Santorini: the Cyclades at 3:20 from Paris

The Cyclades was this paradise long reserved for “ real ” trips lasting several weeks. The inauguration of a direct line to Santorini by Air France now allows you to spend the time of an extended weekend or a quick getaway to the most chic destination of the moment, at 3.20 am watch in hand from Paris.

Because far from the hyper tourist cliché of the archipelago, a small village stands out. Perched on the cliffs, Oia (pronounced “ IA ”) appears to be the most chic, picturesque and unspoiled corner of the island, perched on the volcanic caldera. A small world with its authentic addresses and insider meetings… Zoom on Santorini , the Greek destination highlighted by Air France Travel Guide.

Furiously intimate, Andronis , the new boutique hotel perched on the cliff, blends into the picturesque and divine landscape of the village of Oia. This fantasized home sweet home hides 24 incredible suites with private infinity pools, and is seen as the spot (forbidden to children) to meet up as a romantic… Cherry on the baba, the three-star French chef Emmanuel Renaut signs a menu of the best taste. Did you go with your tribe? We prefer his little brother Andronis Arcadia , the dream kids friendly hotel for parents in need of quiet luxury in the village. Its high added value? Its extraordinary restaurant and the most beautiful sunset in Santorini!

The alternative ? Canaves , the extraordinary resort on the side of a cliff like a village in the village, very picturesque, between alleys and stairs ...

The unusual home you've always dreamed of. Scene of the crime ? A resort house carved out of the Caldera cliff that was originally ... a wine cellar! Transformed into a dream vacation home with a view of the Mediterranean , this magical address has an extraordinary view from its large terrace on the volcano and the island of Thirassia . Its small private swimming pool is ideal for toasting at sunset .

House for 2 to 4 people from p. from € 1,286 for two nights (minimum stay, costs included)

Tucked away very close to Oia, Katharos Beach is an impressive beach with shallow water and a beach bar . Fun fact: the place is so preserved that the sick were treated there far from the rest of the population, before becoming a nudist haunt away from prying eyes. A century and an incredible facelift later operated by lovers in charge, its volcanic decor and black sand continue to confer a deeply intimate atmosphere conducive to private meetings, with the horizon as far as the eye can see.

Located in Vlychada in a lunar volcanic landscape, Theros Wave Bar stands out as one of the most private (and therefore the most popular) spots on the island. Good to know: its evenings and parties are considered a must-go for socialite holidaymakers.

It is the preferred mode of transportation for those who are allergic to crowds! For a very wild glimpse of the island, a trip to the Aegean Sea is essential. Especially if it is operated on the ultra-chic Italian Pardo boats or by catamaran (from 190 € per day) departing from Oia Marina in chic picnic and snorkeling mode ...

The perfect excursion? Leave from Amoudi bay and its hot springs, then towards the most mythical and secret beaches of the island: the red beach “ the place to be ”, the white beach, Thirassia and other nuggets before an aperitif in front of the one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

First, Armeni is a restaurant with its feet in the water, well hidden, which can be reached by descending the stairs from the village of Oia or by a small boat. The view, the atmosphere and the good dishes of mothers are engraved in your memory like a Proust madeleine.

Metaxi Mas then, a local bistro in its own right where we only speak Greek, or almost. Being the meeting place for locals is a good sign here! Like Melitini , another traditional taverna that sells divine tapas and local dishes.

Also note: Panigyri in Fira, the best spot for a real Greek breakfast.

If one had to remember only one social and cult rendezvous of the island to meet beautiful people, dance and experience crazy summer nights, it would be without hesitation the Tango Bar in Fira , the most popular spot. of the archipelago.

Take out your prettiest sandals and silk dresses to order extraordinary cocktails at the champagne bar, toast with the sunset and wiggle under the stars on the rooftop. Did you say Carpe Diem ?

Far from the tourist trap route, the intellectual intelligentsia of Santorini can be found at Atlantis Book , halfway between bookstore and antique dealer, to hunt for first editions, new or second-hand books, with classic novels of course. but also beautiful books of art or philosophy, poetry or even on Greece, all available in several languages. A real place of atmosphere, a little clutter but so charming, where you would spend hours leafing through everything that is presented from floor to ceiling.

The essential family outing is also to book a canvas under the stars at the Open Air Cinema Kamari , at the entrance to the city, which has been programming for more than 40 years from May to October its film evenings in open air punctuated by the great classics in English, subtitled in Greek. At the bar, we catch a daiquiri or a local beer and an ice cream to complete the experience of the ideal summer evening ...

Standard bearer of the magical atmosphere of Oia , 3 stylish concept stores allow you to win the latest fashion obsessions. Very luxury, Andronis Major presents the collections of Balmain, Missoni or sunglasses Gucci, Chanel and Celine. Andronis Lit5 is differentiated by its palette of blacks and whites with sharp labels like Brador, Masnada or Hannes Roether. Finally, Andronis Sun'n Sea brings together the most desirable designers of the moment, like Melissa Odabash, By Walid and Manebi.

Rather focused on craftsmanship? You will find authentic stalls almost everywhere like Argi's or Sandal Workshop , where real Greek sandals are handcrafted in the purest tradition of the shoemakers of yesteryear.

Lolita's Gelato , the best ice cream parlor on the island, in Fira!

No vaccine is compulsory to enter Greek territory. All you need is a national identity card or passport to travel on Air France to Greece .

All travelers must present a PLF tracing form drawn up online at least the day before their arrival in Greece.

Travelers over six years old must justify a negative covid-19 test carried out within 72 hours before boarding. This negative result is a guarantee of safety: it is compulsory and will be requested upon boarding. Travelers can also present a certificate of complete vaccination completed at least 14 days before travel or a certificate of post-infection immunity or positive diagnosis (by RT-PCR method) issued by the competent public health authorities or by a public laboratory. or licensed private, more than two months after infection and less than nine months.

In addition, random screening for Covid-19 (PCR or rapid antigenic test ) may be requested upon the arrival of travelers, regardless of their nationality, origin and route of entry into Greece. Travelers will have to wait on site for the result of their test before continuing their journey. Any positive test implies observing a quarantine of 10 days or 7 days for vaccinated travelers, in a structure designated by the health authorities. In the event of a deterioration in the health situation, temporary and targeted containment measures may be taken.

Your comfort, your well-being and your health are at the heart of Air France's concerns, which wishes to provide you with the best possible support in preparing for your trip. Find out about the measures taken for safe travel.

In order to travel in the best health security conditions, we invite you to consult the information relating to preventive measures and good practices to be observed on the official website of the French government .

Find out more about Santorini, the destination highlighted by Air France Travel Guide .