Santorini – a first glance that takes your breath away
The moment you first arrive on Santorini, you notice it: this island is different. The interplay of brilliant white architecture, the vastness of the deep blue sea and the mighty caldera looks like a painting. It looks beautiful on postcards – in real life it is overwhelming. We just stood there – speechless. And knew: this trip is going to be special.
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Getting to Santorini – even the flight is an experience
A first glimpse of Santorini – directly through the plane window
We travelled in a very relaxed way with Aegean Airlines from Frankfurt. Already during the approach it becomes clear what makes Santorini so special: from the air, the island looks like a painting – dark volcanic craters, white houses along the steep coastline and the deep blue of the Aegean.
One more tip: those who choose a window seat on the right-hand side in the direction of travel will be rewarded with a breathtaking view on approach to the caldera. Oia, Fira and the offshore crater rims are already clearly visible from the air.
Those seeing Santorini for the first time get a small foretaste of what is to come even through the plane window: light, vastness, magic.
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Rental car on Santorini – flexible, affordable and convenient
Our rental car – a Fiat 500 with a stunning view over the caldera.
Our rental car was booked without any fuss via CHECK24. Pick-up at Europcar at the airport went smoothly – no queues, no arguments. Particularly pleasant: Europcar was one of the few providers with a low deposit of just €250 instead of €900 like many others.
Important to know: even with a booking without excess, any damage that occurs must first be paid for on the spot and then reimbursed through the insurance. Those who want to be completely safe can take out additional cover against this risk.
For us it was the perfect decision: with the little Fiat 500 we were able to explore the most beautiful corners of the island flexibly and cheaply – from the lighthouse to the highest point of Santorini.
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Cave room with a view – a place to return to
Our cave room at the Olympic Villas was simply perfect. White plastered walls, understated furnishings, absolute quiet – and on top of that a private terrace with a view of the caldera. We loved simply picking up a few things from the shop across the road in the evening and sitting there in peace, enjoying it, marvelling.
This is how you imagine Santorini – and that is exactly how it was. One thing is certain for us: next time we will book in exactly the same place.
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Our cave room in Oia – with terrace and view of the caldera
Exploring the towns of Santorini
Whether the sunset in Oia, a hidden courtyard in Thira or the view from the Klosterweg – every spot on Santorini tells its own story. This gallery shows our highlights from the exploration tour.
Beaches on Santorini
Whether black sand, impressive rock formations or secluded coves – Santorini’s beaches are as varied as the island itself. Our selection shows four special stretches of coastline.
Perissa – black volcanic sand and an endless beach
Paralia Mpaxedes – unspoilt, almost deserted
Kampia Beach – small cove with charm
Vlychada – surreally shaped rocks and plenty of space
Boat trip to the caldera & volcanic islands
The boat trip from the old harbour of Fira was a real highlight: from the volcanic island Nea Kameni over clear water near Thirasia to the view of a cruise ship in the evening sun.
Old harbour Fira – starting and finishing point
Nea Kameni – hiking on the volcano
Thirasia – crystal-clear water, colourful stones
Return journey – cruise ship off Santorini
Hiking with a sea view – discovering Santorini on foot
Away from the tourist spots, Santorini can be wonderfully explored on foot. Our little circular route starts right in Oia and leads along white paths, past chapels, with a constant view of the caldera. Those who set off are rewarded with quiet moments, sweeping views and an authentic atmosphere.
Santorini – more than a postcard motif
Our days on the island were intense, honest and full of small moments: in the morning the first coffee with a view of the caldera, during the day out on dusty paths or at deserted beaches, in the evening the warm light on white facades. Santorini is loud and quiet at the same time – depending on where you look and how you travel.
Those who want not just to see but to experience will find what they are looking for on this island. And those who dare to venture off the typical tourist paths may find exactly what is so often missed when travelling: stillness. Authenticity. And sometimes a piece of themselves.
👉 More impressions, tips and real experiences
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