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    Santorini Is So Much More Than Some Blue Domes — Here's What Else You Can See There

    There's more to it than just blue domes.

    Rebecca Khera
    by Rebecca Khera

    BuzzFeed Staff

    The coronavirus pandemic is still impacting travel, and destinations around the world have different COVID-19 restrictions in place. Always check and adhere to local government policies as you're planning any future trips.

    The temperatures might be below freezing where you are, but that doesn't mean you can't be mentally sailing to Santorini, Greece, right now.

    Mamma Mia

    These photos will leave you feeling as if you're clad in a bikini. Scroll for vacation mode:

    There is nothing more iconic than the blue-domed buildings of Santorini.

    View of building and sea from Oia
    Rebecca Khera

    ... although the white buildings and volcanic rock formations are a close second.

    Cacti and white church with a view of the sea
    Rebecca Khera

    In case you were wondering, Santorini is an island formed by a volcanic eruption.

    View of Santorini from another island
    Rebecca Khera

    So you'll see rocky coastline and black sand beaches instead of white powdery sand.

    Boats docked at the volcanic islands
    Rebecca Khera

    You can take a day trip from Santorini to visit the nearby volcanic islands, Palaia Kameni and Nea Kammen (which provide this stunning view).

    Volcanic island
    Rebecca Khera

    And afterward, you can set sail toward the hot springs for a relaxing swim.

    Volcanic island
    Rebecca Khera

    There are a bunch of different boat tours heading to the volcanic islands that stop at Agios Nicholaos Beach, where the hot springs are!

    You can snag this one for $29.

    On your way down, you might find churches or homes tucked away into the rocky cliffs.

    Church hidden in a nook in the volcanic rock
    Rebecca Khera

    When you get back to the center of Santorini, you can explore some of the local shops and restaurants.

    The street of Oia with the souvenirs shops and restaurants and number of peoples.
    Sedmak / Getty Images

    And while Oia is the most popular village in Santorini, there's so much more to see!

    Stroll through the streets of Fira, the second most popular village on the island.

    Volcano Blue Seafood Restaurant in Firá on Santorini in South Aegean Islands, Greece, with tourists in the background
    Moonstone Images / Getty Images

    The main bus station also happens to be in Fira, so it's the perfect afternoon stop between the beaches in the south and Oia in the north.

    And if you see this cat, you're obligated to stop, because look how cute!

    Cat sleeping on a peacock chair
    Rebecca Khera

    When you're ready for lunch, be sure to pick a restaurant with a view.

    View of a cruise ship from a window
    Rebecca Khera

    You'll probably want to book an Airbnb that overlooks the caldera, like this one.

    View of the sea and volcanic islands
    Rebecca Khera

    The caldera is a depression where a volcano erupted and then collapsed, creating a unique landscape.

    Or if you're lucky, you can stay in one of Santorini's popular cave hotels.

    Scenery outside from the Cave hotel door
    Akio Mukunoki / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    And if you're extra lucky, you might get a sea view!

    But if you're on a budget, even the most affordable hotels are worth relaxing at.

    Hotel pool
    Rebecca Khera

    Pool and hot tub included at the gorgeous Hotel Olympia.

    Also, look at this cute fluffy island dog!

    Fluffy white dog
    Rebecca Khera

    Consider spending a day at Kamari Beach, known for its famous black sand.

    the black sand beach
    Honesttraveller / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Don't forget to bring some sandals or water shoes, because the sand gets extra hot in the sun, and you could burn your feet if you're walking around barefoot.

    Or if you prefer some color, you can wade in the sea at Red Beach.

    This is a photo of the famous Red Beach on the island of Santorini, Greece
    George Pachantouris / Getty Images

    And when you're ready for a different kind of relaxation, head to a winery for a tasting.

    Wine tasting
    Rebecca Khera

    Santorini is known for its dessert wine, Vinsanto.

    After successfully finishing your dessert wine, you can enjoy walking the many side streets.

    Vining flowers on the side of a building
    Rebecca Khera

    Some are even filled with colorful flowers.

    Flowers in bloom
    Rebecca Khera

    Peep the iconic Santorini windmill.

    Windmill in Santorini
    Rebecca Khera

    You can finish the day off with a delicious meal.

    Dinner menu
    Rebecca Khera

    And remember to always say yes to fries in your gyros.

    Greece traditional food Greek Gyros Pita
    Sanga Park / Getty Images

    BRB, looking up flight tickets as we speak.

    Luxury Resort with pool, Satorini
    Jumping Rocks / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Have you been to Santorini? If so, tell us about your trip in the comments below!