When it comes to visiting romantic destinations, Santorini ranks high on most everyone’s bucket list. Classic images of the island hardly do the caldera’s beauty justice, with clusters of typical white, blue-domed Cycladic buildings rising above the sparkle of the deep-blue Aegean Sea.
To make the most of your island getaway with your S.O., make sure you check out the following activities.
Watch the Sunset
The island’s most popular activity is an obvious must-do, but selecting where to watch the nightly spectacle can be complicated.
Most visitors head to Oia to watch the incredible Santorini sunset, but this means it often feels overcrowded. Luckily, there are other options for a more intimate view.
Book a table at Tango bar in Fira, the island’s capital, and marvel at the spectacular sunset while sipping your signature cocktail or glass of sparkling wine and listening to lounge music.
Or head to Imerovigli instead; situated north of Fira, it offers a stunning view of the caldera. Explore the village until you find your preferred perch (there are ample overlooks) to watch the sunset.
To avoid the crowds altogether, splurge on an unforgettable sunset cruise for the ultimate romance. Board one of Caldera Yachting’s luxurious catamarans and enjoy a private tour of the famous white and red beaches and the hot springs followed by the iconic Santorini sunset.
Visit the Local Wineries
Santorini wineries — which mainly produce white and dessert wine — are top class, partly because of the island’s climate and volcanic soil but also thanks to the passionate entrepreneurs who invested in the island’s viticulture.
Domaine Sigalas in Oia, Santo Wines in Pyrgos, as well as Venetsanos Winery and Gavalas Winery in Megalochori are some of the best to visit. Be sure to try a sip (or more!) of the island’s indigenous white grape varietals, like assyrtiko, athiri and aidani, as well as the sweet dessert wine, vinsanto.
There are numerous winery tours on offer, but the Sunset Wine Tour, which takes guests to tour three renowned wineries, ends with a bonus: wine tasting as you watch the Santorini sunset.
Romantic Dinner and Cooking Classes
In the beautiful settlement of Oia, Red Bicycle restaurant offers the perfect setting for a romantic dinner with stellar caldera views from its balcony. Artfully decorated, this restaurant has been awarded for its creative Greek cuisine, strongly linked to tradition, and the menu features dishes such as octopus with black lentils, sweet onion sauce and orange aroma and moussaka with foie gras, eggplant and metsovone mousse.
Selene is one of Santorini’s most iconic restaurants, serving creative meals using local products. Located in the quiet village of Pyrgos, the award-winning spot offers a unique gastronomic experience with its modern twist on traditional Greek cuisine. Be sure to order from the curated menu of local Santorini wines.
Selene also offers daylong Greek cooking classes and olive oil tastings. The classes are a great way to bond as a couple while discovering the local cuisine and recipes.
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