4 Reasons to Visit Santorini on a Luxury Yacht Charter this Summer
Santorini is well-known for its picturesque hilltop towns and stunning sunsets, making it a top choice for many travelers. Beyond the expected, we share four additional reasons why this island is a must-visit destination during a luxury Greece yacht charter vacation.
Located among the Cyclades islands, Santorini is situated in the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, halfway between Athens and Crete. This stunning island was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, resulting in its central portion sinking into the ocean and leaving behind a curved rim of imposing cliffs to the west and a caldera filled with sparkling blue waters.
Perched on the high cliffs are charming white-washed houses and blue-domed churches, creating the iconic vistas commonly associated with Greek islands. Below, we offer just a few additional reasons why embarking on a private yacht charter to Santorini is a must-do experience.
Wine Tasting Experience
Locals claim that there is more wine than water on Santorini, and as a result, there are numerous exceptional vineyards where visitors sailing on yachts can explore the island's viticulture and sample the locally produced wines.
One of the most notable features of the wineries in Santorini is the unique way the vines are grown. They are planted closely together and low to the ground to shield them from the island's strong sea winds. The combination of the sea air and nutrient-rich volcanic soil imparts a distinctive acidic taste to the grapes.
Recommended wineries to visit include the historic 'kanava' of Roussos, known for its Thiran grapes and traditional winemaking techniques, and the Boutari Winery near Faros, which has produced many award-winning white wines. For wines that offer a complex blend of flavors, head to the Argyros Estate in Episkopi.
Ancient Thira
Located on Mesa Vouno in the southeast of Santorini, is a site filled with captivating ruins. The high rocky headland offers stunning views of the island and the Aegean Sea. Inhabited by the Dorians in the 9th century BC, the hilltop has seen settlers in various eras such as the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, resulting in a mixture of architectural styles.
Notable structures at Ancient Thira include the Sanctuary of Artemidoros, the Sanctuary of Apollo Karneios, an agora with monuments, the Royal Stoa, the Temple of Dionysus, a gymnasium for Ephebes from the 2nd century AD, cemeteries, and a theater constructed in the 1st century AD.
Top-Tier Dive Locations
Thanks to its volcanic landscape, top-tier dive locations are available for exploration in Santorini. Numerous captivating sites can be discovered within the Caldera Lagoon, including the beginner-friendly Faros Reef near the lighthouse.
Other vibrant and diverse diving spots include the Adiavatous Reef on the caldera's rim, the black-sand sites of Perissa and Kamari Rock, the crystal-clear waters of the House Reef, and the volcano with its wrecked tour boat attracting a multitude of marine life.
For those seeking unique geological formations like massive boulders, intricate caverns, and canyons, the caves on the island's south coast are a must-visit. Additionally, the uninhabited White Island in the western part of the caldera promises exceptional wall dives.
Unique coloured beaches
The beaches of Santorini offer a unique twist on the typical white sand beaches found in Greece, showcasing a stunning array of multi-colored sand and pebbles thanks to the island's volcanic origins. Red Beach, with its striking red sand and lava cliffs, can be accessed by luxury yacht-goers via tender on the southwest coast.
Meanwhile, the black sand and pebbles of Kamari and the dark volcanic sand of Perissa, Perivolos, and Agios Georgios provide further variety along the southeast coast.
To learn more about organizing a charter vacation in Greece, contact one of our experienced Charter Consultants.
Explore our comprehensive guide on Greek yacht charters for additional information.
Gain inspiration from our expert-curated sample itineraries featuring Santorini. If you prefer, you can also peruse our selection of luxury yachts available for charter in Greece.
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