Subscribe to My Newsletter
Subscribe to my weekly newsletter. I don’t send any spam email ever!
Menu
Journey to the Island of Santorini in March
Does your bucket list include vacationing on a volcano? Look no further than Santorini.
Visit Santorini in March! Nestled in the Aegean Sea, this mesmerizing Greek island is renowned for its stunning vistas, whitewashed villages, and breathtaking sunsets. With its rich history, charming architecture, and unique geography, Santorini is a dream destination for travelers seeking beauty, romance, and cultural exploration. And in when you visit Santorini in March, the island is all yours!
I was so excited to visit Santorini in March, but I knew I had the timing wrong for basking in the sun or playing in the water. So, what is one to do on a gorgeous island on a chilly three-day adventure? Plenty as it turns out.
Things to Do When you Visit Santorini in March
Visit Fira's Timeless Charms
Fira is wonderful. And by the way, Fira is also known as Thira. It is a stunning and picturesque town and happens to be the capital of the island. It is situated on the western edge of the caldera and offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the volcano.
One of the most striking features of Fira is its distinctive architecture, which is characterized by white-washed houses and narrow winding streets perched on the edge of the caldera.
This small town is also home to several historical and cultural attractions. The Archaeological Museum of Santorini, located in the heart of Fira and the town also boasts so many beautiful churches, including the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, which is located in the main square of the town and the Three Bells of Fira.
Apart from its cultural and natural attractions, Fira is has a great nightlife. The town is home to several bars and clubs that offer a wide range of entertainment options, including high and low end restaurants, bars, live music, and traditional Greek dancing.
In terms of accommodations, Fira offers a lot of hotels to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxurious hotels overlooking the water to budget-friendly hostels. When you visit Santorini in March, the availability and prices were more affordable.
Hike the Caldera Trail - Discover Santorini's Beauty on the Scenic Route from Fira to Oia
For those who enjoy hiking, Fira offers several trails that provide the most amazing views of the caldera and the sea. The most popular trail is the Fira to Oia trail, which is a 10-kilometer hike that takes approximately three hours to complete. The trail starts in Fira and winds through the island’s rugged terrain, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. When you visit Santorini in March, the weather is very mild, making hiking very enjoyable. The weather was around 70 degrees.
Immerse Yourself in Oia's Enchanting Beauty
Welcome to Oia, the crown jewel of Santorini. Perched on the cliffs of this breathtaking island, Oia is a destination that captivates travelers with its white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Lose yourself in the narrow cobblestone streets, adorned with charming craft shops and galleries showcasing the talents of local artisans. Witness the awe-inspiring sunsets from the famous viewpoint near the Byzantine Castle ruins, where the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. Indulge in authentic Greek cuisine at quaint tavernas and embark on scenic hikes along the caldera trail. Oia promises a truly enchanting experience.
Visit Imerovigli, Santorini's Balcony
Welcome to Imerovigli, a hidden gem nestled on the mesmerizing island of Santorini. Imerovigli is also known as “The Balcony of Santorini” or the “The Balcony of the Aegean”, as it is the highest point on the Caldera.
Perched high on the cliffs, this picturesque village offers stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the famous Santorini caldera. Explore its charming cobblestone streets, adorned with traditional Cycladic architecture and quaint white-washed buildings. Discover hidden gems like the Skaros Rock, a majestic natural formation that provides breathtaking vistas. Indulge in exquisite dining experiences at local tavernas, savoring mouthwatering Greek delicacies. Imerovigli offers a serene and romantic escape, especially when you visit Santorini in March, where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the beauty of Santorini’s sunsets and tranquil ambiance.
Explore the Ancient Secrets of Akrotiri Archaeological Site
On the southern coast of Santorini lies the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, often hailed as the “Greek Pompeii” due to its well-preserved ancient ruins. After exploring the grandeur of Rome and Athens, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the size, professionalism, and meticulous preservation of this archaeological site.
Preserved beneath layers of volcanic ash, this ancient Minoan settlement offers a remarkable window into a bygone era. Wander through the well-preserved ruins, marveling at the intricate frescoes, multi-level buildings, and advanced engineering systems. Uncover the mysteries of this thriving civilization that once flourished over 3,500 years ago. As you explore the site, imagine the vibrant streets, bustling markets, and the daily lives of its inhabitants. Akrotiri Archaeological Site is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past and igniting the imagination with its ancient wonders.
Immerse yourself In the Lost Atlantis Experience and Interactive Museum
Embark on a captivating journey through time and legend at the Lost Atlantis Experience Interactive museum on Santorini. Step into a world shrouded in mystery as you explore the mythical city of Atlantis, said to have been submerged beneath the waves centuries ago.
The museum offers a unique and immersive experience, combining interactive displays, state-of-the-art technology, and captivating storytelling. It was rare rainy Spring day in Santorini, so we found ourselves in this interactive museum. We had the very best time! While learning a lot about how the island of Santorini was made, we laughed hard and enjoyed ourselves immensely as we interacted with the many displays in the museum.
The Lost Atlantis Experience took us on a journey beyond imagination, allowing us to uncover the mysteries that have fascinated explorers and scholars for centuries.
Santorini's Volcanic Black Beach
Welcome to the enchanting Black Beach of Santorini, a unique and captivating destination that offers a striking contrast to the island’s white-washed cliffs. With its volcanic origins, the beach boasts dramatic black sand that stretches for miles along the Aegean Sea.
When we visited Santorini in March, this beach was not quite open yet. A few restaurants were open, but most of them were setting up and getting ready for the following weekend. We stilled walked the beach and had lunch, but the true party was still a week away.
Along the coastline were an array of beachfront bars, tavernas, and lounges where you can savor delicious local cuisine and sip on refreshing cocktails while admiring the stunning ocean views.
Red Beach on Santorini
Welcome to the captivating Red Beach of Santorini, a natural wonder that will leave you in awe. As you approach the beach, you’ll be greeted by a striking contrast of red cliffs and azure waters, creating a breathtaking landscape that is truly unforgettable.
The unique red hue of the beach is due to the volcanic minerals present in the surrounding rocks, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
The beach is small, with a few opportunities to eat, but it really is an arrive by boat, snorkel and lay out for an afternoon type of experience.
Hike or Drive Santorini's Majestic Mount Profitis Ilias
The highest point on Santorini is Mount Profitis Ilias, also known as Profitis Ilias Mountain. Standing at an elevation of approximately 567 meters (1,860 feet), it offers panoramic views of the entire island. On top of the mountain, there is a monastery dedicated to Prophet Elijah, which dates back to the 18th century. Visitors can climb to the monastery and enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Aegean Sea, the caldera, and the surrounding Cycladic islands. The hike up to Mount Profitis Ilias is a popular activity for travelers seeking to appreciate the beauty of Santorini from a different perspective and capture stunning photographs of the island’s dramatic landscapes.
Watch the Instagram Influencers get photographed in the Santorini Flying Dress
The Journal Unveiled - What I did on My Storied Journey
I was on a nine-day journey with one of my best girlfriends, we were “In pursuit of seeing old stuff,” as we coined our trip. We had just arrived from Athens and I was ready to see the beauty of Santorini. I was not disappointed. I have seen some tremendous things in my life, the Waterfalls of Venezuela, lived among the Yanomami Indians, hiked the Grand Canyon, but I have to say that looking down the cliffs from Oia was visually one of the most spectacular things I’ve seen. Truly.
To Rent a Car or Not Rent a Car?
We rented a car. It was great to have, but not totally necessary. Buses run all day and into the night from each town delivering people to hotels. It is a small island and easy to navigate, and parking can be challenging. However, you will spend some time in line trying to get on one of the buses.
Where we stayed?
We stayed at the De Sol Hotel & Spa near Fira. We went on a budget and stayed on the interior of the island. We were so thrilled with the accommodations. The hotel provided well-appointed and beautiful rooms and a lovely pool with ocean views. They also had a spa and massage services. We had breakfast each morning in the restaurant and had the best buffet, prepared fresh with locally sourced ingredients and pretty, pretty coffees. The staff was amazing, friendly and helpful. When we didn’t want to drive, a bus pulled up every few hours and would drop us off at the different towns we wanted to visit.
If I had to choose just one favorite moment in Santorini ...
Santorini is known for its of throngs of tourist manically moving towards getting the perfect sunset view in Oia. And I was chief among them, shoulder to shoulder. I eventually found myself perched on a wall on the deck of the old castle beside one of my very best friends. We were surrounded by people of all nationalities and ages waiting for that magic moment when the sun glows pink and orange and melts into the water.
It was a scene for sure. But as we waited, and as more people poured in, I got to glimpse an older gentleman, playing the famous Zorba the Greek Dance song, start to teach his younger family members the dance. Before long everyone on the castle deck, myself included, was clapping and cheering as the family members danced on. What a beautiful moment to be a part of. And yes that sunset was as magical as predicted. But the real magic was watching all those people who didn’t know each other, or look like each other, clap and cheer together in a moment of joy and unity. What an awesome night that was.