LE MAG by AMARANTE LVA

Thira, colloquially-called Santorini, a contraction of Santa Irini (Saint Irene) whose cathedral is located in the village of Perissa, is a Greek group of islands in the Aegean sea situated circa 200 km from the mainland. It includes Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni. The island complex is an active volcano and all the islands actually were born only thanks to the volcanic activity that has defined their romantic nature.

Santorini island, Greece

Satorini island, Greece

When planning a trip to Santorini, most travellers ask themselves where to go: Fira or Oia?
Here are some tips for this choice to be easier.

Fira, Santorini, Greece

Both Fira and Oia are perched over the sea and caldera and offer fantastic views from different angles. They tend to say Oia is a more romantic option though all Santorini is known to be the place to be for couples for its stunning sunsets. The towns are pretty much the same in terms of architecture and general facilities.

Fira, Santorini, Greece

Both villages have some options for eating out but Fira as the capital has more easy places suitable for any wallet. Both Oia and Fira have grocery stores and small markets.

Oia, Santorini, Greece

Fira, again being the capital, offers easier car-renting and more options for public transportation having a bus station. The trip from the airport and the port is slightly shorter to Fira rather than to Oia, though the difference is only about 10 minutes. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of hiking tours from Fira to Oia.

Oia, Santorini, Greece

For luxury villas on Santorini, both Fira and Oia offer you wonderful places, you just have to be fast and not to wait for too long. There are more travellers wishing to visit Santorini than it can get!

Good travel without good food is not that good a travel at all. Especially when talking about Greece with its mouth-watering rich cuisine that the gourmands and gourmets all over the world never fail to praise. There is a rationale to that, we all know it. Fresh cheeses and yoghurts, high-quality olives and olive oils, Mediterranean and Aegean seas grilled fish and seafood, delicious breads, savoury vegetables... Healthy-lifestylers and trencher-men, vegetarians and meat-lovers, paleo-eaters and wheat-fans, everybody will find something to their taste in the diversified Greek cuisine. Imagine you have had a misfortune to come to Greece just for a couple of days instead of at least one week and have to chose the top dishes not to miss out. Here is a hint.

Number 5. Moussaka
Probably the most well-known Greek dish after the Greek salad. The traditional moussaka is a casserole of layered eggplant, minced meat, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, spices, cheese and bechamel topping.



Number 4. Spanakopita
Filo pies stuffed with chopped spinach, onions, egg, feta and seasoning. You can find them in all the shapes one can imagine.



Number 3. Dolmathakia
Grapes leaves rolls stuffed with rice, pine nuts and herbs, though other fillings are available. Can be served warm or cold.



Number 2. Revithokeftedes
Chickpea fritters with authentic spices.  Pretty much often they are ball-shaped.




Number 1. Souvlaki
Grilled meat skewers that can be served as such or wrapped in some pita bread and served with some garnish and sauce.



And do not forget about another important piece of your travel, your accommodation. Enjoy our collection of luxury villas on Mykonos, Santorini and Andros benefiting form free concierge services.

Having decided to go to Greece, many travellers ask themselves where exactly to go. There are plenty of choices to all the tastes. You have Mykonos and Crete, Hydra and Santorini, Zakynthos and Corfu, Ithaka and Koufonissia, Kelafonia and Skopelos... However, many will narrow down their lists to Santorini and Mykonos. So which one to chose, Mykonos touching the sea or Santorini perched above it? Keep in mind the biggest three differences that will make your choice much easier!

1. Sandy beaches of Mykonos





vs volcanic beaches and stunning scenery of Santorini




2.Mykonos party paradise (though there are family-friendly corners as well)



vs family-oriented Santorini with quiet sunsets




3. Less-culturally-rich Mykonos (but still). Mind it is close to the mythology mecca, Delos.



Santorini with its caldera, Akrotiri, Imerovigli...






The best time to visit both islands for the weather is between May and October. Those who do not want to meet crowds on the streets, better avoid travelling in the highest season and take a trip in May, beginning of June, September or October. Santorini would be especially good for its cultural pearls, as you will not be bored not being able to swim yet or anymore.

Both islands have international airports and ferries, so it is easy to get there.

For a successful trip, do not forget to chose the right accommodation and check our luxury villas on Mykonos or luxury villas on Santorini.