Location of Santorini

The crescent-shaped volcanic Santorini is a group of islands in Greece. It is located 200 km southeast of Athens. Santorini is the southernmost member of the Cyclades in the middle of the Aegean Sea. The name of the latter refers to the islands around the small island of Delos. Besides Santorini, another well-known member of the Cyclades is the breathtaking Mykonos.

History of Santorini

A volcano eruption devastated the originally circular island 3500 years ago. As a result, the centre of the island disappeared and a sea-filled caldera was formed, which is a volcanic formation. Interestingly, Santorini nowadays is not really one island. In addition to the main island, Thira, it consists of Thirassia, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni, and the uninhabited Aspronisi. Many believe that the legend of the lost Atlantis is actually the legend of Santorini. The island is the best known and most visited tourist destination in Europe. It was named one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Most local residents depend on tourism.

Weather in Santorini

This Greek island has a typically Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, winters are mild. The average temperature in July is 28°C. In summer, the refreshing northwestern wind, Meltemi brings some relief from the heat. Do you love swimming? The average temperature of the sea in August can reach up to 25, 7 °C.

Landmarks in Santorini

The iconic white houses with blue roofs offer an idyllic view. Santorini’s most important archaeological site in Akrotiri, located on the southern side of the island. In the 16th century B.C. it was buried in volcanic ash, and due to its similar fate, Akrotiri is often referred to as the Greek Pompeii. The excavations began in 1967. They revealed traces of a highly developed city that flourished more than 3000 years ago. Archaeologists found multi-story houses, pottery and murals from the Bronze Age. Moreover, the city also had a sewage system.
Santorini offers stunning views over the region. Located on the northwestern peak, Oia is world-famous for its sunsets. You can watch the sun disappear below the horizon from the ruins of the 15th-century Byzantine castle. A windmill stands at one of the most beautiful points of Oia, which is the symbol of the small village.

Gastronomy of Santorini

The volcanic soil is rich in nutrients, so locally grown vegetables and fruits are extremely delicious. Santorini’s specialities include cherry tomatoes, fava beans, capers, and white eggplants. Locals combine traditional recipes with modern gastronomy, making the island one of the greatest culinary destinations in the Aegean Sea. In addition to the delicious meals, Santorini boasts world-famous wines, such as the unique Assyrtiko.

Beaches on Santorini

This gorgeous Greek Island boasts beaches covered in black, red, and white sand.

Eros Beach

Eros is located in the southern part of the island, close to Perissa. It is popular among locals and tourists as well. Eros Beach is very peaceful, surrounded by very uniquely shaped cliffs and rocks. You can rent beach umbrellas and sun lounges. There is also a small bar on the beach.

Kamari Beach

Kamari has an impressive, 2 km long black pebble beach. It is one of the best and most popular beaches on Santorini. The sea is crystal clear, but be careful because the water deepens quickly. There is a restaurant on the beach, and you can rent beach umbrellas and sun lounges.

Perissa Beach

Perissa is a peaceful little holiday resort. It boasts an 8 km long black sandy beach. It is well-equipped. There are beach umbrellas, sun lounges, bars, and restaurants. You can try several water sports, we especially recommend diving. There is also a water park in Perissa, a great place for kids.

Luxury yacht charter in Santorini

If you choose the pearl of the Aegean Sea, sailing across the vast caldera will be an unforgettable experience. It is breathtaking to see how the 200-400 metre high cliffs embrace the volcanic crater. Here are the best places to drop anchor around the island.

Athinios Port

Santorini’s largest port is Athinios, located on the western side of the island. Locals also refer to it as New Port or Thira Port. It can accommodate hundreds of yachts. It is very well-equipped. There are drinking water, electricity and a refuelling station. The port is very busy, especially in the high season.

Skala Port

This is the old port, located near the town of Fira, the tourist centre of Santorini. It is small in size, so larger boats cannot berth here. The passengers of such boats are transported to the mainland by water taxi. You can reach the town by climbing 600 steps of stairs. You can go on foot, with a cable car or on the back of a donkey. If you get hungry, there are restaurants and taverns in the port. You can buy souvenirs and local delicacies in the smaller shops.

Ammoudi Port

The picturesque Ammoudi is on the northwestern coast of Santorini, next to Oia. It is only 13 km from Firas. The small port can accommodate yachts up to 20 metres in length. There are traditional fish taverns on the beach where you can try fresh seafood dishes and local delicacies as well.

Vlychada Port

The recently opened Vlychada is the most protected port on Santorini. It can accommodate boats up to 25 metres in length. The depth of the seabed is 4 metres. There are drinking water, electricity and a refuelling station. In addition, there are bars and restaurants along the coast.

If you are sailing to Santorini, discover other beautiful places in the region too. Oia, Ormos Korfou, Nea Kameni, Akrotiri, the island of Pachia, the island of Anafi, Vlychada, Kamari, and Fira are also great holiday destinations. Find yacht routes in Greece or choose another gulet hire in Greece.

Rent a luxury yacht in Santorini, and cruise around Santorini

Day 1. Fira (Santorini) – Oia 9.53 km (5.92 mi), Day 2. Oia – Karavostasis (Folegandros island) 42.34 km (26.31 mi), Day 3. Folegandros – Alopronia (Sikinos island) 19.87 km (12.35 mi), Day 4. Sikinos – Chora (Ios island ) 12.80 km (7.95 mi), Day 5. Chora – Ag. Georgios (Iraklia island) 38.18 km (23.72 mi), Day 6. Iraklia – Keros island 16.29 km (10.12 mi), Day 7. Keros – Vlychada – Santorini 82.37 km (51.18 mi)

Read more yacht cruises in Santorini

Yachting from Athens to Santorini

Day 1. Athens – Selinia Salamis (Salamina island) 9.42 km (5.85 mi), Day 2. Salamina – Aegina 26.25 km (16.31 mi), Day 3. Aegina Lavrion ( Olympic Marine) 68, 02 km (42, 26 mi), Day 4. Lavrion – Merihas (Kythnos Island) 45, 95 km (28, 55 mi), Day 5. Merihas – Livadi (Serifos Island) 47, 76 km (29, 68 mi), Day 6. Livadi – Milos island (Adamantas) 51, 33 km (31, 90 mi), Day 7. Milos – Folgerandos (Karavostasis) 67, 01 km (41, 64 mi), Day 8. Folgerandos – Santorini (Thira) 50, 25 km (31, 22 mi), Day 9. Thira – Vlychada (Santorini) 15, 83 km (9, 83 mi), Day 10. Vlychada – Ios 52, 81 km (32, 81 mi), Day 11. Ios – Sifnos island (Kamares)67, 61 km (42, 01 mi), Day 12. Kamares – Siros 88, 45 km (54, 96 mi), Day 13. Siros – Kea 69, 63 km (43, 27 mi), Day 14. Kea – Glifada – Athens75, 68 km (47, 02 mi).

Read more about yachting from Athens to Santorini.

Sailing from Crete to Santorini

Day 1. Heraklion – Gazi Marina 9, 56 km (5, 94 mi), Day 2. Gazi Marina – Vlichada 114, 87 km (71, 37 mi), Day 3. Vlichada – Anafi 30, 06 km (18, 68 mi), Day 4. Anafi – Kamari 25, 53 km (15, 86 mi), Day 5. Kamari – Monolitos – Panagia Kalou 11, 99 km (7, 45 mi), Day 6. Panagia Kalou – Agia Eirini, Therasia 10, 03 km (6, 23 mi), Day 7. Agia Eirini – Oia – Thira port 14, 18 km (8, 81 mi)

More information about yachting from Crete to Santorini or more Cyclades yachting routes