The jaw-droppingly beautiful Greek island of Santorini is a hot spot in more ways than one. Born out of a volcanic explosion, the sun-drenched red, white and black beaches, legendary sunsets and dazzling sugar-cube buildings are a seductive combination.
Popular for weddings and honeymoons, Santorini is focusing on the growing market for newlyweds and many operators have introduced products for 2010 that will particularly appeal to couples and mature clients.
Quality hotels
Many of the island’s 250 hotels have been upgraded and while there are some typically Greek village rooms, accommodation is firmly aimed at the luxury end of the market.
Among the properties in Planet Holiday’s extended 2010 programme are five five-star hotels, including the new couples-only Sun Rocks. Managing director Mathilde Robert said: “Santorini is a tiny island that has cultivated a special image. The hotels are, on the whole, boutique properties catering for couples, but it’s also great for island-hopping to Crete and Mykonos. New for this year is the opening of La Mer in Kamares, a five-star that will be the first on the island with disabled rooms.”
This summer Olympic Holidays is targeting upmarket business to Santorini with an expanded Gold & Platinum Collection. Additions include the Avaton Resort & Spa at Imerovigli and the all-suite Carpe Diem, which boasts outstanding sea views, in Pyrgos. Both are adults-only.
Commercial director Photis Lambrianides said: “Many Greek islands, including Santorini, have expanded their accommodation range to embrace the top end of the market.”
Sightseeing
Santorini’s highlights include picture-postcard villages, such as Oia, Vothonas, Imerovigli and Messaria. Other attractions are Kamari’s long black-sand beach, the volcanic peak and surrounding lunar landscapes, and the ruins of ancient Thira.
For clients staying on the island, agents can sell a day tour offered by Keith Prowse Attraction Tickets.
Island-hopping
For island-hoppers, Santorini has connections with most of the Cyclades islands, which include Rhodes, Crete and Thessaloniki. The tiny harbour at the capital Fira means cruise ships use tenders to ferry passengers, and in the peak season hundreds come ashore each day, so overnight clients in search of peace and quiet should be advised to stay out of town.
The port is linked to the town by 600 steps. While mules and donkeys are the traditional mode of transport, the ride, particularly going down, is not for the faint-hearted and probably won’t appeal to animal lovers. Fitter visitors can walk and there is also a cable car.
Getting there
Santorini, one of the 56 Cyclades islands, can be sold as a single, twin or multi-centre destination or as part of a cruise.
There are direct charter flights from London and regional airports, and Avro is offering new weekly flights between May and October from Gatwick and Manchester, with fares from £160 return.
Agents should note that passenger facilities at the airport have recently been upgraded and it can now serve up to six planes at a time. A 45-minute flight from Athens, Olympic Airways and Aegean Airlines operate daily domestic flights.
Arguably the best way to arrive, however, is by boat. The hydrofoil journey from Athens is four to five hours, but to experience the full dramatic impact it’s better to take a slower seven to nine-hour crossing on an open decked ferry.
Cruise options
Santorini is a regular port of call for Greek-owned line Louis Cruises, which offers affordable options out of Piraeus, the port of Athens, and Italy’s main port Genoa.
Itineraries featuring Santorini include three and four-night back-to-back sailings on Aquamarine and Aegean Pearl out of Athens, with prices from £169.
Clients looking for longer options can take a new 11-day cruise on board Coral, which has 20 departures from Genoa this summer. Prices start from £549 on June 7, excluding flights, for a standard inside stateroom. The Santorini stop offers shore excursions to Fira and the villages of ancient Thira and Oia, and a cruise around the active volcanic crater of Nea Kameni islet on a traditional wooden caique.
Louis Cruises’ UK general manager, Peter Adamou, said: “Santorini is a hugely popular shore visit with our passengers who view it as the quintessential Greek island.”
Other cruise lines call at Santorini on Mediterranean sailings. Ocean Village’s Action Ashore programme includes a Santorini volcano hike and jeep trip, Costa Cruises’ new ship Costa Deliziosa will stop at the island during its Mediterranean Discovery itinerary, and Princess Cruises has added more Greek island visits, including Santorini, to its autumn 2010 programme on board Star Princess.
Voyages of Discovery includes the island in its new 13-day Worlds of the Ancient Civilisations cruise, departing in October, while Oceania Cruises is offering a 14-night Radiant Reflections cruise taking in Santorini.
Sample product
Kirker Holidays is offering Santorini for the first time in its 2010 Short Breaks brochure. Three nights’ B&B at the five-star Vedema Resort in Megalohori starts at £1,199 per person, based on two sharing, including flights and private transfers. kirkerholidays.com, 020 7593 1899
Islands of Greece offers five nights’ B&B at the recently opened five-star suite-only Hotel San Antonio, Oia, from £769 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes flights and transfers. islands-of-greece.co.uk, 0845 675 2600
