Santorini Steps in as Year-Round Sunshine Destination

Oia, Santorini. Photo © Region of South Aegean

The popular Aegean island of Santorini is ready to offer sea, sun and luxury all year round, the island’s municipal authorities decided on Wednesday, and announced a working meeting on the issue on June 25 at the Petros M Nomikos Conference Center in Firostefani.

Fira, Santorini.

“Santorini has all the requirements in place to attract visitors throughout the year and has the agreement of all parties involved to immediately work towards extending the tourist season,” said Thira Mayor Anastasios-Nikolaos Zorzos.

The mayor referred to the increased frequency (daily) of flights and ferry routes as well as to the decision of many of the island’s hoteliers to remain open throughout the year which has led to satellite services following suit.

Santorini Hoteliers Association President Manolis Karamolegos explained that market demand led to the decision and that the aim now is to work with booking platforms so that all of the island’s services (boat charters, cruises, transfers) are covered and travelers can arrange their stay in advance.

Archaeological Site of Akrotiri of Thera (Santorini). Photo © GTP

“Santorini is all about its volcano, fortunate enough to make it an attractive tourist destination not only for its sea and sun but also for its archaeological treasures, particularly those of Akrotiri, the unique geological formations and incredible views of the caldera, the architecture of its traditional villages and its world renowned wine and gastronomy,” the island’s mayor added.

The benefits, he said, are manifold, including bringing in higher-end visitors, improved infrastructure and tourism services, steady year-round business operation, the decrease in seasonal unemployment and the increase in income for the island’s inhabitants.