Santorini is the perfect romantic getaway for couples. Seriously though. This Greek island oasis is known for its whitewashed, cubiform houses that cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). They overlook the sea, small islands, and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.  Here is a quick guide to Santorini and a few must-know tips!

Getting There:

To get to Santorini, you must take a ferry from Greece itself. You can take a ferry from Athens to Santorini, which you can catch for about 100-150 euro roundtrip. The ferry ride is by no means short. Expect to be on board for a good 5 hours or so. However, some ferries offer onboard food and drinks!

Tip: Be sure to purchase in advance and plan to stay in Santorini for a night or two.

Where to Stay:

All of Santorini is beautiful, no matter where you stay. Personally, I like to choose a hotel with a great view and a pool! Check out the city of Oia for some of the best hotel rates and views. The hotels in Santorini can be sort of hostel style, which makes it great for groups or traveling friends.

Tip: For a more romantic stay, look into private rooms with a balcony!

What to Do:

Every day in Santorini is an adventure. There are many things to see and do on the island. 

• Be sure to walk through the cobblestone streets and browse the little shops in the numerous little villages and towns on the island. Thera, Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and Firastephani are the main ones you won’t want to miss!
• Visit Red Beach, a stunning beach with red volcanic sand and cliffs. You can swim, sunbathe, or take a boat tour to see the nearby caves and rock formations.
• Enjoy the sunset at Amoudi Bay, a picturesque fishing village below the town of Oia. You can dine at one of the waterfront tavernas, watch the boats come and go, or jump into the clear water from the rocks.
• Enjoy a delicious Greek salad at Parea Tavern, voted one of the best restaurants in Santorini! 
• Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a prehistoric settlement that was buried by a volcanic eruption around 1600 BC. You can see the remains of houses, frescoes, pottery, and other artifacts that reveal the life and culture of the ancient inhabitants.

Tip: Make sure you explore the local bookstores for some authentic finds.

For The Sunset:
To get the best sunset photo, head to Ia. This is the perfect spot to capture the sunset in all its glory. This is the best part about Santorini and I highly suggest you bring a good camera for this part!