The Charm of Santorini
The island of Santorini captivates travelers with its white buildings adorned with blue domed churches and breathtaking views of the caldera – attracting tourists from the United States and Canada in search of romance and natural wonders. The islands picturesque setting, on the Aegean Sea combines history with sunny beaches and lively nightlife to create an alluring destination that is hard to resist.
Popular Points of Interest
Oia is known as a spot on the island where people come together at dusk to witness the stunning sunset over the caldera that bathes the sky in a magical golden glow during the golden hour moments. For those interested, in history and culture Akrotiri stands out as a Minoan settlement that was engulfed by volcanic ash providing a window into life from 1600 BC era while the Santorini Archaeological Museum located in Fira delves deeper into the islands fascinating historical background.
Perissa Beach boasts striking sand that provides a captivating contrast to the islands pristine white architecture and is definitely worth a visit! This stunning beach is a destination for soaking up the suns rays and enjoying activities, like snorkeling and water sports.
Entertainment and Evening Enjoyment.
The island boasts top notch vineyards due to its soil which makes a trip to Santo Wines a must for wine enthusiasts with its stunning vistas and tastings of locally made wines being highlights of the experience The boat excursions around the island are a hit, among tourists as they get to discover the volcanic islets and the nearby hot springs.
Fira is known as the destination for those who love to party at night due to its lively bars and clubs that are always bustling with excitement! For a laid back and sophisticated experience by the seafront in Kamari and Perivolos area offers upscale dining options at seaside restaurants waiting for you to indulge in them! If a peaceful evening is more your style then how about savor a dinner while watching the sunset from a scenic rooftop terrace, in Oia?
Life. Societal norms
The culture of Santorini is strongly tied to its heritage with its renowned traditional buildings and iconic blue domed churches dotted around the quaint streets of Oia and Fira townships.The islanders are known for their hospitality towards visitors despite the tourism industry being a major player in the local economy; those seeking a more serene experience can immerse themselves in the genuine atmosphere of villages, like Pyrgos.
Travel Planning Tips, for a Smooth Trip
U.S and Canadian citizens can visit Greece without a visa for a maximum of 90 days, within a 180 day timeframe.
Make sure to be aware of the Schengan entry regulations when traveling to Greece as it is part of the Schengan Area and ensure that your passport is valid, for least six months.
In Greece the official currency is the Euro (EUR). Although credit cards are commonly accepted its recommended to carry some cash for smaller purchases, in small towns and local areas.
When you come back to the U.S.A or Canada after visiting a European Union country like all places there are rules, about what you can bring in like alcohol and handcrafted items so make sure to report any big purchases you made during your trip.
Exploring Investment Prospects, in Santorini
Santorinis stunning charm and widespread appeal have positioned it as a choice for real estate investment opportunities – particularly in the vacation rental sector. Properties in Oia and Fira are in demand, for short term rentals owing to the islands reputation as a premier luxury holiday spot.
In seasons when demand is high for vacation rentals in popular areas the income, from renting out properties can be quite profitable typically ranging between 5 to 9 percent annually.
Market Stability Update; Greece has shown progress in bouncing back from the economic downturn with a notable focus in the tourism sector boosting property prices significantly as foreign buyers are showing keen interest, in acquiring vacation homes and rental properties in the country.
For advice in matters regarding real estate purchases in the EU as a non EU resident it is advisable to collaborate with local real estate professionals and legal consultants for guidance through the buying procedures. You may also want to explore the “Golden Visa” initiative that provides residency privileges in exchange, for property investments.
More about exotic destinations? Check our blog on Bali!