This small Greek island has been named the very best island to visit in Europe, and the picture-perfect holiday destination is just under four hours away from the UK
If you have been searching for your next holiday destination then look no further, this small Greek island has been the best island destination in Europe – and the picturesque holiday hotspot is just under four hours from the UK. Santorini lies in the Aegean Sea and draws over 3.4 million tourists annually – and it’s not hard to understand why.
Simply put, Santorini is utterly breathtaking, with a mostly submerged volcanic crater – called a caldera – along the west coast of the island providing unforgettable views from the cliffside towns above it. White buildings with domed blue roofs are synonymous with this island, which takes luxury to another level – if you have the budget for it.
On average it will take you just under four hours to fly to Santorini from the UK. In peak summer months you can get there directly, and in the off-season, you may need to take a connecting flight from Athens. July and August will see Santorini flooded with holidaymakers, so if you are looking for a little bit more peace and quiet from your next island getaway, try and visit outside of the high season, and you may also save yourself some money too, with prices often lower outside of the two peak months – per Lonely Planet.
Another reason to head to this idyllic destination out of the high season is simply because of the number of visitors it attracts – reports claim that in the peak months, trying to snap a picture of the sunset in the iconic village of Oia can come with massive queues as a vast number of tourists try to do the same.
Oia is a village on the northern edge of the island built into and on top of the volcanic rock that makes up the caldera, and it is one of the most beautiful locations you could hope to visit, likely to capture your imagination and make up more than a few of your holiday snaps. You can walk to the village from Fira – the island’s main town – if you enjoy a long amble on your holidays, around 6.5 miles this will take about four hours depending on your walking speed, and whilst the views will be unforgettable on the caldera, given how high the temperatures can climb in Santorini, make sure to pace yourself and stay hydrated.
If you want to take in the sights without walking, there are more than a few boat tours that you can book that will allow you to see the islands in their entirety, without getting out of breath.
Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2024 – an American award – has named Santorini the best island in Europe for 11 years running, and the iconic beaches are a massive part of the draw. Red, black, and white sand all can be found on the volcanic island and will provide the perfect backdrop to get away from it all and relax.
Santorini was created in its current form by a massive volcanic eruption – creating the caldera – and losing some ancient towns and cities to history, but what was left has become one of the most photographed locations in the world, that is in particular favoured by couples and honeymooners looking for a romantic getaway.
If you are interested in the history of the island, make sure to visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira in Fira, and the Panagia Theoskepasti chapel which is carved into the rock below what was once a citadel, per The Times.
Santorini is famous for its wine, and so anyone looking to make the most of this should definitely book a tasting at a local vineyard, “The island’s lauded wines are its crisp dry whites and the amber-colored, unfortified dessert wine known as Vinsanto. Both are made from the indigenous grape variety, assyrtiko. About a dozen local vineyards host tastings (usually with a small charge) and some offer food, with scenery and local produce combining to great effect. Start your investigations at SantoWines, or join a wine tour,” Lonely Planet explains.
One downside of this stunning holiday destination can be the prices, and so the experts at Lonely Planet also recommend booking your next trip on the east side of the island, where prices can be more affordable.
If you are looking for a seriously unusual experience aim to stay in a yposkafa – The Times explain these are “smooth, arched structures tunnelled into the soft pumice landscape. Naturally cool in summer, these curvaceous cave houses have arched doorways and windows to frame the sea views.”
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