As the top romantic getaway island in Greece, Santorini is filled with sapphire waters, whitewashed villages and houses carved into the cliffs. On this crescent shaped island, you can roam on the stunning beaches or explore the narrow streets of quaint towns, and villages like Oia and Imerovigli.

Its very location can inspire love and romance – perched on the edge of an active volcano, Santorini is the perfect destination for newlyweds and couples looking for a romantic vacation. Add in the romantic wine tours, sunset cruises and scenic hikes and you have the ideal setting for one romantic activity after another.

However, for a truly romantic experience you should not go for impersonal resorts or hotels and choose to stay in luxury Santorini villas. Villas will offer you that extra privacy you so desperately want as a couple so, specifically look for villas that don’t sacrifice the comforts you find in a 5-star hotel. Take a look at Blue Villas Collection whom have many Santorini villas scattered across the coast looking out at the exquisitely clear waters. With a fully stocked bar and your very own private chef, enjoy a freshly prepared meal accompanied by a glass of champers with your partner on the terrace looking out at the beautiful sunset you receive the best view of when vacating with this company.

Once you’ve settled into your Santorini villa for the week, here are the top 5 romantic destinations that you must visit.

1: Oia – A Postcard Village

As the most iconic town in Santorini, Oia is known for its breath-taking architecture, sweeping panoramic views, fiery sunsets and scrumptious local delicacies. The white-washed town is one of the top romantic spots on the island with blue domed churches and narrow walkways which perfectly complement its exotic coastline.

You can take a stroll with your partner or enjoy a romantic sunset from the edge of the town. You can also opt for Santorini villas near Oia with views of the Volcano of Palia, NeaKameni or Thirassia Island.

2: Imerovigli – The Balcony of Santorini

Situated on the Northern side of the island, Imerovigli has many structures built around the caldera. It is also known for its beautiful and fiery sunsets, hence the name ‘Balcony of Santorini.’ The town is filled with beautiful sites such as the Monastery of Saint Nikolaos, Skaros and Ai-Stratis where couples can spend a romantic day exploring Cycladic architecture.

3: Akrotiri – A Quiet Town with a View of the Caldera

Also known as the historical gem of Santorini, Akrotiri is one of the most romantic places on the island.
This is the perfect location to spend some quiet and peaceful time away from crowded tourist spots. As a couple, you can hike to the old fortress and enjoy the sunset with stunning views of the caldera. You can also enjoy a view of the caldera from the comfort and convenience of your luxury Santorini villa.
The red sand beach of Akrotiri is also sure to impress both you and your partner. You can explore the massive red cliffs and sand or simply plan a relaxing day at the beach with a picnic style lunch.

4: Perissa – Unique Black Sand Beach

Located approximately 13 km to the southeast of Fira, the seaside village of Perissa is counted among the top romantic destinations in Santorini. Its black sand beach is one of a kind which attracts people from all over the world.

You can stroll hand in hand on the black sand beach or walk down the narrow path to the ancient site of Thera. Perissa is also less crowded and much more affordable than many other tourist spots on Santorini. For a truly memorable experience, you can rent a villa close to Perissa so you and your partner can easily explore the beauty of this quaint little town.

5: Pyrgos – A Smaller Version of Oia

The charming village of Pyrgos is filled with beautiful whitewashed houses built on the hill. As a smaller and less crowded version of Oia, Pyrgos is the perfect destination for couples looking for a quiet place. The town is not only built around a 13th century Venetian Castle, but also has numerous attractions such as the Archangel Michael and churches like the Agia Theodosia.

As one of the most beautiful islands filled with stunning views, clear blue skies and majestic cliffs, Santorini is the perfect spot for a romantic vacation.

Santorini is a beautiful collection of volcanic islands, still active, that pulls crowds of tourists every year. The island is beautifully adorned with a cluster of gorgeous pale colored houses with blue dome roofs. There is so much to enjoy in Santorini to make this destination the excellent choice for a vacation that will blow you away.

Archaeological excavation

Santorini is rich with history and culture as the area was first inhabited around the 4th millennium. The old city of Akrotiri was completely buried by volcanic eruption in 1700 BC and the ruins of the city have been carefully excavated. Tourists come to Santorini to see the ruins all the time, so join them in their exploration and learn more about the history of the island.

Beaches

Not far from the Akrotiri site, you will see the red sand beach of Santorini. The beach is small and naturally designed with varying shades of red (as the name implies). You can follow a rocky mountain path or come through the easier route to reach the beach, but one thing’s for sure: you will enjoy your time swimming here. If you are up for some baking in the sun, you can head to the black sand beaches in Perissa and Kamari. The hot summer heats up the sand itself so you are guaranteed to get a good tan here!

Luxury accommodation

There’s a gorgeous selection of top of the range, luxury Santorini villas that you can stay in when visiting the island. If you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking and exploration, choose to take the stress of the day off by relaxing in the comfort of your very own luxury villa. It really doesn’t matter which part of Santorini you want to stay in, as this collection of luxury villas are located all around the island.

Amoudi bay

Below the town of Oia, you will find the small Amoudi Bay. The walk down may be steep, but it’s full of some of the most picturesque views of Santorini. There are also taverns where you can restock on supplies as you make your way down. Some interesting restaurants are also here offering fresh seafood on the menu. As you reach the bay, you can add some fun to the experience by jumping off into the crystal clear Mediterranean waters surrounded by the cliffs of the bay, but this isn’t for the faint of heart!

Volcanoes and hot springs

Around near Kameni island, you can hike the volcanic scenery and also enjoy a blissful time bathing in the hot springs. If you’re up for an adventure, take a hike to the top of a volcano where you can stand on the crater. You can literally swim from the cool and calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea and suddenly enter the hot springs where the temperature and color of the water is completely different. It truly makes for an experience like no other.

Watch the sunset

If you’re a sucker for a good sunset, you’ve chosen the right place. Santorini is renowned for it spectacular sunsets. Secure the very best spot, either on a nearby beach or from your luxury villa’s backyard, and relax with family or friends as you wait to watch the magnificent sunset together. You could also view the sunset from the Byzantine Castle ruins in Oia, the lighthouse in Akrotiri, the restaurant with the view of the Caldera or the Santo Winery. Whilst taking pictures will be hard to resist, ensure you take in the view and soak up the moment.

If the above sights and experiences jump out to you, get yourself over to Santorini as soon as possible!