Blue-domed churches perch above sun-dappled waters in this theatrical display of Grecian splendor.
Carved into volcanic cliffs, whitewashed villages tumble down to the Aegean like scattered sugar cubes. Each sunset transforms the caldera into nature's amphitheater, with every balcony offering front-row seats to the daily spectacle. Narrow alleys twist through Oia and Fira, revealing hidden chapels and cave houses, while local tavernas serve tzatziki and freshly-caught octopus. The island's spectacular geology tells a 3,600-year-old story of one of history's largest volcanic eruptions. Black sand beaches give away the island’s volcanic origins, and ancient vineyards produce crisp assyrtiko from grapes that grow in spiral-shaped kouloura baskets.