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One Day in Santorini
A trip by Sandy PapasGreece Travel SecretsOne Day in Santorini
One day in Santorini is really not enough – but with the right planning a cruise-day or layover still works. Cable car up from the port, Fira walk, Akrotiri ruins and a winery on the way to Ammoudi for lunch, then Oia for the sunset.
White Pearl Cavalieri Santorini Imerovigli
Restored wine canavas on the caldera rim in Imerovigli, turned into suites.
9.8 Alternative places to stay
SantoriniDay 1
Akrotiri, wine & the Oia sunset
Fira
Fira is the capital town of Santorini and one of the most enchanting ones in Greece, built on an impressive location on top of steep cliffs. It was founded in the late 18th century, and has been built in the traditional Cycladic architectural style. A tour in Fira is a unique experience: picturesque neighbourhoods, snow-white houses, churches with light blue domes, busy alleys lined with shops, cafeterias and restaurants, offering - almost all of them - a breathtaking view of the caldera. Firostefani village is on the town's highest level, offering the visitor a truly breathtaking sunset view.
Ancient Akrotiri
Close by picturesque village Akrotiri, you can visit one of Greece's most important archaeological sites, a Prehistoric settlement that was discovered buried under the ashes of the volcano. It was first inhabited in the Late Neolithic Period and prospered during the Bronze Age. Its architecture shares many common elements with that of the Minoan cities. Observe the multi-storeyed houses, stone-paved streets and squares, the sewerage network and murals.
Santo Wines
Wine Enthusiast named this cooperative best place for volcanic wines at sunset. Founded 1947; largest Santorini producer; caldera-edge location; Assyrtiko white with minerality and saline finish. Tour before tasting recommended; basket-vine (kouloura) cultivation method; reserve sunset slots days ahead; Pyrgos.
Venetsanos Winery
Santorini's first industrial winery, built 1947 using gravity-fed engineering. Built top-down with grapes entering highest level moving by gravity; four-level tour; historic presses preserved. 15 minutes walk from Santo Wines; gravity-flow system unique; sunset terrace May-mid October; guided tours 20 minutes.
Ammoudi Bay
At the bottom of the scenic village of Oia, lies the charming, small port of Ammoudi. It is a beautiful, tiny cove with crystalline waters and fishing boats lying in the sea. Here there are no beaches, sand, sunbeds and umbrellas but you can have a distinctive experience by swimming from the dock. Nevertheless, it is preferable that you follow the path, past the taverns, that ends up in an awesome diving area with crystal clear waters.
Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna
Dinner in Ammoudi Bay is a Santorini ritual, and Dimitris is the taverna that does it best. Opened in 1989 by Dimitris and Joy, it sits right where the red cliff meets the water – tables close enough to the sea that the catch of the day arrives by boat a few metres away. The fish comes from the same local fishermen the kitchen has worked with for decades, grilled simply with lemon, good bread and cold Assyrtiko. Come for the golden hour, stay until the caldera lights fade.
Oia
World’s most iconic sunset on this cliffside village of astounding beauty. Narrow alleys wind their way through whitewashed buildings adorned with blue-domed churches and vibrant bougainvillea, while the island’s caldera and the azure sea, stretching out as far as the eye can see, offer a dramatic backdrop to the scene. Visitors can explore the village's charming streets, lined with boutiques and cafes, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Oia was the first village in Greece to become a heritage site as its greatest part has been built below ground level partly hewn within the rock. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a riot of colors, making for an unforgettable experience that will stay with visitors long after they've left this magical place.
Lauda
Santorinian tradition meets international culinary trends in this award-winning restaurant in a spectacular setting atop the caldera. Cuisine with finesse, precision and impeccable technique. Very good service, impressive wine list. Among its best dishes, the Greek Gamberoni shrimp marinated in soy and cactus, the Scorpion Fish, scorpion biscuit, stonefish foam, and the Iberian pork with dauphinoise potatoes.