Tag: Santorini

Discover Greece – Cooking Lessons in Santorini

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On the island of Santorini, famous worldwide for its incredible natural beauty, with a unique volcanic soil and a delightful gastronomy based on local traditional products, is Petra Kouzina, an original proposal of Greek cuisine. Here guests are invited to take part in the preparation and tasting of a traditional Greek meal in a fun and cozy home environment.

Petra Kouzina is translated as “Stone Kitchen” which is an accurate description of the 1950’s restored “Cave House” that preserves the traditional architecture of the island and where this cooking experience takes place.

During 3,5 to 4 hours, you will be welcomed with mezedes (appetizers) and local wine and be guided by a professional chef in the preparation of 5 delicious Greek dishes not only as spectators but as cooks.



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How To Make The Most Of Two Days in Santorini

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I’ve been travelling for a while now.

I’ve been to nine different countries, seen countless museums, castles and historic buildings. After so much travel that bright-eyed wonder you had when you first begun starts to wear off. It’s still amazing, yet you lack the awe you had when you first started. But not with Santorini. There’s nothing like the Greek Islands to make you feel reinvigorated.

When you’re waiting to exit the ferry, that ramp comes down excruciatingly slowly. But then you see it. The dark volcanic rock that towers out of the sea, with a dusting of those iconic white houses. And let me tell you, the sea really is as blue as it looks in the pictures. There’s only one problem. What do you do if you only have two days!?



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What Does Santorini Look Like In The Winter?

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Did you know that Santorini can be visited during the winter months as well?

Contrary to what some people think, Greece is not a tropical destination with eternal sunshine and beautiful beaches you can visit year round. There is snow, there are mountains and there are low winter temperatures that demand warm layers and plenty of hot drinks.

Some of the most popular Greek islands, like Mykonos and Paros, almost shut down during the winter months.

From April to November, most of Greece has mellow and beautiful weather, with the summer months offering long, hot days that are perfect for sunbathing and refreshing swims.

In the winter, most people head to the mountains, the northern Greek villages or the ski centers that can be found around mainland Greece. But a few years ago, Santorini locals decided to open up their island during the winter as well. The permanent local population, started to grow from 5 to 10 thousand to over 20,000 people.

Now, travellers have more and more accommodation options, plenty of cafes and restaurants and the same beautiful scenery that you get during the summer months. In winter, you just need to add a few warmer layers of clothing and visit for longer, just in case you get a few off days of rain and wind.

But how does Santorini look like in the winter? 

These photos were all taken in February, during an 8 day trip to the island. They are from different times of the day, with most days evidently sunny but also some cloudy and rainy moments throughout.



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7 Hotels in Santorini Open in Winter With Hot Tubs Or Heated Pools

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Aqua Luxury Suites is an elegant property located in Imerovigli, also known as “the balcony of the Aegean”. Tucked between Fira, which is the busiest part of the island during the winter months, and Oia, Imerovigli is an ideal location for travellers to base themselves on to explore the island.

In Aqua Luxury Suites, visitors will find a sanctuary of absolute tranquility and bliss, with suites, villas and apartments to suit every traveller and their needs. Make sure to book a room with a hot tub or plunge pool, like the stunning Superior Sunset Suite that will certainly become the highlight of your stay.



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The Akrotiri Ruins In Santorini: Know Before You Go

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Life in the urban centre of Akrotiri was marked by their connection to the sea and trade. 

Akrotiri was primarily a fishing and farming village. The people cultivated grains such as wheat, barley, legumes as well as olives, and wines. They primarily traded in wine, metals and volcanic rock.

The houses, which were usually two or three stories high, were made from stone and mud, with balconies, underfloor heating, hot and cold running water and an elaborate plumbing and drainage system. There were no palaces, like in Minoan Crete, and it is believed they run a democratic and egalitarian society with no social hierarchies.

They did, however, project social status and a higher standard of living with art and decorations. It is incredible that there has been not one house or building discovered that does not include elaborate wall paintings.

The wealth and quality of the murals, in addition to the all the other findings, signify this was an affluent society that was able to endorse and finance artistic talent. 

“Any archaeologist who delves into the ruins

of the town has the feeling that he is witnessing the history

of a consumer society.”

 

Christos Doumas, Professor Emeritus University of Athens, Director of the Akrotiri Archaeological Excavations



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The Top 10 Things To Do While Visiting Santorini

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The Volcano And Hot Springs

Nea Kameni is the volcano that you can spot from almost every vantage point on the western side of the caldera. While still active today you can visit this dormant volcano and even hike to the top. Its peak offers fabulous views looking back onto the island of Santorini, where its towering cliffs make the villages seem a mere sprinkling of whitewashed homes.

An incredibly special feature of this volcanic island is that there is a natural hot spring located in one of the bays of the islet. You can reach the hot spring by boat, from which you can dive into the warm waters of this cove. Due to the high sulfur content of the water, it may tarnish what you swim in, so decide carefully what you’d like to wear. Some, however, may like to stick to their hotel pool, and if you’re traveling in winter many hotel pools are heated!

Santorini sailing offer private tours where you can travel in luxury around the island and beyond, including a stop at the volcanic hot springs. So, make sure you add this to the top of your list of things to do in Santorini.



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Santorini in Winter Guide – Everything You Need To Know

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Santorini is connected by air and sea to the rest of Greece as well as some European cities in the summer.

Because of the number of permanent residents and the fact that more and more tourists are choosing to visit Santorini during the off season, you will find both flights and ferry connections all year-round with no problem.

Ferries

Winter ferries to Santorini depart Piraeus port daily, however, weather conditions can impact the schedule. Northerly winds can make docking on the harbor impossible during certain days so last minute delays or cancellations are not unheard of.

While in the summer months the fast ferries can make the journey in under 5 hours in the winter expect no less than 8 hours. The Blue Star Ferries line that departs early in the morning is the best option for travellers as it takes around 8 hours and you can arrive on the island just in time for check in. This route runs 7 days a week all year round, bringing in supplies and stopping at Paros, Naxos and Ios along the way.

Zante Ferries operates on a similar schedule, however, this route is longer. (12 hours) The passage is a great opportunity to soak in the Aegean but it might not be suitable for those that are pressed for time and have only a few days to spend in Santorini.

Alternatively, ferries depart later in the day from Piraeus as well, taking an average of 8-10 hours, that arrive very early in the morning. For adventurous souls or those travelling light, this is a great option for starting your trip with a beautiful sunrise. Prepare to seek refuge in a cafe for a few hours or walk around until something is open. Shop hours are limited during the winter in general so do not be surprised if there are limited to no options outside of the main centre of Fira.

Flights

There are flights all year round, primarily from Athens. Low cost airlines like Volotea and Ryanair offer very competitively priced tickets from Athens, but do remember that they don’t include checked-in baggage which you might need for your warmer and bulkier clothes.

There is generally less flights cancelled during the winter due to bad weather, and the pilots are very experienced in navigating the windy and narrow air strips to the island. Do prepare for a bumpy ride though and a dramatic landing.



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Santorini Honeymoon Things To do – Travel Guide

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If you are visiting Santorini, you probably already know the story of its creation. Born out of a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, Santorini is often associated with the myth of the Lost Atlantis. The island used to be round, and was named “Stroggili” or “The round island” but with the eruption, the middle part sunk to the bottom and created this crescent shape that is now recognizable worldwide.

For the best views and a once in a lifetime experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world, you might want to book a room with a view of the caldera. Santorini has some incredible honeymoon destination hotels that are known for luxury, privacy, adult-only spaces, and the best views the island can offer. If this will be a kid-friendly honeymoon, there are plenty of hotels for you as well though!

The most famous villages around Santorini are located on the side of the caldera. Places like Oia, Firostefani, Fira, and Imerovigli will be where you find world-class hotels and villas for your romantic moments.

It will come as no surprise that the view costs more than your “average” room on the island but considering how limited space is and the fact that Santorini is the only inhabited volcano caldera in the world, then it is more than worth it in our opinion.



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Santorini’s Grace Hotel Named Best Resort in Greece by Travel+Leisure

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The Grace Hotel on Santorini, a member of the Auberge Resorts Collection, was given the title of “Best Resort Hotel in Greece” at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022.

The Greek resort also ranked second in the “Best Hotel in Europe” and “Best Hotel in the World” categories for a second year in a row.

Based on the votes of its readers, Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards serve as a respected resource for inspiration and a guide for readers’ next adventures.

“We are honored to be recognized, once again, as the best hotel in Greece and second in the world and in Europe on the coveted Travel + Leisure list,” Grace Hotel General Manager George Avgoustis said.

“These awards reflect the efforts of our entire team. Our people are an integral part of the Grace experience creating a unique relationship of trust with every visitor,” he added.

The 20-room Grace Hotel is home to modern accommodations all with views of the Aegean and designed in the spirit of the Mediterranean’s laidback seaside lifestyle. Its iconic two-bedroom Villa was recently renovated and is equipped with unique amenities like its own spa with a traditional hammam, a fully equipped kitchen, a swimming pool, a wine and cigar cellar and a butler.

Culinary experiences at Grace Hotel include honey tastings, private sunset picnics and Greek cooking classes.

With regard to activities, the hotel also offers art classes that include Greek sandal making and the art of pottery.

Adventure lovers will also be happy to know that Grace Hotel offers jet ski safaris, hikings with a local guide and scuba diving.

Earlier this summer, the property announced its collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Lefteris Lazarou who will take Greek cuisine to the island’s Varoulko Santorini restaurant. In addition, the Baba Au Rum, one of the World’s 50 Best Bars in Athens, will serve the finest cocktails at the hotel’s 363 Bar.


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