10 reasons why you should visit Santorini, Greece

Our friends Nick & Dariece from the fabulous Goats on the Road travel blog talk about why they think everyone should visit the gorgeous Greek island Santorini…

1. The beaches

The red cliffs set behind the crystal clear waters is beautiful

The beaches on this island are so unique. The colours range from black to red to beige to white. The waters of the Mediterranean are crystal clear and turquoise blue, which makes for fantastic swimming.

2. Mesa Vouno and Ancient Thira

Hiking up to Mount Vouno is a great day excursion

A one hour hike up the mountain behind the popular Perissa Beach will take you to the archeological site of Ancient Thira. This site is very impressive and is said to have been a colony of the Spartans. At only 2 Euros to enter, it’s well worth the hike up there.

3. Renting a scooter

Renting a scooter and exploring Santorini is a must!

A great way to explore Santorini is by scooter! Rent one for about $8/day and check out all of the hidden things this island has to offer. Having the freedom to explore at your own pace is a must on this island.

4. The sunsets

The sunsets in Santorini are world famous…wonder why?

The village of Oia is famous for its gorgeous sunsets and it’s no surprise why! The orange, yellow and red hues are stunning. Grab a bottle of wine and some snacks and enjoy the view.

5. Wineries

Visiting a winery and doing a free tasting is a great way to spend an afternoon

There are 8 wineries you can visit on Santorini. Enjoy some free tastings of the delicious reds and whites and a tour of the estates and cellars. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon.

6. It’s affordable

Accommodation can be cheap on Santorini. Our apartment here was $20/night.

Travel to Santorini can be cheap. The expensive part will be your ferry or flight over. Once you’re on the island, the cost of living can be quite budget friendly. Rent an apartment for under $20/night, shop at the local grocery store, buy wine at a shop rather than a restaurant and rent a scooter for $8/day. Very affordable indeed.

7. The romance

Santorini is a very romantic place, we couldn’t help but kiss!

Ah, the romance! The white buildings, the sunsets, the wineries, the relaxation and the beaches make Santorini the ideal place for couples. It would be hard not to feel the romance on this island.

8. The volcano

Take a boat out into the middle of the lagoon and visit a volcano that breached the sea surface way back in 1707. A tour of the volcano takes in the hot springs as well. The views looking back at Fira are gorgeous!

9. Delicious food

Delicious Greek food in Oia

The food in Greece is unbelievable! The gyros, salads, meatballs, lamb and baklava are all dishes you must try while in this country. Eating a delicious meal while gazing out at the sunset and the white buildings in Oia is an experience in itself.

10. The small villages

Explore some of the lesser known villages of Santorini

Santorini has many small villages just waiting to be explored. Renting a scooter is the best way to see the local villages properly. Everyone knows about the popular places of Oia, Fira and Perissa, but take your scooter and stop along the way at some smaller places. The local people will love to chat with you!

There are so many more reasons why you should travel to Santorini. There’s just something about this island that makes you want to linger for longer than you had planned. We spent one week on Santorini Island but could have spent much longer! The whitewashed buildings and beautiful scenery will pull you in, but the warm people and vibe are what will make you want to stay.

Written by our guest bloggers Nick & Dariece. Nick & Dariece have left everything behind in search of cultural experiences, beautiful beaches and off the beaten path adventures. They call themselves Goats On The Road and their website for budget backpackers encourages others to pack their bags and leave the ordinary behind. Visit Goats On The Road and get excellent tips for the adventurous traveler!