The backdrop of snow-white buildings with blue domed roofs is a popular photo op for couples and honeymooners. Red, white and black beaches testify to the diversity of the stunning landscape of the Cycladic island, which seems to be particularly popular with lovers.

Best restaurant

Dining in the best location

Walking down the wide steps at the foot of the town of Oia, you'll discover Ammoudi Bay, an old fishing port that is now considered the island's culinary hotspot. Right on the waterfront, the "Ammoudi Fish Tavern" awaits with rustic chic, freshly caught fish and a relaxed atmosphere; in the evening, you can enjoy the island's best sunset on the terrace with the best seafood. The maritime décor perfectly rounds off the cosy ambience in the family-run tavern. ammoudisantorini.com

Best Beach Clubs

Party on the black beach

Dance to the hip beats of international top DJs, sip cocktails and enjoy excellent food. The "Wet Stories Beach Bar" at Perivolos Beach offers the full program! Highlights are the black beach made of volcanic sand and the signature cocktails. wetstoriessantorini.gr

Anything but quiet

Bright colours, good, partly vegan food and tropical cocktails: If you like a casual atmosphere and live music, Tranquilo is the place to be! Famous for its smoothies, salads and full moon bonfire parties, you can party right on Perissa Beach until the wee hours of the morning. utopia-santorini.gr

Party Bianco

White decor, turquoise water, black beach and the sea in front of your eyes: If you want to party in style, visit the Beach Club of the "Nikki Beach Resort". Feel the electric beats, snack on tapas and loll on the elegant loungers - the ultimate "Nikki Beach" feeling! santorini.nikkibeach.com

Good to know

2.8 nights
On average, tourists stay only 2.8 nights on Santorini - even though the island has so much to offer!

Island hopping
If you have time, you should definitely take a sailing boat or ferry to the breathtaking fishing island of Milos.

Caldera
The volcanic crater on which Santorini is built, a caldera, is almost completely submerged in the sea.

Strong winds
The many windmills on Santorini bear witness to the strong winds that blow across the island all year round.

Honeymoon Island
Santorini has been popular with newly married couples for years. It's not uncommon to stroll past wedding shoots.

Weinfelder
Instead of growing upwards, the vines in the Cyclades grow along the ground to avoid the harsh winds.

Very special is the "Nykteri
Grand Reserve Santorini Assyrtiko". Perfect for fatty fish dishes and awarded with 94 Falstaff points. This noble wine is grown by the winery Santo Wines and is definitely worth a tasting. santowines.gr

Best of Hotels

Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini

The heart of the resort is a 400-year-old vineyard, around which the modern complex was built. Simple elegance with natural colours runs through the hotel. In the evening, dine in the preserved vaults of the winery or have your meal brought to your luxurious suites and villas. For exercise, there's a fully equipped fitness center, or take a dip in the outdoor pool. At the Elios Spa, staff take care of guests' physical and mental relaxation, offering a variety of treatments. Couples will especially enjoy the Couple's Massage. In addition to wine tastings, the hotel also offers cooking classes where you can learn tips and tricks of the local cuisine. Tip: Visit Fira and go on a historical voyage of discovery! Double room including breakfast from € 270,- per night.

marriott.com
Megalohori, 84700 Santorini, Greece
T: +30 2286 081796

Hotel Istoria

The luxurious boutique hotel with its twelve suites is located directly on the famous black Perivolos Beach. Finest handmade textiles, designer accessories and wooden furniture provide an elegant feel-good flair in the suites. Furthermore, a private Jacuzzi awaits in almost every suite - the clever arrangement of the terraces ensures privacy and protection from prying eyes. Location and interior make the hotel the Instagram hotspot of the island. The Elios Spa leaves nothing to be desired; twice a week, guests can enjoy yoga with a view of the sea. A horseback ride along the volcanic sand beach is also a highlight. In the outdoor restaurant "Mr. E", enjoyment is not neglected either. Guests enjoy modern Greek dishes under shady awnings. Double room incl. breakfast from € 320,- per night.

istoriahotel.gr
Perivolos, 84700 Santorini, Greece
T: +30 2286 085051

Hotel Mystique

From the pool, guests at "Mystique" enjoy breathtaking views over the bay and the blue of the Aegean Sea. High-end chic and a feel-good atmosphere make this hotel the top address on the island, and even if you're not staying at Mystique, you should definitely stop by for dinner or cocktails in the bar. The rooms aren't that big, but the views from the stone-carved suites definitely make up for it. A state-of-the-art gym, yoga sessions and treatments at the Elios Spa perfectly round off the wellness and health offerings. A selection of restaurants offer a wide range of dishes, a highlight is the wine cellar and the "Aura Bar". Those who want to spend the evening in togetherness can book private dining. Double room including breakfast from € 990,- per night.

mystique.gr
Oia, 84700 Santorini, Greece
T: +30 2286 071114

Nature Eco Residences Santorini

22 kilometres south of Fira and nestled between volcanic rock and bay, this boutique hotel offers 15 suites and spectacular views. The pool on the edge of a cliff opens up a magnificent panorama, which you can also admire from the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows of the suites. The design hotel scores with natural interiors in earthy colours. Yoga and meditation sessions are regularly held in the community area. Breakfast can be enjoyed in your own residence. Regional Greek cuisine completes the culinary offer. The hotel team is happy to organise sailing excursions, wine tastings in one of the regional wineries, cycling trips with environmentally friendly wooden bikes or inland hikes. Double room including breakfast from € 279,- per night.

naturesantorini.com
Akrotiri, 84700 Santorini, Greece
T: +30 2108 010688

Picture credits: George Angelis, Despina Galani/unsplash, Themistocles Kaltsidis, Spyros Plesiotis, Christos Drazos, Dimitris Chachlas, Brechenmacher & Reiner Baumann, provided.