D
azzling sunsets and panoramas, delicious
wines, an interesting history and fantastic walks along the caldera make Santorini a fantastic place to visit, and it’s easy to see why tourism numbers keep growing and growing. Its trademark landscape – the
SANTORINI Why wait for the
honeymoon? This Greek island is an ideal spot for a
short break, writes Emma Winton
@enwinton
towering cliffs along the east side – came to be 3,600 years ago, during the Minoan era, when a volcanic eruption caused part of the island to sink into the sea, creating the half-moon shape of the island we know today. At smaller than 30 square miles, it’s easy to travel around the whole island in one weekend. Here we pick the highlights to watch out for along the way.
◗ DAY ONE 09.00: Start off with a wine breakfast – it’s a holiday, after all – at new 10-room boutique Carpe Diem, which offers two
complimentary glasses of Santorini wine for those wanting to start early. The spread ranges from traditional Greek salad to egg and sausages, so there’s plenty for those who prefer to indulge in food instead.
10.00: Work off breakfast with a two-mile walk through impressive mountain landscapes and vast vineyards to the Prophet Elias Monastery. Built 565 metres above sea level on the highest peak of Santorini, the monastery offers panoramic views of the island. It dates back to 1711, and ran as a school for four decades until it was seriously damaged by an earthquake in 1956. Nowadays, the monastery isn’t open to visitors, but there is an impressive bell tower and chapel adorned with religious icons that you can visit. The few monks that live here make wine and food that you can sample or purchase.
12.30: Head back to the main square in Pyrgos village and stop for lunch at Selene Meze. It’s split into two sections: a formal restaurant, and the Meze & Wine taverna, which is perfect for lunch and serves traditional Greek dishes and Santorini wines. Popular choices include the sautéed squid and seafood youvetsi (stew).
selene.gr
14.00: Take a relaxed stroll up to Pyrgos Kallistis, a 10-minute walk from Selene. Built on a hill, it offers panoramic views of Santorini. Wander around the narrow, winding streets and passages to the top, where the ruins of medieval fortress Kastelli castle remain. Just below the castle’s main entrance gate is the blue-domed church of Agia Theodoric, which in the past was considered the protector of the walls. Small art galleries
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travelweekly.co.uk 17 May 2018
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