BEST MONTH TO TRAVEL: April

COUNTRY TO VISIT: Greece

Greece has the longest coastline in Europe and is the southernmost country in Europe. The mainland has rugged mountains, forests, and lakes, but the country is well known for the thousands of islands dotting the blue Aegean Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Ionian Sea to the west. The country is divided into three geographical regions: the mainland, the islands, and Peloponnese, the peninsula south of the mainland.

CITY – SANTORINI

Santorini is an active volcano island in the Cyclades group of Greek Islands. It is located between Ios and Anafi Islands. A dream island for a lot of people around the world, wishing to visit once in a lifetime. Famous for dramatic and breath-taking views, stunning sunsets from Oia and all over the cliff edge.

The middle season and better time to visit, is usually during the months of April, May, early June, late September and October.  Things are quieter at the caldera edge, and considerably quieter on the beach side where accommodation bargains are easier. Santorini’s commercial development is focused on the caldera clifftops with large clusters of whitewashed buildings nesting at dizzying heights and spilling cliff sides.  The island’s interior is dotted with vineyards and traditional villages that let you see beyond the tourist hustle. Don’t miss Pyrgos  , Megalochori and Emporio for great eats and a wander through charming backstreets, hidden gems.

HOTELS

AMBASSADOR AEGEAN LUXURY HOTEL & SUITES

Perched on the edge of the cliff, overlooking the imposing caldera and the emblematic volcano of Santorini, Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel & Suites welcomes you to Akrotiri. One of the finest, most privileged spots on the island with spectacular vistas that take your breath away and compose the idyllic backdrop for an unforgettable stay.

The Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel & Suites experience is enhanced through exclusive signature details that transcend the expectations of even the most discerning guests, such as the private helipad or the golf cars available for guests who wish to move around the property effortlessly.

INFINITY CAVE SUITE

The pinnacle of Theran architecture, carved in the stone! Infinity Cave Suite boasts modern facilities and superb amenities, along with traditional chic architecture that fascinates your senses. If you are searching for an accommodation option that splendidly blends the genuine character of Santorini with modernity and comfort, Infinity Cave Suite is just the right place for you.

ACTIVITIES / SITE SEEING: SANTORINI

SANTORINI ON A LUXURY YACHT

There is no better way to see Santorini’s most beautiful beaches and islands than on a luxury yacht tour led by one of Santorini Yacht Services’ experienced cabins. The yacht itself includes a fully air-conditioned cabin complete with sleeping cabins, a lounge with wet bar, full kitchen, TV, and stereo, while the deck of the yacht provides a shaded sitting area, a swimming platform, and sunbathing areas. Drinks, including sodas, beer, wine, and champagne, are available on board, while a lunch of fresh fish (or anything else you might like) is served at a local restaurant.

WINERY TOUR

You and several of your friends can take a private tour of Santorini’s renowned wineries. This eight-hour tour is led by an expert sommelier and includes visits to five boutiques estates, where you will visit the cellars and learn about the various techniques of wine production. In addition, you will get to taste at least 20 different styles of wines, including reds, whites, and “Vinsanto” wines, while partaking in local snacks and cheeses. During the tour, you will stop at one of the wineries for a delicious full lunch before continuing to the next winery.

SANTORINI’S BEST BEACHES & WATER SPORTS

It’s impossible to do a definitive guide about Santorini without mentioning the best beaches of the island. If you want to take a dip in Santorini, the most famous beaches are:

The beaches of Perissa, Perivolos and Agios Georgios: large black sand beaches with snacks and taverns. Kamari Beach, another large black sand beach, where you can rent deckchairs and enjoy many nautical activities. The Red Beach, named after the volcanic ochre cliffs surrounding it. You can get there in only 5 minutes by a trail. The White Beach, right next to the Red Beach. You will need take a boat to get there. Vlihada Beach and its white rocks. Monilithos Beach, ideal with children with its shallow waters. Kolumbo Beach, only accessible by foot, and frequented by nudists.

Jet Ski, Deep Sea Dive, Parasailing, Kayak, Windsurfing, Stand up Paddle, Hoverboard, Kiteboarding etc are some of the water sport that can be enjoyed at various beaches.

PRODUCTS

GREEK JEWELLERY

Santorini was created by a massive volcanic eruption 3600 years ago. Hence, the rebirth of the island from the ashes inspired many artists to create unique jewellery collections that praise the unparalleled beauty of Santorini.  For those of you who love to spoil yourselves while on holiday, we recommend visiting the gold street of Fira, one of Greece’s largest gold markets. This is where you can find fine jewellery made from precious materials and handmade ones that combine silver, gold, and lava stones. Besides, Oia’s stylish shopping scene on the jewelry market is also not to be missed!

WINE

If you are a wine lover and visiting Santorini, it is one of the head destinations of wine tourism in Greece. More than 18 wineries open their doors to guests to offer wine tastings and tours. Santorini’s vines are among the oldest in the world.

The volcanic complex of the soil protected the vines from phylloxera, an insect pest of grapevines, that destroyed most of the European vineyards in the late 19th century. You will be surprised by the unique basket-shaped vines called ‘kouloura’ that protects them from the strong Aegean winds. What makes Santorinian wine truly outstanding and well known is the high levels of essential minerals found in the soil. You can purchase your preferred wine directly in one of the wineries or local liqueur stores. 

ART PIECES 

Santorini is home to many artists who share the same passion for creativity. If you feel like taking back home something truly special, there are plenty of art shops where you can find a diversity of art-crafts that represent the tradition and history of the island and Greece in general. Gaining inspiration from the colors of the Aegean and the landscape of the island exceptional art pieces such as wall hangings, handmade paintings, unique sculptures, ceramics, and more. Keep in mind that shopping from a local artist will support a small Santorini family business and will guarantee you a truly handicraft item.

TRADITIONAL CUISINE

If you’re the kind of traveller who can’t see a bowl of ice cream without whipping out your smartphone, you’ll be in seventh heaven in made-for-Instagram Miami. Of course, there’s the pastel-pretty Art Deco architecture of South Beach, which looks good enough to eat. But we’re talking about stuff that’s literally good enough to eat. Miami is a multicultural feast of flavours, from Little Havana to Little Haiti.

FAVA

Fava is probably the most famous and iconic traditional dish in Santorini. You might guess from the name that it is made with fava beans, but it actually contains a puree of yellow split peas. It is a creamy, simple, and comforting dish that is often served heated with lemon and olive oil. It is sometimes also topped with capers and onions.

Fava is rarely the main dish, as it is often served as a side dish or a small meal. You’re likely to see it when you are dining meze style, which is where everyone shares a selection of appetizers. It has been a staple of the local cuisine for many centuries, as it is hearty, healthy, filling, and very affordable.

DOMATOKEFTETHES: SANTORINI TOMATO FRITTERS

The Greek island is known for it’s special variety of tomatoes that grow nowhere else in the world. And Santorinians love to dice these special tomatoes up with onion and a little bit of mint, mix in some flour, and fry them up into domatokeftethes (pronounced doh-mah-to-kef-TEH-thes). The tomato fritters are an excellent appetizer and can be found on many menus around Santorini.

FRESH FISH

There are still family owned tavernas that operate in the traditional Greek way: the father is out fishing, the son runs the restaurant, and the momma is cooking in the kitchen. The fish is so fresh, there’s no menu. You simply visit the kitchen to pick out your fish from the selection of today’s fresh catch. The fish is weighed, you’re quoted a price, and when all is agreed, off you go to enjoy a beer and some tomato paste or tarama spread while your fish is grilled up.

COVID TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Greece’s is open for travellers from all EU & Schengen Area countries and has a ban on travellers from non-EU countries.

However, people traveling for essential reasons and travellers from the following 42 non-EU countries and territories are allowed to enter Greece – provided they have the required documentation – without the requirement for subsequent self-isolation: Australia, Northern Macedonia, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, Belarus, Bahrain, New Zealand, South Korea, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Ukraine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Japan, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Jordan, Moldova, Brunei, San Marino, Andorra, the Vatican, Monaco, Turkey, Mexico, Kosovo, Chinese Taipei, Argentina, India, Uruguay, Oman and Chile.

Entry requirements

Greece will allow entrance to travellers that have filled out the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) any time before the departure of their flight. The PLF is mandatory and must be filled out by all travellers, regardless of their nationality.

Passengers from abroad, regardless of vaccination/recovery status, must also have one of the following:

• a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours before travel or
• a negative rapid antigen test performed within 24 hours before travel.

Negative test results must be issued by an authorized laboratory and in one of the following languages: Greek, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Russian. The name on the vaccination certificate must match the name on the passport.

The rule is in force for children aged 5 and over.