Santorini is the classic Greek island – its shades of blue and white featuring on magazine covers across the world. But would it be as impressive in person? Docking in the port, we dodged the cable car queue and the donkey handlers and climbed up the 650 steps to the town of Fira. Despite 30 degree heat it was worth every step for the views that greeted us at the top – a maze of whitewashed buildings spilling down over the edge of a steep cliff, with the backdrop of the deep blue Aegean Sea.
Santorini was formed in one of the world’s biggest volcanic eruptions, which blew the middle out of the original island, leaving a crescent of smaller islands around the caldera. The landscape left behind is as dramatic and awe-inspiring as its history. Around every corner was another postcard-worthy view – a bright white church dome, spiky cacti silhouetted against the blue sea, an infinity pool on the edge of a cliff. It might be among the most popular – and sometimes crowded – the Greek islands, but it lived up to the hype.
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I visited Santorini as part of a Celebrity Cruises Venice to Istanbul cruise. Many thanks to Celebrity for hosting my mum and I on the trip. All views and opinions are, as always, my own.
77 Comments
Rob Weir
August 4, 2014 at 10:45 amI must get there some day – beautiful photos of a fantastic looking destination
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 9:08 pmThanks – I would definitely recommend it, even with the crowds it’s stunning and you can easily avoid them if you stay there.
Kan
August 4, 2014 at 11:12 amSantorini is so picture perfect. Especially the village of Oia. Absolutely loved it!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 9:01 pmWe didn’t get chance to visit Oia – we only had a limited time so didn’t want to spend too much time travelling – but I will definitely make it back sometime to see the famous sunsets!
amaatk123
August 4, 2014 at 11:16 amI’ve not been fortunate enough to visit Santorini though I would like to. I have though been to Samos, twice, which I liked very much. Gorgeous photos. It looks very appealing for sure.
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 9:02 pmIt was beautiful – I hadn’t been to Greece for about 15 years but it’s reignited the spark and I want to get back and try out some more islands now!
Wendy Kate
August 4, 2014 at 11:31 amI went there when I was still at school, on a school cruise. Never forgotten how beautiful it was. I really hope to go back again someday. I really enjoyed your lovely pictures 🙂
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 9:08 pmThank you, it’s one of those places that you never forget visiting – I’m hoping to make it back soon too and see some more of the island.
memyselfandatlanta
August 4, 2014 at 11:33 amI loved Santorini. It’s the most beautiful island in Greece. Hopefully I’ll make it back there one day!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 9:03 pmIt was gorgeous – I had high expectations but it definitely met them! Hope to go back soon and spend a bit more time exploring the rest of the island too.
pattimoed
August 4, 2014 at 12:09 pmGorgeous shots!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 9:07 pmThanks so much – I definitely went a bit photo mad that day!
dailyindulgencetourism
August 4, 2014 at 12:14 pmThese photos are amazing, Greece is at the top of my list!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 9:06 pmI can see why, it’s a great place to visit, such gorgeous scenery and the food and wine is pretty great too!
Vlad
August 4, 2014 at 12:47 pmNeed to visit Greece asap, stunning photographs of a picture perfect destination! 😀
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 9:05 pmYou do – and I need to go back and see a bit more of it! Apart from a post-uni trip to Rhodes years ago I’d never been but there look like so many fantastic different islands to see.
Jen Seligmann
August 4, 2014 at 12:50 pmBeautiful photos Lucy. Santorini, well the whole of Greece for that matter, is so photogenic. Browsing through this post makes me really want to go back there for those stunning views.
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 9:04 pmThanks Jen, it really is – I really need to go and see a bit more of Greece, there are so many different islands and I only just scratched the surface!
Chasing Sunsets
August 4, 2014 at 12:58 pmI completely agree! Even we got some pretty amazing pictures from our girls trip to Greece!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 9:03 pmLots of people seem to think it’s a honeymoon destination but I bet it was a great place for a girls’ trip too!
Debra Kolkka
August 4, 2014 at 1:23 pmI haven’t been to Greece, but I would love to go, it looks gorgeous.
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 8:59 pmIt is – and there is such a diverse range of different islands too, you could spend years visiting and never run out of islands to visit!
aBitofCulture
August 4, 2014 at 1:24 pmCracking photos and I’m surprised not to see too many people about. I’ve heard it’s overcrowded there when the cruise-ships dock, and have been put off visiting because of that. Does it get as crowded as Dubrovnik?
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 8:56 pmIt’s similar to Dubrovnik in that the main areas get busy when the ships are in but you can usually find a quieter spot and it’s pretty peaceful after about 5pm – and as it’s a whole island there are other areas where it never gets that busy. Would definitely recommend it, even with the crowds it was amazing – I’m already planning a longer trip!
Bama
August 4, 2014 at 2:12 pmSome places are popular for clear reasons, and I believe Santorini is one of them. No matter how crowded it is it’s always worth visiting. I haven’t been there though, hopefully one day I will.
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 8:57 pmThat’s very true, I’ve been put off visiting a few places because they are so busy but never regretted seeing them for myself.
ifollowislands
August 4, 2014 at 3:00 pmBeautiful photos! I would love to visit Santorini with my boyfriend but unsure what’s the best time. Also, is it really mainly a honeymoon destination or does it cater for unmarried people, too? Thanks 🙂
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 8:52 pmIt can get very hot in mid-summer so I would suggest September/October time as it should have cooled down and be less crowded, and the sea should still be warm. There were quite a few couples around but also groups of friends and families, so it would be fine, though you might want to avoid the luxury honeymoon-style hotels!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
August 4, 2014 at 4:50 pmSantorini is simply stunning. Did you make it over to Imerovigli? The view of the caldera rim from there is the amazing and the thing, no crowds.
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 8:53 pmWe only had a quick stop this time so mainly stayed around Fira, but I am hoping to make it back for a longer trip soon and see a bit more of the island.
shazzarob
August 4, 2014 at 6:41 pmPicture postcard photos for sure. Xx
Lucy Dodsworth
August 4, 2014 at 8:54 pmThanks – the weather definitely helped too, I was keeping my fingers firmly crossed for a sunny day!
piezloves
August 4, 2014 at 9:18 pmOh yes please!! Definitely where I’d rather be!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 5, 2014 at 10:34 pmMe too!
thehipalley
August 4, 2014 at 9:31 pmI love your photos, Santorini is one of my dream destinations 🙂
Lucy Dodsworth
August 5, 2014 at 10:31 pmThanks so much!
lipstickandplaydates
August 5, 2014 at 12:25 amI loved Santorini. But then who doesn’t?
Lucy Dodsworth
August 5, 2014 at 10:32 pmIndeed – you certainly can’t say it’s undiscovered but it’s still well worth the trip!
Suzanne Jones
August 5, 2014 at 8:24 amIt looks gorgeous Lucy, such crisp whites and cool blues contrast beautifully. This is one place I’d love to visit.
Cindy Naidoo
August 5, 2014 at 12:33 pmBeautiful photos Lucy lovely post
Lucy Dodsworth
August 5, 2014 at 10:31 pmIt was just as pretty as it looks – I’m already hatching a plan to get back and spend some more time exploring!
Ayla
August 5, 2014 at 1:44 pmI keep daydreaming about Santorini lately so I think it’s definitely somewhere for me to visit next year. It just looks so beautiful!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 5, 2014 at 10:28 pmIt really did live up to the hype – hope you do get to make it out there soon!
aeparker81
August 5, 2014 at 6:54 pmI love all the photos I see of the white architecture against the sea – it’s on the visit list, still!!!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 5, 2014 at 10:27 pmThe contrast is gorgeous isn’t it – I’m sure it must rain but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a photo of it without blue skies!
restlessjo
August 5, 2014 at 9:07 pmIt’s easy to understand all the hype, isn’t it, Lucy? It really is a stunner.
Love your photos 🙂
Lucy Dodsworth
August 5, 2014 at 10:25 pmThanks Jo, yes it’s a beauty, and that was just one town, I hear the others are even better!
Valerie
August 6, 2014 at 7:14 amI can’t wait to go one day! This looks so beautiful <3 I actually wanted to go this year but it's quite expensive so I'd probably need to save a little bit first. Thanks for sharing your photos xx
Lucy Dodsworth
August 7, 2014 at 6:23 pmIt isn’t the cheapest place for sure – especially if you want to stay somewhere with that amazing view – but there are a few bargains about and I’d say it’s worth the splurge!
thegrownupgapyear
August 6, 2014 at 1:12 pmWow, beautiful pictures! These look like they belong in the pages of a magazine!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 7, 2014 at 6:24 pmThanks – it’s one of those places that almost looks unreal it’s so picturesque!
vidhi14
August 6, 2014 at 2:05 pmit seems to be beautiful place
Lucy Dodsworth
August 7, 2014 at 6:29 pmThanks, it really is gorgeous!
travelguided
August 7, 2014 at 1:58 amWow, so beautiful. I have to be sure to visit one day. Any suggestions on what time of year to go?
Lucy Dodsworth
August 7, 2014 at 6:28 pmSpring and autumn are probably best as it’s very hot and busy in the middle of summer – May is supposed to be nice and September the water should be warm enough to swim in still.
Wandering Whit
August 7, 2014 at 5:29 amPlanning to visit Santorini and Rhodes next summer… Can’t wait!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 7, 2014 at 6:29 pmHave a great trip! I went to Rhodes about 15 years ago and really enjoyed it – must be about time for a return visit!
renucas
August 8, 2014 at 6:59 amSantorini is seductive! Thank goodness, it lived up to the hype! Soooooo gorgeous…
Lucy Dodsworth
August 14, 2014 at 2:38 pmIt really did! Felt like I’d walked straight into a film set or a postcard.
thebritishberliner
August 13, 2014 at 1:30 pmNothing more to say except for: Gorgeous!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 14, 2014 at 2:39 pmDefinitely the right word!
eemusings
August 14, 2014 at 4:50 amAbsolutely one of my favourite places in the world!
Lucy Dodsworth
August 14, 2014 at 2:40 pmI can see why, really hope to go and see more of the island soon!
Tiffany
August 16, 2014 at 2:06 pmSantorini is so freakin’ beautiful, I miss it every day. I also can’t believe you climbed all the way up the cliffs! I’d have collapsed and died half way up…
Lucy Dodsworth
August 17, 2014 at 10:49 amI’m really not a fan of donkeys so the hill seems the lesser of two evils! Though did slightly regret it about halfway up when we were dodging oncoming donkeys as well as having to deal with the steps!
travelmammal
September 15, 2014 at 4:22 pmOne of the most magical and mythical places on Earth! Great shots!
SweetDisclosure
January 24, 2015 at 3:51 amMy dream destination! I have to say, I have only ever been to Turkey and Pakistan but am dying to get out there and travel more. Especially recently, I’ve been craving these beautiful places around the world and its amazing getting to see them through your blog, through your eyes, so inspirational! Inspiring me even more to explore the beauty our planet has to offer. So, so happy I found your blog!
Lucy
January 24, 2015 at 5:30 pmThanks so much! There are some beautiful places around the world but Santorini really is as stunning as it looks. I would love to go back and spend longer exploring (and photographing).
11thwanderer
June 28, 2015 at 4:55 pmi love the character Santorini has in pictures with its white&blue houses meet the colour of flowers and sea– it is beautiful:)
hope i could visit Santorini and other greece stunning islands soon!
Lucy
June 30, 2015 at 10:26 amIt really is a gorgeous spot – I’m heading back for a couple of days this autumn and can’t wait!
11thwanderer
July 1, 2015 at 3:08 amwaiting for more pictures! 🙂
jwbean
July 7, 2015 at 3:41 amBeautiful pics!
Lucy
July 8, 2015 at 9:09 amThanks so much!
discoveling
July 26, 2015 at 2:36 amA few weeks ago I started dreaming of visiting Santorini as soon as possible. After reading this post and checking your pictures, I wish to travel here even more. Congratulations for your blog!
Lucy
July 27, 2015 at 9:52 pmThanks, it is a really stunning place, hope you get to visit someday.
Candice
May 10, 2017 at 1:27 amStunning photos!! I’m so excited to go to Greece this summer and see it!!
Lucy
May 12, 2017 at 5:41 pmGreece is so beautiful, you’ll love it!