We all know that wonderful whitewashed Santorini is the world’s most beautiful island.
But when you’ve had a refreshing beverage or three, the preternatural beauty of the aquamarine Aegean and curvaceous coastline becomes even more electric.
If you’re planning a trip to Santorini for the first time, there are droves of drinking dens to delve into, but to help navigate your way through the nightlife scene, here’s our outstanding list of Santorini’s seven best bars.
1. Tango Champagne & Cocktail Bar, Fira
When you want a lush lounge bar where you can share a glass of bubbly with your significant other while watching the sun set, Tango Champagne & Cocktail Bar is the business – arrive a little early to grab the perfect scenic spot.
2. Marykay’s Bar, Oia
This tiny bar in Oia packs a punch – it’s the only real pub in town and you’ll usually find it frequented by locals and visitors busting moves to live DJ music on the bijou dancefloor – brilliant!
3. Sea Side by Notos, Agios Giorgios Beach
This sophisticated establishment is an haute cuisine restaurant, luxury beach club and lounge bar rolled into one ravishing package – revellers can anticipate excellent cocktails, champagne and sushi served on a picturesque private beach.
4. Tranquilo, Perissa Beach
This colourful beach club offers cool cocktails and vibrant vegan and vegetarian meals – think laid-back vibes during the day and a bouncing beach party atmosphere in the evenings. If you like plant based food and fiery rum punch, this is definitely the place to be!
5. Volkan on the Rocks, Firostefani
How does sipping cool craft beer as the sun sets then settling down to watch a classic movie in an outdoor cinema sound? You’ll love spending time at Volkan on the Rocks if you’re nodding your head right now. This clifftop terrace bar and restaurant is awesomely authentic and original.
6. Buddha Bar Beach, Imerovigli
This shisha bar, restaurant and luxe cocktail bar affords amazing sunset views over Skaros Rock and the Caldera Islands. Catch the moments in good company as the sun sinks slowly into the sea and night gathers gently around you.
7. White Door Theatro, Fira
Ok, this isn’t really a bar as such. But we’ve sneaked it into our list because it’s a can’t miss experience – this immersive stage show takes you into the heart of the action at a traditional Greek wedding and the theatrics are accompanied by bar snacks and bucket loads of wine!
Getting there and travelling around
Provided you don’t get behind the wheel after a big night out, driving around Santorini gives you the freedom you need to explore every fascinating nook and cranny at your own pace. If this sounds superb, you can easily arrange vehicle rental in Greece from Enjoy Car Hire.
Meanwhile, finding an early bird bargain on flights from a comparison site like Kayak can save you cash to spend when you arrive.
That’s our list! Where do you like to slake your thirst in Santorini? Please share your tips in the comments section.