Book a flight to Santorini with Qatar Airways
No matter how many photographs you’ve seen of Santorini, nothing can prepare you for the reality of this magical island. The breath-taking rock formations that rise out of the turquoise Aegean sea simply have to be seen to believed, and the blue-domed houses that dangle on the Caldera Edge are every bit as extraordinary.
The island of Santorini came into being thousands of years ago during a volcanic eruption, which left behind the dramatic landscape you see today. That includes that black-and-red sand beaches dotted around the island, where you can soak up the sunshine by day and watch spectacular sunsets and star-studded skies by night. Elsewhere, Santorini is home to ancient ruins, charming villages and contemporary art spaces.
Fly to Santorini with Qatar Airways and let yourself fall head over heels in love with this awe-inspiring and unique Greek island.
Santorini highlights
Boasting picture-perfect white-washed towns, world-famous sunsets and dramatic beaches, it’s no wonder Santorini welcomes two million tourists every year.
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Tourist attractions
A visit to Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a highlight of any trip to the island. Perched on the cliffs high above the volcano’s caldera, it’s home to the cubic houses and blue-domed churches that Santorini is famous for. Wander through the maze-like streets, take in the inspiring views over the sparkling seas, and stop off at one of the little cafés along the way.
Oia lies 12km along the coastline from Fira, on the northern tip of the island. This is another one of Santorini’s whitewashed villages overlooking the caldera, and it’s famous for its genuinely spectacular sunsets. The waterfront seafood restaurants are the perfect place to watch the sun go down.
The Akrotiri Architectural Site features the remains of a Bronze Age settlement, and it’s often known as the Greek equivalent of Pompeii. The site was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1627 BC and was excavated thousands of years later in 1967. Today you can see the remains of buildings, along with frescoes, pottery and furniture.
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Leisure activities
Walking the Caldera Edge and taking in the views is an absolute must when in Santorini. One of the best routes is from Thira to Oia, which you can do in around three hours. It begins at the Congress Centre in Thira, runs through the charming village of Firostefani, past the monastery of Agios Nikolaos, before reaching Oia.
If you need to make a pit stop along the way, don’t worry; there are lots of little tavernas where you can refuel and soak up spectacular views.
When it comes to beaches, don’t be surprised to see that Santorini’s shores are a dark shade of grey, owing to the island’s volcanic history. Among the best of the lot is the Blue Flag beach in Kamari, which is backed by dramatic cliffs. There’s also a 7km shoreline in Perissa, complete with an array of water sports on offer.
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Food
Santorini’s soil is rich in minerals, meaning the food produced here has a unique flavour. Some of the most famous island produce includes cherry tomatoes, white aubergine, and spicy arugula.
As for traditional dishes, fava is probably the most famous of the lot. It’s a comforting dish made of yellow split pea puree, served with warm olive oil and lemon. It can either be a main meal or a side dish. You should also look out for Ntomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), and chlorotyri (a sour cheese that you’ll only find in Santorini).
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Shopping
A truly cosmopolitan island, Santorini is a paradise for shoppers. Most of your shopping options are located in Fira and Oia, where upmarket boutiques are plentiful - take your pick from clothing, jewellery, books and more.
In Oia, the Silk Shop is a must-visit for beautiful fabrics. It’s brimming with scarves and clothing made of silk and cashmere.
Elsewhere, in the beach resorts of Kamari and Perissa, the shopping is mostly limited to gift shops.
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