Usually from the end of March until October

Studio or apartment for 2 persons €90-150 per night (breakfast included)

En-suite bathroom (shower)
Telephone
Television
Refrigerator
Air conditioning
CD player
Hairdryer
Safe

Sitting room
Terraces

Heliophos is what might well be the only remaining quiet and unspoilt village on the island of Santorini. Let there be no misunderstanding, it is not on the cliff itself, and it does not overlook the caldera. However, it is only a ten-minute walk from Oia and its boutiques, café’s, restaurants and views! In Finikia, though, you will be quiet: here the tourists don’t come and you hear birds, roosters, church bells and children’s voices instead of music from bars and “oh, it is so beautiful” in at least fifteen different languages. The village is 18 km from the airport and 20 km from the port. The sea (and beaches) are at 2 km.

The easiest way to get to Santorini is by plane – there are several flights per day from Athens. Arriving by ferry, however, is a wonderful experience and worth the extra hours spent at sea (there are high-speed boats that take about 4-5 hours from the port of Piraeus). If you don’t have your own transport, the best way to get to Heliophos is by taxi. Ask the driver to drop you off at the parking lot of Foinikia, and call Sophia so she can help you with your luggage. If you have your own car or bike follow signs for Oia, and look out for the sign for Finikia on your right, as you arrive at Oia.

There is no place like Santorini. Once a circular, volcanic island, most of it collapsed into the sea around 1650 BC, after a literally earth-shattering eruption, leaving only a crescent-shaped rim and a smaller fragment around the world’s largest, sea-filled caldera. The utter beauty of the caldera – the staggering black, grey and red cliffs rising from the sea, whitewashed villages perched on top – have made Santorini one of the most romantic destinations in the world.

Fira is the capital of Santorini. It is pretty but it is just too much of everything, especially in the summer when during the day, cruise-shiploads of tourists cram into the narrow alleyways. The quieter alternative, Imerovigli, spectacularly crowns the highest point of the caldera, but this village has basically turned into a jam-packed settlement of hotels. In between the two, there is Firostefani. It is at walking distance from the bustling centre of Fira, but infinitely more quiet, and thus perfect if you want to be near the action, but not in the middle of it.

Oia is my favourite village on the cliff; here style and tradition go hand in hand. Old houses (many caved into the cliff) have been perfectly restored and those that were added recently blend in well; architectural controls are strict. There are some great places to eat, wonderful cafés and boutiques selling tasteful art and handicrafts. Situated behind Oia, Finikia is probably the only village on the island that has remained practically untouched by tourism. It doesn’t have the caldera views, but it is pretty, quiet and totally unspoilt.

One place you should absolutely go to is Amoudi, a tiny fishing port below Oia. Go for lunch or dinner, preferably at the taverna of Dimitris and (American) Joyce – it is magical. Inland, the village of Pyrgos is worth a visit. It is near the highest point of Santorini and the views are great. Of course you should go and explore the grey and red sandy beaches of the island; you can sign up for sailing trips; there are museums; wineries and archaeological sites you can visit; and if you’re in for some shopping, you will find lots of small shops and boutiques in Fira and in Oia, selling anything from simple souvenirs and crafts to designer wear and art.