BILLIGE FLÜGE Nantes NACH Santorini FÜR NUR 47^,28€* FLIEGEN

DISCOVER SANTORINI AND ALL ITS FANTASTIC LOCATIONS

Created by a massive volcanic explosion that blew the middle out of the island some 3600 years ago, Santorini’s caldera, a huge sea-filled crater, is one of the world’s most dramatically beautiful natural sights, along with he island’s bizarre black sand beaches that rim the southeast coast. Perched 300m above the caldera, the cliff-top towns of Fira and Oia are made up of whitewashed Cycladic buildings and blue-domed churches (just like on the postcards), plus gourmet restaurants and lavish hotels with infinity pools. The island is very couple-oriented – Tara Reid and Zack Kehanyov had their honeymoon here in 2011 – and appeals to those who like their romance glitzy.

• Land Greece

• Main City Athens

• Surface 90.69 km²

• Population 13,670

• Density 151 /km²

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  VLYCHADA BEACH

  On Santorini’s south coast, the blissful Vlychada beach is set against a backdrop of white rocky cliffs, which have been sculpted into weird and wonderful formations by the wind and the sea, creating a wild moonlike atmosphere. The beach itself is a long stretch of grey volcanic sand, with limited facilities – just a few umbrellas and sun beds at one end. If you walk a little, you can find a secluded spot and even bathe naked. At the beginning of the beach, above the water, the low-key Theros Wave Bar is built of local natural stone and wood. Its stone terrace, with palm trees, flickering candles and chill-out music, makes a stunningly romantic setting for after-beach cocktails.

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  HASSAPIKO BAR

  Santorini nightlife tends to centre on Fira, but those in the know head to Hassapiko bar in Oia for after-hours drinking. Also called Marikey (after the owner), it’s a favourite haunt of local shop and restaurant staff, who gather here around midnight to unwind after their evening shifts. Occupying a former butcher’s shop (hassapi means butcher in Greek), it has a traditional white interior, with a marble-top bar and the meat hooks still visible. Expect subtle lighting, lively music from DJs, excellent mojitos and an everything-goes crowd. It stays open late – don’t be surprised if the sun is rising as you leave.

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  SIGALAS WINERY

  Just outside Oia, the Sigalas vineyards are organic and produce some 300,000 bottles annually. Santorini’s volcanic soil produces two of Greece’s top white wines, Asyrtiko and Nykteri, as well as the sweet Vinsanto, a dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes. Come here to sample their wines on a stone patio overlooking the estate, and purchase bottles to take home. The grape harvest takes place in mid August, so if you’re here around that time you’ll also get to see the first stages of the wine-making process.