A Dream Holiday in Santorini
Date Posted: 09/10/2023
Our Head of Contact Centres, Claire, recently returned from a weeklong holiday to the stunning Santorini! Known for crystal clear waters and insta-worthy sunsets, Santorini is certainly a bucket list destination for most. Keep reading to find out all of Claire's top tips and recommendations for the perfect Greek getaway…
“Situated in the beautiful beach resort of Perissa, we stayed in the Fenix Collection hotel. This was a lovely but affordable option that was great for couples. Enjoy Santorini’s famous black sands beach, explore the archaeological remains of the Ancient Thera or head out on a thrill-seeking mission at the Santorini Water Park - all only a short walk away from the hotel. The curved pool is surrounded by palm trees featuring a magnificent backdrop of the mountains creating a truly relaxing summer paradise. There’s also plenty of lunch options available at the snack bar and a delicious continental breakfast served each morning if you want to start your morning with a little indulgence.
The culinary fun doesn’t end there though! I would recommend venturing into the main town of Perissa where you can find an abundance of local restaurants serving both traditional dishes and classic favourites. The strip of beachfront tavernas is where we headed most nights to enjoy our evening meal. Franzekos Fish Tavern was a personal favourite, known for its fresh seafood, the ‘catch of the day’ special never disappointed! Ntomatini was another top pick for me, serving all vegetarian options. The beautiful décor and the gourmet-style plating of the food really added an extra edge to the whole experience too. Contrary to what a lot of people may believe, we found the general cost of food and drinks fairly reasonable. Main courses tended to range between 10-20 euros, while a bottle of wine cost between 25-40 euros. Beers were also very fairly priced, costing around 5 euros (perfect for keeping you refreshed on those hot beach days).
But Perissa wasn’t the only place we explored! With plenty of trips available leaving right from the hotel, you can explore the whole island, both sea and land! Probably Santorini’s most famous destination, Oia is known for its famous blue doomed churches and iconic sunsets that attracts thousands daily. The coastal town is filled with cliffside whitewashed houses, hotels and restaurants which is a sight in itself that most flock to see. Due to its fast growth in popularity over recent years, Oia does get very busy, especially during peak times so I would recommend booking any restaurants or activities in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you’re looking for a more chilled day out, a catamaran cruise will be right up your street! We spent half a day sailing around the southern Aegean Sea visiting many impressive First up was the Red Beach. Filled with volcanic sand, the red hued shores contrast the turquoise waters creating a unique and remarkable sight! We then made our way over to the Hot Springs of Santorini, known as nature’s spa. The Caldera region is where the active volcanic crater lies (don’t worry, it’s completely safe to visit), heating up the spring to around 35 C. Dive into the water and experience the therapeutic properties of the springs alongside the magnificent views. Following this we headed to the White Beach of Santorini, a stunningly secluded beach surrounded by high white cliffs. The crystal-clear waters beckon you in for a refreshing swim against the picture-perfect backdrop. We finished the trip by visiting the island of Thirasia where we had the chance to snorkel amongst the tropical sea life. The experience on the boat was just as good as it the ones off too! We were well looked after with lunch provided and an open bar making for a perfect day at sea.
Overall we absolutely loved our trip to Santorini and would recommend the island to anyone looking for relaxing but fun-filled getaway. With so much to do and an plenty of beautiful sights to see, you’ll find yourself wishing your time there was longer!”
