However, when we did decide to go exploring it wasn’t difficult because Fira and Oia are easily accessible for a small fare and a short ride on the bus. Fira, the island capital, is bustling with both locals and tourists and packed full of shops, bars and restaurants, some situated on the edge of the cliffs with stunning views – especially when the sun begins to set. And if you start off early enough and don’t fancy staying on the bus for an extra stop, then there is a popular hiking trail to take you from Fira to Oia via the picturesque village of Imerovigli. The route, which follows the edge of the island, gives you the time
to appreciate the idyllic landscape you are staying in and you might even walk past a wedding party celebrating at one of the many hotels jutting out from the side of the cliff. If you’re dedicated enough to walk the whole way to Oia then pack plenty of water and snacks as it takes three hours, but until you reach the last part of the walk then there are plenty of places to stop and hail a taxi if it gets too much. And while Fira is the place to go if you’re looking for affordable souvenirs or even nightclubs, Oia is home to designer shops, fine dining
and even Santorini’s only bookshop, Atlantis Books, set up by British graduates in 2004 after they fell in love with the place whilst on holiday. It’s no surprise that Santorini is such a popular destination with the stars, but whether you decide to splash out on a room in Oia, choose a beachside hotel on the east or head to the capital, you would be pretty hard-pushed to leave the island without falling in love with it too.