'Armeni Village', Oia, Santorini, Greece.

Just a few steps up the cliff takes you to the edge of the village of Oia, pronounced ‘Ia’, the most famous of all villages of Santorini and the site of the nightly pilgrimage to see one of the world's most beautiful sunsets. It is certainly the most beautiful and picturesque villages of Santorini making it a regular spot for glossy magazine photoshoots. Locals, and those in the know, avoid the crowds and head down to the tiny port hidden 20 minutes walk from the village centre and get the best view of the sunset whilst enjoying fresh fish in one of the traditional harbourside tavernas. Another path less followed is the 300 steps down from the Armeni to another tiny port from where small boats can take you across to the island of Thirassia and its beach and hot springs. Oia's popularity with the fashion glitterati has resulted in a number of very stylish and sophisticated bars and eateries; amongst the best respected is the Papagalos, which specialises in modern Greek cuisine made from farm fresh ingredients. However, it’s just as likely that guests' best food memories will come getting up early to gather freshly baked croissants from the traditional bakery a few steps from the Armeni and enjoying them on their balcony whilst watching the fishing boats, yachts and cruise liners sail in and out of view in the sea below. If you can bear to drag yourself away from the mesmerizing views in Oia, then a trip to the fantastically well preserved Minoan village at Akrotri and one of the island's acclaimed vineyards are well worth the effort.