Oia Village Santorini

Santorini is the rim of a volcano whose centre collapsed into the sea around 3,600 years ago, leaving a ring of cliffs around a deep blue lagoon. At the island's northern tip, Oia's white houses, cave hotels and blue-domed churches spill down the cliff face.

Walk the marble-paved main lane past galleries and boutiques, climb down the steps to the little harbour of Amoudi Bay for a seafront lunch, and find a spot by the old castle walls or a windmill for sunset. Oia's maritime museum, in an old captain's mansion, tells the story of the island's seafaring past.

Sunset in Oia draws large crowds, so arrive an hour early, or watch from your hotel terrace or a catamaran. In peak season, explore the village in the morning, before the cruise passengers arrive.