Santorini is the southern most island in the Cyclades group of islands in Greece. It is a popular destination for cruise ships but don't let that deter you from visiting, as Santorini is one of the most picturesque islands you will ever see and is in fact very amenable to the independent traveler.

 

Santorini is known for many things. It is a volcanic island that was ripped apart by a massive ancient volcanic explosion, leaving a beautiful caldera in its wake. This caldera is surrounded by whitewashed towns improbably built into the immense cliffs around the caldera, most notably the capital, Fira, and the photogenic town of Oia.

 

Santorini is also known for its dry white wine, cherry tomatoes, white eggplant and pistachios. The desert climate and geology produces good local wine but under very difficult circumstances, making the yield far below that of more well known wine-growing regions. Many restaurants serve home-made wine. 

 

Santorini is perhaps best known for its sunsets, particularly in the western town of Oia, a beautiful town that justifiably takes advantage of its impressive sunset view. Oia is a must see but there are tourist traps here. Prices rise seemingly exponentially as you venture towards the western tip, where the sunset is best viewed. But virtually all restaurants and hotels on the cliff have good views. A highlight of Oia is definitely the steep walk down to the fishermen's port on the western tip. Here you will find several excellent fish restaurants (also with a view of the sunset) in a more traditional atmosphere.

 

Fira, the capital, offers much of the same as Oia, but on a bigger scale. Also very photogenic, Fira is more touristy but also offers more in the way of nightlife.

 

The southern part of Santorini has several interesting beaches that differ in color due to the volcanic explosion. There are red, black and sand beaches worth a visit as well as the site of ancient Thera (closed Mondays), situated on a mountain between the black pebble beaches of Kamari and Perissa. 

 

Being a small island dependent on tourism, Santorini has a well-developed network of buses that transport you quickly to any part of the island. Tickets are cheap - under 2€ per trip - and are a great value to see the island. Other alternatives for getting around are scooters and quads as well as rental cars.