Virgin Voyages' guide to Santorini
Santorini
The ultimate Greek Isle
Blue domes, windmills and white buildings sloping down a volcanic mountainside — yes, this is *that* postcard-worthy island whose stunning images are plastered on positive affirmation backdrops and smartphone homescreens alike, but now it’s yours to experience IRL.

The most surprising part of Thera happens to be what sets it apart from other Greek Isles – Santorian cuisine. Family-run distilleries feature bold ouzo infusions found exclusively on the Cycladic islands: wineries and vineyards that have produced incredible blends derived from 100 unique grape varietals for thousands of years paired with traditional recipes of mouthwatering multi-course dishes make Santorini a destination to save room for. (In your stomach and your dreams, obv).
In addition to the unbelievable culinary vista, it’s hard not to find romance in Thera. Sparks will fly on a sunset sail where dinner is served. Hidden enclaves surrounded by candlelight make for a fairytale day-to-night date, and a horseback or helicopter ride will make you feel like you’re experiencing something you’ve only seen on reality television. Self-care is (obviously) always at the heart of any good journey – and in Santorini there are so many ways to share your love of life with others – and most importantly – with yourself.
This port may require Sailors to board a tender — it will both drop you off and pick you up from the ship to the port and vice versa.
Aegean Seas the day
Santorini’s Helicopter Odyssey
Strap in, take a deep breath and hold tight as you soar over Santorini’s volcanic archipelago. See where black lava and mineral deposits create an array of unique watercolors that can be examined from above. Get a bird’s eye view of the iconic sugar cube houses and blue domes sprinkling the cliffside towns of Megalochori, Thirasia, and Oia. On land, a new odyssey awaits as a guide takes you to some of the areas you just saw, witnessing their grandeur up close and personal by exploring on foot.

Sailing Santorini at Sunset
We’ve all watched a movie where a couple sails off into the sunset, but now you can experience the romantic vibes for real on this unforgettable sunset voyage. Aboard a private yacht, make a champagne toast as vibrant hues melt into the horizon, capturing the fleeting moments of the day with the person you love the most. Surrounded by wind, sand, and stars, a lobster dinner and perfect wine blend will be served as you sail around the magnificent waters of the Aegean Sea.

Island Hopping With A Volcanic Twist
Set sail like the ancient Greeks (only on a modern sailing vessel) around Santorini’s volcanic landscape. Hike up Nea Kameni island — an *actual* volcano — to walk around its rim while viewing an active crater, feel natural minerals cleansing your skin in Palea Kemeni’s hot springs and swim in the mesmerizing crystal waters around the island of Thirasia. Here you can grab some incredible local fare (plus additional stellar views) in the village of Manolas, located at the island’s peak.

We have even more in our curated catalog.


Santorini Spectacular — Ruins & Villages
Santorini
3000+ years of history will come alive when you explore the ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan port city often called "Greek Pompeii, preserved in volcanic ash after an earthquake took place sometime between the 15th-14th century BCE. Then it’s off to Oia, which many say is the most beautiful town in all of Greece. Snap dozens of blue-domed pics, walk the narrow streets, sit in a cliffside cafe just for the endless views — it’s up to you to do whatever you want, or as little as possible.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Go back through time to the ruins of Akrotiri—an essential Aegean port city—that connected Greece to Egypt and Syria
- Review frescoes, objects, and artwork preserved by volcanic ash that covered the city after an earthquake
- Visit Oia, the spectacular Bronze Age village considered to be the most beautiful in all of Greece
- See the stunning whitewashed buildings and iconic blue domes Santorini has become famous for
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Sailors should expect to walk uphill and/or over uneven pavement
- Sailors must be able to navigate steps throughout this Shore Thing
- The order of sites visited may vary
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria









If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


It’s Electric — Your Bike & Day Out
Santorini
Save your incline energy now that you have a sweet E-bike to do all the strenuous work. Instead, harness that moxie by soaking up the incredible views around the Cycladic caldera. By zipping through narrow streets in old-timey villages, you can humbly brag that you’re burning calories — not emissions. Your tour includes riding to a local winery so, in addition to tasting amazing quaffables, you’ll be surrounded by fragrant citrus and earthy minerals in a splendid volcanic valley.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Save energy (yours and emissions) and let your E-bike do all the strenuous work so you can concentrate on the scenery
- Take in fantastic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape
- Visit a vineyard to sample some of Santorini’s best wines and delicacies
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Closed-toed shoes are required
- Sailors must wear suitable clothing and footwear for this activity (hiking, biking, trekking, rappelling, ziplining, yoga, etc.)
- Sailors should know how to ride a bike
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Includes light bites
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria











If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


Secret Eros Beach — Hidden Trails on Horseback
Santorini
Reigns in hand, storm the black-sand beaches much like the ancient Spartans (translation: trot gracefully) through vineyards, paths, and intricate rock formations on horseback. Over trails created by the great eruption of ‘yore—15th-century-ish BCE—you will pass gorges and ravines carved from volcanic rocks whose details are missed if not exploring on foot. Off the beaten path (literally) you’ll arrive at the hidden Eros beach few tourists ever get to see, let alone know exists.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Begin at the Megalochori stables to greet your new BFFs: a guide and horse
- After a lesson in riding, take the reins and head out uncovering vineyards and secret trails
- Discover volcanic gorges, ravines, and rock formations that can only be found wandering on foot
- Off the beaten path (literally) you’ll find the hidden black sand Eros beach where your guide will reveal to you stunning vistas
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- For the safety of the horses, Sailor's weight should not exceed 240 lbs.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- This Shore Thing is considered 'daring' and not for the faint of heart. Sailors are reminded that they assume full risk and responsibility
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria









If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


A Tale of Two Wineries
Santorini
Winemaking in Santorini is as old as western civilization itself — if we had to guess, probably older — and today you’ll visit two different wineries to get a full-bodied experience. Paired with snacks and incredible surrounding views, your taste buds will dance — like the legs in your glass — from the multiple textures and flavors that Santorini and its viticulture masters have to offer.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Visit not one, but two wineries to sample multiple blends and expand your knowledge of wine culture
- The wines provided offer a range of versatility having been grown surrounded by minerals deposited from volcanic soil
- Gain a new appreciation for wine and its history after experiencing different tastes, textures, and flavors
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Sailors should expect to walk uphill and/or over uneven pavement
- Sailors must be able to navigate steps throughout this Shore Thing
- A donation will be made on behalf of your Shore Thing booking to our environmental and social impact charity partners
- The order of sites visited may vary
- Includes light bites and adult bevvies
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria











If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


Secrets of Santorini’s Cuisine Revealed
Santorini
A scenic journey will take you over the amazing Cycladean caldera before your kitchen adventure begins. Once in taste central, you’ll start your sojourn through Santorini’s history, learning techniques and secrets behind some of the most iconic ingredients to come from Greece. With chefs to offer expert guidance, you’ll create a meal of epic (pro)portions that will be served with some local ouzo and prickly pear liquor. When your meal has ended, get in some steps and explore Fira Town.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Get dropped off at taste central (not the actual name but you get the drift) for an exclusive cooking event
- Learn the art of creating classic Greek food and the secrets behind many famous dishes
- Along with some ouzo and prickly pear liquor, feast on your edible creations
- Head over to Fira Town to walk off some of your meal and explore the stunning cliffside village
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Sailors should expect to walk uphill and/or over uneven pavement
- Sailors must be able to navigate steps throughout this Shore Thing
- Includes light bites & cocktails
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria








If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Not a real island
Santorini is a volcanic rock — one of the few on earth that is inhabited.
Santorini is the quintessential travel destination that is on every “List of Places to Visit” for good reason. Every corner in Oia can transform even the cloudiest of days into one of magnificent color – better than the Paris filter on instagram. Every meal will leave you reminding yourself to look up how to cook Santorinian food when you arrive home and every detail of the natural world surrounding you will provide you with a sense of gratitude to yourself for traveling there.
While it is one of the top visited islands of the world, there are still plenty of hidden hideaways tucked away waiting to surprise you. Private wineries a short distance from the crowds offer their own unique history, a history you can enjoy while tasting the very thing that’s made them iconic for so long. You’ll feel like you’ve entered another dimension as you pass through ancient shrines and burial sites first before taking an E-bike through Cycladean villages that will acquaint you with the local surroundings and tucked away corners.
Sure – the island is the perfect romantic getaway (who doesn’t want a couple’s pic with *that* background) but the idea of falling in love can mean anything – fall in love with a friend, fall in love with yourself, fall in love with the food. Santorini is the ultimate self-care experience – so celebrate yourself with a private beach club cabana, or by uncovering ruins and grabbing coffee in a cliffside cafe. No matter your reason for the excursion – Santorini will give you the opportunity to recognize how fabulous you are — while providing a backdrop to match.
***Please be aware that all Sailors may be required to show proof of vaccination (a photocopy is acceptable) in Santorini, and a photo ID may be required to return to the ship. Sailors should also bring masks with them as they may be required in some establishments.
Set Sail the Virgin Way
Set sail the Virgin way and find a new approach to cruise vacations. Select a cruise itinerary and let's sail.
Behind the velvet rope and into your inbox
Oops, something went wrong. Please try again or visit our Contact Us page. You can also:
- Check you've typed your email address correctly.
- Make sure you've checked the signup box.
Success!
You've successfully signed up for our email list... You're in for some treats.