(Santorini Travel Guide 2025: Best Hotels, Things to Do & Hidden Gem)

A few months ago, I had the incredible opportunity to fulfil a long-cherished dream—visiting Santorini. It wasn’t just another holiday; it was the trip, the one I had imagined for years. And thanks to my husband’s support, it finally happened.. I never planned to write about this trip, but recent events have left me deeply shaken.

Santorini has been hit by over 1,000 earthquake tremors, causing significant damage.

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It’s heartbreaking to think that the very place I stood in awe of is now struggling against nature’s fury. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Greece, the warm-hearted locals who make Santorini so special, and to the millions of travellers who, like me, have longed to experience its magic.

And so, I feel an even deeper urge to relive those moments, to write them down, and to take you all on this journey with me—before time alters the landscapes, before anything else changes.. ( which I hope not )

A Suite in the Clouds – Etereo Suites

The excitement I felt when I found out we were going to Santorini was beyond words. I couldn’t believe it was finally happening. And to make things even more magical, we were staying at Etereo Suites—a place straight out of a dream. If ever you visit Santorini ( it’s not a paid promotion) you should stay here .. Picture this: pristine white-washed houses perched on the edge of the caldera, endless views of the Aegean Sea, and the kind of luxury that makes you feel like you’re living in a postcard.

Our suite was everything I had imagined and more. The private balcony, the outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the caldera—oh my god! I was mesmerised. Etereo Suites in Santorini indulges guests with exquisite bath amenities, including luxurious bath essentials or spa-inspired amenities.. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to enhance your stay, enveloping you in pure comfort and sophistication.

Every morning, I would step out, and there it was—Santorini in all its glory. The blue-domed churches, the rugged cliffs, and the vastness of the sea stretching endlessly before me.

The hospitality at Etereo Suites made our stay even more special. Mary, Petros, and their lovely daughter Athina welcomed us like family. I still remember arriving late at night, exhausted but excited, and being greeted with such warmth..

Jet lag was real, and my body took a while to adjust to the time difference. But in a way, it was a blessing in disguise. My husband & myself would wake up at 5 AM, not by choice, but by the sheer inability to sleep any longer. And what a reward it was! We got to witness the sunrise over the caldera every single morning of our trip. Imagine sipping on a hot cup of freshly brewed Greek coffee, feeling the crisp morning air, and watching the sky burst into hues of pink, orange, and gold. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything more beautiful.

There’s something about the smell of coffee in a luxurious place—it just hits differently. Greek coffee, strong and rich, was a morning ritual. And for my son, warm milk arrived at our doorstep each morning, delivered with a kind smile by the lovely hosts, Mary and Petros. Their hospitality was unmatched, and I still remember the warmth with which they used to talk to us and even when we were leaving they were so friendly and kind.. I wish for their safety during tough times in their island.

So back to those- early mornings and late evenings in the jacuzzi, overlooking the caldera, it felt like pure magic and my son always joined me.. There was something so peaceful about sitting in the warm water( even with my son ), taking in the breathtaking views, and just letting the world slow down for a while.

Some nights I used to be alone and sometimes my son would join me, chatting away about how he’s going to bring me back here the moment he turns twenty—exactly the same place, exactly the same way. His excitement made it even more special & then he chatted about his friends and his school..

All three of us used to sip on soups and drinks, soaking in the warmth, while the luxurious face cream they provided added a touch of indulgence. The fragrance in the air was just divine! Some nights, we stayed there for hours, watching cruise ships in the distance, their lights twinkling against the dark sea. It was one of those experiences I never wanted to end..

I want to take a moment to thank my incredible husband for making my dream come true by taking me to Santorini. From the moment we arrived, I felt like I was living in a dream, and it’s all thanks to his love and thoughtfulness..I’m so grateful for him and this unforgettable experience we shared.

Ooh I forgot about the BREAKFAST .. 

It was the kind of breakfast that made you want to sit there for hours, soaking in the views, enjoying the food, and just feeling grateful for.

Even as I write this, I can still feel the salty breeze, hear the distant sound of waves crashing against the cliffs, and see the sun dipping into the horizon, leaving behind a sky painted in gold and lavender.

Our luxurious elaborated breakfast included : 

• Greek Coffee – A strong, rich, and flavourful coffee that instantly wakes up your senses. There’s something special about sipping it while overlooking the Santorini caldera.

• Greek Salad – Fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, olives, red onions, and creamy feta cheese drizzled with the finest olive oil. It’s simple yet absolutely divine.

• Greek Yoghurt with Honey and Nuts – Thick, creamy, and naturally sweetened with golden honey, this is a must-try.

• Freshly Baked Greek Breads & Croissants – They served an amazing selection of Greek breads, from rustic sourdough to sesame-coated koulouri, and flaky, buttery croissants that were just heavenly.

• Oats with Fresh Fruits & Juices – If you’re a healthy eater, you’d love the oats served with different types of fresh fruits. And to wash it all down, they had freshly squeezed juices that were so refreshing in the Santorini heat.

• Freshly Croissant & Baked Bread with Olive Oil – The simplest things are often the best. Santorini’s local bread, dipped in extra virgin olive oil, was heavenly.

By the way Sunrises, Sunsets & The Magic of Santorini was impressive..

Imagine sitting on a quiet balcony, wrapped in a blanket, watching the sunrise over the Aegean Sea with a cup of coffee in hand. The sky slowly changes from deep blue to soft pink, then golden orange. It was pure magic.

And then there were the sunsets—arguably Santorini’s biggest attraction. Oia’s sunset is world-famous, but here’s a tip: if you want to avoid crowds, head to Firostefani or Imerovigli for an equally stunning, but more peaceful experience.

Exploring Santorini: Hidden Gems & Must-Visit Places

We didn’t just stick to the famous spots; we explored every corner of Santorini, from its iconic villages to its hidden treasures.

1. Oia – The Postcard Village

If you’ve seen pictures of Santorini, chances are they were taken in Oia. This picturesque village is a maze of white houses, blue domes, and charming little alleys. It’s every photographer’s paradise.

2. Fira – The Vibrant Capital

Fira is where the energy is—bustling streets, boutique shops, and cafés with jaw-dropping views. If you love shopping, this is the place to be.

3. Skaros Rock & The Hidden Church

One of the most breathtaking experiences we had was hiking to Skaros Rock—not once, but twice. This volcanic rock formation offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, and hidden at the base is a charming little church. The adventure of finding it, walking through rugged paths, and finally standing before it was such a fun and rewarding experience.

4. Fira to Oia Hike – Too Exhausting with a 10-Year-Old!

I had heard so much about the Fira to Oia hike, a 3-hour trail with unreal views of the caldera. But with my 10-year-old son, it was just too exhausting, so we had to skip it. If you love long hikes and don’t mind the challenge, it’s definitely worth doing.

5. Santorini’s Unique Beaches

Santorini isn’t known for golden sandy beaches like Mykonos, but it has some of the most unusual and dramatic beaches you’ll ever see.

• Red Beach – Surreal red cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

• Black Beach (Perissa Beach) – A stunning black sand beach with volcanic rock formations.

• White Beach – A secluded gem, only accessible by boat, with striking white cliffs and crystal waters.

Pyrgos – A Secret Gem

Most tourists don’t venture here, but Pyrgos, a traditional village with winding streets and panoramic views, was a hidden paradise. If you’re looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, this is it.

Santorini Today – Praying for Greece

Even as I write this, I can’t believe that Santorini, this paradise, has been hit by over 1,000 earthquake tremors. The thought of those white-washed buildings, the caldera, and the villages I walked through being affected is heartbreaking.

It’s a reminder that nothing in this world is permanent. Places change, landscapes evolve, and nature has its own plans. That’s why I believe in travelling while you can, seeing the places you love before time alters them.

Santorini was my dream, and I was lucky enough to live it. If it’s yours too, I truly hope you get to experience its magic one day. And when you do, may you find the same warmth, beauty, and awe that I did.

For now, my prayers are with the people of Greece, the locals who make Santorini special, and all the travellers whose dreams are tied to this island.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this, it’s this: Go. See the places you dream of before time changes them. Before life gets in the way. Before anything happens—to you or to the place itself.