Santorini Shore Excursions Captivate with Picture-Perfect Visits and Vistas

When you gaze at picture-perfect Santorini from your Mediterranean cruise ship, you’ll be happy to know that there are Santorini shore excursions that will captivate and charm you, relax and revitalize you, as you discover the island’s rugged landscape and spectacular beauty.

For a close-up look at Santorini’s craggy, born-of-a-volcano landscape and its charming villages, put on your best walking shoes, don your favorite hat and sunglasses, and get ready for a guided walk around the island. On one of the most popular excursions on Santorini cruise tours, you’ll explore the town of Pyrgos, once the capital city, wander through the remains of a Venetian fortress, and view an 18th-century monastery that today is home to only one solitary monk. Make a relaxing stop at the island’s oldest winery and sample wines along with traditional mezes (snacks).

Active adventurers can be assured of expeditions that thrill and excite when booking Santorini shore excursions, like a sail on a traditional Greek sailboat to the lava inlet of Nea Kameni, then a hike to the summit of an active volcano crater to view lava formations and fragments. Enjoy panoramic island and ocean views at the summit and just as spectacular views as you climb and descend. For pure relaxation after an amazing adventure, sail to a thermal hot spring for a rejuvenating soak or swim.   

The simple delights of the island are showcased on Santorini shore excursions to the villages of Fira and Oia. Fira, the capital of Santorini, boasts two museums, the Archeological Museum and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, two cathedrals, and quaint and cosmopolitan shops, restaurants and cafes, all within easy walking distance, as well as a cable car to take you back to port. Oia (ee ah) is a picturesque town situated atop a rugged cliff at the northern tip of the island. Along with its winding cobblestone streets, charming shops, cafes, and art galleries, it is famous for its spectacular views of the sea, nearby Greek islands, and even more so for its views of fiery sunsets.  

Food and wine in Santorini live up to the Greek mantra, simple is simply fabulous. In addition to winery excursions and ouzo tastings, you can learn about Santorini’s rich culinary history at a cooking lesson at Canava Village, a traditional distillery and open-air museum, sampling prickly pear liqueur, raki, and mastixa, and cooking island specialties like fava beans and tomato ball fritters. Choosing where to go in Greece can be difficult, but taking a Greek island cruise to Santorini is a no brainer.

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