NORTHERN Beaches/Coastline of Oia:
These beaches are natural and remote. They were frequented by the locals, however have recently been discovered by a few tourists (mainly families & couples). They can not be seen from the main road. The main beaches are Baxedes, Kouloumbos and Pori (a small fisherman’s port).

EASTERN/SOUTHERN Beaches:
You will find Monolithos, Avis and Kamari. These organized beaches are mainly preferred by families with small children. You will find numerous hotels, restaurants, taverns, beach bars and small shops along the beaches (especially in Kamari). Water sports are offered at the beach of Avis, which attracts a younger crowd. Monolithos would be the better and quieter choice for families with younger children.

Continuing down the eastern coastline, you will find the beaches of Perissa and Perivolos. Two of the most known beaches on the island. These two beaches together form the longest black-sanded beach on the island. You will find a variety of taverns, restaurants, beach bars and hotels.

Finally, you reach the most southern beach on the island. Vlychada Beach with it’s “moonscape” will inspire you.

SOUTHWESTERN Beaches:
The Red Beach with its unique vertical cliffs, the White Beach which is only accessible by boat, and the unspoiled beach of Mesa Pigadia form the fundamentals of an distinguishing landscape that has transformed through the years.

DIVING CLUBS: (Scuba & Snorkeling also available): Please ask us for details.

The sun is fierce, so avoid the hours of 12 mid-day to 3 in the afternoon, wear a hat, plenty of sun block and drink a lot of water. Too much alcohol the night before could result in severe dehydration and sun stroke

MESA VOUNO/Ancient Thera:
This strategic location attracted the attention of the Lacedaemonian Colonisers of the island who founded their city upon the limestone rock of Mesa Vouno. From 9th Century B.C. until the spread of Christianity, this city was the only urban center of the island.

MUSEUM Of PRE-HISTORIC THERA:
Located in the island’s capital, Fira, this museum contains pre-historic Aegean masterpieces of art and the unique gold ibex figurine.

WALL PAINTINGS OF THERA EXHIBITION:
These 3-dimensional life-size reproductions of the wall paintings were found in Akrotiri. They can be viewed at the Petros M. Nomikos Conference Center in Firostefani.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM:
In Fira, stands the Archaeological Museum which houses finds representing the island’s long history. The museum contains collections of sculpture (ranging from the Archaic to Roman periods), inscriptions (ranging from the Archaic to Roman periods) with vases and clay figurines (dating from the Geometric to the Hellenistic periods).

FOLKLORE MUSEUM:
Located in Kontohori, Fira, in a cave house from 1861. The museum displays workshops of carpenters, barrel makers, show makers and tinsmiths. Other works include an original old winery, a gallery with works of local current artist and document archives.

MEGARON GYZI/MANSION:
This beautiful mansion exhibits engravings of 16th -19th centuries with dresses, views and maps of the Cycladic Islands as well as old manuscripts and old photographs of how Santorini looked before the devastating earthquake of 1956 and paintings of well-known Greek artists who worked on the island.

NAVAL MUSEUM:
Located Oia, the Naval Museum includes all kinds of display featuring marine objects which trace the maritime history of the island, especially during the 19th Century.

WINE MUSEUM:
A museum presenting the history of wine on Santorini Island from 1660 -1950 with mobile and immobile figures and sound effects. It is located on the grounds of the winery, “Volcano Wines” of the Koutsogiannopoulos Family (on the way to Kamari Beach).

The island’s cuisine, dependant on locally grown produce, fish & seafood from the Segean Sea, has re-enforced the belief that Mediterranean cuisine is delicious and healthy.

Santorini provides more than 300 dining options ranging from traditional to gourmet. Many of which take pleasure in having the reputation of being amongst the best and most innovative in the country and in Europe, satisfying even the most demanding of palettes.

Definitely try some of the following: “Tomatokeftedes”, the tomato croquettes made from tiny, flavourful tomatoes (native to Santorini, onion and herbs are a great starter to any meal; “Fava”, yellow split pea puree, is smooth and delicious. Different versions exist on the island and in Greece; White Aubergine, the white eggplant of Santorini; Fish with Capers; Salads with Caper Leaves; Fresh Goat Cheese; Sweet “Melitinia”; “Tsikoudia”; White Wines; And sweet dessert wine, “Vinsanto”.

COOKING CLASSES: Please ask us for details!

Local Products: Small tomatoes (cherry tomatoes grown virtually without water), fava (yellow split peas), white eggplant, grapes (wine varieties only), single clove garlic, capers, figs, small watermelon, pistachios, cucumbers, zucchini, goat cheese (“chloro”), dill, fennel, mint, basil, saffron, rosemary, oregano, thyme, marjoram, and sage.

CURRENCY:
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency of Greece (since 1 January 2002). A currency converter is available here.

TIPPING:
Many cafes, restaurants, bars & clubs do not include tips for the staff on the bill, thus anything extra you want to offer will be appreciated.

ELECTRICITY:
The current is 220 volts, 50-cycle AC. Appliances with lower voltage would require a transformer.

BANKS:
Most of the banks are located around Fira Town main square, but there is a National Bank branch in Kamari and an Alpha Bank branch in Oia. ATMS can be found everywhere and internationally recognized credit cards are accepted at many of the businesses and establishments. Bank hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 – 14:00.

THEATER:
Beautiful open air cinemas with bar for snacks and refreshments. A new facility in Fira Town. Films are shown in original language/version with Greek subtitles. Films start every evening at 21:00 & 23:15. (June – September)

SHOPPING:
Many shops are open until midnight or shortly thereafter during the summer season. There is wonderful shopping in Fira Town and some very unique boutiques in Oia. Pharmacies take a siesta and on weekends, you will find a note on the door telling you which pharmacy has weekend duty.

NIGHTLIFE:
Although small in size, Santorini is full of bars, clubs and night clubs. You can start the evening with a coffee, drink or meal overlooking the Caldera at sunset. Later in the night you can choose from one of the bigger night clubs located in the main night area or a smaller club or pub with a more casual atmosphere.

Entertainment exists for all tastes and ages. Sophisticated bars, beach bars (on Kamari, Perissa & Perivolos Beaches), night clubs or discos, café bars and off beat hang outs all exist on the island.

Try the new “Casablanca” (in Fira) for a late night rendez-vous. The atmosphere is laid back and they are famous for their cocktails and music (jazz, soul, blues and house). Live music available on some nights.