Cruise to the gem of the Aegean

It’s been said the sunset from Oia on the island of Santorini is the most beautiful in the world. But you don’t have to wait until dusk to see your share of postcard-worthy views. Santorini is stunning any time of day.

The capital, Fira, clings to the rim of the caldera 900 feet above the sea. Take the cable car—or if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, giddy up on a donkey to climb the 588 zigzagging steps to the top. The white cobblestone streets bustle with shops, tavernas, and cafés perfect for sampling the tomatoes and white eggplant for which Santorini is renowned.

If you’re feeling ambitious, hike to nearby Oia, a quintessential Greek village. Plan your day accordingly to “schedule” yourself on a patio enjoying a glass of Vinsanto (a sweet, strong dessert wine) as the sun sinks into the sea, and then make up your own mind about the village’s famed sunset.

Drive by black, white, and red volcanic beaches and head south to the 3,500-year-old Minoan town Akrotiri. Often called Greece’s answer to Pompeii, the well-preserved ruins provide a glimpse into Santorini’s storied (and explosive) past.