Here’s how to experience authentic Santorini

Santorini is more than a pretty face and a postcard cliché: its volcanic origins have endowed it with an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, geology and nature found nowhere else in the world. Relics of over 5,000 years of civilisation dot the island. A unique microclimate and terroir are matched by Santorini’s superb gastronomy and wines. The summers are famous but come out of season when the island reverts to its authentic, age-old rhythms. Beyond its iconic views, the island offers deep culture, authentic traditions, exceptional gastronomy and a wide range of meaningful experiences throughout the year. Outside of the summer season, the milder temperatures are ideal for hiking, exploring Santorini’s special traditions and craftsmanship and visiting iconic sights without the crowds: this is the ideal time to immerse all your senses and travel mindfully on an island like no other.

Thanks to its volcanic soil, Santorini produces exceptional wines from its indigenous grapes: whites from Assyrtiko (mineral and citrussy), Athiri and Aidani (both floral) and red from Mavrotragan (with red fruit and cocoa hints). The vineyards themselves are exceptional: instead of vines supported on stakes, Santorini’s are pruned and woven into basket shapes (kouloura) to shield them from the wind and allow them to absorb all the moisture they need from the sea mist. The island’s wineries offer tours and tastings; while there, be sure to try luscious Vinsanto, a dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes, renowned since medieval Venetian times.

Besides its wines, Santorini grows PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) tomatoes, small but packed full with taste—try them in the classic dishes, tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters). The island’s PDO yellow split peas (fava) are delicious when puréed as a dip with red onions, garlic and olive oil. Try the island’s seedless white aubergines, and salads with fresh Chloro goat cheese. Melitinia, sweet cheese tartlets shaped like flowers are a popular Easter treat, but can now be found year-round. Enjoy them during one of Santorini’s farm-to-table experiences or learn how to prepare them yourself in one of the island’s culinary workshops.

Santorini was born in fire, as part of the great volcanic arc that stretches across the Aegean Sea. When it blew up sometime around 1630 BCE, geologists say it was the biggest volcanic eruption of the last 10,000 years, creating a massive submerged crater or caldera and transforming the once round island into a crescent shape. Away from the spine-tingling views from the dark 300m cliffs over the caldera, the island’s south coast was sculpted by the volcano using a whole palette of colours, from the black sands of Perissa Beach, the red sands of Kaminia Beach and dramatic cliffs around White Beach, accessible only by sea.

Indeed, boat trips are the best way to discover the geological wonders of Santorini. Take a cruise around the island, and sail across the caldera to the warm, still smouldering volcanically active ‘burnt’ islets of Palaio Kameni (which emerged out of the sea in 157 AD) and especially Nea Kameni, which appeared in 1720 and has since grown to three times its original size. Bathe in the iron-rich thermal springs, and make sure your trip to the volcano includes a visit to Thirassia island, where five traditional villages evoke the Santorini of yesteryear.

In the 3rd millennium BCE, seafaring Minoans from Crete founded a sophisticated colony on Santorini, only for it to be buried under 4.5m of ash when the volcano erupted in 1630 BC. Rediscovered at Akrotiri in 1967, excavations revealed nothing less than the best-preserved prehistoric city in Europe, a Bronze Age Pompeii—complete with charming frescoes. Fortunately for the inhabitants, a series of earthquakes warned them to escape; not a single body was discovered in the ash. Some believe their memories may have been the origin of Plato’s story of the lost city of Atlantis.

When Santorini was resettled by Dorian Greeks in the 9th century BCE, defence was a main concern: their new capital, Ancient Thera, was built 396m up on the slopes of Mesa Vouno mountain. As you wander its streets, passing the picturesque ruins of its agora, temples, sanctuaries, stoas, gymnasium and theatre, it’s easy to let your imagination run wild.

Take time to explore Santorini’s traditional villages, especially in the evening when they are at their most romantic. Don’t miss Megalochori or the ornate belltowers, the remarkable close-knit labyrinth of lanes and Venetian fortress at Emborio, and the medieval ruins of Kasteli at hilltop Pyrgos.

Be sure to pack your walking shoes: the best way to drink in Santorini’s otherworldly beauty is on foot. Take the path that skirts the rim of the caldera from the capital Fira to Oia, where each step reveals a fresh angle over one of the most thrilling views in the world. Other scenic trails radiate out from Pyrgos to Emborio, Ancient Thera or up to the historic monastery of Prophet Elias, at 567m the highest point on the island, where you can see all of Santorini and even Crete.

Riding is popular: there are ten equestrian centres with horses ready to take you on a stroll through the vines or a splashy gallop along the beach. In this unique setting, your favourite water sport takes on a new dimension. Sail across the world’s largest caldera, stopping for swims on secret beaches. The winds off Santorini’s southeast coast offer exciting windsurfing and kite sailing. Red Kaminia beach is the perfect base for exploring the dramatic coast by kayak or SUP. If you’re a scuba diver, wall dives, ship-wrecks, caves and reefs await in crystal clear waters. And for adrenaline thrills, try parasailing, jet skiing or flyboard: Santorini has them all.