As summer gradually fades and with winter almost at our doorstep, the large touristic crowds of Santorini lessen and the island dons a robe of tranquil solitude that winter travellers find simply irresistible. And even though Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites is closed for the winter, we still remain at your side, to ensure that your Santorini experience is flawless. For that, we have comprised the Aressana guide for winter travellers to Santorini, so that you can enjoy the magical beauty of this magnificent island throughout the year!
To begin with, winter travellers to Santorini should expect to find mild weather, with moderate temperatures and sunny days perfect for sightseeing excursions and even cruising trips. Almost all archaeological sites, like the Prehistoric settlement at Akrotiri, Ancient Thera site at Kamari and other major points of interest, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum, both located at Fira, are open to the public throughout the year, although it is highly advisable to double- check the operating hours beforehand, to avoid any inconvenience. The Santorini Arts Factory and Industrial Tomato Museum at Vlychada organizes educational activities for children throughout wintertime and you can check the website for more (www.santoriniartsfactory.gr).
The majority of wineries close during wintertime but Santo Wines remains open foremost of the wintertime and the Boutari Winery remains open all winter long for guided tours to the vineyards and wine-tastings. Keep in mind that every Saturday the Santorini Film Institute presents artistic movies in the winery’s amphitheatre (http://www.kileth.gr/). If you are after a night at the movies in Santorini during wintertime, then Villaggio Cinema at Kamari is your destination for all the latest movies (www. http://villaggiocinema.gr/).
As for more activities during the winter, the cultural scene of Santorini features some interesting events, so it’s good to be on the look-out for any happenings at the time of your visit. Wintery Santorini also offers optimal conditions for a photo-shoot; the light is perfect, and the lack of crowds makes it the perfect time for amazing captures, whereas the sunsets in the winter months are truly spectacular! You can also enjoy hiking as the temperatures are quite refreshing and you can discover Santorini on foot for as long as you can. Last but not least and weather permitting you can also embark on a sailing adventure as in the tourist offices you can ask for available cruise options.
If you feel hungry then at Fira you will find most of your choices for lunch and dinner. Other choices are found in Oia, Messaria, Pyrgos, Karterados and some fish taverns remain open by the beach of Perivolos and Perissa and Monolithos – Agia Paraskeui. The street food options at the central square remain open as well as all bakeries on the island.
Over the past few years, more visitors choose the winter for visiting Santorini and a growing number of businesses remain open all-year round to accommodate these visitors. We hope that the Aressana guide for winter travellers to Santorini offered some helpful information on visiting this amazing destination, and we hope to see you at Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites!