TAKE a look at the sunshine spot that’s four hours from Ireland with ancient ruins and stunning beaches perfect for a September break.
This Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea looks like a place straight out of a fairytale and even has flights for less than €90 from Dublin Airport.
With houses carved into cliffs, sapphire waters, and chalk-white buildings topped with cobalt-blue domes, this location is not to be missed.
Santorini, located in Greece is calling your name as the peak tourist season comes to an end but the hot sunshine isn’t.
Roam the peaceful black-sand beaches or stroll the streets of one of Santorini’s charming villages.
No matter where your day takes you, wind it down in the beautiful Oia: It’s world-famous for its sunsets, which cycle through a kaleidoscope of colours in their spectacular nightly show.
You can fly direct into Santorini (Thira) International Airport from Dublin Airport and shuttles and taxis run from the airport to the island’s towns and resorts.
This is the perfect location to stay as Santorini also has ferry links with Mykonos and other Greek islands so you can explore all of the surrounding areas too.
To avoid the crowds and benefit from slightly lower prices on tours and accommodation, take the trip in September to October when temps are still hitting 25C.
Hiring a car is the most convenient way to get around and rentals are available at the airport and major hotel.
However, there are buses between the main towns of Fira, Oia, Perissa, and Kamari, although getting to smaller towns and beaches is not possible by public transport.
There are countless tours and activities for visitors to choose from, the most popular is definitely the boat tours.
And there is something there for any budget, with prices starting at €20 and going all the way to €100 to €200.
Visitors can choose from catamaran cruises with BBQs and open bars, and views of the Volcano and hot springs tours.
There is also plenty of wine tasting tours to discover Santorini through its wineries.
One tour promises “three popular vineyards and taste 12 different wines made from grapes such as assyrtiko, alongside local specialties.”
“Learn about Santorini’s famous volcanic vineyards and local wine production methods.”
With the option to upgrade to the sunset tour to enjoy wine, tapas, and sunset views from cliff-top Santo Wines.
For those thrill seekers, you can rent an ATV or buggy to explore the island at your own leisure with unlimited mileage.
You can also rent your own boat to take sightseeing at your own pace and ensure you get to see everything you wish.
These day tour rentals are available for five hours at a time and prices for this usually begin around €200.
This is a particular hotspot for seafood lovers as this island specialises in the freshest catch of the day.
Take a stroll along the seaside and choose from many of the restaurants with impressive views of the ocean – but note that these will be busy during sunset.
Ta Tertipia Santorini is voted the top restaurant in the area and specialises in Mediterranean and Greek cuisine.
This restaurant also has the perfect central location for an evening stroll after dinner.
