Exomitis holidays

Holidays to Exomitis are all about gentle walks past whitewashed houses and tiny chapels, plus caldera views and black-sand beaches.

Cliffside calm

Exomitis is Santorini’s sugar-white hideaway on the island’s southern tip, with more breathing room than bigger-name towns like Thira and Oia. Winding streets, whitewashed walls, tiny chapels, and bougainvillea around every corner give it that traditional feel, and caldera views and the Aegean Sea provide the backdrop. Swimsuits are a must for the nearby black-sand beaches with shallow, paddle-friendly waters.

History on the horizon

Exomitis may feel tucked away, but its roots run deep. Just a 10-minute drive gets you to the archaeological site of Akrotiri – Santorini’s own ‘Greek Pompeii’. Buried under volcanic ash during the Minoan eruption around 1600 BCE, the town offers a rare glimpse into Bronze Age life, from preserved multi-storey homes to vibrant frescoes. While you’re in the area, don’t miss Akrotiri Lighthouse at the island’s south-western tip – a local favourite for watching the sunset.

Catch of the day

Dining in Exomitis leans into authentic Cycladic flavours. Think fresh fish straight from the Aegean, fava bean purée, cherry tomatoes, capers, and creamy local cheeses drizzled with Santorini’s volcanic olive oil. Family-run tavernas mainly stick to hearty, rustic dishes – often with views of the sea or caldera. Don’t miss topping off a meal with a glass of Vinsanto, the island’s famous dessert wine.

South Santorini base

You’ve got a launch pad to plenty of southern Santorini spots if you stay here, starting with the harbour village of Vlichada just five minutes’ drive away, where you’ll find a sleepy black-sand beach and a little marina. From here, you can jet off on a boat to Red Beach, with its terracotta-coloured cliffs, or White Beach, a tucked-away stretch only accessible by sea. Head east, and Agios Georgios Beach is another five minutes away by car, while Perissa brings a longer stretch, plus cafés and tavernas if you’re after more buzz. And if you don’t want to miss the classic blue-domed views, Thira is about a 30-minute drive away for daytrips.