Santorini Island

Things to know before visiting Santorini

• Santorini or Thira is a group of volcanic islands located on the southernmost part of the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea.
• Santorini is one of the most popular destinations in the world mostly because of the breathtaking views of the caldera - the impressive volcanic cliffs and the sea basins all over the west side of the island - created after one of the biggest eruptions ever in the late 17th-c.B.C., the Minoan eruption.
• The two islets in the middle of the caldera are what the locals call “the volcano of Santorini”: the Nea Kameni (still active) and the Palaea Kameni. There is also an active submarine volcano, called Columbo. Nowadays, the scientists use a wide variety of techniques to monitor the volcanic activity in Santorini.
• Akrotiri is one of the most significant prehistoric settlements in the Aegean Sea, located in the southern part of Santorini. The first human signs date back to the Late Neolithic period (late 4th-m.B.C.), while in the Late Bronze Age (20th-17th-c.B.C.) Akrotiri was one of the main urban centres and ports in the Aegean Sea. The large extent of the settlement, the multi-storeyed buildings, the impressive wall-paintings, the urban planning, the sewage system, the furniture and the vessels found, indicate a high standard of living and a wealthy society. In the late 17th-c.B.C., a couple of big earthquakes obliged the inhabitants to abandon their town before the huge volcanic eruption, known as the Minoan eruption. The ash covered the settlement, thus protected it, just like in Pompeii.
• Ancient Thira is the second important archaeological site of Santorini, located in the southeast side of the island at an altitude of 366m/1.200ft. The town was established by the Dorians from Sparta in the 10th-9th-c.B.C., led by their king Thiras and its habitation continued until the early Byzantine era (4th-6th-c.).
• Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia are the most popular places to visit and stay in Santorini but at the same time the most crowded. They are linear settlements developed on the edge of the cliffs along the caldera. Fira is the capital of Santorini and the best place for shopping, street food and nightlife. The most beautiful settlement in Santorini is Oia located in the northern side of the island. Oia is worldwide known for the amazing sunset, the blue domes, the cave houses and the “kapetanospita” (the captains’ houses).
• A walk to Pyrgos, Megalochori and Emborio villages is the best way to experience the locals’ life and admire the traditional architecture of Santorini island. These villages are not on the caldera side, thus they are not so crowded.
• During the Venetian domination (13th-16th-c.), there were 5 “kastelli” (castles) on Santorini to protect local people from the pirate raids. The most well-preserved castle is in Emborio.
• In Santorini, there are more than 350 picturesque churches and chapels which are found at the most unexpected locations. Most of them are private and family-owned.
• The beaches of Santorini are black except the Red and the White which is accessible only by boat. They all have deep waters except Monolithos. The most popular beaches are Perivolos, Perissa and Kamari. Vlychada and Columbo are the most impressive beaches thanks to their spectacular rock formations. The most remote beaches are Kambia and Mesa Pigadia, both accessible by car through dirt roads.

Top 5 “Things to do” in Santorini

• Explore, discover and experience the terroir-driven wines of Santorini by joining one of the private wine tours of Santorini Wine Trails.
• Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri and the Museum of Prehistoric Thira in Fira.
• Experience a catamaran cruise in the caldera of Santorini and enjoy a stunning view of the volcanic cliffs from a different angle.
• Explore the volcano of Santorini and discover its craters by hiking on the most recent volcanic formations of Nea Kameni.
• Hike from Fira to Oia by following the old path of the locals on the cliffs of the caldera (10km/6 miles, 3-4hours).

The Vineyard & the Wines of Santorini

In Santorini, it’s all about “terroir”

In Santorini there is the most distinguishing “terroir” of Greece which has been acclaimed worldwide by wine experts. The combination of the major components of the French term “terroir” – the soil, the topography, the geomorphology, the climate – led to a rare natural environment for the vineyard which is reflected in the wines produced.

The vineyard of Santorini is one of the oldest vineyards in the world. The vine grows here for more than 3.500 years. There is evidence at the prehistoric town of Akrotiri where the archaeologists found seeds of grapes. Moreover, the vines are self-rooted that means that they have never been affected by the phylloxera, the insect which devastated the root system of the European vineyards in the late 19th century. The phylloxera cannot survive in Santorini cause there is no organic matter in the soil, so the vines are not grafted with American roots and live longer.

In Santorini, the vines literally struggle to survive facing harsh conditions: a desert climate, a poor soil, strong winds, no natural freshwater sources, lack of rainfalls and long periods of drought.

The soil is of volcanic origin, sandy, porous, poor in clay and full of minerals and pumice stone. The annual rainfalls are less than 400mm/16 in - even less in recent years. The sea mist covering the island during spring and summer months and the pumice stone in the soil play a significant role in the survival and growth of the vines. The pumice stone acts like a sponge: it absorbs the moisture and release it to the vines.

The vines are not grown on a trellis system as in other wine regions of Greece and the rest of the world. They are trained in a basket shape with the aim to protect the grapes from the strong winds and the intense sunlight. This is an ancient vine training method called “kouloura” or “ambelia”, unique to Santorini all over the world.

Santorini is a white wine region. The white grapes cover 90% of the vineyard. There are approximately 50 local grape varieties, but just 5 are systematically grown: the whites Assyrtiko, Aidani and Athiri and the reds Mandelaria and Mavrotragano.

The Assyrtiko grape is undoubtedly synonymous to Santorini’s wine and the best ambassador of the Greek wines worldwide. It is the most widely planted grape variety of the island covering 80-85% of the vineyard. This noble white variety, native to Santorini, is very versatile producing different styles of wines from very dry whites to sweet.

The Assyrtiko along with the Aidani and the Athiri grapes participate in the Santorini P.D.O. (Protected Designation of Origin) dry white wines. The sweet version of these grapes is the Vinsanto which has also gained the Santorini P.D.O. status.

In Santorini there are approximately 1.200 vine growers and 20 wine producers. The wineries of Santorini are open to visitors from early April to late October. The Estate Argyros, the Santo Wines and the Venetsanos Winery are the only wineries which are open to visitors all year round. Over the last 15 years, the Santorini wine tours are very popular. Definitely, a wine tour is one of the top activities and “things to do” in Santorini.

The Local Products of Santorini

The food treasures of a volcanic island

The rebirth of life on Santorini after the huge volcanic eruption in the late 17th century B.C. was a very long and challenging journey. The plant species and the types of crops which managed to survive had to adapt to an extremely inhospitable ecosystem. Even today, everything that grows here struggles to survive facing harsh conditions: a desert climate, a poor volcanic soil, strong winds, long periods of drought, no natural freshwater sources.

The local growers call their land “anhydrous”, meaning waterless, cause they grow their crops without water! The annual rainfalls are less than 400mm /16in - even less in recent years. The porous pumice stone, predominant in the volcanic soil of Santorini and the sea mist covering the island during the night from are precious for everything that grows on the island. The pumice absorbs the moisture and release it to all the crops allowing their survival and growth.

The wine, the fava beans (yellow split peas) and the cherry tomatoes are the most famous traditional products of Santorini. In terms of production, the wine is the predominant product of the island. Over the last 20-25 years, the production of the cherry tomatoes and the fava beans dropped down dramatically, mostly because they are not profitable crops.

The vine and the fava beans are native to Santorini and grow here for more than 3.500 years. The fava beans when boiled in water and olive oil become a puree with fine texture similar to hummus but different in taste and flavors. It is a very healthy food, low in fat and high in proteins.

The cherry tomato is not native to Santorini, but it had been very well adapted to the harsh conditions of the island. It first came to Santorini at the end of the 19th century either by the Catholic monks from Italy, either by some captains of Oia village from Egypt. It is juicy, thick-skinned and high in lycopene and antioxidants and has a bright red color and concentrated flavor and taste. We eat it fresh in salads, sun-dried or as a tomatopaste and a jam. The most popular traditional recipe is the “tomatokeftedes” (tomatofritters).

The white wine (dry and sweet), the cherry tomato and the fava beans produced on Santorini have gained a Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.) by the European Union.

Some other local products of Santorini are the caper, the white eggplant and the katsouni. The caper grows as a wild bush at the most unexpected places across the island. The white eggplant is sweeter than the common aubergine and does not absorb a lot of olive oil when fried. The katsouni is a big and thick-skinned cucumber with a lot of seeds that if it is not picked on time, it turns to a small delicious melon!

There are also pistachio trees, pomegranate trees, wild fig trees and hundreds of prickly pears. The only local cheese of Santorini is a goat cheese with a creamy texture, called “chloro”, meaning fresh, which is produced for domestic use.

Santorini Wine Lover Tour

This is our most popular tour and the best way to explore, discover and experience the terroir-driven wines of Santorini.

The vineyard is the key to understand the uniqueness of the volcanic wines of Santorini Island. Οur fist stop is an 80 year-old vineyard where you will learn about the volcanic soil, the climate, the local grapes and the ancient vine growing method, known as “ambelia” or “kouloura”. Then, we visit 3 family-owned, award winning wineries where you will experience the versatility and the ageing potential of the Assyrtiko, the “king” grape of the island, and taste a couple of premium wines paired with cheese and local bites.

Info

• Walk through an 80-year old vineyard
• Visit 3 award winning wineries of Santorini
• Taste all the types of wines of Santorini with cheese and local bites
• Private guidance by a wine professional
• Comfortable transportation
• Pick up & drop off

All our Wine Tours are PRIVATE

DAILY from APRIL 1st to OCTOBER 31st
Morning: 10.30-11 A.M. from April to October
Afternoon: 4-4.30p.m. from May 1st to September 30th

Duration: approx. 4+ hours

Closed on Greek Easter Day, May 5th, 2024

For further Information & Reservations please email santoriniwinetrails@gmail.com

Santorini Foodie Tour

The best option to explore the wine & the local products of Santorini and taste some local delicacies and premium volcanic wines

Our first stop is a family-owned farm where you will taste a rich selection of local delicacies and learn about the food culture, the gastronomy and the local products of Santorini. The next part of the tour is the wine. We walk through old vines for better understanding the characteristics of the volcanic “terroir” and the uniqueness of the wines of Santorini. Then, we visit 2 award winning wineries where you will hear a couple of “inside wine stories” and taste some premium wines with cheese and local bites.

Info

• Visit a local farm and 2 award winning wineries of Santorini
• Walk through an 80-year old vineyard
• Taste all the main types of wines produced on Santorini and a rich selection of local products and delicacies
• Private guidance by a wine professional
• Comfortable transportation
• Pick up & drop off

All our Wine Tours are PRIVATE

DAILY except Sundays from MAY 1st to OCTOBER 31st
Morning: 10.30-11 A.M.

Duration: approx. 4+ hours

Closed on Greek Easter Day, May 5th, 2024

For further Information & Reservations please email santoriniwinetrails@gmail.com

Santorini Sunset Wine Experience

The best option to combine a wine tasting experience with the fabulous sunset of Santorini

First, we walk through old vines for better understanding the volcanic “terroir” and the uniqueness of the wines produced on Santorini island and then we visit 2 emblematic wineries where you will taste some premium wines with local delicacies and a selection of cheese and charcuterie made by small producers from all over Greece. At the second winery, you will enjoy your wines by watching the sunset on its private terrace.

Info

• Walk through an 80-year old vineyard
• Visit 2 award winning wineries of Santorini
• Taste some premium wines of Santorini with local delicacies and a cheese and charcuterie platter
• Enjoy the sunset on the private terrace of a winery
• Private guidance by a wine professional
• Comfortable transportation
• Pick up & drop off

All our Wine Tours are PRIVATE

DAILY from MAY 15th to SEPTEMBER 30th
Afternoon: 5-5.30p.m. depending on sunset time

Duration: approx. 3 hours

For further Information & Reservations please email santoriniwinetrails@gmail.com

Athens Wine Trail

This is the best way to taste some premium wines produced in the historic vineyard of Athens.

We will visit a family owned winery, a pioneer in Athens region, where you will really feel that you are in a small paradise. The winery is in complete harmony with nature and has a panoramic view of the mountains surrounding the area. We will walk through the vineyard and learn about the soil, the climate, the vine growing methods and the local grape varieties, such as Savatiano, Malagousia and Roditis. We will also visit the winery’s facility and the cellars to gain an understanding of the winemaking process and the wine ageing. Then, we will taste some premium wines with cheeses and cold meat.

Info

• Visit a pioneer winery close to Athens
• Walk in the vineyard and visit the winery facilities and the cellars
• Taste some premium wines of Athens with a cheese and charcuterie platter
• Private guidance by a wine professional
• Comfortable transportation
• Pick up & drop off (*)

(*) A drop off at the airport is an option with an extra cost

All our Wine Tours are PRIVATE

Daily all year round except Sundays & public holidays
Morning: 10.30 A.M.

Duration: approx. 4 hours +

For further Information & Reservations please email santoriniwinetrails@gmail.com

Nemea Wine Trail

This half-day wine tour to Nemea in Peloponnese is best way for red wine lovers to discover the most significant red wine region in Southern Greece

During our driving from Athens to Nemea, you will learn about the wine history and culture in Greece and the Greek Wine Renaissance since beginning of the 90’s. Our first stop will be a vineyard of Agiorgitiko, the “flagship” grape of Nemea, where you will learn about the vine growing techniques, the climate and the soil’s diversity. Then, we will visit 2 family-owned wineries which produce internationally awarded wines and have played a significant role for the recognition of Nemea wines all over the world. At each winery, after visiting the facilities and cellars, we will taste all the styles of wines produced from Agiorgitiko and its blends: dry rosé wines, medium-bodied reds and robust reds. The wines will be paired with Greek cheese and charcuterie.

Info

• 1h1/2-drive from Athens to Nemea
• Walk in the vineyard and visit 2 family-owned and award-winning wineries
• Taste some premium wines with Greek cheese and cold meat
• Private guidance by a wine professional throughout the tour
• Comfortable transportation
• Pick up from Athens & drop off (*)

(*) A drop off at the airport is an option with an extra cost

All our Wine Tours are PRIVATE

Daily all year round except Sundays & public holidays
Morning: 9.30 A.M.

Duration: approx. 6 hours +

For further Information & Reservations please email santoriniwinetrails@gmail.com

Your Wine Guide

Iliana Sidiropoulou is the key person behind the Santorini Wine Trails. She studied oenology (winemaking) in Athens and Bordeaux and attended the WSET(*) Diploma courses. In 1994, she started her career as a trainee enologist at an emblematic winery of Santorini. Since then, she has worked as a project manager at the Wines of Greece association and wine fairs in Greece and abroad, as a sommelier in fine restaurants in Athens and Mykonos and as a hospitality manager at several wineries in Greece.

In 2014, after 20 years of experience in the Greek wine sector, she decided to follow her own trail by creating the Santorini Wine Trails, a boutique travel agency exclusively focusing on private wine tours, tastings and experiences on Santorini Island.

In 2024, the Santorini Wine Trails celebrates 10 successful years of wine tours and experiences on Santorini Island! We celebrate our 10th anniversary by inaugurating new wine trails in Athens and Nemea wine regions and by expanding our team with a Certified Sommelier. Athens is a historic wine region and Nemea in Peloponnese is one of the two main red wine regions in Greece.

We believe that we truly experience the soul of a place through its wines and local products. It is always a pleasure for us to share our experience, knowledge and passion for wine with our guests.

Yamas! Cheers!

Santorini Wine Trails team

(*) Wine & Spirits Educational Trust, www.wsetglobal.com

Contact Us

Santorini Wine Trails

M. +306979000568 (available on WhatsApp)



E. santoriniwinetrails@gmail.com


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