Cruise guide to Santorini, Greece

One of the most popular Greek islands, Santorini is visited by more than 2 million tourists every year. The likes of BBC and Travel + Leisure Magazine have named Santorini one of the world’s best travel destinations, so it should definitely be part of your Mediterranean summer cruise holiday. The island is famous for its Greco-Roman architecture, a Cycladic and Venetian style that of whitewashed walls and vibrantly coloured accents. Here you can wander through the island’s famous villages, swing along idyllic beaches, visit ancient cities, go hiking and even go on a wine tour in what is a truly romantic setting.

Facts about Santorini

Santorini was actually called Strongoli, prior to a devastating eruption that occurred during the 16th century. The island’s current name comes from two words, being Santa and Irenene, with the former stemming from St. Nick and the latter from the name Irene. The devastating 1500s eruption destroyed the island and there was no trace of human activity here until the very end of the 13th century. In fact, Santorini still rests upon an active volcano, and the most recent eruption to occur on the island was in 1956. The eruption caused a small village named Rocca to sink into the sea. There is also a 400m-deep crater on the island called The Caldera, which is a result of the disastrous eruptions.

Cruises departing from Santorini

If you want to hop on a cruise ship to Santorini then you can do so from either Rome or Barcelona. The major operators that tour here include Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Princess Cruises departs exclusively from Rome and cruise itineraries range from 14 to 21 nights. Royal Caribbean International departs from Barcelona and Rome and cruise lengths range from 7 to 12 nights. Finally, Celebrity Cruises also operate from Barcelona and Rome, and cruise programmes are 10 and 11 nights. Overall, there is plenty of opportunity to go on a cruise holiday to Santorini throughout the entire Mediterranean cruise season.

Things to see and do in Santorini

Greece’s most romantic island offers holiday goers plenty to see and do. We’ve included some of our favourite activities that you can include as part of your cruise holiday.

Visit Fira and Oia

The island’s capital of Fira is a charming town that is known all over the world for its white and blue houses, narrow alleyways and luxurious hotels with infinity pools. Here you can walk around the picturesque alleys and make your way to various lookouts that provide views over Caldera. Like Fira, Oia is another must-see attraction during your cruise holiday to Santorini, and the village is also known for its architecture and world-class views. Oia is considered one of the best places from which to experience the world-famous Santorini sunset. Also, if you feel like a long romantic walk, then you can hike the 10km-long trail from Fira to Oia.

Swim along the island’s idyllic beaches

Another must-do activity during your cruise holiday to Santorini is to make your way to one of the island’s many beaches and go for a swim. Santorini is known for its volcanic-black-sand beaches, though there are plenty of rocky beaches as well. Red Beach is one of island’s best-known beaches and is known for its surrounding red hills and volcanic rocks. It is also a great place to go snorkelling. Some of the island’s popular black sand beaches include Agios Georgios, Perivolos and Perissa. If you prefer rocky beaches though, then head to Vlihada Beach, and if you’re travelling with children then the shallow waters of Monolithos Beach provide a safe swimming location.

Explore the ancient city of Akrotiri

If you’re a history buff then take a trip back in time and visit the prehistoric city of Akrotiri during your Santorini cruise holiday. The site of one of the earliest traces of human settlement on the island, Akrotiri’s human history spans back to as early as the 5th millennium BC when the settlement was a farming and fishing village. In fact, it is thought that the site was inhabited all the way through to the 16th century when the island’s infamous eruption occurred. Since 1967, Akrotiri has been constantly excavated and today you may see the remains of frescoes as well as pottery, the latter of which was commonly used in everyday life throughout the settlement.

Go on a guided wine tour

During your cruise to Santorini, one thing you definitely shouldn’t skip on is a guided wine tour. Santorini is home to some of the world’s oldest vineyards, as well as Greece’s best wine. Guided wine tours are among the most popular activities on the island, so be sure to include them as part of your itinerary. Wine tours in Santorini typically last a few hours, and you will have the opportunity to the island’s vineyards, such as Boutari Vineyard, Gavalas Traditional Winery and The Estate Argyros. The best part is that by the end of any guided wine tour, you should have tried almost a dozen wines, including the traditional Nykteri and Vinsanto.

Watch a movie at the open-air cinema

Santorini’s open-air cinema is a great activity that every traveller can enjoy, regardless of if you’re on a family trip or romantic getaway. Set in the middle of a forest, Santorini’s open-air cinema is a great place to watch a movie. The outdoor movie theatre operates from May to October and movies are played every night from 9:30pm. All movies played here are in English and have Greek subtitles. There’s a drink and snack bar on site, so you’re covered if you feel like a cocktail or a bite. Fair warning though, it can get a little chilly at night here even after a hot day, so bring a jumper to keep warm during the movie.

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Categories: Ports

Tags: Europe , Greece , Mediterranean , Santorini