acropolis on the hill, so no matter where you are in the city, you can see the temple of the patron goddess Athena, which still exudes a unique charm after thousands of years of weathering.
Tips
1. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Athens.
2. Admire the greatness of the temples and the bustle of the markets; walk along the stone steps and listen to the fleeting tranquility amidst the millennia.
Night View in the Old Town of Plaka
Plaka Restaurant is located in a quiet area near the old town of Plaka, offering a view of the night scenery of the Acropolis. The waiters here are elderly gentlemen who are fluent in English and provide very warm service.
Tips
1. The food here—Greek salad, made with fresh onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and Kalamata olives, topped with a thick slice of white cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, is the most common and delicious appetizer.
2. Fried baby squid rings, drizzled with a few drops of fresh lemon juice, remove the fishy smell and greasiness. The grilled lamb chops in Greece are also excellent; they have no gamey taste and are particularly fragrant, tender, and juicy after being grilled.
Day 2: Santorini
The most enchanting place in the Aegean Sea is undoubtedly Santorini. It boasts the world's most beautiful sunsets, fairytale-like white building complexes, sacred blue-domed churches, and ancient civilizations buried under volcanic ruins. It leaves artists in awe, photographers obsessed, and travelers spellbound. Likewise, it makes lovers believe that this will be the place where happiness begins.
Tips
1. Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential!
2. Santorini is also open in winter, though there are relatively fewer ferry schedules to the island compared to summer. Some hotels may close for the season.
Oia Town
Some say you must visit Santorini at least once in your life. Others say that while you are destined to travel to many places in your lifetime, there will always be one place that makes your heart flutter and haunts your dreams—that place must be Oia. It is undoubtedly the most picturesque location; it is beautiful from every angle and stunning in every photograph. Oia has an ethereal beauty. Whether day or night, the colors here are magnificent, with the blue and white of heaven and earth intertwined—the blue is absolute, and the white is dazzling.
Tips
1. A seafood feast paired with local Santorini wine is a perfect match.
2. Walk along the alleys to the edge of the cliff and follow the winding paths; you will discover many unique views!
Sunset in Oia
Oia is a town located at the northernmost tip of Santorini. It features vast cliffs facing the sea and offers a wide, 180-degree view, making it the best spot to watch the sunset. In the evening, the sea breeze brushes past the blades, and the windmills turn slowly. The sunlight, which was so proud and high above during the day, is no longer so scorching as to be dizzying, and the boundary between the sea and the sky has blurred. In the twilight, it seems the entire island's focus is gathered here. It is said that gazing at this sunset with your loved one is the best witness to your love.
Tips
1. The Oia fortress is crowded an hour before sunset; if you want to photograph the sunset in peace, it is recommended to go early to secure a spot.
Day 3: Pure and Tranquil Fira Town
Fira, the main town of Santorini, is built on the cliffs by the sea. The town is filled with cottages with white walls and blue doors, and courtyards overflowing with flowers. Walking along the paths in the town, the Aegean Sea is right at your feet, and the water is so purely blue that it is intoxicating.
Tips
1. To stroll and enjoy the stunning beauty of Fira, you can walk along the trail on the edge of the cliff, where you can see the magnificent active volcano; the scenery is excellent.
2. Along the way, there are many beautiful, pure white, and uniquely designed dream houses. The unique scenery of Santorini's cliffside dwellings can be seen everywhere, and most of the scenery on postcards is concentrated here.
Lucky's & Classico
Lucky's is located at the entrance of Fira town, opposite the bus station. Their signature Pita is excellent—generous portions, great taste, and affordable prices; the pork Pita is the tastiest. The environment and value for money at Classico are unbeatable. The portions are large, the ingredients are plentiful, the prices are reasonable, and the large grilled lobster pasta is only 29 Euros.
Tips
1. The diet in Fira is Mediterranean, with meat and fish as the main staples.
2. Restaurants on the edge of the cliff are more expensive, but the food is delicious and the scenery is beautiful.
Perissa Black Sand Beach
Perissa and Kamari are the two most beautiful beaches on Santorini. Located on the southeast coast of the island, the sand on the beaches consists of black volcanic stones, and the unique volcanic geology has created these distinctive black sand beaches.
Tips
You can reach them by bus from the Oia bus station. There are speedboats running between Perissa and Kamari, costing 5 Euros per person one way.
Day 4: Santorini Winery
Santorini is the most famous red wine producing region in the Greek islands. Its wines are renowned throughout the European Union. The taste of the island is a combination of purity and depth. The delicate and complex mineral notes linger in the mouth, reminiscent of the island's mysterious volcanic rocks and the saltiness of the Aegean Sea, while the long-lasting acidity supports the soul of the entire wine.
Tips
A winery tour costs only a few Euros (sometimes even free), and you can taste some sample wines.
Day 5: Exclusive Top-tier Aegean Hotel in Santorini
Kirini Hotel is built entirely on a cliff hundreds of meters high, with all rooms facing the sea and arranged in a staggered manner. Standing on the terrace in front of the room, everything within sight—the walls, floors, roofs, sofas, and umbrellas—is without exception white. Contrasting with this white is the sky, blue without a single cloud, and the vast, azure Aegean Sea. Having grown accustomed to the gold-plated, ostentatious hotels in China, it turns out that top-tier resort hotels can be this minimalist. The style blends elegance with local flair. In this world of white, local furniture and decorations are added with restraint and interest, all of which serve to better highlight the magic and beauty of the Aegean Sea.
Transportation Information
You can reach Santorini in 1 hour by plane from Athens. There are several flights from Santorini Airport to Mykonos every day. During the peak summer season, there are also connecting flights to Rhodes and Crete. It takes about 9 hours to travel from Athens to Santorini by ferry. In summer, there are several ferries every day, and in the off-season, there are about one or two ferries per day. During the peak tourist season, you can take a speedboat and reach Santorini in 4.5 hours.