Santorini is known to the whole world as an exceptionally gifted island, and its charm goes much deeper than its striking landscapes.
Besides taking visitors' breath away with the views, the island provides a gastronomic experience with its great food. The peculiarity of this character comes from the particular volcanic soil of the island, the arid landscape, and the climate with very high temperatures and strong winds, which all these combined, result in crops that grow only in Santorini or give well-known products an exceptional taste.
In the twist of nature's paradox, the fertile lands of the island owe their richness to the catastrophic volcanic eruption of the past. It is this very cataclysmic event that has given rise to Santorini's thriving agricultural treasures, yielding flavors as bold and unforgettable as the island itself. Here are some of Santorini's most iconic traditional products:
Cherry Tomato
Passionate red color, small size (the reason for its name as it resembles a cherry), thick skin, and bitter-sweet flavor are the characteristics of this product that only grows in Santorini and has gained a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) recognition. Its rich juicy body and unique flavor that have made it the most popular product of Santorini is a result of the dry, volcanic soil which is suitable for its cultivation as it doesn’t need much water. Cherry tomatoes can be savored fresh in salads, sun-dried, canned, as a tomato paste, or even as a spoon sweet. Santorini’s specialty that visitors should definitely taste is the tomato fritters, available in every tavern.
White Eggplant
![White eggplants of Santorini.]( "White eggplants of Santorini.")
White eggplants of Santorini.
A rare type of eggplant that is distinguished by its white color, shape, rich flesh, and fruity and mild flavor, much sweeter than the common purple eggplant, with very few seeds. It can be tasted in many forms and it is a must that you try it while on the island; raw in salads, fried, as a delicious paste called melitzanosalata and, of course, as the main ingredient in the famed Greek specialty, moussaka.
Capers
This special Greek product comes from a bush that grows in the wild and you can find it in the most peculiar places in Santorini, for example hanging from the caldera cliffs or the walls of the houses. They are small flower buds that are used in a variety of recipes to spice them up, as they are known for their particularly piquant flavor. They are added as a finishing touch in the famous Greek salad or on top of pureed split peas (fava), dishes that will arouse your senses, as the wild capers are known for their savory sea-bitter taste. You can take this miraculous savor home by buying a jar of pickled capers.
Split Peas (fava)
You can find it in every traditional tavern of the island as a starter, served as a velvety puree. It is often garnished with onions, herbs and local capers, or sometimes with Greek olives. The delicious taste, the silky texture and its easy cooking are the three elements that make it extremely popular. It is probably the oldest traditional product of Santorini, around 3,500 years of cultivation, and this specific tastier variety, with fuller flavor than any other fava, can only be found in Santorini. Fava, like cherry tomato, has been classified as a product with a Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.).
Katsouni (cucumber)
![Katsouni, Santorinian cucumber.]( "Katsouni, Santorinian cucumber.")
Katsouni, Santorinian cucumber.
A slightly different kind of cucumber named after the inhabitants of Santorini. It is smaller, thicker, cooler and lighter than the common cucumber and has a few seeds. It is a necessary ingredient in the traditional Greek salad, plus it makes a great spoon sweet.
Chloro (cheese)
It is a special homemade, sour cheese with a creamy texture, made from goat milk. The unusual flavor and the fact that it is hard to find, make it a sought-after product of Santorini that cannot be found anywhere else.
Wine
![Local Santorinian wines.]( "Local Santorinian wines.")
Local Santorinian wines.
Santorinian wine is the star of its traditional products with a Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.) status. The island, which is full of vineyards, has a long tradition in winemaking and thanks to the rich, volcanic ground it produces unique varieties with exemplary flavors and aromas. Vinsanto, Assyrtiko and Nykteri are just some of the varieties than stand out. Visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to indulge in a culinary journey by visiting one of the remarkable wineries, as well as taking a few bottles with them so that they can relive the original flavor of Santorini at home.
As your journey through Santorini unfolds, don’t miss the chance to experience the island’s culinary wonders firsthand. Let your palate guide you through the local taverns, and be sure to try the must-have dishes, featuring the island's unique ingredients.
Each bite is a celebration of the volcanic soil, the vibrant culture, and the passion that makes Santorini’s cuisine truly unforgettable.
