Santorini is located in the Cyclades group of islands of the southern Aegean Sea, approximately 200 kilometres (120 miles) southeast of the mainland of Greece. The island is synonymous with those gorgeous images of glowing white buildings with bright blue trim, dotted over the rugged volcanic coastline of the island.
The capital of Santorini is Firá, which is built right on the edge of a 400 metre (1,312 feet) high caldera on the western side of the island. Houses cling to the top of the cliff, offering gorgeous views of the southern Cape Akrotiri, the northern Cape Agios Nikolao and beyond. For holiday makers, many Santorini villas are available in Firá and its surrounding areas, offering all the necessary facilities.
The delicious cuisine of the island is based on home-grown and sourced produce, including fava beans, white aubergine, cherry tomatoes and capers. What better to wash down those delicious dishes than with a locally produced wine? The island has a wine industry, apparently small, but successful, experts say, due to the use of “Assyrtiko,” an indigenous grape variety dating back many years. The vines are apparently very old and resistant to disease, thanks to the well-drained volcanic soil of the island.
Weather-wise, Santorini is one of the few locations in Europe with a hot desert climate. The island generally has two seasons, with April to October being warm and dry, the perfect time to experience holidays in villas in Santorini, and November to March being the colder and rainier season.