Rising up from the scintillating waters of the Mediterranean Sea as a mega monolith of petrified magma, the edges of Santorini Island are unquestionably amongst the most breath taking on the planet. For one, they are curved around a colossal volcanic caldera, submerged now under a sporadic patchwork of glimmering cruise ships and deep blue Aegean waters. And along their course run the occasional wisp of a whitewashed cubist village, the shimmering cottages of Oia and the terraced streets of tight-knit Fira, cascading down the cliffs in a cacophony of brilliant white and sumptuous sky-blue.

When first-time visitors here are done soaking in the views (which often never happens), its time to explore the Island’s fascinating historic sights, which range from the dusty Minoan strongholds of Akrotiri, to the ancient digs at Thera on Mesa Vouno in the midst of the volcanic frame. Santorini tour guides also often recommend cooling off in the Aegean with a spot of scuba diving, or relaxing by its unique multi hued volcanic beaches, as well as ensuring a panoramic sighting of the glorious sunsets. Oh, and then there is the food; a taste-bud-tingling, melt-in-your-mouth medley of Cretan pies, Greek keftedes meatballs, Turkish gyros and fresh fish cuts straight from the nets.