Explore the remains of a Bronze Age settlement that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 17th Century BC. It's believed that the site was the inspiration for the legend of Atlantis. The excavations have revealed a sophisticated society, artwork, and well-preserved frescoes. There's also a museum on site that displays artifacts from the excavation.
Visit the ruins of a city that was inhabited for over a thousand years starting from the 9th century BC. The city has Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine structures, including a theater, temples, and houses. There are also spectacular views of the coast and the mountains. It's recommended to bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen for the uphill hike.
Learn about the geological and cultural history of Santorini in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. The museum has artifacts from the various periods of the island's past, including sculptures, pottery, and coins. Later, head over to Santo Wines to taste the local wine and enjoy the panoramic views of the island. The staff is knowledgeable about the grape varieties and the winemaking process.
Visit some of the 300 churches that are scattered throughout the island, bearing witness to the religious and artistic heritage of the Byzantine and post-Byzantine eras. Many of the churches have impressive frescoes, mosaics, and carved wooden screens. Some of the most notable churches are Panagia Episkopi in Mesa Gonia, Panagia Platsani in Pyrgos, and Panagia Vitini in Oia.
During the trip, travelers can use a combination of public buses, taxis, rental cars, or scooters to move between the locations. It's recommended to use Google Maps or a GPS to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion. The average cost of a taxi ride in Santorini is €2 per kilometer, and the average rental car price is €30-€40 per day.
If you have more time, you can add a visit to the Red Beach, the Black Beach, or the White Beach for a relaxing day by the sea. You can also take a boat tour to the volcano and the hot springs of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. Another option is to explore the local cuisine by trying some of the traditional dishes, such as tomato fritters, fava, or grilled octopus. If you have less time, you can skip some of the activities or choose to visit half-day instead of full-day.
Santorini has one airport, the Santorini International Airport (JTR), also known as Thira Airport, located in the southeast part of the island, about 3 miles from the capital Fira. The airport has connections to Athens, Thessaloniki, and other cities in Greece, as well as some European destinations. The airport is relatively small, and there are taxis and buses available outside the terminal. The average taxi ride from the airport to Fira costs €20, and the average shuttle bus ride costs €6.