A destination longrenowned for its picture-postcard beauty, the Aegean island of Santorini has more to offer than just soul-stirring sunsets – though it’s a good place to start

Words Tim Heap

FREEZE FRAME: Just one of countless heartstopping views from Asteras Villas

Few places in Europe conjure up the idea of sun-drenched luxury as easily as Santorini, a veritable gem in Greece’s Cyclades Islands Officially known as Thira, and not to be confused with its main town of Fira, the island’s dramatic volcanic scenery is bewitching and breathtaking, casting its charm over visitors from across the globe.

I fell under its spell in the prepandemic summer of 2019, when my boyfriend and I crossed the Aegean Sea from Athens to Santorini to relax and recuperate following a big, gay wedding on another island (think Mamma Mia! but with more daddy issues).

Arriving late after a long, delayed journey where tempers had frayed over numerous card games and a lack of food, we’re happy to be whisked away from the port up to Fira and our first hotel, Asteras Villas. Built into the cliffs high up on the island’s western side, our grotto-style suite is divine: hewn out of rock and generously proportioned, with whitewashed walls to keep it cool and calm.

Our view from the terrace will remain a mystery until the rosyfingered goddess of dawn Aurora ushers in the morning, but in the meantime, the small, private hot tub is irresistible even for our weary bones, and as there’s no need to worry about swimwear, unpacking our suitcases can wait.