Cruise Holiday Travel Guide: Santorini

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When you book a Mediterranean cruise with Cruise1st, one of your must-see destinations should be Santorini. This picturesque island, known for its famous whitewashed buildings and blue-domed roofs, will capture your imagination before you even step foot off the ship.

The island of Santorini is basically what was left after a catastrophic volcanic eruption. This eruption created a massive caldera and a dramatic landscape of cliffs that slope down into the Aegean Sea. The famous white buildings cling to the steep cliffside, creating the postcard-ready seascapes.

Fast Facts about Santorini

  • Official Name: Thira
  • Country: Greece
  • Area: 76.19 square metres
  • Maximum length: 18 kilometres
  • Population: 15,550
  • Tourists: 1.5 million annually
  • Average high: 21C
  • Average low: 16C

 

What to see

A good starting point in Santorini – and a great place to take plenty of photographs – is the charming Greek hilltop village of Oia. Located on the northern tip of the island, this village is known for its cobbled streets, stunning architecture, pristine white buildings, and plenty of welcoming café and restaurants. Not forgetting, of course, the spectacular blue-domed churches.

The island’s capital, Fira, is also worth exploring. Perched on the edge of a steep, dramatic cliff, the city offers stunning views of the submerged volcano as well as spectacular Venetian and Cycladic architecture.

You also shouldn’t miss the area known simply as Santorini Crater – the huge, water-filled caldera that was created by a volcanic eruption in 1650 BC when the centre of the island collapsed into the sea. Legend has it that beneath these waters lies the lost city of Atlantis.

couple in Santorini and Santorini at sunset

What to do

Volcanic activity created the dramatic black-sand beach of Kamari. Today, the beach is alive with people. Visit this gorgeous beach to enjoy water sports, tavernas and cafés.

For something a little different, a popular excursion in Santorini is the winery tour. This region is world-renowned for its rich wines and unique vinification methods. You will get the opportunity to see some of the world’s oldest vineyards and learn how the island’s microclimate and volcanic soil help create such fantastic wines. Plus, you will get the chance to sample some of the wines during the tour!

However you choose to spend your time on this magical trip, you are sure to leave with memories which will last a lifetime.

Booking your Santorini cruise

A handful of cruise lines sail to Santorini. The question is: How would you like to sail there? Of course, all the well-known cruise lines sail the Mediterranean waters surrounding Santorini like Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises. But if you’re looking for a smaller cruise ship, consider cruising with P&O Australia. For a luxurious experience, look into cruise lines, such as Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, Holland America Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, and Crystal Cruises.

Interested in a Santorini cruise? Then, check out our cruise deals to Greece. If you have any question, feel free to ring our Australia-based cruise experts on 1300 857 345.

 

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