Heres your ultimate guide to Santorini, the Cycladic showstopper that sets hearts aflutter.

Its that kind of mind-blowing destination you must experience once in a lifetime.

Its no coincidence thateight Santorini hotels made it into the top 10 Greece-wide among 2023 T+L reader picks.

White walls with blue door and flowers in Santorini

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Cruise ship passengers, in particular, make up many visitors who visit in the peak summer months.

Theres an advantage to staying on the caldera because you have the views.

You exit your hotel, and youre in the heart of everything, he said.

View from infinity pool at Katikies Santorini

Courtesy of Katikies Santorini

Stergiou makes a similar recommendation in terms of sightseeing.

Hire a car and follow a road to see where it takes you, he told T+L.

Or book a private walking tour to explore villages beyond Oia.

Bell Tower in Oia village, Santorini island, Cyclades, Greece, Europe

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the islands food scene has also improved in recent years.

Fish tavernas on the waterfront and inconspicuous dining spots in the interior enhance culinary offerings.

Dreaming of a Santorini getaway?

Boat on Kamari Beach at sunrise - Kamari, Island of Santorini, Greece

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Heres how to plan your perfect vacation on the island.

OfAndronis Boutique Hotels 25 accommodation options, the largest and most lavish is the Prestige Suite.

T+L readers proclaimedGrace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collectionto beEuropes best hotel in 2021.

Greek tavern in greek island,Greece

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Step aboard a catamaran for aprivate or small group day or sunset cruise.

Explore ancient Akrotiri

Akrotiriis one of Europes most significant ancient settlements.

Santorinis fiery eruption preserved it in Pompeii fashion but, strangely enough, no human remains have been found.

Large crowd of people on the streets of Santorini

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Key excavation finds are on display at theMuseum of Prehistoric Thirain Fira.

Jorg Greuel/Getty Images

Swim at a black sand beach

Santorini features some pretty cool beaches.

Among them is Perivolos, known for its black sand and invigorating, deep blue waters.

People walking around Oia

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

With reverence and ingenuity, Botrini today helms the restaurant that brought reimagined island fare to the fore.

Rozas

In Vourvoulos, away from the celebrated caldera, youll findRozas.

Seasonality reigns supreme at this downhome dining spot owned and run by a Georgian cook and her Greek husband.

June offers long, languid summer days, making it a popular month.

July and August are the busiest and hottest months of the year.

And while rainy days are rare in spring or fall, it can be chilly.

How to Get There

The quickest way to reach Santorini is by plane.

Flights from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Santorini operate daily and take about 50 minutes.

For those who prefer to island hop, take a ferry from Piraeus.

Viking Cruises and Windstar Cruises operate Mediterranean itineraries that encompass Santorini in winter.

Stergiou said he particularly enjoyed walking amid the towns whitewashed houses in the evening to soak up the atmosphere.

Megalochori

Megalochori, another of Stergious favorites, is brimming with living folklore and tradition.

Located in the islands southwest, the village is characterized by labyrinthine alleyways and ornate bell towers.

Fun is also guaranteed if you take a cooking class atPetra Kouzina.

There are a few tavernas and theyre all good, Stergiou added.

Venture off without choosing a specific destination.

Go check out wine country, for example.

Google Maps is mostly reliable.

By Taxi:Silver taxisoperate on the island but numbers are limited.

Wait times can be long and traffic can spike fares.

Cab ranks operate at the airport, Athinios port and near Firas central square.

They may cost more if booked in advance or via a hotel.

Taxis are metered and prices vary.

By bus: Santorini has afleet of 23 busesknown as KTEL that connects all island villages.

Fira is the main hub for all bus routes.

One-way tickets start from 2 (daytime fare) and 3.10 (night-time fare), respectively.