Virgin Voyages' guide to Santorini
Santorini
The ultimate Greek Isle
Blue domes, windmills and white buildings sloping down a volcanic mountainside — yes, this is *that* postcard-worthy island whose stunning images are plastered on positive affirmation backdrops and smartphone homescreens alike, but now it’s yours to experience IRL.
The most surprising part of Thera happens to be what sets it apart from other Greek Isles – Santorian cuisine. Family-run distilleries feature bold ouzo infusions found exclusively on the Cycladic islands: wineries and vineyards that have produced incredible blends derived from 100 unique grape varietals for thousands of years paired with traditional recipes of mouthwatering multi-course dishes make Santorini a destination to save room for. (In your stomach and your dreams, obv).
In addition to the unbelievable culinary vista, it’s hard not to find romance in Thera. Sparks will fly on a sunset sail where dinner is served. Hidden enclaves surrounded by candlelight make for a fairytale day-to-night date, and a horseback or helicopter ride will make you feel like you’re experiencing something you’ve only seen on reality television. Self-care is (obviously) always at the heart of any good journey – and in Santorini there are so many ways to share your love of life with others – and most importantly – with yourself.
This port may require Sailors to board a tender — it will both drop you off and pick you up from the ship to the port and vice versa.
Aegean Seas the day
Coast & Caldera Catamaran Cruise
Strike a pose, snap some pics, and nosh on meze as you make your way around Santorini’s coast, a route used by Alexander the Great (ever heard of him?), Spartans, and Romans during their travels. Head into the Bay of the Caldera to gaze upon the volcanic rock formations and cliffside villages of Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli. Back on land, you’ll now view the sea from above during a cable car ride in Fira, before heading back to the ship to review photos and memories from your day’s journey.
It’s Electric — Your Bike & Day Out
Save your incline energy now that you have a sweet E-bike to do all the strenuous work. Instead, harness that moxie by soaking up the incredible views around the Cycladic caldera. By zipping through narrow streets in old-timey villages, you can humbly brag that you’re burning calories — not emissions. Your tour includes riding to a local winery so, in addition to tasting amazing quaffables, you’ll be surrounded by fragrant citrus and earthy minerals in a splendid volcanic valley.
Island Hopping With A Volcanic Twist
Set sail like the ancient Greeks (only on a modern sailing vessel) around Santorini’s volcanic landscape. Hike up Nea Kameni island — an *actual* volcano — to walk around its rim while viewing an active crater, feel natural minerals cleansing your skin in Palea Kemeni’s hot springs and swim in the mesmerizing crystal waters around the island of Thirasia. Here you can grab some incredible local fare (plus additional stellar views) in the village of Manolas, located at the island’s peak.
We have even more in our curated catalog.
Holy Spirits — Ouzo, Tsikoudia & Flavored Liqueurs
Santorini
After a village tour and scenic drive to the island’s highest peak, you’ll arrive at Canava Santorini, a family-run distillery that’s been operating since the 1970s. Using special recipes passed down through generations, a unique process utilizing local materials results in superior ouzo, tsikoudia, and other bold spirit infusions. Using the iconic white-cube buildings, the museum has replicated Santorini’s stylish spaces providing guests with an authentic experience during their visit.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Enjoy a brief walk through the island's former capital Pyrgos, then ascend to the highest area, Profitis Ilias, on a beautiful drive
- Head to Canava Santorini, a fine spirits distillery and museum established in 1974 using recipes passed over multiple generations
- Taste authentic ouzo, tsikoudia and other infused liquors that follow traditionally slow distillation procedures
- The museum provides replicated work spaces and rooms that have been curated to resemble the bygone era of Santorini life
- Exclusive to Virgin Voyages
- A donation will be made on behalf of your Shore Thing booking to our environmental and social impact charity partners
- This Shore Thing is wheelchair accessible for collapsible wheelchairs, as well as Sailors who can navigate a few steps on their own
- Includes light bites and adult bevvies
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Santorini Kayaking Adventure
Santorini
What do Phoenicians, Crusaders, and Spartans all have in common? If you answered “they all sailed to Santorini and took it over for their empirical brand” you’d be right (at least about the first part). Today you’ll get active, see amazing sites, and snap epic photos by kayaking the very waters where past empires once ruled. A light snack will be served on the secluded beach of Christos —because taking over land is so 1st century — to revel in the wonders of your aquatic adventure.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Embark on an incredible two-hour kayaking adventure off Santorini’s famous shoreline
- Up close, admire the rock formations and changing colored waters resulting from volcanic mineral deposits
- Sail below the village of Megalochori to discover the hidden beach of Christos
- Enjoy a lovely picnic surrounded by the natural wonders of the Cycladic islands
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Sailors should know how to swim
- A change of clothes is recommended
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- Includes light bites
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Once, Twice, Three Times a Winery
Santorini
On a day layered in robust textures, ripe tannins, and numerous wine phrases, unearth your curiosities and learn all about viticulture in three local wineries. After a gorgeous drive over the island’s highest peak, Mount Profitis Ilias, you’ll be transferred to privately owned wineries where you’ll uncork the secrets and techniques behind wine cultivation, including the ancient kouloura method in which vines are grown in the shape of woven baskets.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- A scenic drive will take you to the island’s highest peak, Mount Profitis Ilias then to different wineries and vineyards on the island
- Get schooled in viticulture through multiple blends and varietals that grow in this region
- Taste the famously full-bodied white wine produced in the volcanic soil
- Learn about the ancient kouloura vine cultivation method where vines are grown in the shape of woven baskets
- Exclusive to Virgin Voyages
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Sailors should expect to walk uphill and/or over uneven pavement
- Sailors must be able to navigate steps throughout this Shore Thing
- A donation will be made on behalf of your Shore Thing booking to our environmental and social impact charity partners
- Includes light bites and adult bevvies
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Secret Eros Beach — Hidden Trails on Horseback
Santorini
Reigns in hand, storm the black-sand beaches much like the ancient Spartans (translation: trot gracefully) through vineyards, paths, and intricate rock formations on horseback. Over trails created by the great eruption of ‘yore—15th-century-ish BCE—you will pass gorges and ravines carved from volcanic rocks whose details are missed if not exploring on foot. Off the beaten path (literally) you’ll arrive at the hidden Eros beach few tourists ever get to see, let alone know exists.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Begin at the Megalochori stables to greet your new BFFs: a guide and horse
- After a lesson in riding, take the reins and head out uncovering vineyards and secret trails
- Discover volcanic gorges, ravines, and rock formations that can only be found wandering on foot
- Off the beaten path (literally) you’ll find the hidden black sand Eros beach where your guide will reveal to you stunning vistas
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- For the safety of the horses, Sailor's weight should not exceed 240 lbs.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- This Shore Thing is considered 'daring' and not for the faint of heart. Sailors are reminded that they assume full risk and responsibility
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Volcano Hiking & Hot Springs
Santorini
Start your volcanic venture on a traditional caique boat headed to Nea Kameni, an active volcanic island for a once-in-a-lifetime hike in the center of Santorini’s Cycladic caldera. With a guide, you will incline over thick layers of ash and lava fragments to a spectacular rim around the island’s crater. After working up a sweat, sail to nearby Palea Kameni for a revitalizing swim in geothermal hot springs.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Board a traditional caique boat for a quick cruise to Nea Kameni, a volcanic island in the center of Santorini's caldera
- Over layers of ash and lava fragments, a guide will take you on a hike where you’ll reach the spectacular rim of the island's crater
- Sail to Palea Kameni, a nearby island, to swim in hot thermal springs and soak up volcanic minerals
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- Sailors with back/neck, cardiac conditions, or respiratory conditions should not select this Shore Thing
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors must wear suitable clothing and footwear for this activity (hiking, biking, trekking, rappelling, ziplining, yoga, etc.)
- Shaded areas are very limited — it is strongly encouraged to wear hats, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen
- Sailors should know how to swim
- Sailors must swim several minutes in open water in order to reach the volcanic hot springs
- Use of ladder to get in/out of vessel is required
- The smell of sulfur and heat can be strong while on the volcano and swimwear may change color due to the orange-colored water
- Approximately 40-minute walk to the crater over uneven ground, loose volcanic rocks, and an incline
- During the summer months, the temperature is high and Sailors are advised to be cautious during the hike
- Bring a refillable water bottle — there will be stops during your excursion for refills
- The order of sites visited may vary
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Not a real island
Santorini is a volcanic rock — one of the few on earth that is inhabited.
Santorini is the quintessential travel destination that is on every “List of Places to Visit” for good reason. Every corner in Oia can transform even the cloudiest of days into one of magnificent color – better than the Paris filter on instagram. Every meal will leave you reminding yourself to look up how to cook Santorinian food when you arrive home and every detail of the natural world surrounding you will provide you with a sense of gratitude to yourself for traveling there.
While it is one of the top visited islands of the world, there are still plenty of hidden hideaways tucked away waiting to surprise you. Private wineries a short distance from the crowds offer their own unique history, a history you can enjoy while tasting the very thing that’s made them iconic for so long. You’ll feel like you’ve entered another dimension as you pass through ancient shrines and burial sites first before taking an E-bike through Cycladean villages that will acquaint you with the local surroundings and tucked away corners.
Sure – the island is the perfect romantic getaway (who doesn’t want a couple’s pic with *that* background) but the idea of falling in love can mean anything – fall in love with a friend, fall in love with yourself, fall in love with the food. Santorini is the ultimate self-care experience – so celebrate yourself with a private beach club cabana, or by uncovering ruins and grabbing coffee in a cliffside cafe. No matter your reason for the excursion – Santorini will give you the opportunity to recognize how fabulous you are — while providing a backdrop to match.
***Please be aware that all Sailors may be required to show proof of vaccination (a photocopy is acceptable) in Santorini, and a photo ID may be required to return to the ship. Sailors should also bring masks with them as they may be required in some establishments.
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