Hotels in Santorini

Time your visit for the Santorini Jazz Festival in July or for the eye-popping firework finale of the Ifaisteia Festival in August. For balmy weather without the cruising crowds, visit in the spring or autumn.

Santorini’s tomatoes burst with Mediterranean flavour. Sun-kissed and lovingly left to ripen on the vine, they feature on the island’s menus in anything from thick tomato fritters to piquant tomato pastes. Book a table at award-winning Selene for expertly roasted lamb served with a generous helping of fresh-from-the-fields veggies, or head to Ammoudi for the catch of the day, right on the bay.

A tour of the island’s wineries reaps rich rewards: Santorini’s vineyards have been around since ancient times and still produce vintages in the Italian tradition.

Santorini’s diminutive capital, Fira, has a thriving evening scene with vibrant clubs and quirky bars, but you’ll find plenty of inviting vintners, late-night beach shacks and contemporary cocktail bars tucked away around the island. Music lovers rejoice: Santorini’s Jazz and International Music festivals draw in world-renowned performers year after year.

Known for its dazzling sunsets, Oia is a treasure trove of luxurious boltholes; suites here come with private hot tubs and caldera views. The whitewashed hilltop village of Imerovigli is equally delightful: expect style-savvy boutique hotels with sweeping sea-and-island vistas.

Santorini airport serves year-round flights to Athens and seasonal flights to many European destinations. Ferries from Athens to Santorini are also available, but book in advance as they tend to be popular.