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While all greek islands may have the common threads of sandy beaches, scented pine and ancient olive trees, each one has a charater all of its own. One of the most sophisticated and dramatic is Santorini, which is one of the Cyclades islands.
It's a steep climb to get to its heart form the port- but fear not, there is a funicular as well as donkey transport! Its extraordinary shape was created by a volcanic eruption, which sank the centre of this once-circular island about 1500 BC, leaving a huge crater (caldera), around which are dotted villages and small towns with breathtaking views, especially at sunset. Each of these towns and villages sports tiny cafés, elegant boutiques and fab restaurants as well as the smartest of villas and hotels.
They do not come any better than boutique hotel Katikies in the village of Oia, whose 22 rooms are randomly biult into the rock at various levels and connected by winding stairs and bridges. Each room and suite is decorated in a fusion of contemporary and classic and furnish with fine antiques as well as having its own terrace or balcony. It is from here, in perfect privacy and solitude you can experience the most extraordinary sunsets followed by the stars almost dropping in to the caldera. Wildy romantic.
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