Santorini

Santorini is the rim of a drowned volcano, and the caldera-edge villages of Oia, Imerovigli and Fira are where the cave suites, plunge pools and sunset terraces are carved into the cliff. The Assyrtiko vineyards, the Bronze Age site at Akrotiri and the black-sand beaches of the east coast are the day trips. Late May to June and September to early October offer warm seas without the peak-season crush; July and August are hot, windy and extremely crowded with cruise-ship arrivals. Accessibility is limited — hundreds of steps, no lifts in most cliffside properties — so check before booking for anyone with mobility needs. Rent a car or use transfers; the bus network is basic.