Santorini: Boutique Luxury with Sunsets, History, Hiking and Unforgettable Food

Santorini is one of those rare destinations - a place where volcanic cliffs plunge into sapphire seas, where sunsets stop conversations mid‑sentence, and where boutique hotels redefine what luxury can feel like.

Here I have tried to capture my 2 magical days spent at SANTO COLLECTION plus the experiences that make Santorini a perfect few‑days‘ escape or the start of a wider Greek island adventure.

SANTO COLLECTION is made up of two fabulous adult only hotels:

SANTO MINE

A small, exclusive hideaway with just 30+ suites, Santo Mine delivers boutique luxury with complete privacy — a rarity in Oia. It is perched above Ammoudi Bay. Every suite features a private pool or jacuzzi with uninterrupted ocean and sunset views.

SANTO PURE

With 80+ suites, Santo Pure is larger but still feels serene thanks to its village‑style layout and six outdoor pools. The Suites are generously sized, beautifully furnished, and come with large terraces and many offer private pools or jacuzzis (smaller than Santo Mine but still lovely). The views vary — lead in rooms are spacious and gorgeous but without the views but just head to the stunning communal terraces and restaurant and you won‘t be disappointed.

The hotels are just a 5 minute walk apart along a private pathway (or take one of the buggies available at reception). Both hotels are offered on a Bed and Breakfast basis and breakfast must be taken at your booked property (to reduce food waste), but you can dine and use facilities across both hotels.

Whichever hotel you choose you will enjoy:

• Food that blends traditional Greek flavours with creative twists (tuna with mushrooms shouldn’t work… but absolutely does) - the food in each of the hotel restaurants was utterly delicious

• Service that’s warm, attentive and never intrusive - I have rarely encountered such friendly staff

• A secret path leading down toward Ammoudi Bay, avoiding the famously steep steps - you might want to pop down here to catch a boat or enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants on the water's edge

• A hidden viewpoint offering one of the best caldera panoramas without the crowds

The hotels are effortlessly stylish and, the perfect balance of space, design and atmosphere. If you love Oia but not the bustle or the lack of privacy on the caldera edge, SANTO COLLECTION is the perfect alternative and only 5-10 mins walk into Oia itself.

Santorini isn’t an obvious beach destination — and that’s part of its charm. A few days here is about culture, scenery and slow exploration.

I was blown away by the Akrotiri Archaeological Site - A Bronze Age town buried in ash after the 1600 BC eruption. Remarkably preserved and surprisingly advanced — I highly recommend booking a guide to bring the stories to life.

There are Volcanic Vineyards - Santorini’s basket‑trained vines produce some of Greece’s best wines. Assyrtiko tastings are a must.

The inland village of Megalochori offers authentic charm, quieter streets, cafes and restaurants and better shopping than Oia’s busy lanes. I would definitely recommend a half day out for a long lunch and meander.

The Fira–Oia Hike is a must do! It’s a spectacular cliff‑edge walk with sea on both sides and incredible views of the caldera. Start early (around 6:30am) to avoid heat and crowds and allow around 3 hours. The hotel will organise a taxi to the start and you can just walk back for breakfast!

As a destination, Santorini pairs beautifully with:

• Crete — for beaches, culture and space

• Mykonos — for nightlife and style

• Paros & Naxos — for charm, food and relaxed island life

The ferry system is reliable, fast and efficient, making multi‑island trips easy.