With whitewashed villages clinging to the cliffs 250-metres above sea level and a world-famous sunset, Santorini tends to be the image that pops into your head when you think of a Greek island. But those who have experienced Santorini will attest – it is vital to formulate a strategy to avoid the crowds. While it may have been on your bucket list for some time, you can assume that millions of other have had the same idea and will flock to the ancient villages in hope of capturing the fabled sunset.
There are, however, strategic ways to visit the best spots in Santorini without finding yourself among hordes of tourists. A fine choice for visiting superyachts, this is how to capture Santorini’s magic in privacy.
Top yachts for charter in Greece
The best and most exclusive way to visit Santorini is by superyacht, with no crowds on the water and magical vistas of the vertiginous island. The best anchorages are located away from the cruise ships and still benefit from the blissful sunset and dramatic landscapes, with good access to the island. For this, the best superyachts for charter are those with large sundecks, windows that draw the light in and toy-boxes brimming with fun.
O’Pari
Stats: 95m, Golden Yachts, 2020, 12 guests, 29 crew
She can be found among the most expensive superyachts for charter, and it’s not difficult to see why with her well-balanced profile and elegant interior. Built in 2020 by renowned Greek shipyard, Golden Yachts, O’Pari is designed by naval architects NHellas. Her elegant interior is designed by Studio Vafiadis and features luxurious materials such as white onyx marbles, Lalique crystals, and precious woods and fabrics.
If you're a water sports enthusiast, O'Pari has more than enough toys in her garage to keep you entertained, from kayaks and Seabobs to waterski and wakeboard equipment. Further onboard highlights include her sizeable sundeck, complete with a DJ booth, bar and Jacuzzi with panoramic views, as well as the beach club featuring a massage room, Turkish Hammam and Finnish sauna.
O’Pari is available to charter with Fraser Greece with a weekly rate of €1,100,000.
IDyllic
Stats: 59.3m, 2008 (2022), Benetti, 12 guests, 15 crew
Hot on the heels of 2022 refit, the 59.3m motor yacht IDyllic is now available to charter in Greece for those who want to be enveloped in luxury while exploring the Dodecanese. The refit completely transformed the yacht with a new contemporary style and neutral colour scheme. She had a complete redesign of the upper saloon, replacing everything from the furniture and lighting fixtures. It now features an ornate cocktail bar, a games table and a large flatscreen TV opposite a lounge. From here, guests can directly access the al fresco dining area. Her toy selection is up there with the very best and includes everything from jet skis to inflatables.
IDyllic is available to charter with IYC with a weekly rate from €290,000.
Bella Stella
Stats: 45m, CRN, 1987 (2019), 12 guests, 10 crew
Having been built in the late 80’s, Bella Stella has a proven track record as a sublime charter yacht. Following an extensive refit in 2019, the 45-metre was given a new lease of life and has had most of her interiors styled by designer Sara Economou. Now adorned with ocean-inspired art, elegant grey hues and wooden panelled walls, Bella Stella is an elegant way to explore Santorini.
Accommodation on board is for 12 guests across seven well-appointed cabins, including a full-beam master cabin located on the main deck with a sofa area and a full-beam bathroom. The yacht also has plenty of space out on the deck, which was also updated in the refit.
Bella Stella is available to charter with Burgess with a weekly rate from €150,500.
Althea
Stats: 30.5m, 1993 (2020), Kanellos Shipyard, 11 guests, 5 crew
The wind-swept Dodecanese islands present the perfect opportunity for sailors, and doing so in a traditionally interpreted schooner is the way to go. Built in Greece in 1993, Althea was designed by Andrew Winch and recently refitted in 2020, restoring her to her former glory. Her interiors are filled with natural light, light wooden panelling and cream furniture. Out on deck, spaces are large and elegantly designed with cream furniture and sunpads for soaking up the Santorini sun.
Althea is available to charter with CSO yachts with a weekly rate from €41,500.
Ventum Maris
Stats: 65.7m, Amels, 2011 (2022), 12 guests, 18 crew.
Having been delivered in 2011 by Amels, the 65.7-metre Ventum Maris is lying in peak condition following a €6 million refit in 2019 and again in 2022. Now with white and blue interiors designed by Winch Design, Ventum Maris is a great match for the blues and whites of Santorini.
Accommodation on board is for twelve guests across seven cabins including the full-beam master on the main deck, which boasts a private lobby, office, and walk-in wardrobe. Thanks to an elevator that serves all guest decks, you can quickly move between all areas and be out on deck at the touch of a button.
Ventum Maris is available to charter with Edmiston with a weekly rate from €530,000.
Ouranos
Stats: 49.6m, The Italian Sea Group, 2016, 12 guests, 13 crew
Having been delivered in 2016, the 50-metre, Ouranos has been a chief charter yacht in Greek waters. Her striking exteriors are by Jure Bukavec of Uniellé Yacht Design, a young designer from Slovenia, They are punctuated with six forward rectangular windows and vast feature windows amidships that span over two decks.
Accommodation on board is for 12 across six cabins, including one spacious master cabin, which is embellished with leather wall panels and a marble bathroom. The five lower deck cabins are connected not only by a staircase but also a glass-enclosed lift, which can whisk you up to the upper deck at the touch of a button.
Ouranos is available to charter with IYC with a weekly rate from €225,000.
Hotels
Should you wish to spend a night on the island, opt for a property that offers a sanctuary from the overcrowded streets, yet still sits in an optimal location with Santorini’s famous vistas...
Nobu Santorini
Set on the island’s northeast coast and dangling on the clifftops of Imerovigli, Nobu Santorini opened in the summer of 2023. Composed of charming whitewashed monolithic villas arranged around a spectacular infinity pool that seemingly falls away to the ocean 200-metres below, Nobu is a quiet sanctuary of Santorini that exudes the type of elegance you would expect of the illustrious Nobu Brand. The hotel’s restaurant has vowed to serve Nobu classics and, like much of the hotel, resides in a trendy open-air setting with dim glowy lighting and live lo-fi music. Each of the villas are carefully designed to instill a sense of place, with soft curvaceous walls, stone bathrooms and natural textures. nobuhotels.com
Santo Collection
If you have ever stayed in Santorini, the glistening Cycladic Island, famed for its icy-white villas, blue-domed churches, and mesmerising sunsets, you’ll know that seclusion is key. It’s no secret that the beauty of Santorini makes it one of the most popular Greek islands to visit, so hotel selection away from the masses is essential. This year, Santo Collection has helped with this conundrum with the opening of Santo Mine, a luxurious 37-suite hotel and two new villas, which can be combined to accommodate 16 guests. Located an 11-minute walk from Oia, the new property is in keeping with the Santorini aesthetic, with whitewashed suites carved into the cliffs, earthy interiors, and direct views over the glittering Aegean Sea. santocollection.gr
Andronis Arcadia
Trickling down the hillside on the edge of the romantic town of Oia, in Santorini, Andronis Arcadia offers sublime sunset views from every one of its 53 sugar-cube suites. While tourists wielding selfie sticks line up on the cobbled streets of the town above for views over the steep slope of the caldera, you can recline by your private pool for uninterrupted sea views as the sun slowly dips beyond the horizon.
Having opened in 2019, its minimalist aesthetic, laid back vibe, vast central infinity pool and endlessly Instagrammable private plunge pools have made it an instant hit with the well-heeled millennials. The suites are simple but luxurious, with neutral tones, low-slung platform beds and locally sourced woods and artefacts. The icing on the cake for the hotel opening is its cavernous Evexia spa, which is one of the largest on the island.
The best anchorages in Santorini
For those who wish to enjoy the sunset without battling millions of others, there are several places to try…
The bay of Órmos Ammoúdi
If you're hoping to catch Santorini's world-famous sunset, this is how to get a front-row seat. The bay sits directly below Oia, and if you look closely, you'll see thousands of people battling to get a spot with cameras at the ready. Turn around, however, and you'll have uninterrupted views of the sunset in complete privacy.
Nea Kameni
An almost uninhabited island, Nea Kameni lies in Santorini’s archipelago caldera and is made up of a striking black lava rock. It is famously home to just one person, who settled here after painful unrequited love. The bay itself is actually a sulphurous hot spring which you can swim in and there are steep walking paths through Nea Kameni Volcanic Park that take you around active smoking craters.
Red Beach
One of Santorini’s most famous sights, Red Beach is just as spectacular as one would hope with its vivid red pebbles and cliffs, which pop against the blue lagoon. A good snorkelling spot, the beach has interesting rock formations and is awash with marine life. Located in the southern part of the island, Red Beach is near Akrotiri village and the spectacular Akrotiri Lighthouse, which can also be seen from the water.