PAPER LONDON GUIDE TO 
SANTORINI, GREECE

PAPER LONDON GUIDE TO 
SANTORINI, GREECE

Santorini hardly needs an introduction. The postcard version is real enough: whitewashed cliffs, blue domes, a caldera that turns molten at dusk. But look past the crowds on the Oia steps and the island is quieter, stranger and far more beautiful, all volcanic black sand, sunbaked vineyards and long lunches that quietly become dinner.

 

This June, Philippa and Emma spent a few days on the island with friends of the brand. Below is what we loved: where to stay, where to eat, where to swim, and what to pack for days that run from cabana to candlelight.

Santorini hardly needs an introduction. The postcard version is real enough: whitewashed cliffs, blue domes, a caldera that turns molten at dusk. But look past the crowds on the Oia steps and the island is quieter, stranger and far more beautiful, all volcanic black sand, sunbaked vineyards and long lunches that quietly become dinner.

This June, Philippa and Emma spent a few days on the island with friends of the brand. Below is what we loved: where to stay, where to eat, where to swim, and what to pack for days that run from cabana to candlelight.

Where to Stay

 

Andronis Arcadia Our base for the trip. A calm, contemporary all-suite hotel on the edge of Oia, far enough from the crowds to feel private but a short walk into the village. Every suite looks out to sea, and the infinity pool is the largest on the island, which is where you will find us.

 

Andronis Boutique Hotel Twenty-four suites and villas perched on the caldera cliffs, each with its own terrace and hot tub. Adults only, and quietly romantic.

 

Andronis Luxury Suites Thirty-nine cave-style suites set into the cliffside in traditional white Cycladic style, with private plunge pools facing the volcano. The classic Oia view, done beautifully.

Where to Eat

 

Lycabettus Once the cover of National Geographic and often called the most beautiful balcony on Santorini. Creative Greek cooking, a candlelit terrace hanging over the caldera, and the kind of dinner you remember for years.

 

Lauda The first restaurant ever to open in Oia, back in 1971. Greek tradition with a modern hand, a serious list of volcanic Santorini wines, and a very romantic view.

 

Pacman Boho-chic and beside the infinity pool at Andronis Arcadia, with Mediterranean plates, sushi and live music as the sun goes down. Come for lunch and stay far longer than planned.

 

Beefbar The Monte Carlo-born steakhouse, and the first on the island. Glamorous interiors and fine cuts, but the lighter plates (tuna ceviche, lobster tacos) are what we would order on a hot night.

Where to Visit

 

Forty One The beach club, and the food is unbelievable. Set on the black sand of Perivolos on the island's south coast, with white cabanas, rope-strung ceilings and a menu that runs from Greek seafood to sushi. Book a cabana, arrive late morning, and do not plan to leave before four.

 

Sandy Sax at Pacman The ultimate way to watch the sunset. Each summer the saxophonist plays a residency of live sunset shows at Pacman, Andronis Arcadia, somewhere between melodic house and a very good party. Book a table, order something cold, and let the sky do the rest.

 

GiGi The shopping stop. Founded by Giota Giannousa, GiGi has three boutiques in the heart of Oia, with a considered, timeless edit rooted in Greek heritage and the island's own palette.

 

Evexia Spa For the afternoon you do nothing at all. A long holistic massage at Andronis Arcadia's spa, then straight back to the pool.

Where to Visit

 

Forty One The beach club, and the food is unbelievable. Set on the black sand of Perivolos on the island's south coast, with white cabanas, rope-strung ceilings and a menu that runs from Greek seafood to sushi. Book a cabana, arrive late morning, and do not plan to leave before four.

 

Sandy Sax at Pacman The ultimate way to watch the sunset. Each summer the saxophonist plays a residency of live sunset shows at Pacman, Andronis Arcadia, somewhere between melodic house and a very good party. Book a table, order something cold, and let the sky do the rest.

 

GiGi The shopping stop. Founded by Giota Giannousa, GiGi has three boutiques in the heart of Oia, with a considered, timeless edit rooted in Greek heritage and the island's own palette.

 

Evexia Spa For the afternoon you do nothing at all. A long holistic massage at Andronis Arcadia's spa, then straight back to the pool.

What to Pack
White shorts with a black vertical wavy line pattern and a matching drawstring waist, shown flat on a light gray background.
A woman wearing boxer shorts with black vertical dotted line patterns, standing outdoors in front of green palm trees and a gravel path.
£220.00

Boxer Shorts in Shell of the Ball

White shorts with a black vertical wavy line pattern and a matching drawstring waist, shown flat on a light gray background.
A woman wearing boxer shorts with black vertical dotted line patterns, standing outdoors in front of green palm trees and a gravel path.
£220.00

Boxer Shorts in Shell of the Ball

Ivory swimsuit with black scallop print on a white background
A woman wearing a white one-piece swimsuit with black geometric patterns sits inside a white bathtub in a modern bathroom setting.
A woman posing on a white bathtub wearing a white one-piece swimsuit with black vertical geometric patterns, set against a dark window and a gold faucet.
A woman stands outdoors wearing the Maldives Swimsuit with a long black sarong with a white geometric dot pattern. Laundry hangs on a line in the background against a rocky, garden setting.
A woman stands outdoors wearing the Maldives Swimsuit with a long black sarong with a white geometric dot pattern. Laundry hangs on a line in the background against a rocky, garden setting.
Woman in a white swimsuit standing by water with a boat in the background
Woman in a white swimsuit standing in clear water with mountains in the background
White swimsuit with black polka dot pattern and bow detail on a neutral background
£195.00

Maldives Swimsuit in Shell of the Ball

A sleeveless white dress with a black dotted vertical pattern and ruffled cap sleeves, featuring a tie-neck detail, shown against a plain light gray background.
A woman reclining on a bed wearing the 15 dress in shell of the ball in a modern bedroom with dark wood and glass wall panels.
A woman reclining on a bed wearing the 15 dress in shell of the ball in a modern bedroom with dark wood and glass wall panels.
15 Dress in Shell of the Ball
15 Dress in Shell of the Ball
A sleeveless white dress with a black dotted vertical pattern and ruffled cap sleeves, featuring a tie-neck detail, shown against a plain light gray background.
A woman reclining on a bed wearing the 15 dress in shell of the ball in a modern bedroom with dark wood and glass wall panels.
A woman reclining on a bed wearing the 15 dress in shell of the ball in a modern bedroom with dark wood and glass wall panels.
15 Dress in Shell of the Ball
15 Dress in Shell of the Ball
£365.00

15 Dress in Shell of the Ball