greece santorini tourist attractions

14 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit on Santorini

Written by Jane Foster and Lavanya Sunkara Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Incredible sunsets, pearly white buildings adorned with bougainvillea, blue-domed churches, and picturesque windmills make Santorini a sought-after destination. This Greek paradise attracts newlyweds and couples from around the globe eager to witness its famed sunsets of Oia, swim in hot springs, savor its cuisine, and indulge in luxurious resorts.

Whether you fly in or take the ferry from the other islands, it's impossible to miss the striking view of the mostly submerged caldera (volcanic crater) visible from quaint settlements atop lava-layered cliffs. The whitewashed settlements of Firá and Oia are the island's most alluring destinations. In between the two towns, small villages cling to the clifftops, offering quieter and more relaxed settings for your vacation.

Santorini has more to offer than incredible vistas and multi-colored beaches. Ths island is also home to ancient arcaeological sites and museums that are worth exploring. Get yourself an ATV or a smart car and set about experiencing the rugged island on undulating roads. Just be prepared to stop at every corner, as the views are never-ending.

For ideas on how to spend your time, see our list of the top tourist attractions in Santorini.

4. Akrotíri Archaeological Site

5. red beach, 6. ancient thira, 7. archeological museum, firá, 8. museum of prehistoric thira, 10. profitis ilias, 11. beach at perissa, 12. ammoudi bay, 13. see a show at open air cinema kamari, 14. take a santorini boat trip, where to stay on santorini for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to santorini, map of attractions & things to do on santorini.

The capital of Santorini, Firá (Thíra) is made up of whitewashed cubic houses and terraces, winding lanes, little squares, and blue-domed churches perched on the cliffs 300 meters above the caldera. From the small port of Skala, Firá can be reached either by walking or riding (mules are for hire) up the steep and winding stepped path (587 steps) or by taking the cable-car. It can also be reached from neighboring towns via the Fira to Oia scenic trail that takes you along the caldera cliff.

Ferries dock at the port of Athiniós, connected to Firá by road, while cruise ships put down anchor in the caldera, and passengers are transported to Skala by tender. Firá lives principally from tourism, and many of its buildings now serve as small hotels, apartments, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and jewelers.

Oia is known for its famed sunsets that attract tourists from around the world. Located on the northern tip of Santorini, 12 kilometers up the coast from Firá, Ía (Oia) is a picture-perfect village of whitewashed houses, several of which have been converted into chic little boutique hotels with infinity pools, overlooking the caldera. Like Firá, it lives from tourism, but caters to a more upmarket clientele.

From Ammoúdi Bay, steep paths zigzag up to the town where you'll find a row of waterfront seafood eateries, many with alfresco dining. Oia can be reached by local KTEL bus or by walking the trail along the cliffs high above the caldera (allow three hours from Fira).

Formed by the massive volcanic explosion that blew the center out of the island some 3,600 years ago, the caldera is the sea-filled volcanic crater that remained. Measuring 12 kilometers by seven kilometers, it is still home to volcanic activity – in its center rise the two Kaiméni islets with hot springs and gas emissions.

Various agencies offer one-day excursions of the caldera by boat, including time to bathe in the hot springs and then have lunch on Thirassia, a tiny island on the west side of the caldera affording amazing views back to Santorini across the water.

Near the village of modern Akrotíri, 12 kilometers southwest of Firá, the ancient Minoan settlement of Akrotíri was buried below lava following the 16th-century BC volcanic explosion that created the caldera. At the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, visitors can walk on pathways through the debris of the town to see remains of the clay buildings of this once thriving town. It is so well preserved that it's often compared to Pompeii . The site has remnants of multi-level buildings, pottery, and drainage systems, proving that Santorini was a flourishing and prosperous island before the eruption and probably lived from shipping and trading.

Santorini's connections with North Africa can be deduced from the outstanding frescoes (most of which are now in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens) that decorated its houses. The site of the Akrotiri ruins reopened to the public in 2012, following several years of closure.

Nearby the Akrotiri site, you will find the famous Red Beach below a spectacular red cliff wall. The beach is accessible along a path from the town of Akrotiri. You can also take a bus from Fira or drive and park nearby before venturing down a rocky path to reach the beach. The beach is also accessible by boat from Akrotiri, Kamari, and Perissa ports.

The small beach gets crowded during the summer, so be sure to get there early to snag a prime spot for great contrasting views of the red rocks against the aquamarine water. Also note that the beach is prone to landslides, and sections have been roped off from visitors.

See the ruins of Hellenistic temples and foundations of Roman and early-Byzantine buildings at ancient Thira, located on the southeast coast of Santorini. Ancient Thira dates back to the ninth century BC. Among the ruins, you'll find religious sites, a theater, a gym for military trainees, and old administrative buildings. Finds from the site are also displayed in the archaeology museum of Firá

Lying close to the upper station of the cable-car in Firá, the small archaeological museum displays finds from Ancient Thira, ranging from the Dorian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Inscriptions dating from the Archaic to the Roman period, clay figurines of animals, and beautiful ceramic pottery are some of the finds exhibited at this museum.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thira displays finds from Akrotiri archaeological site in a modern white building located close to the 1950s Mitrópolis church in Firá. One of the top tourist attractions is the Blue Monkeys wall fresco. Other ancient artworks on display include marble figurines, painted ceramics, tools, and weapons.

Pyrgos was Santorini's capital before Firá took over in 1800. The tiny village of Pyrgos, located in the middle of Santorini, is made up of whitewashed Cycladic cottages built around the ruins of a medieval hilltop castle. Previously a sleepy, all-but-forgotten town, Pyrgos has, since 2004, started to cater to upmarket tourism with the opening of several small, chic restaurants and boutique hotels.

From Pyrgos, a road runs to the summit of Mt. Profítis Ilías (584 meters), Santorini's highest point, affording panoramic views of the island and out across the sea. Here stands the mighty Profitis Ilias Monastery , an 18th-century sanctuary that is open to the public.

Inside, you can see the church, with a richly carved iconostasis. Visit the museum displaying the miter and crozier of Patriarch Gregory V, who was hanged in Constantinople by the Turks in 1821. Also of interest are the library, the monastic archives, and the kitchen. The monastery ran one of the many "secret schools," operated during the Turkish period.

Santorini's best known and most popular beach lies on the southeast coast, between the villages of Perissa and Perivolos. A six-kilometer-long stretch of fine, black volcanic sand, it is backed by tamarisk trees and overlooked by a string of seafood tavernas and cafés. There are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, plus water sports facilities. It is approximately 12 kilometers from Firá.

At the base of the cliffs rising to the town of Oia, the port of Ammoudi Bay glistens above sparkling turquoise waters. Descend the 200 or so steps down from Oia, and you are in the picture-perfect setting that is Ammoudi, known for quaint Greek tavernas serving the catch of the day just inches from the waves, and isolated coves ideal for swimming. Another popular activity is cliff diving if that's what gets your adrenaline pumping.

For a less adventurous and still exhilarating experience, hire a sailboat to bring you to the volcano for a swim in the hot springs.

Fancy an al fresco movie screening? Head to the Open Air Cinema Kamari. It was constructed in 1887 with the goal of letting locals and travelers continue the Greek tradition of the outdoor theater by allowing you to check out movies al fresco.

Grab a snack from the on-site concession and watch a film under the light of a starry velvet sky in a garden setting. Besides movies, this venue just outside the town limits also hosts concerts, art exhibitions, and traditional theater performances. It is a unique Santorini experience.

Official Site: https://santorinicinema.com/

A great way to get a feel for Santorini, and another of its top tourist attractions, is to explore the island on a day-long boat trip. This way, you'll have an opportunity to check out a number of attractions in one go and also take in the gorgeous turquoise and aquamarine waters surrounding this volcanic isle.

A number of companies run boat tours around Santorini, and many follow the same route. One popular cruise takes you first to the still active volcano on Nea Kameni, where you can hike to the crater's summit. You'll then pause for a dip in the Palea Kameni hot springs. Trips then head to Thirassia Island fronting Santorini.

For a more luxe experience, this trip can be booked on a catamaran and on these, you'll also get to make three swimming and snorkeling stops.

If you are coming to Santorini for the postcard perfect views out over the caldera and the Aegean Sea, the best places to stay are in the towns of Oia or Firá. These towns are perched along the clifftop, high above the water, with fabulous views, gleaming white hillside terraces, and quaint narrow streets. Below are some highly rated hotels in good locations:

Luxury Hotels :

• Filotera Suites is a luxury boutique hotel in Oia with a spectacular cliffside location and incredible views. An infinity pool and lovely terraces on the edge of the caldera look out over the sparkling blue water, and rooms are cave-style suites.
• In the same category but offering a more traditional feel is the boutique hotel of Pezoules , also located along the edge of the caldera in Oia, affording spectacular views and luxury suites.
• The posh Celestia Grand in Firá is another stunning clifftop property, with a beautiful pool; large, airy rooms, including villas with private pools; and impeccable service.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Oia's Sunset Apartments is in a convenient location near the bus stop and features a lovely pool and a variety of accommodation options.
• In Firá, Costa Marina Villas offers basic, comfortable rooms, some with balconies, and cozy common areas.
• For a little better value and a quieter atmosphere, try the Grand View Hotel in Megalochori, south of Firá. With excellent views and a pool overlooking the caldera, this hotel is hard to beat in this price range.

Budget Hotels :

• In Oia, a 15-minute walk from shops and restaurants but near a bus stop, the Anemomilos Hotel Apartments offers a pool, sea views, and complimentary breakfast. This hotel has simple but clean rooms and apartments, well-kept grounds, and is known for good service.
• With an excellent location in Firá, near shops and restaurants, the Hotel Kavalari is a cliffside property with beautiful views, nice patio areas, and comfortable rooms.
• The Pansion Zaharoula , just a 10-minute walk from Firá, has spacious, air-conditioned rooms, but the property lacks a pool.

An organized tour is a great way to see all the highlights of the island without the hassle of trying to find your way around. Experienced guides share information about the island's history as well as insider tips about its culture and attractions, and these tours include convenient pickup and drop-off at your hotel, saving you time and money. Below are some fun tour options that guarantee the lowest price:

• See the Sights: A great way to learn about Santorini's history, explore picturesque villages, and see spectacular sunset views is on the full-day Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Tour in Santorini . With pickup and drop-off from your hotel, this tour takes you in a comfortable air-conditioned coach to explore the Minoan excavations at Akrotiri, the pretty village of Pyrgos, and sunset views from Oia. If you prefer to tailor your tour to suit your interests, the Private Custom Tour: Santorini in a Day is an excellent choice. You can choose between a five-hour tour or upgrade to an eight-hour tour, with stops at your favorite attractions, from ancient archeological sites and traditional villages to beautiful black-sand beaches. This tour also includes convenient hotel or cruise ship port pickup and drop-off.

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Greek Islands: If you are looking to explore other Greek Islands, check out our comprehensive guide to the Top-Rated Greek Islands to point you in the right direction. Some of the more popular tourist destinations include Corfu Island and Crete . The islands tend to have their own unique character and many people choose to visit more than one on their vacation.

Highlights of Greece: For a guide to top attractions in Greece, be sure to see article on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Greece . This guide offers information on destinations and sites worth visiting.

More on Greece

The 11 best things to do in Santorini

Sep 1, 2021 • 6 min read

The blues dome of the church at Imerovigli is one of Santorini's most iconic views © Posnov / Getty

Santorini has long been hailed as one of the most picturesque holiday destinations in Europe due to its spectacular panoramic views of the caldera (cauldron-like volcanic crater) and its aesthetically pleasing, uniformly whitewashed, cubic architecture, which has become synonymous with engagement and wedding photoshoots. The southernmost member of the Cyclades islands is undoubtedly the star pupil.

But there is more to Santorini than striking a pose on the famous black sand beaches and spending time by the pool. Below are some of the top things you can do on the island, with activities suitable for sun worshippers and adventure-seekers alike.

1. Visit the real Atlantis 

Well over 3000 years ago, a catastrophic volcanic eruption (one of the worst in recorded history) on the island consumed Santorini, causing the middle of the island to fall in on itself before being swallowed by the sea. Due to the unearthed writings of Greek philosopher Plato, it has long been believed that the ancient Minoan settlements that were destroyed during the eruption are, in fact, the fabled Lost City of Atlantis.

You can take a trip to the prehistoric town and archeological site of Akrotiri , located on the southern tip of the island, to learn more about the lost ruins of this Bronze-Age city and the island's dramatic past. The massive excavated site (often dubbed the "Pompeii of Greece") is visitor-friendly with covered, wooden walkways that lead you around the old city while still protecting it. There aren't many placards and pamphlets to explain your surroundings, so we'd recommend pre-booking a guided tour for the full experience.

2. View the famous Santorini sunset

The sunsets in Santorini are renowned as being some of the most beautiful in the world, and the picturesque town of Oia is a prime spot to give yourself a bird's-eye view. There are a few key locations in the town where you can catch the big event, but the Byzantine castle ruins have by far the most beautiful view. The crumbling remnants of the castle walls offer a gorgeous glimpse into Oia's past, and their elevated location also provides panoramic views of the island.

Unfortunately, these upsides deliver one downside – the Byzantine ruins are very popular with visitors and get incredibly crowded as the evening draws in. Get there early and make yourself comfortable in a prime spot before the sun dips below the horizon.

3. Hike up Santorini's volcano

Enjoy a guided hike up the ash-laden landscape of the still-active Nea Kameni volcano located in the center of the caldera. Nea Kameni is the youngest of the two volcanos and is a popular tourist attraction due to its surrounding golden, sulfur-infused waters and springs known for their healing properties. During the hike, you can walk up to the black lava perimeters of the volcano, as well as discover the crater and other openings bursting with sulfur steam. Not only that, but you also get a magnificent view of the Santorini cliffs and sister towns, Oia and Fira. 

The heat can be oppressive during the high season, and we'd recommend an early start to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. Sunset-chasers should plan to finish their hike later in the evening to make the most of Oia and Fira being framed by the last rays of the day.

4. Visit the charming town of Pyrgos

Although not as busy as its sister towns of Oia and Fira , Pyrgos is a quaint, charming town that offers stunning scenery and some of the most popular restaurants in Santorini, such as Selene . The town is a great place to get to know the locals and see what everyday island life is really like, without the clamor of crowds of tourists. There are also opportunities to capture beautiful images along the tiny, winding footpaths that lead to side streets and cul-de-sacs housing scenic cafes, restaurants, and churches.

5. Take a Greek cookery class

Dive into a hands-on experience and learn all about Santorini's traditional cuisine by taking a local cooking class. The Petra Kouzina Cooking Experience will teach you all the skills required to produce a multi-course feast in a beautiful, charming setting.

Alternatively, you can choose a combination  cooking class and wine tasting tour  – the fun starts with a tour of carefully selected wineries before you start cooking, so you can plan your menu to include the perfect accompaniment to your meal! 

6. Catch a movie at the open-air cinema

Given Santorini's beautiful weather, you’ll definitely want to make time for an outdoor movie during the warm evenings. Hosting one of the best open cinemas in the world, Kamari Village boasts tasty cocktails, trendy director’s-chair seating and, of course, popcorn. Early arrival is advised to get a good seat.

7. Take a caldera cruise 

One of the most popular activities for visitors to Santorini is to take a midday or sunset cruise around the caldera on a catamaran. The caldera is a large, crescent-shaped volcanic depression with a fascinating history – some factual, some folkloric – and is an ideal activity for those interested in merging beautiful views with learning more about the history of the island and its legendary volcanic eruption.

Many tour companies offer this service, complete with an onboard meal, with Caldera Yachting company being one of the most popular. I recommend booking the sunset cruise to make the most of the gorgeous sunset views.

8. Make a pilgrimage to the monastery of Profitis Ilias

Built in the 17th century, the monastery of Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elias) is one of the oldest buildings on the island and is located at the highest point on Mount Eros. The site is littered with beautiful gardens, pine woods that lead you to the door of the monastery, and the most incredible panoramic views of the whole island – don’t forget to pack your camera. The grounds of this religious attraction house a variety of local stores that offer a selection of homegrown produce, including olives, wine, olive oil, candles and honey.

9. Attend the White Door Theatro show

For those looking to partake in some lively theater, the White Door Theatro show is unlike any other. The performance features an interactive wedding celebration performance, where audience members are cast as "wedding guests" and required to take part in a host of fun and playful activities during the show, including singing, dancing, mezes, and even smashing plates!

10. Take a helicopter tour of the island 

It doesn’t get much more bucket-list worthy than having your own private aerial scenic tour of the island, where you soar above the picturesque landscapes of Santorini, getting a bird's-eye view of the beautiful beaches, whitewashed cliffs and blue-domed churches, not to mention the volcanic caldera. Even with all our tips and tricks for navigating the crowds this beautiful island attracts, nothing compares to your own private A-list experience in the sky above Santorini.

11. Sunbathe on the black sand beaches

Alongside its famous sunsets, Santorini is also known for its iconic black sand beaches, formed by the erosion of centuries of volcanic molten rock poured forth after each eruption. Perissa beach lies at the base of Mesa Vouno mountain and is one of the longest beaches on the island.

Alongside the multitude of cafes, bars and restaurants on the beach, there is also an elevated spot for adventurous divers to leap off into the crystal-clear waters. Families with young kids will find endless fun awaiting in the on-site water park.

You may also like: How to enjoy Santorini on a budget First time Santorini: top tips for your first visit

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Visit Santorini: Top 17 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in santorini: the 17 best places to visit (all highlights).

You’re planning to visit Santorini during your next trip to Greece ? You’re looking for the best things to do in Santorini?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this guide of the 17 best places to visit in Santorini , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Santorini in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

And as always, this travel guide contains all my best tips to make the most of your stay.

So, what to do in Santorini? Where to stay?

Let’s start with the best places to visit on the island!

3. Santorini volcano boat trip

4. catamaran tour in santorini, 5. hiking from fira to oia, 6. santorini’s best beaches, 7. the best watersports in santorini, 8. amoudi bay, 9. do a wine tour in santorini, 10. akrotiri, 11. the other best villages to visit in santorini, 12. quad bike tour in santorini, 13. helicopter flight in santorini, 14. ancient thera, 15. thirassia, 16. santorini’s open air cinema, 17. what to do in santorini at night, 18. where to go shopping in santorini, 19. discover greek gastronomy,  the other best greek islands to visit around santorini, how many days to visit santorini, 1 day in santorini, 2 days in santorini, 3 days in santorini, 4 or 5 days in santorini, best hotels in oia, best hotels in fira, other best places to stay in santorini island, where to eat in santorini, how to get to santorini , renting a car in santorini, santorini and greece tours, renting a boat in santorini, tourist map of santorini, cyclades (greek islands), visit santorini: the 17 must-see attractions.

Fira , Santorini’s capital, is one of the best places to see on the island.

During your trip to Santorini, you certainly want to

• Discover the famous white and blue houses
• Wander in picturesque narrow alleys
• Enjoy chic boutiques and luxury hotels with infinity pools
• Admire magnificent views of the caldera.

Well, you’re lucky: Fira has all of this!

It’s the perfect Cycladic town, a real postcard scenery.

Wander in the city’s alleys and discover the breathtaking viewpoints of the sea and the caldera. You will for sure fall in love with the island (even if it’s often crowded!).

From Fira, follow the beautiful walking trail to reach the villages of Firostefani (only a 10-minute walk) and Imerovigli (the highest point of the caldera, 30 minutes away from Fira). Plan at least between 1 and 2 hours , as you will stop every 2 meters to enjoy the view and take pictures!

You can also walk to the small port of Fira Skala. It’s quite easy to get down the 587 steps, but getting back up can be more difficult, especially under the sun!

If you’re too tired to walk, take Santorini’s cable car. During this nice ride, you will admire the island from a different angle. A one way ticket costs 6€.

You can also get a ride on a donkey, but I wouldn’t recommend it, as the animals are often abused.

If you’re a History lover, or if you want to know more about Santorini, you can visit 2 museums in Fira:

• The Museum of Prehistoric Thera , exposing vestiges discovered in Akrotiri (I will tell you more about it later) and other archaeological excavations on Santorini.
• The archaeological museum  and its collection of remains from all Santorini, including vases from Akrotiri.

Fira is also a great place to enjoy the nightlife in Santorini: you will find the island’s best bars, restaurants and night clubs!

Try to visit Fira early in the morning, to avoid most of the crowd. The temperatures will be cooler and your stroll will be more pleasant.

Together with Fira, Oia is the other must-see tourist attraction in Santorini.

As in Fira, you will be amazed by Oia’s pretty white houses, churches with a blue dome, and splendid views over the entire caldera!

Oia is also known as the best place to enjoy the sunset in Santorini . At the end of the day, thousands of people are coming to the city for Santorini’s most famous show.

When you’ve found the perfect spot to admire the sunset, sit down and don’t leave it!

And if you’re looking for a quieter and more romantic atmosphere, you should book a table in one of the many bars and restaurants . Watching the sunset while enjoying a drink is for sure an amazing experience.

Just keep in mind that you’ll be asked for a minimum order amount per person. Don’t worry: as the drinks are quite expensive, this amount will be easy to reach.

The best place to watch the sunset in Oia is the Byzantine Castle. Be there at least 1 or 2 hours before, so you can get a good spot.

Boat trips are among the best things to do in Santorini.

The most famous tour is a 1-day cruise in the volcanic islands and Palea Kamini hot springs.

During this day, you will explore the island of Nea Kameni and its still active volcano. You can even walk to the summit of the crater!

You will also stop at Palea Kameni hot springs to take a dip.

Then, you will end your day on Thirassia island, located right in front of Santorini.

As these tours are very popular, you should really book yours in advance. It’s very easy, you just have to click on the button below to view the cruise details and book it. For only 37€ per person, you will get the bus transfer from and to your hotel, an audio guide, the cruise and the 3 stops at the volcano, the hot springs and Thirassia!

You can also choose a luxury version of this cruise, on a catamaran.

You will sail around Santorini, and enjoy 3 stops for swimming, including one at the hot springs. Snorkeling equipment is even included!

The price includes the minibus transfer from your hotel, the guided tour, the Greek Barbecue and unlimited soft drinks.

At the end of the day, you will also admire the beautiful sunset from the sea.

You’re going to Santorini?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Santorini on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Santorini.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Santorini, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Santorini!

If you want to enjoy magnificent viewpoints of the island and the caldera, you should hike from Fira to Oia.

A 9-km long marked trail on the edge of the caldera connects the 2 cities. You will stop many times to take beautiful pictures, as the view is just breathtaking! It’s clearly one of Santorini’s best points of interest.

This marked trail isn’t really difficult, even if the weather can get really hot on sunny days.  So, it’s better to hike in the morning or at the end of the day. You can for example plan your walk to arrive in Oia for the sunset.

From Fira, you will reach Oia in about 2 hours . You should however plan a bit more time, as you will for sure stop a few times on the way to enjoy the panorama and take pictures.

For the hike, it’s easier to park your car in Imerovigli than in Fira: there will be more parking spaces. As you will only walk from Imerovigli to Oia, you will do the Fira-Imerovigli part of the trail when visiting Fira.

You should hike from Fira to Oia, and not from Oia to Fira. The most beautiful part is the view over Oia at the end of the trail.

It’s impossible to do a definitive guide about Santorini without mentioning the best beaches of the island.

If you want to take a dip in Santorini, the most famous beaches are:

• The beaches of Perissa, Perivolos and Agios Georgios: large black sand beaches with snacks and taverns
• Kamari Beach, another large black sand beach, where you can rent deckchairs and enjoy many nautical activities.
• The Red Beach, named after the volcanic ochre cliffs surrounding it. You can get there in only 5 minutes by a trail.
• The White Beach, right next to the Red Beach. You will need take a boat to get there.
• Vlihada Beach and its white rocks.
• Monilithos Beach, ideal with children with its shallow waters.
• Kolumbo Beach, only accessible by foot, and frequented by nudists.

At the main beaches, you can also enjoy a few amazing water sports!

I won’t hide it, my favorite water sport in Santorini is for sure the 1h30 jet ski tour with an instructor.

You will also have the choice between several different routes starting from Périvolos. You will be able to discover the beaches and the volcano of Santorini!

It’s really an unforgettable experience that needs to be booked in advance by clicking on the button below:

During your trip to Santorini , you can also try other great activities. Simply click on the links to book them in advance (they are extremely popular):

• Jet ski rental from the Perissa beach
• A first dive with an experienced instructor or a dive on one of the most beautiful spots in Santorini if you’re an experienced diver.
• A parasailing session , to enjoy a panoramic view of the island!
• A kayak tour (small group), to discover the most beautiful landscapes of Santorini from the sea and without the crowds
• A windsurfing course
• A Stand Up Paddle excursion (always in small groups)
• A Flyboard session or of Hoverboard , the 2 trendy activities on the island!
• Take a kiteboarding course for beginners or rent a kiteboard if you are more experienced.

Amoudi Bay is a small fishing village located below Oia.

You can get there walking down the 300 steps stairway starting from Oia. You can also drive there, but if you do, don’t go to the end of the road, as it’s difficult to turn back. Just park your car along the road and finish on foot.

From Amoudi, the view of the ochre cliffs and Oia is really beautiful.

There are also a few nice taverns and restaurants on the seaside. It’s perfect if you like fresh fishes!

And, if you want to take a dip in the sea, follow the trail after the restaurants. You will find a nice place to swim and dive into the water.

Wine Tours are among the most popular activities in Santorini. The island is renowned for its excellent white wines, known as some of the best in Greece.

You can visit many vineyards (known for being the oldest in the world!) on the island, and taste the best wines.

Here is the program of the best wine tour in Santorini:

This wine tasting tour in Santorini lasts around 5 hours and allows you to visit several wineries . During your day, you will visit 3 vineyards:

• Boutari vineyard
•  Gavalas traditional winery
• The Estate Argyros.

You will also taste a dozen of Santorini’s best wines, including the traditional Vinsanto and Nykteri! 

This tour includes the transfer from your hotel, an Oenologist guide, and an access to the vineyards. You will be in a small group of 8 people maximum, making this semi-private visit really enjoyable.

For more information and to book your tour, simply click the button below (it must be booked in advanced).

If you’re interested in Santorini’s History, the ancient site of Akrotiri is one of the island’s best place to visit.

This archaeological site is often compared to Pompeii, in Italy . Akrotiri is an ancient Minoan city destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1,613 B.C. It was only rediscovered in 1967 during an archaeological excavation. The site is one of the most important in the Aegean Sea.

The archaeological excavations are still on going in this very large site. Many remains are probably still undiscovered!

In Akrotiri, wooden footbridges allow you to walk in the city. There, you will admire the ancient buildings, the streets and many ceramics.

Unlike Pompeii, the city of Akrotiri was uninhabited when the eruption occurred, as no human remains or valuable objects were found on the site. What happened to these people? No one knows yet if they moved elsewhere on the island, or sailed to Crete .

During your trip to Santorini, you will certainly go to Fira and Oia. But don’t miss the island’s other villages!

• Pyrgos is Santorini’s highest village. It’s a typical Cycladic village, with a traditional architecture and splendid views of the island.
• Megalochori, with its picturesque narrow alleys.
• Messaria, in the middle of the island and the vineyards.
• Emporio, where you will find the Goulas medieval castle at the village’s entrance. There are also many small churches.

To visit some of the villages of Santorini and get off the beaten track, you should opt for a quad bike tour with a guide .

The itinerary is really nice since it allows you to go through places where you would not necessarily have ventured by yourself or by car.

You will discover, among others, Emporio and its Venetian castle , the village of Megalochori , and stop at many viewpoints overlooking the caldera. You will also enjoy a tasting session in the oldest wine cellar of Santorini.

The tour lasts 3h30 and is a small group tour with a maximum of 6 people, which makes this quad bike tour in Santorini even more enjoyable!

To book your quad bike tour in Santorini , simply click on the button below:

If you feel like taking advantage of your trip to Santorini to try other activities , you’ll find my selection of the best excursions and activities right here: The 17 best excursions in Santorini.

Wanna see Santorini from the most amazing viewpoint?

Let’s take some height and go on a helicopter tour in Santorini!

It is the best way to admire the splendid landscapes of the island, the caldera, the volcano and the traditional white houses of Oia and Fira.

And for an even more incredible experience, you can also opt for the sunset tour . From the sky will certainly be the only place on the island where you can admire the sunset without the crowds!

It’s really the perfect romantic activity, and a great idea for a surprise gift.

You need to book your helicopter tour of Santorini by clicking on the button below:

The Ancient Thera is another archaeological site in Santorini.

“Thera” is the ancient name of Santorini. In the Middle Ages, the island was then named “Santa Irini” by the Venetians which finally became “Santorini”.

Located on Mesa Vouno Hill, Thera was founded in the 9th century B.C. During your visit, you will admire many vestiges from the Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Take a stroll and discover the remains of the temples, the agora, the theatre and the gymnasium.

You will also enjoy a nice view of the surroundings.

The island of Thirassia is located just in front of Oia.

This crocodile-shaped island was separated from Santorini by a huge volcanic eruption.

If you want to visit Thirassia, you can choose a 1-day boat trip (the one going to Nea Kameni’s volcano and hot springs also stops there) or take the boat directly from Amoudi Bay.

The island is way quieter than Santorini. During your visit, you will enjoy the charming village of Manolas and its good taverns, and enjoy a splendid view of Santorini!

No matter if you’re on a family trip or a romantic gateway in Santorini, you should definitely go watch a movie at the open air Cinema.

The Kamari Open Air Cinema , or Cinekamari, is an outdoor movie theatre located in the middle of the forest. It’s a really original and nice place to watch a movie.

From May to October, you can see movies in English (subtitled in Greek) every night starting from 21h30. It costs 8€ per person.

There’s also a bar on the site.

Don’t hesitate to check the official website   for more information.

If the cinema is a bit too classical for your taste for an evening in Santorini, you should rather head to the most famous show of the island: The Greek Wedding Show .

This open-air show skillfully mixes theater, comedy, music and typical Greek dances on the theme of a traditional wedding.

You will even be invited to the wedding banquet where you will be served an assortment of Greek mezze accompanied by fine Santorini wines. And you will not deviate from an old tradition of any good Greek wedding: breaking the plates!

The show is really of excellent quality, very entertaining and immersive . You will really feel like you have been invited to a wedding.

The Greek Wedding show takes place every night at 9:30 pm in Fira and lasts 2 hours.

You must book your seats in advance by clicking on the button below:

If you feel like doing a a bit of shopping in Santorini, it’s very simple: you will have to go to Oia or Fira .

The 2 most famous villages of Santorini concentrate all types of stores: clothing, luxury, jewelry and souvenirs . You can also find traditional Greek handicrafts and art galleries .

However, do not expect to find good deals because the prices are quite high compared to the rest of Greece.

What are the local specialties you should try?

Among the typical dishes of Santorini, you can try:

• Bean puree made from a specific bean of the island, the fava
• Tomato fritters made from a local tomato variety
• Saganaki, cheese wrapped in filo pastry and fried
• Minced meatballs
• Moussaka , which is of course one of the most famous dish in Greece
• Gyros, the best option for a cheap meal in Santorini!
• Fish , which you can try in one of the taverns in Ammoudi or on the east coast of Santorini

If you’ve seen most of Santorini, you can take the ferry and visit the islands located nearby:

• Ios, the closest island to Santorini. There, you can relax all day at the beach and party all night long.
• Amorgos , the best place to hike, there are many marked trails.
• The Small Cyclades , if you want to enjoy quieter and less touristic islands (at least for the moment!).
• Naxos for its beautiful beaches
• Mykonos, where you can dance all day and night long with the best DJs in the world!

If you want more details about the other islands around Santorini , you should read my detailed article: The 15 best Cyclades Islands .

You can also visit  this website   to check the ferries rates, schedules and book them.

Ideally, you should spend at least 3 days in Santorini. You can visit Fira and Oia on your 1st day, then explore the rest of the island, go on a tour, or relax at the beach during the next 2 days.

Here are my recommended Santorini itineraries depending on the duration of your stay:

You’re spending 1 day in Santorini? Then, you will have time to visit the island’s most famous villages!

Here are the best things to do in Santorini for 1 day:

• Start your day in Fira. Visit the city, and go to Firostefani and Imerovigli, the 2 villages nearby.
• Have a drink on a terrace, and stop in one of the 3 villages for lunch.
• After a good meal, it’s time to hike from Imerovigli to Oia.
• Then, visit the magnificent village of Oia.
• If you still have some time (and if you’re not too tired!), walk down the stairs to Amoudi Bay.
• Enjoy the sunset in Oia, the best place to admire it in Santorini.

If you don’t feel like walking too much, you can take a guided bus tour . You need to book it in advance here.

During the day, you will visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri , then stop at the Red Beach and discover the village of Emporio. You will also swim in Perissa, taste wines and admire the sunset in Oia.

This excursion is a great way to discover the best of Santorini in only 1 day!

For more details, you should read my dedicated article: One day in Santorini .

If you have 2 days in Santorini , in addition to the first day described above, you should do a boat-trip to Nea Kameni. You will walk to the top of the volcano and take a dip in the hot springs.

You can book this tour by clicking here . And if you prefer a more luxury version in a catamaran, it’s right here!

This cruise is clearly a must-see attraction in Santorini!

To learn more about the best things to do in Santorini in 2 days, you should read my article: 2-day Santorini itinerary .

If you’re spending 3 days in Santorini, in addition to the 2 days above, you can visit the island’s other villages and the ancient site of Akrotiri.

Then, how about ending your day at one of the many beaches?

If you want more info and tips to visit Santorini in 3 days, you should read my dedicated article: 3 days in Santorini: the perfect itinerary

You’ve planned 4 or 5 days in Santorini? You’re lucky! In addition to all the best places to see on the island, you will have time to take another tour, like Santorini wine tasting tour . You will taste 12 of the island’s best wines.

There are also other interesting activities to do in Santorini:

If you’re interested in Greek gastronomy , then you have to try  this 1-day tour . It combines a Greek cooking class with the tasting of local wines . Needless to say it’s amazing 😍.

And if you’re a photography lover , book a tour of the island’s most beautiful places with a professional photographer. It’s clearly magical!  You must book it in advance right here.

Where to stay in Santorini

You must know that  staying in Santorini,  especially in the villages of the  caldera like Oia and Fira , is  quite expensive.

If you want a  less expensive accommodation , it’s better to choose a hotel  outside these 2 cities .

And of course, even more in Santorini than in any other place,  book your hotels as early as possible!

To help you choose, I have made  a selection of the   best hotels in Santorini , depending on where you want to stay and your budget.

• Aethrio Hotel:  Located in Oia, only a few steps away from the main square. You can rent double rooms, studio flats or apartments with balcony for most of them. The price starts from 160€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the swimming pool, the large rooms, the rooftop to admire the sunset.  It’s one of the cheapest places in Oia, and it offers a great value for money!
• Caldera Premium Villas:  Located in the centre of Oia. You will love the troglodyte suites with a breathtaking view of the sea and the caldera, starting from 290€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the design of the rooms, and the location.
• Theodora Suites Apartment:  Located in the heart of the city. Studio flats with small kitchen, fridge, private terrace and hot tub, starting from 350€, breakfast included. What I loved: the hot tubs, the breathtaking view, the kind staff.
• Andronis Boutique Hotel:  5-star hotel located in Oia. You’ll enjoy large suites with a view of the caldera, private balcony and private hot tub or pool, starting from 800€ with breakfast included. Strong points: the idyllic scenery and the calm.  It’s my recommendation for a one-week romantic stay in Greece!
• Katikies Hotel – The Leading Hotels of the World:  This luxurious hotel offers rooms and suites with a great view, bathtub and spa. The price starts from 1000€ with breakfast included. What I loved: the pools, the spas, the splendid views and the food!  It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Santorini!

• Galatia Villas:  Located 10 minutes away from Fira’s city centre. The double rooms are quite basic but nice, and the price starts from only 80€ per night. Strong points: the hot tub on the roof, the kind staff, the great value for money for Santorini.
• Lilium Santorini Villa:  Located on the edge of the caldera. These elegant and modern double rooms with sea view are available starting from 315€, breakfast included. What I loved: the pool, the exceptionnal location, the warm and welcoming staff.
• Cosmopolitan Suites – Small Luxury Hotels of the World:   Located in the heart of Fira. You will enjoy lovely rooms with private balcony, decorated in the purest Cycladian style, starting from 550€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the infinity pool over the cliff, and the luxury hotel services.  This is the perfect place to stay with your lover in Santorini!
• Aria Suites:   Located in Fira, this high standard hotel offers only 6 suites and luxury villas, fully equipped (you even get a laptop), starting from 700€ per night. What I loved: the magnificent place, the pool and the staff availability.  This is a great choice for a luxurious and romantic stay in Fira!

• Memories Beach Hotel:   Located just accross Monolithos beach. These comfortable modern rooms starts from 65€ per night, with breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the calm and the adorable staff.
• Rose Suites:  Located in Vourvoulos, only 4 kilometers away from Fira. Those studio flats and apartments are well equiped and decorated, with a small kitchen and a private terrace. The prices are starting from 75€ per night. What I loved: the pool, the calm, the decoration. The fridge is also full with everything you need for breakfast. This is the best choice in Santorini for its exceptional value for money!
• Hippocampus Hotel:  Located in Kamari, only 50 meters away from the beach. The rooms, with a view on the swimming pool or the garden, are starting from 85€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the ideal location close to the beach, and the really kind staff.
• Meltemi Village Hotel:   Located in Perissa, only 5 minutes away from the Black beach. The rooms and suites with hot tubs are starting from 100€ per night, with the breakfast included. What I loved: the pools, the spa, and the great breakfast.  A great choice for a stay on Santorini’s shore!

Wondering where to eat in Santorini? What are the best restaurants in Santorini?

If you want to enjoy authentic cuisine (and avoid the many touristy restaurants), I recommend you:

• Pitogyros, a tavern located in Oia and serving mainly gyros. Very good, fresh and not greasy, it’s approved by Voyage Tips!
• Karma: a restaurant located in Oia serving an excellent cuisine at an affordable price for Santorini. I recommend their tomato fritters, fava with caramelized onions and moussaka!
• Romantica in Firostefani: a good traditional cuisine, a very pleasant welcome, hearty and tasty dishes, we do not ask for more.
• The cave of Nikolas: restaurant located at the waterfront in the old port of Akrotiri. A must if you like fish!

If you want to eat in any restaurant in Santorini, you should better have a reservation!

Most restaurants located on the caldera are far from being better than the ones located a little further away. Don’t be mistaken: you are only charged for the view and not for the quality of the food.

If you want to visit Santorini, you have 2 possibilities to get there:

• By plane: Santorini has an international airport. Many companies offers direct flights, or connecting flights via Athens . The airport is located only 10 minutes away from Fira and 25 minutes from Oia.
• By ferry boat: you can take the ferry from the Port of Piraeus (close to Athens) to Santorini. The journey times varies depending on the boats size and speed. It takes between 5h30 and 8h, and the prices are starting from 40€ per person.

There are also daily ferry connections between Santorini and other Greek Islands. You can get there from Naxos , Paros , Mykonos, Amorgos …

If you want to plan a ferry trip in Greece, and especially in the very touristic island of Santorini, you should book your tickets in advance.

Click the button below to check the schedules, compare prices and book your ferry tickets.

If you haven’t rented a car for your trip to Santorini, (personally, I recommend you to rent a car to make the most of your stay – more about it below), you should book a transfer from Santorini airport or port in advance .

It’s the easiest way to be taken directly to your accommodation on the island upon arrival. This will save you from waiting for a bus or a cab.

Book your airport or port transfer by clicking here!

If you want to visit Santorini, you should really rent a car. It’s the most practical way to discover the island, especially if you’re staying a few days. You can also rent a quad bike to reach some remote beaches, but in general, you can get everywhere in Santorini by car.

One of the nice surprises I had during my trip to Santorini is that all the parking spaces are free!

Whenever I’m renting a car abroad, whether I’m in Greece, in Malta or in Spain, I always book my cars on Rentalcars.com . It’s my favorite website for the following reasons:

• You can compare prices between all the car rental companies in Santorini. Choose the cheapest, or the one with the best customer’s reviews!
• You can get a “Full Protection Insurance” to be fully refunded in case of accident or theft (They have refunded me more than 1200 euros to date)
• Cancel or modify your booking in 1 click!

Last but not least: they offer the “Best Price Guarantee” . If you find the same car cheaper elsewhere, they will refund you the difference! Click the button below to check rental cars prices in Santorini now:

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Santorini and Greece by yourself. (Click here to read all my articles about Greece)

However, if you prefer to book a Greece tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Greece tours by clicking the button below:

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your trip to the Greek islands, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Greece? 😊

I have made a tourist map of Santorini for you , to help you picture what the island looks like and where the best places to visit are located. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button (the one with a little arrow).

Now that you know more about the best things to do in Santorin, what do you plan to visit during your trip?

Greece travel guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Greece ? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Greece : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Greece are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Greece – The Ultimate Bucket list!
• The 15 Best Things to do in Peloponnese – All the must-see attractions
• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Greece – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Greece
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Santorini!
• Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Central Greece in 9-10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + Cyclades (Santorini)
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + even more Cyclades islands!
• Itinerary: 1 month in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Greece in a month!
• Road trip in Greece – The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days.
• Athens: The 20 Best Things to do and see
• Thessaloniki: The 12 best places to visit
• The 15 Best Cyclades Islands to visit – With all the must-see attractions
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greek islands – How to visit the Cyclades in 6, 7 or 8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greek islands – The definitive guide to visit the Cyclades in 10 days!
• Itinerary: Greek Island Hopping routes – The best 2 weeks itinerary to visit the Cyclades
• Amorgos: The 8 best places to see
• Andros: The 7 must-see attractions and activities
• Naxos: Top 10 things to do
• Paros: The 10 best places to visit
• Tinos: The 10 best things to do
• Where to stay in Santorini? Find the perfect hotel for an EPIC stay in Santorini!
• Rhodes: Top 12 best places to visit

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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The Best Things to Do in Santorini

By Rachel Howard

A freak of nature, Santorini is a place of terrible beauty. The flooded caldera was created by a volcanic explosion three millennia ago, which blew the heart out of the island. A crescent of black and red cliffs plunges down to the submerged volcano, with two smoldering craters marooned in the deep blue sea. Whitewashed villages are honeycombed out of the cliff face. This vista has turned Santorini into one of the world’s most recognizable destinations. For seven months a year, a deluge of cruise ships and catamarans, newlyweds and bucket-listers, descend on this arid little island. Beyond the drama of the caldera, vineyards and villages , ancient ruins and incredible frescoes, challenging hikes and mystical chapels, offer glimpses of a calmer, slower way of life. Saturated in selfies and clichés, Santorini still has the power to awe and surprise, if you know how to avoid the crowds.

How many days is ideal in Santorini?

Most people only spend a couple of nights on Santorini—or even a couple of hours, if they’re on one of the enormous cruise ships that drift into the caldera daily. They go shopping in Fira, cram into Oia’s alleys to watch the sunset, perhaps take a wine tour, and then move onto the next island. But Santorini merits a longer stay of 4-5 days; this will give you time to do as little or as much as you like—from archaeology, geology, and fishing tours to simply gazing at the horizon with a glass of local Assyrtiko wine.

What is Santorini famous for?

Sunsets, of course. Romance —a whole industry has evolved around weddings , honeymoons, and bridal shoots (Tie the Knot Santorini is the most tasteful wedding and event planner.) The volcanic terroir produces exceptional wines, as well as exceptional architecture. Many of the island’s yposkafa — traditional dwellings with barrel-vaulted roofs hollowed out of the landscape — have been transformed into some of the smartest hotels in Greece .

The best things to do in Santorini

Santorini is famous in part for its aptly-named Red Beach.

Kayak around the caldera

Everyone takes a sunset cruise around the caldera. For a more adventurous experience, paddle your own kayak past the famous Red and White beaches, snorkel through sea caves, and see the stunning lava formations up close. Kalliopi and Gregory of Serenity Kayak are personable guides who cater to all ages and fitness levels. Another hands-on (and sustainable) way to explore the caldera is a fishing trip on the Giorgaros , a traditional wooden kaiki. Skipper Anthi comes from a long line of local fishermen; help her reel in the nets, and then she’ll cook the catch for your lunch on board.

Kayaks on the coastline at Akrotiri, an ancient city unearthed in 1967.

Explore the ancient origins of Santorini

Akrotiri was one of the most powerful settlements in the Aegean before it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption around 3600 years ago. When Akrotiri was unearthed in 1967, the frescoed buildings and their contents were amazingly well preserved under volcanic ash, just like at Pompeii. Licensed tour guide Kostas Sakavaras  brings this dramatic history to life (with the assistance of an iPad and anecdotes about the everyday life of the Minoans). Half-day private tours of Akrotiri also include a visit to ancient Thira, a stunning site at the summit of a sheer mountain looming above Kamari Beach.

The Tomato Industrial Museum is the last of nine tomato canning factories that once operated on Santorini—after a tour of the factory floor, visitors can have a go on a vintage canning machine.

You say tomato

The cherry tomatoes of Santorini are renowned for their sweet intensity. Pre-tourism, these tiny flavor bombs were one of the island’s main exports along with wine. Discover more about this native crop and how it was processed before electricity arrived on Santorini at the Tomato Industrial Museum , the last of nine tomato canning factories that once operated on the island. After touring the factory floor, you can have a go on a vintage canning machine and pick up funky gifts in the design shop. When you’re done, go and try the tomato fritters at To Psaraki , an excellent fish taverna overlooking the Vlychada Marina.

Vineyards, like this Oia outpost, dot Santorini.

Taste the finest wines

Vineyards are dotted around Santorini, the grapes pinned close to the porous earth by wreaths of vine branches. The waterless terroir produces some of the most exceptional wines in Greece — and beyond. Kyanos Wines recently won Decanter’s ‘Best in Show’ for their first Assyrtiko, the island’s most distinctive white grape variety. Most wineries offer tours and tastings. For both the quality of the wines and the sublimity of the setting, we like Vassaltis Vineyards , Venetsanos , and Domaine Sigalas . If you want a designated driver (and your own personal sommelier), book a private wine tour with Blue Shades of Santorini or Grand Reserve Travel .

The inland village of Pyrgos is a tumble of whitewashed lanes clustered around a 16-century castle.

Explore the inland villages

While everyone is oohing and aahing over the views from the cliffside terraces, suites, and restaurants , life goes quietly on in Santorini’s inland villages . Wander up to the pinnacle of Pyrgos, a tumble of whitewashed lanes clustered around a 16th-century castle, with views across the island. Get lost in the fortified Byzantine citadel of Emporio and light a candle in one of the island’s oldest churches, Palia Panagia. Stop for home-style meze at the traditional kafenio in Megalochori, and stock up on ceramics from Earth and Water , the workshop of renowned potters, Andreas Makaris and Kristi Kapetanaki. The villages of Messaria, Exo Gonia, and Akrotiri also harbor plenty of easy-going local life.

Atlantis Bookshop, a cave-house in Oia crammed with literature of all natures, is a destination in its own right.

Go off-piste in Oia

Cascading down the cliff, Oia is undeniably the most spectacular village on Santorini. But it’s also a hot mess of coach parties and selfie sticks at sunset. While everyone else is crowded around the windmills, head into the back alleys to explore in peace. Housed in a superbly restored 19th-century mansion, the Maritime Museum contains all sorts of fascinating nautical memorabilia, art, and model ships. Atlantis Books is a destination in its own right: a cave-house crammed with foreign language literature, non-fiction, and even first editions. Dimitris Koliousis ’ haunting icons decorate many of Santorini’s blue-domed churches and make marvellous talismans to take home. His wife and son are also painters; their work is on sale in the family’s workshop. For a sundowner or late-night drink, Oia Vineyart is an atmospheric wine bar that serves select vintages from every winery on Santorini, occasionally paired with live music.

Santorini is home to one of the world's best hikes, which runs along the rim of a flooded volano from Fira to Oia.

Walk the line

One of the world’s most giddying hikes runs along the rim of the flooded volcano from Fira to Oia. The three-hour walk affords mind-blowing vistas every step of the way and is easy to do independently. Another unforgettable hike is the trail that circles the live crater of Nea Kameni, an otherworldly landscape of black lava rocks surrounded by sea. Alternatively, look for the footpath that leads from Skaros Rock down to the hidden chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, perfectly positioned for sunset. If you prefer to walk with a guide, contact Santorini Walking Tours .

Oia is rich in small, locally-owned boutiques—great places to find unique textiles, linens, and more.

Boutique in Oia is the place for breezy summer staples in linen and Greek cotton. They also stock We Wear Young , Maria Sklavounou’s timeless leather and suede clutches, totes, and bucket bags in rainbow hues. For a more unusual memento, pick up one of the traditional musical instruments designed by Yannis Pantazis at Symposion , a workshop/performance space, or “mythological botanical garden”, in Megalochori village. Pantazis also runs workshops where you can learn to make your own ancient Greek pan pipe. For edible souvenirs (and fun cooking classes) head to Faros , an organic farm shop near the lighthouse.

Swim in search of Atlantis

Where better to go scuba diving than Santorini, the likely inspiration for Plato’s lost kingdom of Atlantis? Divemaster Apostolos Stylianopoulos (who is working with Pierre-Yves Cousteau and other conservationists to establish a Marine Protected Area around Santorini) takes a sensitive approach to his underwater explorations of reefs, wrecks, sea caves, and volcanic rock formations. Dives are suitable for all levels; book through Atlantis Oia dive center.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller .

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Santorini Travel Guide: Things To Do in Santorini, Greece

Santorini: a dazzlingly beautiful island in Greece. Discover its iconic whitewashed cliff-side villages, with deep sapphire domes and colorful decorative flowers covering the buildings. Combine this with the postcard-worthy sunset at Oia and you can understand why it is one of the most popular islands in Greece! Whether you’re visiting for a holiday, or as your romantic honeymoon destination , this travel guide includes all the things to do in Santorini, as well as budget tips and the best hotels. 

14 Things To Do in Santorini

Santorini is a relatively small island, and driving from North to South by car takes roughly 45 minutes. The island is part of the Cycladic Islands that are located between Athens and Crete. Despite its size, there are still many things to do in Santorini. Below are our top recommendations. 

Also read: Best Things To Do in Athens, Greece .

1. Wander the streets of Oia

Oia is without a doubt the most beautiful town in Santorini. One of the best things to do is stroll up and down the many white steps, through the narrow streets, discovering cozy taverns. Get ready to grab your camera, as around every corner is a new surprise. The bright white houses and blue domes are truly iconic to Greece, and Oia certainly won’t leave visitors feeling disappointed. 

It doesn’t take long to explore Oia, as a return journey from the boulevard to the sunset point will only take about 30 minutes. Enjoy a delicious lunch while you’re here, as there are plenty of choices for food and drinks. 

Because it is arguably the best thing to do in Santorini, it can get crowded in the narrow streets, especially during sunset. However, a visit to Oia is really worth your time.

Tip: It’s recommended to wear proper shoes as the streets and paths can be slippery and uneven.

2. Oia’s unforgettable sunset

If there’s one thing you must do on Santorini, then it’s watching the sunset at Oia. Gather for sunset at the Castle of Oia, where you can sit on the castle wall. Alternatively, sit closer to Agia Ekaterini for the iconic views that are found on every Greek postcard. Please note that it can get jam-packed during the high season, so we recommend you take a spot at least an hour before sunset. 

See the best hotels in Oia

3. Discover Fira in Santorini

Fira (Thira) is the capital of Santorini and also one of the island’s most visited spots. There are loads of great restaurants and a shopping area. However, the real eye-catcher is the narrow back streets and hidden chapels to explore—for example, the Saint Minas Holy Orthodox Church and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. 

On the cliffside, there’s a cable car going up (that’s impressively steep) from the old harbor. This is where the cruise ships dock. Unfortunately, donkeys are still being used here to transport the cruise people up 500 steps. Please use the cable car, or the steps, instead of riding on these beautiful animals. 

Firostefani

After passing the cable car point, you will enter Firostefani – a smaller, much more laid-back town directly attached to Fira. Walk to this viewpoint overlooking the church, with the three bells. This town is good to base yourself in, as it is the center of the island. This means you’ll have all the things to do in Santorini within a 30-minute drive. 

Hotels in Santorini 😴

4. Hike from Fira to Oia

Santorini has an incredibly scenic hiking trail along the cliffs, 10.5 kilometers long (6.5 miles). The trail runs from Fira to Oia, with many height differences and climbs, and can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to complete. The path is meant for pedestrians only, which means it’s beautifully peaceful.

More Greece: Visit Milos Island with its paradise beaches

5. Imerovigli

Situated at the highest point on the cliffside of Santorini Island is Imerovigli. This tranquil and picturesque village is far less visited but just as impressive as Oia, particularly as it also has white chalked houses, churches, and blue domes. What’s more, it has endless views of the shimmering sea and looks directly onto the imposing rock of Skaros and volcano. To top it off, you’ll find many delicious restaurants with an unforgettable sunset view. 

Good to know: Imerovigli is located in between Fira and Oia.

6. Hike up Skaros Rock – One of the Best Things To Do in Santorini

Skaros Rock is a large rock formation that overlooks the entire area. Whilst visiting Imerovigli, it takes only 15 minutes to hike up to Skaros Rock . Once there, you will find the ruins of an old Venetian fortress, which was once considered the capital of Santorini.

On the backside of Skaros is a beautiful white church overlooking the sea. Finally, if you’re looking for the most spectacular view, climb to the peak of Skaros Rock. 

Here are all your hotel options in Santorini.

7. Explore the island by ATV or motorcycle

A refreshing breeze, the smells of the salty sea, and the feeling of freedom; what’s better than discovering all the things to do in Santorini on a motorcycle or ATV/quad? It is the ideal way to discover the island because you have the freedom to drive wherever you like and park pretty much anywhere. This makes it a great alternative to a rental car. We do have to mention a rental car is much safer and the comfort of airconditioning can be very welcome at sometimes. ( Book a local rental car here )

Or book a cruise for the day and go around the island instead. ( See the cruises here )

Locals say an ATV/Quad is much safer than a motorcycle; however, if you’re comfortable and used to a motorcycle, the prices are much lower. Personally, we also find these easier to drive. One great plus about the ATV/Quad is that it usually has a large trunk to pack your bags while traveling around the island. 

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Prices for renting an ATV/Quad or Motorcycle on Santorini

Renting can be done through your hotel or directly at one of the many rental shops. Depending on the season you can expect to pay anywhere from 18 to 30 euros a day for a motorbike and 30 to 45 euros for an ATV/quad. The more days you rent it for, the more discount you can expect to receive.

8. Visit villages

Besides beautiful Fira and Oia, there are other, much less visited, villages that are well worth a trip during the daytime. 

Megalochori 

Get lost in the alleyways of Megalochori, famous for its beautiful architecture, mansions, and caves houses, as well as the iconic churches with blue domes! Within the village’s main square, you will find many traditional taverns and cafes. 

About 8 kilometers away from Fira is the small and slightly undiscovered village Pyrgos. Here you can find a stunning castle, narrow picturesque streets, and panoramic viewpoints . In fact, Pyrgos is at the highest point of the island, providing a great view of both sides of Santorini.

Lunch tip: Have lunch at Brusco, a well-decorated cafe in the middle of town. 

9. Visit Red Beach

Santorini’s Red Beach is one of the unique beaches Greece has to offer. The red color comes from the red volcanic cliffs that slowly break down. The beach is not necessarily great for sunbathing, but it’s worth the trip to the south part of the island. To get there, you will have to pass through the village of Akrotiri before eventually reaching the parking lot where the small chapel is located.

Keep in mind that there’s a slight danger of falling rocks, as many signs will tell you. Accessing the beach is, therefore, at your own risk. Alternatively, you can visit Red Beach during a boat trip .

10. Go on a wine tour  

The assyrtiko wines of the Greek Islands are well-loved for their unique taste. Instead of growing the vines vertically, they are grown in baskets on the ground. This allows the vines to tap into the volcanic soil that contains moisture instead of needing to be watered (water is a scarce resource on the island).

The yield of wineries is low, making it a more exclusive wine. Growing them in this way also provides more coverage against the island’s notoriously strong winds. 

We booked a wine tour on Santorini at Gaia Wines , and it was much more interesting than initially expected. Besides having a tasting experience, we also learned about harvest and the chemical reaction during the wine-aging process. The wine tastings can be paired with a platter of local cheeses and bread at their uniquely located terrace – right by the sea under the shade of trees. Bliss!

11. Perissa Beach

Have you done all the things to do in Santorini? Or maybe you’re simply wanting a day of relaxation? Head over to the black sand beach, lined with umbrellas, named Perissa Beach. The beach is a long stretch of sand with many comfortable beds, sat below the restaurants situated on the other side of the street. Perissa village is a popular seaside resort that mainly attracts young people and backpackers.

Either rent a bed for the day or pick a free spot to put your towel down. Once you’re comfortable, sit back and enjoy the sunshine and a refreshing swim in the Santorini sea.

Did you know? Regular sunscreens are toxic for the corals and animals in the sea. Learn about reef-safe sunscreen .

12. Archeological sites in Santorini

Santorini Island has two major archeological sites from different times in history. The first is the ancient and well-preserved city of Akrotiri . It is the most important site found on the island and in the entire Eastern Mediterranean. Akrotiri is protected by a modern roof, which provides shade for those visiting during the daytime. 

Ancient Thera is the second archeological site of Santorini, located on the top of the Mesa Vouno Mountain. Here, you can find the remains of a church, temples, shrines, and a theater. 

Both sites are perfect things to do in Santorini on a day trip with your rental car or ATV.

Book an archeological tour on the island here.

13. Ammoudi Bay

A great thing to do in Santorini is to visit Ammoudi Bay. This small port is tucked away below Oia, and fantastic seafood restaurants are lined along the clear waters. It is famous for romantic sunset dinners, and it is also the starting point for many boat tours that visit the Volcano and Hot Springs. 

Getting to Ammoudi Bay can be done via the 280+ steps going down next to Oia’s Castle or by car or taxi. When using the stairs, it’s recommended to wear proper shoes as each step is wide and the surface mostly uneven. A third option offered is riding on the back of a donkey, but we highly discourage this. 

14. Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs

A huge volcanic explosion happened a long time ago on Santorini Island. As a result, the island’s center sank and, ultimately, reshaped the island into a crescent. This is the reason why the island has these extreme cliffs. 

There is still a volcano near Santorini that you can visit on a day trip. It’s a short 10-minute boat trip, followed by a walk to the active craters. ( Book a volcano tour here online ) Because of the volcano, there are natural hot springs to be found nearby. Here, you can swim in the sea and experience the unusual feeling of the warm hot spring water mixing with the normal sea temperature.

Where to eat

It’s true that Santorini is definitely not cheap, but when it comes to going out for dinner you have a lot of options in every kind of price category. For vegetarians, and sometimes vegans, there are also plenty of options available at most restaurants. 

Our favorite restaurants in Santorini were:

• Pelican Kipos in Fira (Greek, European)
• Paradox in Oia (Thai food)
• Salt & Pepper in Fira (Greek)
• No Name Grill in Firostefani (Seafood, Greek)
• Karma in Oia (Greek)
• Katharos in Oia (Vegan Meze Bar)
• Forno in Kamari (Pizza & Pasta)
• Tranquilo in Perissa (Vegan)
• Brusco in Pyrgos (European)

Where to stay on Santorini

The best area to stay in Santorini is close to or in Fira, the capital. It is close to all the things to do in Santorini, and additionally, you have to option to use the local bus. We stayed at in this hotel.

As for hotels in Santorini, you can go as crazy as you like. Prices of the hotels range from 50 to 500 USD on average with the extremely luxury easily exceeding that. Don’t worry, there options for every kind of budget. ( See all hotels on the island )

How to visit Santorini

There’s no surprise that Santorini, and all its many things to do, attract a lot of visitors. In 2019 alone, the small island, with a population of only 15,500 people, received over 2 million tourists! 

Getting to Santorini

Santorini Island is well connected with daily ferries from the mainland ( Athens ) and many other nearby islands like Milos or Mykonos. The ferries are fast, comfortable, and generally faster than flying from nearby destinations (especially if you count the time it takes to check-in). During the high season, from March to October, there are also direct ferries to other popular islands.

Check the ferry tickets and prices here .

Santorini Airport

Flying to Santorini is another option, as there are many direct flights to/from other European cities outside of Greece. For example, Paris or Amsterdam . Thira Airport is located on the east side of the island, and a taxi from the airport to Fira costs about 20 euros. 

Getting around Santorini

Santorini is the perfect holiday-sized island, particularly as you can drive from North to the South in about 45 minutes. This allows you to explore the island in just a couple of days; however, we would recommend 4 nights/5 days as the perfect length for all the things to do in Santorini.

Santorini car rental

Feeling more comfortable driving a car? This is a safe and great option. Additionally, cars will come with AC, which is an advantage over being exposed to the sun on the ATV. There are many car rental locations on Santorini Island. For example, Santorini Airport, the port, or within the larger villages.

We recommend to rent a car in Greece through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

It’s recommended to book a rental car ahead of your trip, particularly during the high season. During this time, if you leave it until the last minute, you might not find an available rental car. 

Public transport in Santorini

A great, and definitely the cheapest, way of getting around Santorini is to use the local buses. You can get a bus to pretty much anywhere on the island but you always have to use Fira (capital city) as the hub for all transfers. Therefore, if you’re planning to use the bus, we recommend getting a hotel in Fira too.

A one-way ticket costs about 2 euros, and the timetable per destination can be found on the operator’s website .

ATV or Motorbike rental

The most versatile way to get around Santorini is by renting an ATV/Quad or motorbike. It’s a fun way to explore the island as you can get anywhere, and it’s relatively cheap as well. The downsides are that it’s less safe, and on long drives, you’ll get way too much sun.

Depending on the season, you can expect to pay anywhere from 18 to 30 euros a day for a motorbike and 30 to 45 euros for an ATV/quad. The longer you rent it, the more discount you can expect to receive. 

Although we wouldn’t recommend exploring the island by taxi, they are useful to get to the ferry port, to the airport, or to get from one town to another. Generally, a taxi from the harbor to Fira (15 minutes) is about 25 euros.

Your Budget for Santorini

Santorini is definitely one of the more expensive islands of Greece, especially between June and August when the price of accommodation and flights double. Credit cards and European cards, like Maestro, are widely accepted. Because of this, it’s not necessary to carry a lot of cash on you. 

Costs of Traveling in Santorini

Travel on a budget in Santorini, from $300 − $770 USD weekly per person, mid-range $790 − $2770 USD, and high-end from $2670 − $4650 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $50 − $500 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $15 − $80 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $10 − $50 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $110 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $15 − $45 USD
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Santorini

May to June, or September to October, is the best time to visit Santorini. The weather is usually around 20-25 degrees, with a cool breeze flowing over the island. At this time, prices haven’t reached their highest point, and there are far fewer tourists on the island.

Please note: If you’re visiting between November and April, many restaurants and hotels will still be closed. However, this could be a great opportunity for you to see a quiet Santorini.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
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• Find Flights to Santorini via Skyscanner
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• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
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9 Best Things to do in Paros, Greece 

Renting a car in greece in 2024: all you need to know, 12 best things to do in kefalonia, greece.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

I am going to Santorini in July for a family wedding. I know it will be peak season and super hot. Would you have any tips relating to quiet times to visit attractions? I am 34 and my mum is 69 (I feel the heat will be too hot for her).

Hi Grace, we’d recommend visiting attractions first thing in the morning, ideally around sunrise. This is when places are most quiet, and it’s cooler. Have a great trip!

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Home » Travel Guides » Greece » 15 Best Things to Do in Santorini (Greece)

15 Best Things to Do in Santorini (Greece)

The extraordinary island of Santorini in the Southern Aegean is on the eastern chunk of a collapsed caldera.

Its villages have whitewashed cave houses with blue doors, carved in tiers at the top of menacing dark cliffs.

These west facing settlements like Oia, Fira and Imerovigli enjoy front-row views of one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets and in summer their tavernas fill up long before the sun slips behind Nea Kameni and Therasia in the caldera.

There’s ancient history at Akrotiri, which was abandoned in the 2nd millennium BC before the cataclysmic eruption that blew the ancient island into pieces.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Santorini :

Perched over the northern rim of the caldera is the village of Oia, possibly the most charming on Santorini and the best place to watch the sun go down.

Oia has Santorini’s signature cave houses, bored from the rock and arranged amphitheatre-like in steep rows.

In the 19th century Oia flourished thanks to a fleet of merchant ships that sailed as far as St Petersburg.

The captains of these ships built themselves some of the finest houses in the village, boasting Venetian-inspired architecture and prime views of the caldera.

As well as its ring of restaurant terraces with dreamy vistas, Oia has art galleries, a maritime museum and the ruins of a Byzantine castle at its highest point.

Like many places on Santorini much of the village is carless.

Recommended tour :  Traditional Santorini Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset

2. Akrotiri

Ancient Akrotiri was encased in volcanic debris by that eruption 3,600 years ago, and many of the houses were preserved above one storey high and frescoes were in superlative condition.

A trove of items have been found intact, like cooking and eating utensils, vases, bath tubs, flower pots, bee hives, granting historians vital insights into the Minoan civilisation.

Now the houses are protected under a roof structure completed in 2012 while all but one fresco and the more valuable artefacts have been moved to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

You’ll traverse the walls on metal footbridges and can see ceramics standing where they were left 3,600 years ago.

Only one piece of gold, and no bodies were discovered in Akrotiri, telling us that the city was evacuated peacefully.

3. Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Many of Akrotiri’s treasures have ended up at this fantastic museum in Fira.

The museum is in four parts, dealing with the geology and volcanic activity on Thera, the history of archaeological digs at Akrotiri, the island’s history up to the late Bronze Age and the golden age of Akrotiri around the 17th century BC. This final section is the bulk of the exhibition and has vivid frescoes (composed with mineral-based paints) and compares them to the equally accomplished pottery painting.

The Blue Monkeys fresco is unbelievably sophisticated considering it was painted as long as 36 centuries ago.

You can delve into the development of the city’s urban plan and its bureaucratic system and examine figurines, jewellery and pottery going back as far as the Neolithic period.

4. Ancient Thera

This settlement was founded in the 9th century BC on a ridge on Mesa Vouno Mountain, long after the cataclysmic eruption and was inhabited for the next 800 years.

At this height you’ll certainly feel closer to the Greek gods.

The ruins were first explored in the 1896 by the German Friedrich Hiller von Gaertringen, and then again twice in the second half of the 20th century.

Hike up the twisting path from the coastal villages of Kamari or Perissa (or catch a taxi) to inspect the vestiges of ancient houses, the agora (main square), the stoa which has rows of Doric columns in place and the Roman-era theatre from the 2nd century AD. Something curious about Thera’s architecture is that grand, public monuments were built with limestone blocks while private houses are composed of smaller, miscellaneous stones.

5. Perissa Beach

Looking at photos of Santorini you’re sure to see this black volcanic sandy beach on the south coast of the island.

The beach and its village lie at the foot of the gargantuan rock, Mesa Vouno, home of Ancient Thera.

From here the beach curls out gently for seven kilometres and has long columns of palm sunshades and sun loungers.

When the sun is shining the sea is perfectly clear and the moderate surf and shallow gradient mean that non-swimmers can hold their own.

On the coastal road tracing the beach are cafes, restaurants, tavernas and watersports centres that spring into life from May to October, and many on the north side have seating right beside the sand.

6. Caldera Boat Tour

Sometimes you’ll have to do the touristy things to get the most out of a destination, and that is the case for cruises around Santorini’s caldera.

Departing from the port just south of Fira, these boats will take you ashore at Nea Kameni, which we’ll talk about next.

At neighbouring Palea Kameni you’ll be free to bathe in the green sulphurous hot spring, a strange experience beneath scorched volcanic rocks.

It’s amazing to think that Therasia on the western rim of the caldera, was once part of the same island as Thera (Ancient Santorini) and here you can stop for a bite to eat and climb the ridge to see Santorini in its entirety.

7. Nea Kameni

Most tourist boats will moor at this island in the middle of the caldera for you to come ashore.

Nea Kameni was born on the back of repeated eruptions of ash and dacite lava, and an early reference to the island was made by the Roman historian Cassius Dio.

It has grown larger after four eruptions in the last 400 years, including two in the 20th century.

Rising to 130 metres at the centre of the island is a crater with the steaming vents on the slope and the scent of sulphur on the air: You’ll take a path through this lunar landscape, decked with red succulent plants in the summer, up to take a tour around the rim and photograph the white houses of Fira and Imerovigli capping Santorini’s black cliffs.

Available tour :  Volcanic Islands Cruise with Palea Kameni Hot Springs

8. Imerovigli

On the road from Thera to Oia, Imerovogli is a listed “Traditional Settlement”, which means there are tough guidelines about new development.

Those low, whitewashed Cycladic houses are lined up in a bowl along the rim of the caldera at its highest point.

Many are cave dwellings carved from the cliff.

And if that sounds primitive a lot of these properties are exquisitely decorated boutique hotels.

The name Imerovigli approximately translates to “Day Lookout” and comes from a time when Santorini was under threat from pirates.

If there’s an ideal to come it’s at sunset when the view west over the caldera is something people travel around the world for.

9. Skaros Rock

At Imerovigli you can pick up a walking trail to this conical headland in the caldera.

Skaros Rock was the most important of medieval Santorini’s five Venetian fortified settlements and once had hundreds of houses.

In medieval times Skaros was virtually impregnable, surrounded on three sides by precipitous cliffs.

Its end came in the 17th century when it had to be abandoned after a series of earthquakes caused by the eruption of the Kolumbo volcano underwater.

Its stone was recycled for other buildings, but you can still find faint ruins along the path.

If you’ve got the energy, stay on the stairway.

Some 200 steps down and you can photograph Theoskepasti church, which has a typical bright blue dome and doors.

10. Fira to Oia Hike

With a bit of preparation you can go on the journey of a lifetime on what feels like the edge of the world.

The trail north from Fira to Oia is on the protected rim of the caldera and treats you to scenery that almost defies description.

With the sun beating down in July or August it can take up to half a day to complete the walk, and you’ll need a hat, good walking shoes, snacks and lots of water.

You can take pit stops in Imerovigli and Finikia, but for most of the walk you’ll be alone in an alien landscape, hundreds of metres over the remnant of a volcanic caldera.

If at any point you exhausted, you only have to look to your left at the archipelago or the cliff-top village of Akrotiri to feel energised once more.

11. Wine Tourism

Along with its caldera, ruins and whitewashed Cycladic houses, Santorini’s other calling card is its wine, and there’s a whole directory of wineries to visit across the island.

The Thera Eruption in the middle of the 2nd millennium BC left Santorini’s soils with mineral-rich volcanic ash, solidified lava and pumice stone, which has proved ideal for vines despite the minimal rainfall on the island.

That lack of rain made up for by a high nightly humidity caused by a sea mist.

Santorini is best known for its native white Aidani, Athiri and Assyrtiko grapes, grown on ground-hugging vines to minimise wind damage.

A signature Santorini white will be crisp, very dry and high in minerality, just the ticket for seafood and grilled meat.

At the other end of the spectrum, Vinsanto is a sweet dessert wine made with grapes that have been allowed to dry in the sun after harvest.

Suggested tour :  Santorini Wine Roads: Tour of 3 Wineries with a Sommelier

12. Megalochori

Set away from the edge of the caldera, the picture-perfect village of Megalochori is less frequented by tourists even though it could claim to be Santorini’s wine capital.

There are vineyards all around the village and a couple of wineries to visit within seconds.

The core of Megalochori is a tangle of cobblestone lanes walled by Santorini’s classic whitewashed houses with blue-painted doors and bougainvillea blossoms.

At the very heart of the village is a cosy square with a couple of welcoming tavernas.

The highest village on Santorini, Pyrgos has far-reaching views in all directions.

At the top of the settlement, above the scurrying alleys and passages, is the Kasteli, one of Santorini’s five Venetian castles.

This fortification was an inland retreat from pirates, while the tight alleys below were designed to confuse attackers.

The castle is in ruins, but this only adds to its beauty, while there’s a memorial at the entrance remembering the island’s inhabitants killed in the Second World War.

The scenery around the Church of St Nicholas and the Zannos Melathron Hotel is astounding, and the lofty cafes have terraces where you can watch the sun go down.

14. Profitis Ilias Monastery

Not far south of Pyrgos and above Ancient Thera is the highest point on the island, 565 metres above sea level.

This peak is crowned by the Monastery of Prophet Elias, consecrated in 1712 and built with sturdy buttresses.

There’s nothing to stop seasoned walkers from making the climb on foot for an extra sense of achievement, but the slopes are exposed and it’s a trip best avoided at the height of summer.

The monastery prospered in the 18th century when it owned a ship that traded across the Aegean, and was a school for Greek language and literature in the early 19th century.

You can pop into the chapel and the small gift shop, while the monks hold occasional workshops for shoemaking, bee-keeping, winemaking, printing and making candles.

15. Amoudi Bay

In Oia there’s a stairway with 350 steps leading down to the water at the tiny port of Amoudi Bay.

This is the rugged way to descend to Amoudi Bay, but there’s also a zigzagging road.

At the bottom is a huddle of whitewashed houses.

The main reason people go down is for a fresh perspective of the caldera and Oia from below, but also for the best fish and seafood tavernas on the island, all with the waves lapping near your feet.

Tables are so in demand that you’ll need to book early in summer, and being on the west coast the sunsets once more are a big part of the allure.

And if you can’t bear the thought of tackling those 350 steps to get back up to Oia, there are donkeys waiting to do the legwork for you.

15 Best Things to Do in Santorini (Greece):

• Museum of Prehistoric Thera
• Ancient Thera
• Perissa Beach
• Caldera Boat Tour
• Skaros Rock
• Fira to Oia Hike
• Wine Tourism
• Megalochori
• Profitis Ilias Monastery

Santorini – Best Things To Do

Greece › Santorini › Things To Do Updated: March 9, 2024 By Santorini Dave

My son and some of our friends on a boat tour around the Santorini caldera.

Santorini Things To Do: Tips & Advice One or Two Days in Santorini : Hike along the caldera between Fira and Oia , do a boat tour of the caldera , and have dinner at the Athenian House or Metaxi Mas . Three Days in Santorini : Add a wine tour , food tour , or jet ski tour . Four Days or more in Santorni : Visit ancient Akrotiri and Pyrgos . Lots more walking (the best way to explore Santorini). The best Santorini shore excursions for cruise passengers : Private Wine Tour • Highlights of Santorini Private Tour • Santorini Photography Tour Best Day Trip from Santorini : A day trip to Mykonos, Crete, or other Greek islands is difficult to do in one day. Nearby Thirassia makes for an excellent day trip from Oia. Most important tip : Do at least one tour. Or two or three or four. You might not usually do tours. They might be outside your comfort zone. But they’re awesome, fun, really well done, and a great way to get to see lots of the island (and get to know some locals) in a short amount of time. Santorini Boat Tours , Santorini Wine Tours , Santorini Private Tours – they’re all great. People spend thousands of dollars getting to Greece and then worry about a $200 wine tour. Just do it. You’ll remember it forever. The Best Santorini Tours The best day trips in Santorini are the caldera boat and winery tours. Every tour I’ve taken on Santorini has been great (or very, very good) – and I’ve never had a bad experience. It’s not absolutely necessary to pre-book tours before arriving, but if you’re on a short visit (less than five days), it’s probably a good idea to reserve your tour in advance. From June to September the best tours can be fully booked weeks in advance. The Top Tours in Santorini Small Group Wine Tasting Tour Santorini has some incredible wine (Assyrtiko is my favorite). This is an intimate semi-private tour that visits three great Santorini wineries. There is also a less expensive Santorini Sunset Wine Tour that is almost as good. It will have a few more people but it’s still a small group tour (and since some people enjoy meeting other travelers on a tour, the fact that it’s not private may be a plus). Sunset Catamaran Cruise Every boat tour is a different mix of these popular elements: swimming in the hot springs, visiting Thirassia, hiking the volcano, stopping at Red Beach and White Beach to swim and snorkel, eating lunch or dinner on board, and watching the sunset below Oia. This tour is the simplest (but still awesome) – it’s basically just sailing through the caldera, stopping at a few beaches (outside of the caldera), then the hot springs, with swimming, eating, and sunbathing along the way. It ends by watching the sunset from the boat below the Oia cliffs (the highlight). Bring a change of clothes; the evening gets cold if you’re still in wet swimwear. All boat tours mentioned on this page provide meals onboard and include transportation to and from your hotel. Santorini Day Cruise The most luxurious boat tour with the best food and friendliest, smallest group. This is a caldera boat tour that includes lots of swimming and snorkeling, unlimited drinks, and free hotel pickup and drop-off. It’s similar to the Sunset Cruise but without the sunset and with more swimming and time in the sun. There is also an amazing private catamaran cruise of the caldera (both day and sunset options available) if budget allows. Best of Santorini (6 Hours) The best private tour in Santorini. No boats. This is a sightseeing tour of the island itself with a professional guide. The tour visits three of my favorite places: Akrotiri (the fantastic ruins of the ancient town destroyed by the volcano eruption), Pyrgos (an old town with twisting pathways and churches galore – incredible views, too), and Oia (the single most beautiful village on Santorini). There are also stops at Red and Black beaches, a local winery (Venetsanos), and the picturesque town of Firostefani. Hotel pickup and drop-off make this a super easy way to see the island in one day. Santorini Photography Tour A great tour of Santorini’s best views and shots that’s ideal for all photographers, from beginner to expert. If you’re looking for something really unique and special then this is it. People absolutely love this tour. Jet Ski To The Volcano This might be the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. You start from Perivolos Beach and take the jet skis around the south of the island and then up into the caldera. It’s absolutely amazing. There are three types of tours. You’ll want to do the “Volcano Tour” or “Extreme Volcano Tour” – both of these go into the caldera. Santorini Fishing Tour Wonderful tour of the waters around Santorini on a local fishing boat. Fresh seafood lunch or dinner served on board (you’ll eat what you catch and empty from the nets). The daytime tour is best for families and serious fishermen. The sunset tour is best for couples.

The 46 Best Things To Do in Santorini 1. Caldera Hike from Fira to Oia My two boys and our friends pointing at Oia in the distance during our walk along the caldera. This is the single best thing to do on Santorini. The views are incredible. The hike takes between 2 and 5 hours depending on your speed and how many pictures you stop to take along the way. Start in Fira and move north through Firostefani and then Imerovigli (this part of the path feels more like a village sidewalk). From Imerovigli to Oia, it’s a largely rural path with only a few shops or restaurants. Most people will want to wear a sturdy running shoe for the walk. The route isn’t completely marked but it’s fairly intuitive: stay on the path that follows the edge of the caldera and walk north (when in doubt stay to the left/west). Of course, it’s fine to do the walk in the opposite direction but it feels more natural (to me) to walk north to Oia and the island’s tip. And walking into Oia from the hills above is an awesome finish. During July or August I’d highly recommend starting before 8:00 a.m. Though it’s easy and free to do the hike on your own, hiring a guide is a great way to get a dose of history and some insight into the local culture and customs. 2. Sunset, Caldera, and Volcano Boat Tour Do two fantastic activities in one boat tour: walk the volcano and swim in the hot springs. Be sure to get a tour that takes in the sunset too. There are also tour options that visit Thirassia (a small, populated island that forms part of the caldera ring with Santorini) and Red and black beaches. Boats usually depart from Vlychada Marina at the south of the island, or from Ammoudi Bay below Oia, and most tours offer hotel pickup to get you to the boat. All the tour companies are legitimate so buy the tour that suits your needs best as far as timing, interests, and transportation. 3. Santorini Winery Tour Santorini wine is great, the people are super friendly, and the wineries are beautiful. Vineyards here mostly eschew planting their vines un upright rows, opting instead to wrap the grapevines low to the ground in a basket shape to protect the grapes from the extreme sun and wind. A Santorini wine tour is the best way of exploring more than one winery. Most wineries are inland from the caldera, though a few wineries do have caldera views.

Skaros Rock in Imerovigli is an interesting side trip along the Fira-Oia hike .

4. Jet Ski Tour To The Volcano An exhilerating and unique way of seeing the caldera. There are different tours that go different places – all leave from Perivolos on the south of the island. The shortest tour (“South Tour”) visits nearby Red Beach and White Beach and lasts about 90 minutes. The medium-length (“Volcano Tour”, 140 minutes) goes all the way into the caldera and stops for a swim in the hot springs by the volcano. The longest tour (“Extreme Volcano Tour”, 200 minutes) takes the volcano tour and adds Thirassia Island and Ammoudi Bay. The tours that go into the caldera are pretty intense and the waves can be big. It’s a taxing activity but super fun. My son has done the volcano tour when he was 14 and 15 years old (that’s him in the photo) and considers it one of the most fun things we’ve ever done. Staff are friendly, helpful, and very safety conscious. There’s a motorboat with the tour the whole way so if someone needs a break they can switch to the boat and one of the staff will ride the jet ski. I love the boat tours of the caldera but this takes it to another level – the cliffs are just right there! The same company also does parasailing, tubing, and water skiing. 5. Santorini Photography Tour I can not say enough great things about this wonderful tour. It’s an excellent way to see the island from a number of unique spots. It’s also fine if only one in your group is interested in photography and the others only want to enjoy the views. Highly recommended – but book far in advance. 6. Santorini Kayak Tour Wonderfully fun! The Morning Tour and Sunset Tour explore the south coast of Santorini (cool but you don’t get to see the caldera). The Round The Lighthouse Tour goes into the caldera and provides incredible views of the caldera cliffs. There’s also a good SUP and snorkeling tour , but it doesn’t go into the caldera. 7. Ancient Akrotiri See and explore the remains of the ancient Minoan Bronze-Age village that was abandoned before (and buried by) the island’s devastating volcanic eruption in the 16th Century BC. The is the most interesting historical site on Santorini and very well preserved. For a long time, this advanced settlement was believed to have inspired the legend of Atlantis. I highly recommend booking a tour guide in advance to show you around the site and discuss the history of the island, the eruption, and the following destruction. Another option is the excellent private tour of Akrotiri and three Santorini wineries . 8. Walk the Volcano The larger of the two islands in the caldera is called Nea Kameni (new burnt island), and it’s where you’ll find the island’s active volcano. The crater is 130 meters up and takes about 20 minutes to walk to from the boat pier. Sulfur vents are found along the way. The only way to get here is by doing a caldera boat tour or hiring a chartered boat.

9. Santorini Fishing Tour Very professional, very fun fishing tour with lots of hands-on action and a huge lunch. The daytime/lunch tour is the most popular option, but there’s also a sunset fishing tour . 10. Visit Ftelos Brewery An elevated craft beer experience like no other. You’ll find lagers and pale ales at this microbrewery, as well as curious brews like hibiscus saison and rosemary gose in limited runs, made from local and seasonal ingredients, sometimes barrel-aged. Awarded the “Most Innovative Brewery,” Ftelos offers tours, tastings, food pairings, cooking classes, and even a home-brewing master class. Art-filled facilities include two beer-themed gourmet restaurants, tapas bars, and beer cocktails served on the bioclimatic rooftop garden. Reservations are strongly recommended. 11. Take the Dogs to the Beach at SAWA Santorini Animal Welfare Association is a shelter and sanctuary for the island’s stray dogs, donkeys and mules rescued from grueling labor, and abandoned farm animals (a newer phenomenon as traditional farms are being converted into profitable vacation rentals). Visitors are always welcome to swing by and take a dog or two for a walk along a desert pathway south to remote Eros Beach for some fun in the waves. Bring your own picnic or pop in at Theros Wave Bar for beachfront refreshments. Volunteers are are also needed for full working days (usually from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) to help care for the animals. Tasks vary but including feeding the animals, cleaning the pens, or light maintenance on the property, depending on the season. If you happen to fall in love, all dogs are available for adoption. 12. Explore the Paths, Alleys, and Stairwells of Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli This is basically the hike from Fira to Oia but instead of continuing to Oia you can stop in Imerovigli, explore a little, and turn back around. All three towns have beautiful views and are worth a walk-through. You might get a little lost here and there, but that’s half the fun. 13. Hike Skaros Rock Descend the cliff to the path that leads to Skaros Rock, an unmistakable landmark shaped by eruptions, earthquakes, and erosion. Under Venetian rule, Skaros was one the first of Santorini’s five fortified settlements and formerly the island’s capital until the 18th century. You can still see some of the old ruins here today (though it’s barely recognizable as a castle), as well as a small monastery hidden on the far side of the outcrop. Climb to the top of the rock if you’re brave enough. Great views from all points. The path starts just south of Grace Santorini hotel. 14. Swim at Ammoudi Bay One of the best swimming spots on Santorini is down the cliff from Oia and a short hike south of the Ammoudi port. Walk the steps down from Oia (or drive/taxi to Ammoudi Bay), then take the path that leads south past the restaurants in the port – you can’t miss it, there’s only one way to go. It’s a 5-minute walk to Agios Nikolaos Islet (above) that you can swim out to. The deep water around the islet make it a popular spot for jumping from its rocky ledge into the sea. 15. Take a Private Tour of Santorini Explore the hidden paths, alleys, beaches, photo shots, amazing villages, and quiet spots all around the island. All Santorini tours are good, but there’s something a little extra special about doing a private tour if it works with your budget. It’s not cheap. 16. Explore the Paths, Alleys, and Stairwells of Oia Oia has even more hidden pathways than Fira. Be sure to get off the main path and explore the magical views you’ll stumble upon. A good place to start is to find the restaurant Lotza then take the path down the cliff directly to the right of the restaurant. The Venetian castle ruins are hard to miss as you wander around, and they offer fantastic views in almost every direction (no coincidence that the ruins are the most popular sunset viewpoint). 17. Open Air Cinema in Kamari Family-friendly fun – depending on what’s playing, of course. Watch a movie outside as the sun sets and the sky grows dark. The selections are usually popular English-language films. Wine, beer, and simple snacks are available for purchase. Movies start around 9:30pm, but I recommend getting here when the doors open at 8:30 to ensure a seat. Sundays and the first and last day of any movie run are the busiest days. There’s a bus stop directly across the street with buses to and from Fira. In summer the last bus should be after the movie is out but check the schedule to be sure.

18. Ancient Thera Find Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine ruins – and spectacular views – at this ancient island capital on the top of Messa Vouno mountain. You can hike the steep trail up from Kamari or Perissa, drive the narrow switchbacked road to the entrance, or hop on the 10€ shuttle from Kamari below. Expect maximum wind and minimum facilities – there are no bathrooms at the top. 4€ adults, kids free. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 19. Tomato Industrial Museum Learn all about the history behind Santorini’s world famous cherry-sized tomatoes in this former tomato paste factory that operated from 1922 until 1981. The Tomato Museum is small, but very well done. Most people are pleasantly surprised at how much fun they have here. 20. Dinner with a View The food is often better when you go to a restaurant without a view. However, you have to have dinner with a view of the caldera at least one night while in Santorini. The Athenian House (pictured above) in Imerovigli is a beautiful restaurant with a caldera and sunset view. (And these are my favorite restaurants on Santorini .) 21. Santorini Helicopter Tour This is pretty close to unforgettable. A wonderful tour above Santorini, the volcano, the caldera, and all the villages perched along the cliff (that’s Oia and Ammoudi Bay above, as seen from the helicopter). If you’re going to Mykonos you can also do a helicopter transfer between Santorini and Mykonos – which is fun, easy, and way faster than the ferry.

22. Visit Thirassia Island Thirassia Island forms the western side of the caldera, and was connected to Santorini before the ancient volcanic eruption that formed the caldera. It’s an inhabited island with some good local tavernas, beaches, hiking trails, the picturesque Church of the Virgin Mary, and the intriguing, abandoned cave village of Agrilia. Although you can certainly visit on your own, it’s best to have a guide to ensure you don’t miss any important sights (you’ll need one if you wan’t to see inside the church pictured above; it’s locked most days). Even without a guide, a day trip here is worth the 1€ boat ride to visit. Boats run usually three times a day from Ammoudi, generally at 8:00, 12:45, and 15:20, though schedules may change seasonally or annually – check with your hotel for the latest information. Plan wisely or you’ll be spending the night on the island. 23. Kamari Beach Good swimming, though it’s a pebble beach, not sandy. Many restaurants, beach clubs, and plenty of nice hotels line the main road facing the sea. The lively, pedestrian-only street along the beach is fun to walk at night when it gets quite busy. 24. Swim in the Hot Springs Jump from the boat into the cold water of the caldera, then swim towards the warm water of the volcanic hot springs. It never gets really hot, but it’s warm enough to never feel the need to get out. The only way to get to the hot springs is by doing a Santorini boat tour . 25. Emporio On the way to Perissa Beach in the south of Santorini, you’ll find this magical, traditional village. In Emporio (pronounced eh boh REE oh) you’ll find a smattering of chapels, a couple of traditional cafes ( kafenion ), and homes stacked on homes spreading out from the ruins of the 15th-century Venetian castle at the heart of the village. There are almost never any tourists here, and it’s a pleasure to get good and lost in the tangle of colorful alleyways. There is car parking and a bus stop at the main entrance, but the village itself is open to pedestrians only. 26. Watch the Sunset in Oia Bring a bottle of wine and hang out on the cliffs of Oia watching the sun set over the sea. The Venetian castle ruins are the most popular viewpoint. It’s always busy, so be prepared for crowds. Forget about finding a taxi back to Fira or Imerovigli, but there are extra buses waiting for the crowds after the sunset, and there’s often no wait for those. Elinikon is the best Oia restaurant with views of the sunset. 27. The Seafood Restaurants Of Ammoudi Bay Walk down the stairs from Oia to Ammoudi Bay to find four restaurants serving incredibly fresh seafood. All of these restaurants are good, but Ammoudi Fish Tavern is my favorite. You can usually get in without a reservation. No need to climb the 200+ stairs back to the top – the restaurants will be happy to call you a taxi when you’ve finished your meal. 28. Museum of Prehistoric Thera On the main street in Fira, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is worth a 45-minute visit. It’s not huge but it’s interesting, especially if you’ve made a visit to the Akrotiri ruins first. A 5-minute walk away is the Megaro Gyzi Museum near the Catholic church. It’s even smaller, but still but worth a look if you want a more intimate view of Santorini’s history. And seeking it out is a good way to see some of the hidden alleys of Fira that you might otherwise miss. 29. Symposion Music and Mythology Cultural Center Housed in a late 18th-century winery in the traditional village of Megalochori, Symposion immerses its guests in Greek mythology, music, and ancient instruments. Exhibits showcase Greek bagpipes (tsabouna), doubaki (Cycladic drum), rokana (a type of rattle, the lyre, and the lute. Interactive tours, hands-on workshops (build your own instruments), wine-tasting, and musical performances provide a unique educational and entertaining experience in a beautiful setting. 30. Red Beach Just down the road from the Akrotiri ruins , Red Beach is the most spectacular and picturesque of any Santorini beach. From the bus stop or car park it’s about a 15-minute walk to the beach. The trail is sometimes closed due to the risk from falling rock; proceed at your own risk. Many caldera boat tours stop here for a swim on the way to or from the caldera. 31. Akrotiri Lighthouse The lighthouse is the destination, but the draw is the incredible view looking north into the caldera – very different than the views from looking down from Fira or Oia because you can really see the circular nature of the caldera from this vantage point. Also popular for its excellent sunset views. Located on the very southern tip of Santorini , the only way to get there is by car. 32. Santorini Wine Museum The Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum, in the same family of winemakers for five generations, sits at the center of Santorini. Its super cool, 300-meter-long wine cave set eight meters below ground displays exhibits of the history and development of Santorinian wine over the last five centuries. Admission to the museum includes four wine tastings from the family’s winery. 33. Art Space Winery A unique and charming mix of contemporary art gallery, history museum, cave architecture, and great wine. Paintings and sculptures are displayed in the centuries-old wine cellars, raki distillery, and large central cave. It’s rarely visited by any tours, so you need to visit on your own. 34. Santorini Scuba Diving There are wonderful dive spots all around the Santorini volcanoes and caldera. Professional tours are offered that cater to all levels. 35. Greek Cooking Class The food in Santorini is amazing. Obviously, it’s easy to enjoy plenty of great food without doing a food tour or cooking class , but the guides are so knowledgeable and the tours so fun it’s really worth doing one. Like any Santorini tour the odds of doing one and then regretting it are almost zero. 36. Perissa & Perivolos Beaches Perissa is the best swimming beach on Santorini and has the nicest sand. (It’s black sand, so it does get hot in the summer.) Good restaurants are spread along the beach front. Tranquilo is the best beach bar on Perissa. Perissa is about a 30-minute drive from Fira and 45 minutes from Oia. Perivolos Beach is the southern part of the same stretch of sand, with some newer luxury hotels and great restaurants (try Seaside or Savvas Popeye ). Other than the change in latitude, though, there’s little to distinguish one beach from the other. 37. Cable Car from Old Port to Fira Walk down the stairs to the Old Port, grab a drink, then take the cable car back up (though you can walk or cable car both ways if you want). From May to October the cable car runs every 20 minutes, 6:30 to 22:00 – a little longer hours in July and August, and a reduced schedule from November until April. It costs 6€ for adults and less for children.

38. Wood Carving Workshop at Xylo Wood Design Learn the basics of wood carving at the workshop and gallery of artist Michael Arvanitis. The 90-minute course includes information on local traditions, an introduction to the tools of the trade, and demonstrations of different techniques, followed by hands-on practice, where students can put their newfound knowledge into practice. Be sure to take time to visit the gallery itself, filled with skillfully crafted, one-of-a-kind pieces. 39. Explore the Santorini Countryside This is one of the advantages of renting a car in Santorini – you can get away from the main towns and explore the beautiful Santorinian countryside. The island is small – you can almost always see the sea – but there’s lots of farmland (especially in the south) and you can’t drive far without stumbling across a winery or two and vineyards with grape vines trained into distinctive basket shapes. As with other of-the-beaten-path attractions, hiring a guide can ensure don’t miss any of the highlights of rural Santorini. 40. Best Dessert You have to try a baklava and ice cream if you’re in Greece. Lotza in Oia serves the best baklava on the island. ( Zotos Cafe in Fira has the best gelato on Santorini.) 41. Best View of Santorini Walk up the meandering lanes of traditional Pyrgos village (15 minutes south of Fira) to the top of the hill where you’ll find a castle, a church, and marvelous views of the entire island. The rooftop bar at Franco’s Cafe is a great place to enjoy the sunset. The 6-Hour Best of Santorini Tour is an easy way to visit the most interesting Santorini villages (Pyrgos, Oia, and others). 42. Best Gyro In Santorini Many of the gyro and souvlaki shops that target tourists make some pretty average food. Not Lucky’s . This is the real thing and just as good as anything you’ll find in Athens or mainland Greece. Lucky’s is on the main street of Fira and a 3-minute walk from the bus station. (Ask anyone and they’ll point you in the right direction.) Pito Gyros in Oia is also good. 43. Greek Easter If you happen to be in Santorini for Greek Easter (the date of which is usually different than western Easter) be prepared for something special. On the night of Good Friday, head to Pyrgos where the whole town is magically lit with candles. Saturday night be prepared for fireworks (Fira is the best spot to see them) when the fast ends at midnight. And on Easter Sunday many Greek restaurants will have a special menu with roasted pork and Greek dishes (be sure to reserve a table in advance). 44. Day Trip or Overnight Trip to Ios The great beaches on Ios and its proximity to Santorini make it the best day trip island from Santorini … but an overnight trip is better. 45. Lioyerma Public Swimming Pool If you’re staying near Oia and your hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool, this is a good public option – but I don’t think it’s worth a trip from Fira or beyond. No fee, just buy a drink or some food and you can swim all day and enjoy the nice view. (It has a sunset view too.) This pool makes a refreshing finish to the Fira to Oia hike . 46. Best Thing To Do On Final Night in Santorini The Greek Wedding Show puts on an unbelievably fun performance about a Greek family wedding. There’s singing, dancing, and a simple storyline. Guests are made to feel part of the wedding party. There are light snacks and lots of wine. Even my 12 and 15 year-old boys thought this was fantastic. Great fun! Santorini Day Trips to Other Islands My recommendation: Don’t do day trips from Santorini to other islands. Santorini has so much to see and do you’re better to focus on staying and enjoying it. If you really want to see other islands then you’re better off traveling there and spending a few nights rather than wasting your time going there and back on a ferry. (Ios is a bit of an exception as its so close.) Besides the islands visible in the caldera (like nearby Thirassia and Nea Kameni), Santorini doesn’t have great day trip options. To visit an island on a day trip you need to get an early morning ferry from Santorini and a late-day ferry returning to Santorini. Since most ferries are based on other islands (or back in Athens) it’s usually mid-day before they arrive in Santorini. And even when there is an early morning ferry there likely won’t be an evening ferry that would provide you with the time necessary to make the journey worthwhile. If you really want to make a day trip to another Greek island your best bet is to wait until you’ve arrived in Santorini. Then visit a travel agency and ask about the ferry schedule to and from Santorini’s neighboring islands. If it seems like the amount of time you’ll get on the island is worth the journey then book the ticket. If not, then don’t. Ferry schedules are always changing and rarely are released more than a few weeks in advance. A day trip requires fairly precise timing to pull off so it’s best to wait to arrange until you’re in Greece and can be certain of the schedule. Ferries on these short routes from Santorini will almost never sell out so don’t worry about finding a spot onboard. If the schedule works for a day trip then you’ll have no problem buying tickets. The most likely candidate for a day trip from Santorini is Ios . It has fantastic beaches and a young and fun party vibe – though the clubbing doesn’t get going until late at night so day-trippers won’t get to partake. With a little luck you could have 6 or 7 hours on the island making the 35-minute boat trip from Santorini worth the effort. Mylopotas Beach (one of the best in Greece) and the Chora (the main town up a steep cliff from the port) are well connected to the harbor by a short bus ride. The ferry from Santorini to Ios is €20 one way. Naxos and Paros are both (just) possible but even with the best ferry connections you’d have little more than 2 or 3 hours to explore the island. Except in rare circumstances a day trip to Mykonos is not possible from Santorini. The journey from Santorini to Mykonos is more than 2 hours and 30 minutes and there are rarely returning boats that make the trip doable in a day. A day trip from Crete to Santorini is possible (from April to October) with the daily ferries from Heraklio. But a trip going from Santorini to Crete does not work with the ferry timetable. Anafi is another island that would seem to allow for a day trip but since ferries run to Santorini in the morning and back to Anafi in the afternoon any visit would require staying a night on Anafi.

About Santorini Dave

Hi Dave! My girlfriends and I are headed to Santorini mid-September. Just wondering about the wineries. Can we just spontaneously drive to ones that interest us, or is it necessary to do a reservation and/or winery tour?

No reservations necessary. There are highway signs all over the island pointing to the nearest winery, so it’s well suited to spontaneity. (Just don’t drink and drive.)

Hi Dave, We will be in Santorini at the end of September. Will the sea be too cold for the jetski caldera tour? Thanks, JP

The weather is usually still very nice through the end of September. No guarantees but you should be fine.

Dave, Your site is really helpful! Thank you! I am coming to Greece with some single girlfriends for a birthday trip. What areas do you suggest we stay in? Everywhere looks amazing but we will only be there for 4 nights. All of the island looks beautiful and wonderful for day trips to explore. We are coming to celebrate our 40th birthdays and I am looking for a great area that is lively, beautiful, and with amazing views and restaurants. But it looks like that is all of santorini from my research. I just do not want to book the honeymoon couple destination of the island for a hotel.

We will definitely be taking a couple of the tours and hike you suggested. I really appreciate your help and for being a great resource for traveling. It is easy to get lost down the internet rabbit hole while researching a trip!

Considering your plans, staying in Fira is probably best. It’s busy, fun, has shopping, nightlife, and lots of restaurants. It’s also the hub for the bus network so the easiest place from which to get around the island. If you want easy access to Fira but would like to sleep somewhere a little quieter then go with Firostefani (a 10-minute walk north of Fira along the caldera path).

Hi Santorini Dave, My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Greece in early-April, we absolutely love your site and it has been such a help in our planning process! Your reviews and travel guides have been amazing, but we have also found your thoughtful and diligent responses to people’s comments just as valuable. We would love to run our itinerary by you, to see what you think. For some background, we are a couple in our late 20s, we love to explore and be outdoors on vacations, also appreciate great food and wine.

Day 1: Land 4:50PM in Athens from NYC. We plan to catch a 7:30PM flight to Chania, Crete. Do you think this is too quick of a turnaround with going through customs? We both have global entry (if this is helpful). ** We understand we are rushing Crete a bit with only a full day in Chania and Heraklion. Do you have any hotel suggestions that you would consider better locations for seeing as much of the cities as we can? Mid-level is fine, as we usually spend very little time in the hotels on our trips.

Day 2: Will be in Chania for the whole day. Thinking of doing ‘Street Stories of Chania Walking Tour’ per your suggestion, in addition to exploring on our own.

Day 3: Will be in Heraklion for the whole day. We are thinking of doing the ‘Bites & Sites’ Tour you suggested, in addition to exploring on our own.

Day 4: Take the morning ferry from Heraklion to Santorini. Check into Keti Hotel (shout out to your great suggestion). We have roughly 3.5 days in Santorini. Of your suggestions, some of the things we are planning to do, include: Caldera hike Fira to Oia, Volcano boat tour, wine and olive tour. We welcome any other suggestions you may have as well, horseback riding on the beach/tour is another activity that has sparked our interest.

Day 8: Fly from Santorini to Athens. I know you suggest taking the ferry from Santorini to Athens, but in the interest of time we are going to fly. Would you say Plaka is the most central place in terms of being in a good location for site seeing? If so, do you have any hotel suggestions? Similar to our stay in Crete, we will be on-the-go the majority of our time there, so looking for a place with great location rather than the most luxurious hotel.

Thank you so much for the valuable information you have already provided on your site, and an even bigger thank you for taking a look at our itinerary. We have a couple of other friends who have upcoming travel plans and have highly recommended your site to them as well.

Looks like a great itinerary. Yes, a little rushed but still good. Both tours you mention are great. Also, try to get to Knossos and the archaeological museum in Heraklion. And 2 hours, 40 minutes should be enough time to get through immigration and get to your next flight (as long as your first flight is not late arriving).

For centrally located mid-range hotels try Palazzo Duca in Chania, Aquila Atlantis in Heraklion, and Phaedra Hotel in Athens.

First of all thank you for all of the helpful information on Santorini. I have built my itinerary based off of your reviews! So I am flying into Santorini from Thursday to Monday for my honeymoon. There are so many suggestions and great things to see! Can you suggest one activity that we absolutely should not miss?

I would be sure to do the Fira-Oia hike (or at least some part of it: Imerovigli to Oia or Fira) and take a boat tour of the caldera.

Thanks for all your posts about Santorini. They’ve been very helpful. My husband and I are traveling with another couple to Santorini March 12-14, and I have a few concerns. We’ve booked an Airbnb in Oia and plan to do the hike between Oia and Fira likely on the 13th when we have the full day. You highly recommend a guided tour, but given we’ll only have from lunch on on the 12th and departing Santorini in general on the 14th around 5pm, would you still recommend a guided tour or maybe explore Oia or a winery on our own? Since we’re not staying in the hub of Fira, would a rental car be best, as it looks like the buses stop running from Fira around 7pm and taxis are expensive? (We’re arriving by plane). I’m thinking we may have to hop over to Fira for dinner, as the only restaurants I know open in Oia in March are Roka and Candouni. Do you think we need to cancel our Oia place altogether for ease to stay in Fira? I’d love your thoughts! Thank you!

Yes, staying in Fira (for a March visit) would be easier and more convenient but it isn’t a necessity. Both Roka and Candouni are wonderful restaurants so not sure why you would need to go to Fira for dinner. You’d have time to do the walking tour but it is probably a better use of time to fit the hike in on your own schedule.

Hi Dave, I was wondering if you have any other recommendations for a photography tour, Highlights Of Santorini Photo Tour is sold out the dates we are there in September. What do you think of a private tour of Santorini if I can’t book the photography tour? Any thoughts or suggestions would be great!

I think a private tour of Santorini would be great. It’s a fun and easy way to see the highlights of the island in one day. But in answer to your question, I don’t know of another photography tour.

Hi, we want to do the Fira to Oia walk. Where do we park and start the walk? We’re staying in Pyrgos so will need to drive there. Secondly, our two 14-year olds want to rent mountain bikes and ride what look to be numerous trails. I could only find e-bike rental. Which they said is “totally lame” for them. Any ideas on if there are any mountain bike rental shops who could rent and maybe take them out on some trails? Thanks much!

To start the Fira-Oia hike drive from Pyrgos and park your car at this parking lot . Then walk north and take the first main road to your left and get yourself to the Atlantis Hotel (map it or ask anyone for directions). And that’s the start of the hike. You’ll then need to bus back from Oia to Fira. The bus station is a short walk from that parking lot. Santorini Adventures rents mountain bikes.

First thank you for all of your suggestions. We will be coming to Santorini for 3 days in September. Unfortunately, we booked our hotel before reading your site. We will be staying at Hotel Eucalyptus in Messaria. I hope we didn’t make a mistake with that booking, what do you think?

On our list to do while in Santorini: a sunset catamaran cruise that includes Red Beach and the volcano. A trip to Fira and Oia, and we will take your recommendation and definitely eat at Mezzo in Imerovigli. Any suggestions on our itinerary, and perhaps in what order we should visit the places I mentioned? Thank you so much for all of your help.

Hotel Eucalyptus is not centrally located but it’s not terrible either. Several buses pass here on their way to Fira (about 5 minutes by bus). It’s probably too far to walk for most people. Your itinerary sounds great. Order doesn’t really matter.

This is such a great site. THANK YOU! My partner and I are looking for a fun cooking class while we are in Santorini late June, and most research is pointing to Petra Kouzina as being a pretty good choice. We are also undecided if we want to combine wine tour/cooking class or do one or the other. Is wine tour a must do activity?. Thanks in advance for any advice! Tara

I would do both a wine tour and a cooking class but try to do them separately so they’re not rushed. The combo tours try to pack too much in (I think). If you can only do one then do a wine tour.

What are your thoughts on the logistics of visiting the Acropolis on a day from Santorini?

Thanks Julie

You would have to fly (ferries would not get you from Santorini to Athens and back in one day). So, fly from Santorini to Athens (1 hour), taxi or train into central Athens (45 minutes), walk to Acropolis (1 minute or 20 minutes depending on whether walking from taxi or train), tour Acropolis (1 to 2 hours, highly recommend getting a guide), and then the reverse trip to airport and flight to Santorini. (I’m sure you’d wander around the Plaka area before or after the Acropolis and get something to eat.) Is that worth it? It’s a long day for certain, but if it’s your one chance to see the Acropolis then could be worth it.

Dave, We are considering a family trip to Greece in late June or early July. It will be me, my wife, and our three children (Daughters are 15 and 18. Son is 16). We are from New Orleans and have traveled abroad several times. Our big concern is getting around Greece in a week’s time. Is travel on ferries really difficult and time consuming. Would it be enough to perhaps visit Athens and perhaps Santorini only? Are there other stops we should make? Since we are traveling so far, we would really like to get “value” and see alot on the trip. It would be a shame to travel so far, but not have time to really do it right. Your thoughts?

If you have a full week in Greece then try to see more than just Athens and Santorini (Naxos and Milos are good options). But if it’s a week including travel time from the U.S. then stick with Athens and Santorini. Try to arrange your flights so you don’t go through Athens twice (e.g. fly New Orleans to London to Athens, ferry to Naxos/Santorini, fly Santorini to London to New Orleans). Flying to Santorini (from Athens) is a good plan if you’re really tight on time though the high speed ferries aren’t that much longer than a flight when you factor in security and airport waiting time.

Hi Dave, Love your fantastic information! If we are visiting for a day (a cruise… I know, not the best way to see the islands but it’s a start): Corfu Santorini Mykonos

What would you do if we only had eight hours at each???!? We are bringing the kids. But I also want great restaurants with the best food to grab a bite and some wine at each island. So a mix of an activity for a half day followed by a great dining spot before we have to board the ship.

In Corfu, I would spend the day wandering Corfu Town and eat somewhere away from the main square. In Santorini I would walk the Fira-Oia hike. In Mykonos I would spend a few hours in Mykonos Town then walk from Platys Gialos to Paradise Beach. (For Santorini and Mykonos I have other pages where I discuss my favorite restaurants.)

Dear Dave, This is great information and really helpful. Thank you for providing and helping visitors in planning their trips. My friend and I are planning to visit Santorini in first week of April with 4 girls from 3-6 years and planning to book accommodation via airbnb. So, we are debating if need to go with 2 or 3 night stay. After reviewing all the information, I see lots of walking, hiking and water activities (good for summer though).

So, really looking for your suggestions on the following or any other advice. – 2 or 3 nights – Kids activities or any other activities to keep them engaged – Family friendly restaurants

Ramana Edulakanti

In April when the sea isn’t warm enough to swim (for most people though kids can sometimes be an exception), there isn’t a lot to do with kids. I suppose Akrotiri could be interesting for the 6 year olds. Ouzeri in Fira and Lotza in Oia are good restaurants for families. Try to stay in a central place (probably in Oia or Fira) that’s an easy walk to the center so you don’t have to worry about car or bus every time you go out. Assuming you’re able to find a way to be entertained 3 nights is definitely better than 2.

I’m in the beginning stages of planning a seven day trip to Greece in September. I want to visit Athens, Santorini but I’m debating between Mykonos or Crete. Can you please suggest the one you would pick. My group will include a mix of family and friends. We are mostly interested in the history and food experience. How many days would you recommend in each city? What city should we come in and come out of? How would we travel between these cities?

Thanks in advance for your time and feedback!

With your interests in mind, I would go to Crete – especially for the history. Spend time in Heraklion and Chania. Try to do some sort of loop in which you don’t retrace your steps. For example: fly into Athens, fly to Chania, bus to Heraklion, ferry to Santorini, then fly from Santorini out of Greece on your way back home.

Hi Dave… another question! I visited Fira with my elderly dad today, parked on the south side of town, had lunch and tried to go to the cable car station via the steps/pedestrian paths on the west side, but it was too much for him and we had to turn back. Do you know if we can drive over and park close to the cable car station? (Planning on doing the cable car both ways.)

So much great stuff here, signed up on Patreon!

There’s a parking lot directly opposite the McDonald’s ( here ). You should be able to find a spot (don’t be picky, anywhere you can pull in and establish yourself, take it) then walk to the cable car. If that doesn’t work, then leave your dad at the square/seating beside McDonalds, park somewhere you can find a spot then return and grab him before heading to the cable car.

We just became patrons. Thanks!

Trying to decide between Kamari or Perissa for a day at the beach or maybe even an overnight stay. We have 5 days in Imerovigli and might move one night to the beach. Or should we just visit? And which beach is best?

Great site!

Both are nice beach towns. I slightly prefer Kamari as a place to stay (it’s closer to Fira, has more of a town-feel with better restaurants, and the nearby open-air cinema is great). But for a day at the beach I’d go for Perissa (and neighboring Perivolos). Funky beach bars and restaurants are spread along the length of the beach and the sand is nicer here. If it were me I’d keep my 5 days in Imerovigli and make a day trip (or two) to the beach.

I will be heading to Santorini in early-mid October with my husband and another couple. We were looking at different tours and have decided to do a sunset cruise and wine tour. We were wondering if we should definitely book in advance or since it is the off season if we would do better booking there (would there be any cost difference?). Also any thoughts on the Canvas Suites in Oia? Melissa

Even in October tours can sell out. So if you only have a few days you should book in advance. If you’re in Santorini for, say, a week, then you can afford to wait until you arrive. Canvas Suites are smallish but beautiful cave rooms in the heart of Oia. Great views (but no sunset views – for that you’ll have to walk 3 minutes to other side of the castle).

Coming to Santorini in a few weeks- we are staying in Kamari. What is the best way to get to Oia? Do you recommend we start at Fira to do the hike or Oia to Fira? Thanks!

I slightly prefer doing it Fira to Oia but there’s no big difference – it’s the same walk both ways. Since you’ll already be on the bus coming from Kamari, I’d jump straight onto a Fira-Oia bus and start from Oia. Then you’ll avoid catching the Oia-Fira bus later in the day when it can be busy. And you’ll probably be tired at the end of it so 1 bus instead of 2 will be nice.

Hi Dave. My partner and I are visiting Athens March 8-15. We will have a free day on March 15 and have thought about possibly flying to Santorini for the day. We’d like to do a tour to see the highlights of the island, get a good meal and hit a winery or two. What is the weather like at that time of the year? Are many businesses and restaurants open? Or would a day trip be a completely crazy ideal? Thanks in advance for any tips.

Most wineries (and many restaurants) will be open and the views are always wonderful. I’d wait to book flights and take a look at the weather when you’re in Athens. If it looks ok (no big rain storms) then book the day before and go. Would be even better if you could pack a small bag and spend one night – you’d get to see a fair bit more.

I am going to Santorini in mid September. Do I need to pre-book the Santorini 5 hour sunset tour prior to my visit? Also, there are many sunset tours, are they mostly all the same? I will also be doing either the sunset wine tour or the 1/2 day wine tour. Again, do I need to pre-book these or can it wait until I get to Santorini? Stacey

Generally yes, book in advance. September is still a busy time and who wants to waste time (while you’re there) sorting through tour options. Much better to get that out of the way so once you’re there you can enjoy the island not be on your laptop trying to decide which tour is best.

As many have noted here, your blog is fantastic! We are going to Santorini in August and wanted to book a wine tour – between the two wine tours you recommend (half-day tour and sunset wine tour), which would you recommend? Our hotel has a sunset view, so we aren’t concerned about trying to fight the crowds for a good spot.

Which would you recommend?

Thank you! Maggie

Both are great, but go with the half-day tour.

Hi Dave – Your blog is fantastic! We have booked to stay in De Sol Spa Hotel in Fira for 2 nights (23-25 June). I am thinking of booking a Santorini Full Day Trip. Any suggestions? As I am bring my mum who is 80 years old and had a knee replacement! Yin

Do a wine tour. The boat tours can be tricky if you have limited mobility (lots of climbing aboard and up narrow stairs).

We just came back from a wonderful 10-day holiday to Athens, Santorini and Mykonos, and we are missing Greece already, especially Santorini!!! We followed many of Dave’s recommendations and I must thank you for all the excellent recommendations that you have given, especially in terms of food since there are so many choices. We tried Lucky’s, Zotos, Lotza, Mezzo (which is so good that we went back a 2nd time during our 4-night stay in Santorini) etc. Thank you once again for all the great recommendations which made our trip such a memorable one!

One incident did mar our wonderful holidays though. I am not sure if it is appropriate to post here but since many tourists visit your site, I thought it will be good to post to alert them, but if you find it not appropriate, feel free to remove the comment. This is about the donkey ride up from the Old Port to Fira. We came back to the Old Port from a volcano and hot springs tour and thereafter, we walked around the Old Port a little before deciding to make our way back up to Fira. When we went to the donkey station, there were a few men at the station including a younger man. We enquired about the price and was told that it was Euro 6 each. There were 4 of us but my husband didn’t want to take the ride as he doesn’t enjoy animal rides and he wanted the exercise to walk up the 500+ steps anyway, so we told them only 3 of us would be taking. They tried to pull a fast one on us and offered us Euro 25 (which would be more than Euro 6 x 4) for 4. We declined and insisted that only 3 of us wanted to take and paid them Euro 20 which they did not give us any change. They were conversing angrily to one another in Greek all these while and just told us to wait for other customers to come and go up together. About a while, no one came (and no one would anyway since there were no other tours returning back to the port at that time), so we asked them again. They lied to say that they had some customers in the toilet and told us to wait. Sensing that this was going to go nowhere, we told them that we didnt want the ride anymore (and know that we will be taking a risk that they wouldn’t return us the Euro 20 that we paid). They then reluctantly got 3 donkeys and chose a donkey that was super competitive for my daughter and she was so horrified during the ride as the donkey was always trying to over-take from the side nearer to the edge. She was almost on the verge of tears during the ride. During the ride, I knew there was no way the young man (who was the one who took the Euro 20) was going to pay us back the Euro 2. It was not about the Euro 2 per se, but because it was such an unpleasant experience, I felt it was only right to ask for our change when we reached the top. When I asked him for the change, he just brushed it off. The purpose of me sharing this is really not abt the Euro 2 but about the poor service and experience that we received, which I hope through our sharing, other tourists can avoid. If you want the experience of riding a donkey, the donkey ride from Amoundi Bay to Oia is not only cheaper (Euro 5), but when I told the guy that we are scared of donkey ride (especially my daughter after the previous experience) and told him to choose obedient donkeys for us, he really did and this time round, we certainly enjoyed our ride up more.

Thanks for sharing Wee. I am not that big on riding the donkeys and have considered removing it from my list … but some people do enjoy it. Thanks again.

Hi Dave, We are a family of 5 going to Santorini – 4 adults and a 14 year old in late June. Can you recommend a company to hire quad bikes from? Carolyn

You don’t say where you’re staying so just rent from the closest place to your hotel (they’re everywhere and easy to find). No need to book in advance for June. Quad bikes are far and away the most efficient way to end up in the hospital while traveling – so, uhm, good luck.

Your hotel recommendations are incredible, but unfortunately I was a little late to the game when booking and therefore wasn’t able to make any reservations at the places you suggested on your site. I made a reservation at the Afrodete Hotel in Firostefani, and was just curious to see if you had heard anything about it/what your take on it is? I read the reviews thoroughly, but I just wanted to see if you had an opinion about it. Any insider knowledge would be greatly appreciated!(:

Thank you in advance! Jamie

Yes, everything is booking very early this year, but Afrodete is a fine simple hotel. It doesn’t have caldera views (the views you see in the photos look east and are not over the volcano). You’re a short walk to the caldera and views. When you walk into Fira be sure to get to the caldera path first, then turn towards Fira. If you walk along the road you’re really missing out.

Hi Dave! Great site! I’ll be staying in Oia for a few days by myself (single female) – are there any restaurants or bars you could suggest that are good for solo travellers in Oia in June? Hema

Your best bet (maybe only bet) is Mary Kay’s. Get there a little early (say 9pm) and get a seat at the bar. It’s usually a very friendly crowd and solo travelers will fit right in. The two greek brothers (with facial hair) working the bar, look a little intimidating at first but are actually very friendly.

Hi! I will start by saying: your website is very useful, thank you. Is it possible to do the Fira-Oia “hike” with a rented bike? Valérie

From Fira to Imerovigli it’s mainly a pedestrian path – so here you’d have to ride on the road and that doesn’t have any view. From Imerovigli to Oia a very talented mountain biker could ride the path but for any average rider you’d be walking your bike through plenty of spots.

Thanks to your fantastic website, my daughter and her friend have booked a wonderful trip to Greece (1.5 days in Athens, as you recommend!), then 5 days on Naxos to relax and explore, and visit Delos, and finally 3 nights on Santorini at Agali Houses, a fantastic recommendation from your site. So the question is, how to avoid the cruise ship crowds on Santorini? Is is just a question of getting out early, or are there are other tricks to being where the crowds are a bit thinner? Thanks for your help, Santorini Dave! Elizabeth

Do things early (cruise ship crowds typically won’t arrive until after 11am) or later (and they usually leave by 4 or 5pm). Oia is the town that gets most overwhelmed by cruise crowds. If it’s mid-day and you see 2 or more cruise ships anchored out in the caldera then don’t go to Oia – it will be busy.

(Note: I say anchored but cruise ships don’t put down their anchors here – the caldera is too deep. That’s why you’ll see smoke coming from their engines even when they seem to be stationary. They have to keep the motors going to maintain their position.)

We are spending 5 days in Imerovigli and 2 days in Oia. While in Imerovigli we are going to do tours and visit your suggestions in southern Santorini. But while in Oia we want to focus on the best attractions in Oia or nearby. In your opinion, what are the best things to do in Oia?

The best things to do in Oia: -eat at one of the tavernas in Ammoudi Bay. -swim and jump from the ledges at Agios Nikolaos islet (walk down to Ammoudi Bay, turn left, and walk south along the foot path – in 5 minutes you’ll come to the best swimming spot on the island). -take small ferry boat across the caldera to the island of Thirassia, have lunch and walk about, don’t miss last ferry back. -go to Sigalas Winery for a tasting/tour (5 minute drive from Oia, walkable if you’re an active type). -watch sunset from Oia Castle. -late night drinks at Mary Kay’s (popular with locals and Oia’s only true bar).

Traveling to Santorini at the end of May for 7 days. Do you recommend booking tours online or upon arrival? Is there significant cost savings, if you wait until your on the island. (Coming from the states.)

Great blog – appreciate the help!

Best, Frank

It depends. Since you’re going for 7 days (and that gives you flexibility if some tours sellout) and you’re going in May (when it’s not as busy as high season), I think you’ll be fine booking when you get there. That said, if there are some tours you specifically want there’s little harm booking in advance.

We are considering booking one of the boat tours for our upcoming trip to Santorini May 16-21, but we are concerned that the water will be too cold for swimming. What do you think?

Water will be chilly but tolerable for most. You typically swim from the boat to the hot springs which are always warmish. If the suns out (which it should be) you’ll be fine. Boat tours are so much fun. I’d be shocked if you did the tour and said afterwards, “that water was so cold, I wish we hadn’t done that tour.”

Are there any boat tours to Santorini (from Crete) that include the Catamaran Cruise? Aliya Bedejim

There is not enough time to do a catamaran tour while in Santorini given the timing of the ferries (between Crete and Santorini) that all tours to Santorini use.

Hi Dave great photos and information! My husband and I are heading from Australia to the UK for a family birthday end of November. As its my 60th birthday end of December we thought we’d incorporate a holiday into this time and I’ve never been to Greece. I know December isn’t really a good holiday time over there but we both love photography and the quiet and don’t care about shopping. What’s the weather like end of December? Are we likely to get some good days out of 2 weeks. Oia looks like a nice place to be for my 60th birthday… Thanks Annie

As long as you know what to expect (lots of closed shops and quiet restaurants) you’ll enjoy it. Santorini gets busier every year as they’re starting to promote year-round tourism. It’s still quiet but not as dead as it used to be. Some people absolutely love Santorini in the quiet winter months. Here’s an interesting post on visiting Santorini in winter . (It’s a few years old so expect there to be a bit more activity than what is described here.)

We have 1 full day in Fira (arrive Tuesday night by plane, leave Thursday morning to Crete where we’ll spend 2 weeks). We’re not interested in a tour as not sure how early we’ll be moving on Wednesday morning but would like to be busy and see the area. What do you think are the best things to do in Fira for the day? (We won’t have a rental car. We’re coming in late June.)

Thanks, Sauvy

Best Things To Do in Fira: –Hike to Oia on the footpath, or at very least walk to Imerovigli (about 1/3 of the way); bus back. –Lunch at Lucky’s (delicious gyros). –Visit Museum of Prehistoric Thira. –Dinner at Ouzeri (no view), Argo (partial views), or Naoussa (great views). –Sunset views and drinks from Franco’s Bar or Tropical; party at 2 Brothers; dance at Koo Club or Enigma.

My girlfriend and I are headed to Santorini for 11 days in late July / early August, and are interested in booking a fun sunset cruise of the caldera. We’re pretty social and love meeting new people, so we were hoping you could recommend one that has an open bar and is known for having a younger, fun-loving crowd… maybe even music/dancing? Many thanks, Jeff.

The 5-hour catamaran sunset tour is probably the one you want. Lots of fun.

Hi! I’m making my way to Santorini April 24th and have 3 days there. I came across your blog while searching what to do! What a great find and extremely helpful!! As my trip is a solo trip would you say it’s safe enough for solo female travellers? Many thanks! Samina

Keeping in mind that no place is definitively “safe” then yes, I would say Santorini is very safe for solo female travelers.

I will be traveling to Santorini April 7th and I was wondering if there will be any kayaking tours available? Would you recommend renting an ATV for traveling around Santorini? Kevin Foong

Santorini kayaking tours run from May to October (usually) so don’t think they’ll be anything in early April. Many people enjoy the ATVs but I prefer a car.

Hi Dave, My friend and I are going to Santorini April 7-13th… Will places (restaurants, shops, bars, clubs, etc) be open for business? Also, I have been reading a bunch about the weather and what to pack. Any suggestions for that time of year? This blog is awesome! Thanks so much, Elissa

Restaurants and shops will generally be open. There will be a few bars open but not all of them. There won’t be any clubs open.

Hi Dave, My husband and I just booked tickets to Greece for our 12th anniversary. We booked for 9days and would want to split between Athens and Santorini.

From Athens we intend to take the Blue Star Ferry to Santorini to enjoy the sights. Though 8 hours travel is quite a long ride. And based on your replies, It made me decide to spend our nights at Firostetani. Since we don’t prefer to drive, how do we go to our hotel from the port? And are bus stops accessible once we are at Firostetani? Berna

There will be taxis at the ferry port to get you to Firostefani – but they can be snatched up quickly so get off the ferry as quickly as you can. Or take the bus (always lots of room) to Fira. Then switch buses and take the next bus to Oia but get off in Firostefani (about 5 minutes). Or you can arrange with your hotel for a port pickup.

Hi Dave, thanks for all you share. We have a week in Santorini in September and are considering staying at 3 different places to get a feel of different parts of the island. Do you have a recommendation as to the 3 locations to base ourselves over that week, the order to do it in, whether to hire a car from day 1, or only at stage 2, etc.? (e.g. I imagine parking in some areas is a nightmare, so better not to have a car for those areas)

Any recommendations helpful. Regards Deb

Oia and Imerovigli for sure. Then decide between Fira (busy but lots of shops and restaurants) or Firostefani (10 minute uphill walk from Fira). Fira is the hardest place to find parking but even there it’s not impossible, you just need to search, park, and then walk back to the town (usually about 5 minutes). Fira also has the best bus connections with the rest of the island and that makes a car less necessary when staying there.

Hi Dave! Thank you so much for this wonderful sight, you really know your information!

My sisters and I are planning to visit Italy and Greece in the beginning of July. We have 12 days total and really want to see Milan, Rome, and Venice in Italy and Athens and Santorini in Greece. What are your suggestions to accomplishing most of this or what do you think is the best route? We are in our early 20’s and looking for history, relaxation, and gorgeous views. How many days do you believe is reasonable?

Thank you, Heba

Fly Venice to Athens, ferry Athens to Santorini, fly Santorini to Rome. Visit Milan at the beginning or end of this, doesn’t matter. The above itinerary will reduce travel time and you won’t have to retrace your steps.

Dave, We will have 7 days in Greece in and out of Athens June 21-28th. We want to see the main sights in Athens and go to Santorini. Should we go to Crete too or just stay in Santorini? We are from California so we don’t need good beaches but I’m sure kids would love it. They have Mama Mia in their heads. We have 3 kids, 18, 16, and 12, all good travelers. Would love your recommendation! I’m inclined to just stay on one island perhaps Santorini the whole time to be more relaxed and really get to know it if you think there’s enough to do. Do you recommend flying? We usually rent houses or apartments when we travel. What area of Santorini would you recommend? Thanks.

With just a week I’d recommend a full day of sightseeing in Athens and then Santorini for the rest of your trip. There’s more than enough there to keep you busy and entertained. Staying along the caldera (the towns of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia) is best. Not a lot of rentals with views so you’ll probably end up in a hotel (and there are lots of great ones). Flying is quickest but ferry is fun and something to remember for the kids. Blue Star ferry takes longer than the fast ferries but you get to walk about the decks and see the caldera as you arrive in Santorini – once again this makes it more memorable for kids (and adults).

Hi Dave, I am planning a European holiday for my 40th. I land in Athens midday 15/7. I had originally planned Santorini 15/7-18/7 then ferry to Mykonos 18/7-22/7. I need to be in Split for a cruise by 6pm 22/7. Unfortunately there are no reasonable flights Mykonos-Split that day, but there is one Santorini to Split, so thinking I may need to swap my itinerary around and go Mykonos first. Problem is I turn 40 on 20/7. Don’t really want to change locations on my bday and if I go from Mykonos to Santorini the day before will I be able to have the bar hoping party I had originally planned on in Santorini? My husband and I have been to Santorini (and loved it) but never Mykonos. My best friend + husband will be joining us as well. Would love your recommendation as to whether Santorini would be appropriate for big birthday festivities. Many thanks Sara

Santorini will be great for a birthday. Definitely be in Fira. There are 7 or 8 really good places to go out.

Hi Dave, have found your answers really informative. Myself, my wife and my friend are going to Santorini at the beginning of June (Mystique hotel Oia) and wondered if there are any good bars in Oia? Many thanks Hugh McInulty

Marykay’s (also called Hassapiko) is great. Very small but gets busy after 11pm. It’s your only choice in Oia. (Lots more in Fira.)

Hi Dave, My family (husband and teen age daughters 15/17 will be traveling to Greece and the end of June/July. We have about 10 days. 1-2 days in Athens and Santorini is a must for my daughters. Some friends rented a house on Paros(Luxury Retreats) and did day trips to Mykonos and Anti Paros and an all day boat excursions. I like the idea of being on a smaller, less touristy island but 10 days in tough to fit this all in. What would you suggest? How many days on Santorini? Would you suggest making Santorini our home base or elsewhere? We like being active but don’t want to rush around or spend days on ferries. What itinerary would you suggest? Thank you! Beth Handa

If you want to do day trips then Paros is the best islands (easy day trips to both Naxos and Antiparos which should be enough). If you go to Santorini then stay on Santorini – day trips are not easy with ferry schedule and you’d never want to leave anyways.

Thanks so much for the website. It’s extremely helpful. I’m planning our 25th wedding anniversary and have a few questions for you:

1) We’ll likely spend 10 days in Greece. We’re thinking 2 days in Athens, 4 in Mykonos, and 4 in Santorini. Would you suggest another island or skip Athens and extend our stays on the islands? 2) My wife loves to snorkel. Is there good snorkeling on either of the islands? Any specific recommendations?

Thanks for your help – Mike

1 full day in Athens is enough for most people and enables you to see most of the highlights though if you really want to see the National Archaeological Museum (which is not in the Plaka/Acropolis area and is the best museum in Greece) then having 2 days makes it more practicable. Otherwise 4 days in both Mykonos and Santorini is perfect. If you did free up an extra day then Naxos is a good in-between island. Drop Mykonos to 3 days and do 2 days in Naxos. There’s very little good snorkeling in Greece and almost none in Santorini and Mykonos – best to leave the snorkel gear at home.

Hi Dave, My fiancé and I are planning on spending 6 nights (5.5 days) in santorini – split between Oia and Imerovigli. Which activities are more convenient from Imerogvli? From your blog, looks like there’s a lot to do in/around (sunset, Amoudi Bay, hike). What about renting a car and seeing the beaches or going to volcano tour? Is this easier from Imerovigli? Chen

Boat tours of the caldera (which have hotel pickup but mostly depart from the ferry port south of Fira), Akrotiri, the beaches, and exploring the quieter corners of the island are easier from Imerovigli than Oia. But it’s not a huge difference – Oia just adds another 15 minutes of travel to do any of the above. So, yes, I’d try to arrange these to do from Imerovigli rather than Oia but it’s not a deal breaker if they have to be during the Oia-part of your stay. There are also regular small boats from Amoudi to Thirassia island which are a fun outing from Oia.

Hi Dave… This is an amazing information website for the travelers. I should have read it before planning to Greece. I have reached Santorini today without booking ferry to Mykonos and after reading your answers I got to realize there is no ferry in Nov. Now I’m feeling lost and all my plans are cancelled. I’m thinking of extending at Santorini till 4th of Nov. and not sure what to do. Is this a right move? Or by any chance can I reach Mykonos without burning my pocket? Please advise, Yograj

Your only option is to fly via Athens. Search Kayak for prices . (Technically, you can ferry but that’s a two-day trip via Athens.)

Thanks so much for all of this wonderful information! We’re using a ton of is to plan our upcoming trip.

We’re leaving in a couple of weeks and I’m having trouble figuring out how to book the ferry from Santorini to Mykonos (we’d go on November 20th). Is that because the ferry shuts down in the off season? I found one ferry going to Naxos, but couldn’t find anything going from Naxos to Mykonos. We are fine booking a flight, but would much rather take the ferry, for time, cost and experience sake.

You’re correct. There are no ferries between Santorini and Mykonos in November. You’d need to fly or ferry via Athens. In any case, Naxos has more off-season charm than Mykonos so I’d recommend visiting Santorini and Naxos.

Hi, I have come across your site while looking for help and advise. I am due to get Married in Santorini in September and planning on bringing 40 ish guests to the island. Some family members are a little worried about the price as many reviews are advising that Staying in Santorini is very expensive. From research I can see that Oia and Fira can be expensive however Perisssa is showing as a more suitable option for families. Do you have any tips or contacts on where I can possibly look into a villa complex? Where the whole wedding party can stay and share the same pool?

Thank you for your help

I don’t know of any villas that are that big. With 40 guests you could consider renting out an entire hotel. (Most hotels on Santorini are not that big.) And yes, Perissa is cheaper than Fira or Oia.

Hey Dave, Stumbled across your website and there is some detailed information here so thanks for that. Am sure you have been asked this a million times, but we are planning to visit this beautiful island from 25 – 30 December and going by what I read a lot of establishments around Fira and some around Oia are now open for tourists like us? Wanted to know what’s the situation on ground there actually? We are planning to be 2 nights in Fira and 2 nights in Oia as of now. Thanks in advance and if you can even share the link of any of your posts on this topic will be helpful. Cheers, Uttie

Fira will have more open restaurants and hotels than Oia but both will be fine. It gets a little busier every year as Santorini becomes more of a year-round destination but it’s still certainly quiet.

Hi Dave- thank you for your information. You’ve answered many questions about car rentals, but I haven’t read anything about renting at the airport. We are flying in from a 2 night stay in Athens to Santorini and want to rent a car directly from the airport and drive to our hotel Gold Suites in Imerovigli. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary and bringing our 25 and 22 yr old with us. We want to see EVERYTHING in the 4 nights that we are here, so a car seems to be the way. However, saw many horror stories about renting from the town’s rentals, but nothing about the airport rentals. Budget looks like it has a kiosk there at the airport. Thanks Jordan family

Please read my advice about renting a car on Santorini .

This might be a really crazy question but how easy is it to walk around the island, we are going to be in Kamari, could you walk from there to Oia or is that just mad?! We’re keen walkers but I dont know if the paths are ok? We will be there 1st week of October. Thanks

You certainly “could” walk it, but you’re better to bus it from Kamari to Fira and then do the caldera foot path to Oia from there. The walk from Kamari to Fira is not very interesting – but, as I say, certainly doable. A better walk from Kamari is over the mountain that lies between Kamari and Perissa, and where the ruins of ancient Thira are located. Great views from the top of the mountain to all of Santorini.

Hi Dave. Your blog has been informational. I’d like to know the best time to visit Greece. Me and my husband are planning a trip to Greece this December. Is it the best time?

Many Thanks, Precilla Bobby

It’s a great time to save money and experience local life. It’s not great if you want warm weather. The best months for a beach holiday are early June to late September. If you’re primarily focused on history, sightseeing, and exploring then you can included the months of April, May, October, and early November. Late November through March are cool and grey on the islands and along the coastal regions, cold and even snowy inland. Athens is interesting year-round and Crete is the best island for a winter visit.

Hi Dave, thanks for sharing your site and expert suggestions!

We are planning a team building trip of 11 of us this month for 2 nights. We are staying between Fira and Imerovigli. We will do a sunset cruise on our final night to see some of the sights by sea one evening, and likely will then go out and about in Fira that evening as we see you’ve listed some fun bars.

But we are torn for dinner the other evening and also are curious of your suggestion for getting around the island. For instance, we see that Oia is about 20 minutes from car from where we stay. Any restaurants that come to mind that are suitable for groups of our size in Oia, or would you recommend we plan to explore Oia during the day and see another nearby town for dinner? And, for us in getting back / forth, would you suggest hiring taxis for pick up and drop off, or rely on the buses?

Lastly, we are trying to plan a group challenge or team competition of sorts. We have a running list of a treasure or scavenger hunt going, but we likely would need to keep this to a certain part of the island for ease of getting around. Do you have any suggestions for something like this?

Thanks in advance!

Buses are great for getting around Santorini and will likely work best for a group of 11. But taxis are easy to find in Oia (as long as it’s not right after sunset) if you change your mind. Karma is a great restaurant in Oia that should easily accommodate 11 people. Not sure on the scavenger hunt (so many variables) but I would definitely include the hike from Fira to Oia as one of your activities – it’s perfectly suited for a group and really amazing too.

Hi! Are you able to get from these locations to Fira? I know that sounds like a silly question but the KTEL only shows Fira as the starting locations and all these places as destinations.

Tabitha Larkan

Al bus routes begin and end at Fira. So there’s a bus north to Oia, a bus to Kamari, a bus to Perissa, a bus to Akrotiri. And all return on the same route back to Fira. So, for example, if you’re going from Oia to Akrotiri you have to take the bus to Fira, switch buses, then continue to Akrotiri. Then the same thing for the return.

Hey Dave! This site is a real lifesaver! My family and a few friends (Group of 6 in total) are stopping at Santorini as part of a cruise. I know that’s not the best way to fully see Santorini so I was hoping you’d give me your opinion on how to make the most out of it.

Ship arrives 7:00 am and departs 5:00 pm. So the options are: 1) Going from Fira to Oia, to save time it would be better to take your advice and take the bus half way, but maybe cable car would be more fun? In that case we’d stop by the places you’ve mentioned and try the Gyros, baklava and gelato. 2) Exploring Pygros and checking out the castle and church you’ve mentioned. 3) Hiking the volcano. The first two would be on top of my list but I don’t know if it’s possible to do both in the little time we have? So if not, which would you choose? Also, the trip is around the end of August so I don’t know how crowded it’ll be and how busy transportation (whether bus or cable car) would be. What would you recommend we do? How long do you think it will take? And what combination of hiking and transportation do you think would help us have the most fun in the limited time we have. I thought I’d ask for your- apparent- expert help because I’m afraid of over cramming stuff and ending up not enjoying it.

Sorry my thoughts are so disorganised, and thank you so much for your help!

I would do the walk from Fira to Oia. You’ll take the cable car up from the cruise port (it’s either that or walk, there’s no bus for cruise passengers). Then just start walking north. Assuming you just ate breakfast and get up to Fira about 8 or 9am, you’ll make it to Oia in time for lunch. (Just make sure you have water for your walk.) If you’re really motivated you could jump in a taxi and go to Pyrgos – you should have enough time to get there and back to the cable car in time (there can be a very long lineup to get on the cable car in the afternoon).

Wonderful tips and ideas on Greece! My husband and I will be arriving in Santorini in a few weeks for our honeymoon and wanted some advice for day trips to different islands. We will be in Santorini for 9 nights and want to explore as much as possible. We do not want to spend a lot of time traveling (on the ferry), what island would you say is a must see while we are there? I am open to a day trip or even spending the night on a different island.

Thank you!!

Andreana Tassopoulos

Day trips are difficult to do from Santorini as ferry schedules usually don’t lend themselves to an early morning departure from Santorini and a later return. Much better to do an overnight trip to one or more islands. Ios is the closest and a beautiful island with incredible beaches. Naxos is a little farther, also has great beaches but more cultural and historical sights as well. Folegandros is another nearby island with great food and wonderful walks/hikes. These would be my top picks for an overnight trip from Santorini.

First & Foremost, Thank you for sharing your expertise & insight. It has been very helpful in my planning. I’m heading to Greece October 20th-28th with my best friend to celebrate her 30th Birthday. She lives in Scottsdale AZ and I’m in Los Angeles so this is a pretty big trip for us. We’re doing Paris days before and Italy following our week in Greece.

We’ll arrive in Mykonos (From Paris) around 7am Saturday Morning, hypothetically staying in Mykonos 3 days Sat-Mon, Santorini for 3 days, and 1 full day in Athens as that’s where we’ll be flying out of when we leave for Rome. I’ve travelled a lot, studied abroad, did the back packing through Europe in College etc, so I’m pretty independent and have gotten good at routing vacations for my friends and I HOWEVER I have some anxiety about this trip and so many questions and decisions to make. Another concern was the weather. I’d probably sit in the hotel room and cry if it rained on my vacation parade lol.

So the main question is do we do Mykonos or Santorini longer, should we take a ferry instead of a flight from Mykonos to Santorini for the experience? And is there one that doesn’t take 6-8 hours taking up a full day? I’ve searched extensively for the best and most conveniently located hotels throughout the islands (with price in consideration). We’re not honeymooning, we’re young, and both single so this isn’t a vacation to stay in the hotel most of the time. We want to explore hidden gems, deep sea dive, hang out at trendy bars, and go dancing at night (which Is why I initially booked Mykonos longer). Also am I cheating the experience for not exploring Crete or Rhodes or any other tourist-neglected Island…. Do we REALLY need to rent a car? Can we rent an ATV in Mykonos & call it a day?

Sorry for rambling, really looking forward to this trip but the planning, again, has been overwhelming.

If you have more time then yes, definitely add another day or two to Santorini (3 is plenty for Mykonos) and add Crete to your itinerary. Naxos or Paros are easier destinations (than Rhodes) to get to from Mykonos and Santorini so do one of those instead. But if you are truly limited to a week then your current plan is perfect. The ferry from Mykonos to Santorini takes less than two hours so no need to fly.

Hi Dave – This is a very helpful site, thanks for your efforts to help other travelers. As we prepare for our 3rd trip to Greece, my wife and I are struggling to narrow down our destinations. Some are required, due to family commitments. We have family in Athens, Nafpaktos and Mesolongi. Here is some background –

First trip – 1995 – Honeymoon. 4 weeks in Greece, rented a car and saw alot of the country. Also spent 1 week in Corfu and 1 week in Rome. Spent multiple days in Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. Got a great feel for all of these islands. 4 or 5 days in Athens, 2 days in Meteora.

Second trip – 2009 – With two daughters, ages 10 and 8 at the time. Three weeks total – Athens 4 days – Acropolis and museum, 5 day cruise to Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete (Knossos), and Turkey (Ephesus). All of these stops were one day port calls and way too quick to see much of the island. Then rented a car and traveled to Nafpaktos and Mesolongi. Spent a few days with family. Then went to Corfu for 5 days, took the car on the ferry, so we saw most of the island. Came back to mainland and drove to Ioanina, spent 1 night. Drove to Meteora, spent 3 days. Then drove to Mt. Olympus. Spent 2 nights in Litochoro – girls toured the town while I climbed to the summit of Mt. Olympus (Mytikas peak). We saw alot of the country, but the 8 year old, who is now 15, does not remember alot of it.

Third trip – this summer. Girls will be 18 and 15. We only have two weeks. Actually, 12 days in Greece minus travel time. I have not been to Delphi or Olympia. I would love to go back to Meteora (too far for this trip). We have some ideas, but I was looking for advice to get between locations. Fly or ferry, tickets have not been purchased yet. Rent a car or take a bus? Is this plan doable in your honest opinion? Or is too much for 12 days? Open to suggestions…….Thanks so much! Sam

Day 1 – Arrive in Athens at 9:15am. See family Day 2 – Acropolis, Plaka and other sites in Athens Day 3 – Fly to Santorini on 7:20 am flight, spend day in Santorini Day 4 – Spend morning in Santorini, afternoon or evening ferry to Mykonos Day 5 – Mykonos Day 6 – Morning flight or ferry to Athens, then drive or take bus to Nafpaktos Day 7 – Nafpaktos w/ family. Half day trip to Delphi (not sure if it is worth the trip?) Day 8 – Travel to Mesolongi. See family Day 9 – Morning, travel to Olympia then go to Kyllini to catch ferry to Zakynthos Day 10 – Zakynthos Day 11 – Zakynthos, catch evening flight to Athens or early morning flight on day 12 to catch flight to the states. Day 12 – Leave Athens at 11:30 am

Sam Costanzo

The first observation is that you are packing too much into your (active) 12 days. Your plan is doable, but may not be enjoyable as you will spend a lot of time travelling and potentially reducing your enjoyment. On the assumption that you want to see the main places: Athens (family), Santorini and Mykonos (sightseeing), Nafpaktos (family), Mesolongi (family), Olympia (sightseeing) and Zakynthos (sightseeing?) here are some thoughts.

The route you designate is a complex and slow one and will inevitably chew up your precious time. For example getting from Athens to Nafpaktos by bus is nominally a short(ish) run (218 km or 2.45 hours), but by the time you get to the bus station from your location in Athens and depending on when the Athens Nafpaktos bus runs (they probably won’t be hourly), you will consume a minimum of half a day. Local buses will connect Nafpaktos with Mesolongi which is not too far (45 km or 50 minutes). While Delphi is definitely worth it … you will need a full day to get there and back from Nafpaktos. Already running out of time!

Mesolongi to Olympia will inevitably involve two buses (Mesolongi to Patra and Patra to Olympia) and then you want to get to Kyllini – all in one day?! And have you worked out when the Kyllini-Zakynthos ferries run? Zakynthos is a big island and if you want to do it any justice – like visiting shipwreck beach – the time you have allocated makes it very tight.

Going back to to the beginning of your itinerary, Santorini and Mykonos are quite doable in the timeframe, though you have not mentioned the dates. If it is high or shoulder season and you have not booked air tickets yet, you may be disappointed. You can usually squeeze on to a ferry, but air tickets go fast. The time you have allocated for both islands is not a lot, but you will get a meze-style taste of two rather extraordinary destinations.

For your mainland leg you are advised to hire a car and you would be better served if you forego Zakynthos. With a hire car you can maximise time and movement to your daily needs AND easily get to Nafpaktos, Mesolongi and Olympia and even Delphi. In fact you would be better advised to drive to Delphi from Athens (it will take you about 2.5 hours allowing for the time to get out of Athens). You could visit Delphi for 2-3 hours then take the lovely coastal run along the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth and be in Nafpaktos for dinner and meet the family.

Make an afternoon start for Mesolongi the next day and do dinner and family. Stay an extra day if need be, or the family insists. When ready, drive to Ancient Olympia (165 km or 2 hours 15 minutes) and perhaps spend the night there (it’s a very pleasant little village). See the wonderful ancient site at your leisure and choose the time of your return leg (by car) to Athens along the southern Gulf of Corinth Highway, according to your US departure plans.

If you hire a car in Athens, it will be a lot cheaper to drop it off where you pick it up from rather than try to drop it off somewhere else. Your car hire company may not even give you that option. If, by omitting Zakynthos you free up an extra day, then on your drive back to Athens try to take in either Mycenae or Epidaurus, if you are keen to see more ancient sites.

Your trip is adventurous, but more sensible if you modify it as suggested.

Fab site! We’ve just booked a week in Perissa at the Arapiou apartments for 19th July. Our sons are aged 10 and 7 so we want to balance sightseeing with keeping them entertained. Thinking the sunset in Oia might be a bit much for the boys with the crowds and we’re wondering if Fira might be better. Although we’ll drive into Oia at some point, probably an early morning. Thoughts welcome!

Gemma Davies

I think the crowds would be fine. It’s a fun festive crowd and pretty easy going. The bigger problem is getting back to Perissa from Oia after sunset. It’s not a long ways but if you don’t know your way around it can feel like a long drive on these rural-like roads.

Hello Dave,

Do you know of any yoga retreats or holidays on Santorini?

Here’s a list of Yoga Retreats on Santorini that I know of.

Hi Dave and readers, a little note regarding footware and the Imero-Oia hike. Today we did it; it took just under 3.5 hours (early 50’s couple in fine health) including many photo stops and worth every moment, the views were tremendous. We wore pumps and light trainers but have promised ourselves to pack walking shoes next time. Trainers should be the absolute minimum; flip flops are bonkers in our opinion!!

I agree. Good footwear makes it more enjoyable, for sure.

We just did that hike today too. Wore trail running shoes and light hikers, which made it easy. Little tip, tighten up those laces, especially in the front of your shoes when you’re going down hill to avoid that painful toe bump. You can loosen them back up when the trail flattens out, or starts uphill if you want to ease them off again. I agree with Dave, though. Most of the trail is paved, aside from the monolith detour near Fira Stefanis (optional, but definitely recommend it) and a lot of cobble near Oia, so flip flops would work. I hiked Cinca Terre in flip flops and that was definitely more tricky. However, if you have better shoes, wear them. Lots of amazing panoramic views.

Hi Dave, I’ll be visiting Greece in a few weeks (Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Naxos) and I’ve been trying to find pottery studios to visit. The problem is that every google search comes up with Ancient Greek Pottery, and I’m looking for (and hoping to find) modern potters that are actually working and producing right now. Any suggestions? Thanks! Andy

Unsurprisingly for a country with a rich tradition in pottery from Classical times, Greece has a thriving pottery industry that you can tap into if you search appropriately. Try re-wording your search string to “pottery workshops in Greece” or “traditional pottery lessons in Greece” and you will have much more success. Here a few links in English to get you started: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 .

Alternately and additionally you can find many more by entering your search terms in Greek. Of course if you don’t speak or write Greek this can get tricky so here are a few cheat phrases for you to try. Copy and paste into Google the Greek phrases.

Pottery in Greek is αγγειοπλαστική. It also means angioplasty (the medical term, so you will get mixed results). Try also κεραμικά. Pottery lessons is μαθήματα αγγειοπλαστικής.

Here are some results from searching on the Greek terms: PotteryMuseum.gr . This places offers lessons in theory and practice that run once a week from 18:00 to 21:00 and combines excursions and other activities. The cost is €80. The site is in Greek so try e-mailing them in English to [email protected] and see if they can accommodate you in English.

Try this one also and scroll to the bottom to swap language to English. They have two hour sessions on Wednesday and Thursday from 17:00 to 19:00 for €50 a month.

Finally, here they run both adults and children’s pottery lessons. The site once more is only in Greek but you can see their contact details on the first page. Try dropping an email to either [email protected] or [email protected] .

There are plenty more out there, but you need a link to the network and you can ask around the various schools once you make contact. Best of luck.

This is so incredibly helpful! Thank you so so much, Dave!!!

Hey Dave, I can’t walk very well and when we want to hire a few days an automatic car in May, is it necessary to hire it at home?

You should be fine renting it after you arrive. If you ask the hotel to arrange they’ll even deliver it right to your hotel.

Hey Dave –

I will be in Santorini during 2nd week of May with my wife and 3.5 yrs old son. Though i wish to drive around, but I do not have IDP and inquiring about it in India made me realize that i am now late to get one. I have a valid Driving License. Would I be able to rent a car in Santorini?

Thanks, Tushar

Technically you are supposed to have an international drivers license if you come from outside the EU and rent a car in Greece. On most of the islands this is relaxed and someone with a Canadian, American, or Australian drivers license will have no problem renting a car. Now, do these informal rules apply for an Indian drivers license? – probably, but not for sure. I think you’ll be fine. If one company doesn’t rent to you just walk down the street and ask the next rental company. Pretty sure you’ll find something.

Thanks for your website with lots of good info.

Wonder if the public bus will be running on Easter Sunday? I am hoping to catch the bus from Fira to Oia on that Sunday.

Thanks. Peggy

Yes, buses will be running on Easter.

Thank you for providing great information about santorini. I plan to visit Santorini around end of July. I read that we have to booked at least 3 months in advance. The thing is I’m flying on standby tickets, so there’s no way that I can do that. Do you suggest that i still go ahead with my plan or not? I have 2 kids, 9 and 5. Do you think it will be too crowded to visit around that time with kids? Thank you, Julie

I would not arrive on Santorini at the end of July without a pre-booked hotel room. If you were a backpacker who could take pretty much any size room, then OK. But with two kids, I wouldn’t risk it. That said, you say you’re on stand-by tickets – I’m assuming these are to Athens. So, if you arrived in Athens and then attempted to book hotels for Santorini (say, 2 or 3 days out) I think you’d be able to find something. Nothing fabulous with a view but something.

Thank you for your site and all the incite you provide on beautiful Santorini! I am really enjoying your site and learning so much! My hubby to be and I are going on our honeymoon in beginning of September for a week. We would like to book a car rental but after reading some many reviews on our people get scammed we are very hesitate. Can you please recommend a good trust worthy company to meet us at the port? Thank you so much! Melanie Joaquim

I’ve rented with Spiridakos and they’re fine. I wouldn’t go so far as to say they’re “trust worthy.” In fact, you should probably go into the process assuming that they’re not trust worthy and double check everything on the forms you sign. Get the extra insurance they offer and bargain with them (try to knock off 10% or 20% from the first price they offer – maybe in the form of including the extra insurance at no cost). Take pictures of the car (interior and exterior) before you drive away with it.

Thank you for getting back to me Dave! Much appreciate your tips. I will let you know how it all goes.

Hi Dave. So glad I found your site before our trip to Santorini at the end of this month (March). Our plan arrives at the airport on Santorini on March 23 at 7:15pm and our flight takes off from the airport in Santorini at 8:20am on March 26th. I’ve been searching for a bus schedule and saw the KTEL schedule but cannot make heads or tails of it. We are staying in Oia. Does the bus run at those times between Oia and the airport? Or should we take a taxi? How much should a taxi cost at those times of day? Do we need to get to the airport 2 hours in advance of our flight out?

A lot of your recommendations revolve around swimming, which I absolutely love to do, but I am guessing it will be too cold at the end of March. Would the hot springs be bearable? Hope I haven’t overloaded you with questions. So excited about our trip!! Sincerely, Sally

The bus will be running for your arrival but there are no direct buses from the airport to Oia. You’d need to take a bus to Fira then switch to the Oia-bound bus. The whole trip (including waiting at the airport for the bus) could easily take 1.5 hours. I’d take a taxi. There should be taxis waiting there when you arrive. Taxi from the airport to Oia should cost €25 to €30. And get to the airport 1 to 1.5 hours in advance. The water will be too cold to swim and hot springs are not that hot – more warmish springs. Not sure if there will be tours going to the volcano yet and even if there are you have to jump in the sea first and then swim towards the hot springs about 100m from the boat.

Hi Dave , Love your site it’s amazingly perfect. We are a group of 150 people coming to Santorini on a cruise in May and the time given at Santorini is from 4.30pm to 9.30pm. But I assume the time to get in and out of cruise we will be left with 3 hours. I Wanted to get an idea on what shall we do. As the shore excursions by the cruise are expensive. 1. Is it possible for our group to take the cable car up and come back to the port in 3 hours time? 2. What are the things to do around the port? Please suggest what we should do? Thanks Regards, Bhakti

It’s hard to see much of Santorini when you visit as part of a cruise. The lines to go up and down on the cable car will likely be huge and you’ll be visiting when everyone else from the ships are coming ashore. If you could walk down on your way back to the ship that would save you some time. There is little to see at the port so getting up to Fira is necessary to experience Santorini. With such limited time I would simply spend it walking north (towards Imerovigli) along the caldera path then turn around and walk back when you’ve had enough or run out of time.

Hopefully you’ll get to return to Santorini and stay on the island for a few nights. It’s the only way to really see the island.

Hi Dave we are visiting Santorini in June and wound like to get a ferry to Rethymon Crete as it’s the nearest port to where we are staying in Crete.The only problem is Seajets are saying there is no ferry to Rethymon only to Heraklion? I have read your website and you said there are ferries to Rethymnon, is the service discontinued you that are in the know? Anne Farrell

Some years there is a ferry between Rethymnon and Santorini but that does not appear to be running for this year. Could change but that’s how it currently stands.

Dave –

I have really enjoyed all of the information here! My husband and I are planning a 25th Wedding Anniversary trip in April and have been looking at Absolute Bliss as our hotel. How long would you suggest a couple would need to stay on Santorini to really capture the essence of the island? I have been considering another island but not sure yet.

Also, do you suggest the rental of a 4-wheeler to get around the island?

Thanks so much for any information you share!

2 nights minimum but 3 to 5 nights is best to really explore the island. Some people like 4-wheelers but I prefer a car. The ATVs are fine for short distances but taking it up to Oia then down to the south is a long windy trip in my opinion.

Wow Dave! Even your answers to others’ questions are helpful! Anyway, our family of 5 will be coming the first week of August and staying at the Katikes in Oia for 4 nights. We love to explore so planning on renting a car and getting in as much as possible. Should we rent at the airport and drive ourselves to the hotel or rent from the hotel? Also, do most locals on the island speak English (i.e if we get lost, can people help us)? Lastly, there are usually cars available to accommodate 5? Thanks so much for providing this wonderful site!

Christine Tran

Getting from the airport to Oia is easy in daylight but I wouldn’t want to do if you’re arriving after dusk. Katikies does not have parking and it will be tricky around the hotel. (You’ll always be able to find something but it can take some effort.) I suppose I’m almost talking myself into thinking it’s better to just take a taxi when you first arrive, then get a rental car the next day – it will be delivered right to the hotel and is super easy. You should be able to find a car for 5 without a problem but it being August I would probably arrange in advance. Definitely arrange in advance if you need a vehicle for 5 and it must be automatic (most cars are manual). Yes, most people speak english and getting directions is always easy. The island is small enough that you can usually “see” where you want to go (sort of) and then take the most obvious road in that direction. Obviously this isn’t full proof but it will generally get you to where you want to be as long as you aren’t on a tight schedule.

Hi Dave, We are going to Santorini in August and staying in Oia. Most sites I visit talk about the hike going TO Oia from Fira. Are the views as wonderful going in reverse, Oia to Fira, or do you recommend taking the bus to Fira and hiking to Oia?

Thanks! Kim

The direction doesn’t matter. Views are great both ways.

Quick question, and maybe stupid, but can we walk from Oia to Fira? Or is the view the best going the opposite direction. I ask because we are staying in Oia but very much still want to do the hike.

Jessica Mickles

Yes, walk is great in either direction.

Hi Dave I love your site! It’s been so helpful in planning my trip to Fira! I was hoping you could give me advice on taking the bus around the island. I’ve tried looking for maps and schedules of the public bus, but I can’t seem to find them anywhere (at least not in English!) Would you recommend travelling around with a private bus company and if so, which one? Thank you so much!

There is only one public bus schedule (KTEL). Fira is the hub of all bus routes. The main routes from Fira are north to Imerovigli and Oia. South to Akrotiri. Southeast to Perissa and Perivolos. Southeast to Kamari. And east to Monolithos and the airport. There are a few other less frequent routes too. Bus tickets cost between €1.60 and €2.20

The schedule to the ferry port changes often and is based on the arrival and departure times of the ferries.

HI Dave – Great site you have here! We are going to Santorini for my wife’s birthday and she really would like to see Shipwreck beach on Zakynthos island. How can we access that beach from Santorini? Is a day trip possible or is it too far? We are flying in on an overnight flight from NY and staying 2 nights in Athens & 5 nights in Santorini.

Thanks! Eugene

Shipwreck Beach is on the opposite side of Greece from Santorini. So you’d have 2 flights there and 2 flights back. Sorry, not doable.

Hello Dave and Thank you very much for your comprehensive guidance while for Santorini. We are going for Easter this year and would like to know if renting a private villa will be better then if we are to stay in a hotel and what area will be best for the great views, maybe you know some good sits to get in touch with private landlords for 10 days stay for 4 young children and 4 Adults, for easy reach of the sea side and things to do with kids. Thank you very much, Maria Morris

There are very few villas that have locations as good as the best hotels. I prefer staying at a hotel, getting pampered, and having the fantastic views to being out in the countryside where most of the villas are located (not all, but most). In any case, you have to choose between great view and easy-reach of the seaside as you can’t have both.

Hey Dave, we’re in Santorini for a lovely 9 days next July. We’re looking to split it 4 in Oia (looking at Gabbiano Apartments??) and then 4 on the beach with a pool. Where would you recommend and on which beach? As others have said your site is amazing. Cheers, Russ.

Gabbiano is a great little place in the quiet section of Oia. Wonderful views and a small market just up the lane. It does require a bit of walk (and a portion of that is on the road) into central Oia but it’s a very good value for what you get. Kamari and Persia are the 2 best beach towns. I slightly prefer the vibe in Perissa (fewer package tourists) and the sand is nicer but favor Kamari as it’s closer to the caldera towns than Perissa. (Since, you’ll already be spending 4 night in Oia perhaps that distinction is not as important.) In Kamari, Kastelli Resort is my favorite hotel. Two other pluses about Kamari are the open air cinema and the proximity to Metaxi Mas (one of the very best restaurants on Santorini and a short drive from Kamari).

Hi There, My and husband and me a re much interested in hiking, but we had a 2 year old baby, just wondering would the road be reliable to take baby on a buggy … or is there any alternative way to do this hike? … Could you please let us know. Thanks, Keerthi.

It’s a pretty good path but no, you can’t take a stroller on it.

Can you recommend a helicopter tour? I have only seen one company offering this: “Santorini Day Tours”. They charge quite a lot, so do you know of other ways to see Santorini by air? Morten

Santorini Day Tours is the main/biggest/most consistent company that does helicopter tours on Santorini. There is ABI and Interjet as well but all 3 have about the same rates: €400 per 10 minutes and up to 5 passengers. Not cheap!

We are travelling from Australia (2 Adults, 2 Kids – age 15 and 12) and are wanting to stay in Oia (we are there August 6-August12). Do you have any recommendations for accommodation that has Caldera views and use of a pool. We would appreciate a kitchenette for basic breakfasts but want to experience some great traditional Greek food too. We visited in years ago on a cruise ship and simply had to come back! Looking forward to any suggestions you may have.

Kind regards,

Lisa Durran.

Two hotels with rooms that allow kids your age and have caldera view and pool are the Family Room at Armeni Village (very small pool, great caldera view but no sunset view) and the Junior Suite at Esperas (pool is larger, great sunset views but not full caldera view).

Hi Dave! Thanks for all of your help! I am going to both Mykonos and to Santorini and would like to charter a boat for a day. Which island do you think would be a better place (prettiest, most unique views/destinations/experiences) to charter a boat? Thanks again, you are awesome!!

Santorini, for sure. That’s a phenomenal setting to charter a boat.

2 Questions: 1) Are the crowds or noise an issue at all in Fira for mid-April? 2) Does the Syrian refugee issue impact Santorini or Crete?

And your site is phenomenal!

1) Fira is quiet in April and noise will not be a problem at all. 2) The Greek islands that have lots of Syrian refugees are the ones close to Turkey – Kos, Rhodes, and Lesvos. Crete has had some boats arrive but much fewer. Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros have had zero refugee boats arrive (it’s not close to Turkey and not on the direct route to Western Europe).

Great website, super helpful!

Trying to plan a 2 week trip to Greece. Thinking 2 days in Athens, 6 days in Santorini, and 4 days in Naxos. Do you think 6 days in Santorini is too many? Should we consider adding a 4th place?

Thanks, Shreyas

I would probably add another island for the sake of diversity but I wouldn’t do because 6 days is too much on Santorini. It’s easy to spend 2 weeks on the island and not feel like you’ve had enough.

Hi Dave . We are staying in Santorini princess in April, can you recommend restaurants and bars nearby also if you can suggest the mode of transport to see around and is Santorini Princess good enough? Or should we change. Utsah

There is not much nearby to the Santorini Princess. Tasos Taverna is out on the main road from Imerovigli to Oia and is pretty good. There are many great restaurants in Imerovigli (about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the Princess). Imerovigli has a few places to get a drink with a view but for a true bar you’ll need to go to Fira. Renting a car is the best way to really see the island but there is a bus stop (with buses going to both Oia and Fira) a short walk from the Princess.

We are looking to book for our honeymoon in around 11th May. We have looked at the Amber Lights Villas, Imerovigili. The reviews look good but we are concerned we might be out of the way? Would you recommend this hotel? Also would you recommend us to stay in Imerovigili as we are looking for good views and to not too far from bars and restaurants. Will the weather be warm in early May? Your help would be very much appreciated! Thank you

The good: New hotel, good-sized pool, good value, nice view looking east. The not so good: Lousy location, nothing within walking distance, would need to rent a car, no caldera view (it’s on the opposite side of the island from the caldera). The weather in early May can be anything from beautiful warm sunny days to cloudy days with crisp nights and some rain showers, so be prepared for anything.

The hike from Fira to Oia sounds gorgeous. For a shorter hike would starting in Imerovigli and walking towards Oia knock some time/distance off without missing some of the nicer views? And if so, where would you access the path in Imerovigli?

Thanks a bunch! SK

Yes, this will definitely make it shorter. Take the bus from Fira (heading to Oia) and ask to get off at the Cavo Tagoo (just north of Imerovigli) – this is about half way between Fira and Oia. Still many of the best views are between here and Oia.

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32 Best Things To Do In Santorini

Updated On: February 28, 2024

Written By: Pavlos Inglesis

There are literally hundreds of activities, attractions, tours and excursions you can do in Santorini. Here is the ultimate list of what to do in Santorini to make this the best trip of your life. 

I have handpicked the ultimate list of the  Best Things To Do in Santorini  on the list below but depending on your situation this might differ for you (and that’s why I have categorised those depending on that) and you might be interested on different  attractions in Santorini .

READ ALSO:  Where To Stay in Santorini Best Beaches in Santorini Best Santorini Boat Tours Best Santorini Flying Dress Photoshoots Best Things to Do in Pyrgos

Good news is that Santorini is the island with the  most things to do than any other greek island  (definitely larger variety of tours and attractions than  Mykonos island  for example).

In my honest opinion the absolute  best things you can do in Santorini  are:

• Sunset Cruise with Meals and Drinks
• Hike the path between Fira and Oia
• Take a  Winery Tour   or visit a winery by yourself
• Wander the picturesque streets of  Oia ,  Fira  and  Pyrgos  towns
• Watch the sunset from Oia (though you won’t be alone..)
• Swim at one of the  best beaches of Santorini  (Kamari,Perissa, Perivolos)
• Enjoy the  nightlife of the island
• Eat at a  restaurant with a view
• Watch a movie at the  Open Air Cinema of Kamari
• Visit the  Ancient Akrotiri  (alone or with a  highly recommended guide )
• Have seafood and fresh fish at  Ammoudi Bay
• Visit and shop at  Atlantis bookshop
• Book a flying dress photoshoot in Imerovigli or Oia
• Visit the unique Santorini Wine Museum

But the list of amazing  things to do  and  attractions to see  on the island is literally endless and I have picked up 32 of them at the bottom of this article. Bad news  is that you probably won’t have the time to do all of them (especially if you are on the island for 3-4 days) so you have to choose wisely and make the best of your time on the island.

Jump in quickly:

• Best Things for Couples & Honeymooners
• Best Things for Families with Kids
• Best Things for Solo Travellers
• Best Things For Wedding Guests
• Best Things To Do In The Winter (Nov-April)

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

• If you are visiting the island for less than 4 days the best thing is to book a  Santorini Tour   with a guide that will show you the best of the island in a limited time
• Best Website To Book Any Tour in Santorini:  GetYourGuide  
• If you are coming on a cruise  and you only have a few hrs in Santorini take a guided tour  like this one
• You should definitely visit at least one winery  and if you don’t have the time to visit a second one then visit   Santowines Winery . You can also book a  winery tour  where a guide will take you around a few wineries and you don’t have to worry about transportation while…winetasting.
• You don’t have to pre-book every tour online  but if you are visiting during the summer months of June-September then things get sold out and it’s a good idea to have everything booked well in advance.

Let’s dive in and see the best things you can do while in Santorini:

1. Go on a Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise will most likely be the  highlight of your trip! I am strongly advising anyone who is asking what is the single best thing they can do on the island, to take a sunset cruise. Take to the water and view the island from a different perspective. Santorini is known for its amazing  sailing cruises , as you get a unique view of the volcanic landscape and the sunset. Most of the sunset cruises depart from the port of the island (it’s called Athinios).

Best Sunset Cruises  you can take in Santorini (and I do recommend to book online as during the high season these sell out quickly):

• Volcanic Islands Cruise
• 5-Hr Small Group Catamaran Cruise

2. Visit a Santorini Winery for wine tasting

Wine production in Santorini dates back to Roman times and it is still one of the main local products of the island. Santorini’s wine is exported all over the world ( read its history here ) and there are new amazing wineries popping up on the island. Santorini is famous for its  vineyards  and in all of the available wine tours of the island you will walk around the vineyards themselves and be given a detailed history of how wine has been produced on the island since 1500BC. If you only have time to visit one winery make sure it is the  SantoWines Winery  close to  Pyrgos  town. But if you are more in a rush and want something easy then it’s a very good idea to book a wine tour that will take you with a van to different wineries (wine trail). Most of the winery tours on the island also include the impressive Santorini Wine Museum , which deserves a visit by itself. These are the  Best Santorini Winery Tours :

• 4-hr Wine Tasting Tour
• Santorini Cooking Class and Wine Tour

3. Visit The Famous Red Beach

Santorini beaches  are legendary but the famous  Red Beach  is probably the most amazing and unique one of them all. The incredible geological formations of the black and red volcanic rocks come in contrast with the crystal clear turquoise waters of the blue sea, all composing a really unique landscape. A visit to the Red Beach is a must for every visitor of Santorini and while it might be incredibly busy during the high season, a selfie as you go down the rough path to the beach is always a perfect photo for your instagram feed! Be careful though, as it is highly recommended that you wear proper shoes  (flip flops or sandals is a no-go!)  as the path that leads to the beach is quite rough (not a long one though). The  Red Beach  is also very close to the  Ancient Akrotiri  prehistoric ruins so you can definitely combine those two and visit both at the same day. There are a few canteens and pop-up shops at the start of the path that leads to the beach, so you can buy water or drinks. There is also a  small parking space  and if you are visiting any month other than June, July or August you shouldn’t have any issues parking your car or ATV there. While on the beach, you will notice that there is a barricaded area which is basically to protect people from falling stones and rocks (yes, that can happen so be careful!). Though not the  best beach in Greece , Red Beach in Santorini is one of the most famous and most impressive ones. You will definitely not be alone on the beach because it’s such a touristic spot, but the scenery and the uniqueness of the landscape will definitely reward you.

• How To Get To the Red Beach:  if you have your own car or ATV, just follow the signs from the road from Fira to Perissa (same turn as Akrotiri) but you can also take the  Santorini local bus  that also goes to Akrotiri town.
• Red Beach on Google Maps

4. Visit The Unique Town of Oia

The idyllic town  of Oia  with its whitewashed houses and blue shutters is one of  the most photographed places  in Greece (and probably on earth!). Situated on top of an impressive cliff, it boasts spectacular views over the volcano of Palia and Nea Kameni islands. You can read more about Oia’s history  here . You should definitely wander among the maze of narrow streets with its  blue domed churches  and numerous art galleries and tavernas. Watching the  sunset from Oia  is considered one of the most magical moments you can have in your life… (even though in July and in August it might be super crowded). I won’t lie to you on that: Oia is a very touristic place and it might feel extremely crowded during sunset time (at any time of the year). No matter how touristic or crowded it might feel sometimes, Oia is an amazing place and you have to be there to understand her beauty. Pictures don’t do enough justice… Not to mention obviously that Oia is still the place with some of the most impressive and luxurious hotels in the world (like  Andronis Suites ): If you live in  a hotel near the sunset of Oia ,  then you are one of the lucky ones as you could literally enjoy it from your terrace or balcony in most of the cases. But if not…you can still stay at a cheaper hotel in Santorini ( like these ones ) and still  visit Oia  whenever you want.

• How To Get To Oia:  If you have your own means of transportation like a car, ATV or a motorbike it’s a 25mins drive from Fira (just before Oia you will be diverted because now the main road of Oia is only exit one way just to accommodate the crowds). There are several parkings where you can leave your vehicle (though not free; expect to pay around 3-5 euros for 5 hrs or so). You can always take the  local bus of Santorini  that departs from Fira regularly and it costs around 2 euros (one way)
• Oia on Google Maps

5. Watch the sunset from Profitis Ilias hilltop (yes…not from Oia)

Oia  is said to have some of the most beautiful sunsets on earth, but as a matter of fact there are many spots on the island to take in the stunning pink and gold rays as the sun drops into the Aegean sea. The village of  Imerovigli  with its panoramic views is one, as is  Vlychada beach  with its volcanic scenery.They can be equally romantic and mesmerising…. However, my favourite spot is not one of the famous ones. I prefer to watch the sunset in Santorini from a different spot. This spot is on the top of a hill on a place where a monastery exists. It is called  Profitis Ilias Monastery  and it’s the highest point on the island. The view from there is s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g ! On the way up you will find the sign for the monastery of Prophet Elias, where a Greek Air Force radar also exists(it’s on the other side…nothing to worry about).

• How To Get To Profitis Ilias Hill:  Unfortunately there is no local bus that can take you there, so you have to take your car or ATV to go. Just follow the signs from Pyrgos Village. The road to the top of the hill is narrow so be careful driving there:
• Profitis Ilias Monastery on Google Maps

6. Visit Eros Beach

Eros Beach  and  Theros Beach Bar  is one of the best well kept secrets of the island. An amazing and extremely relaxing beach bar situated at the edge of a beautiful white rock beach with crystal clear blue waters. Eros Beach , apart from being an extremely romantic and seclusive place, I believe it is an ideal location to get away from the touristic madness of other spots of Santorini.

• How To Get To Eros Beach:  Unfortunately there is no  local bus  that can take you to Eros Beach and that means you have to drive there by yourself. Just follow the signs to  Vlychada Beach  and then you will find a sign for a right turn to Eros Beach and Theros Beach Bar. Be careful though because the road that leads to Eros Beach is not paved with asphalt. You don’t need a 4×4 but just be prepared for that.
• Eros Beach on Google Maps

7. Try (by any means…) local fava beans

This is the  greek version of hummus  and you have to try it , by all means! The stunning local pureed fava beans are usually drizzled with fresh or caramelised red onions and olive oil (sometimes capers are added too). It is considered one of the best delicacies in Greece and you will find it in all of the  restaurants of Santorini. Of course there is a ton of other  amazing local products of Santorini  you should try while on the island!

8. Visit the picturesque towns of Pyrgos and Megalohori

Pyrgos  is a lovely village (but less touristic), with myriads of churches and small white paved streets and historic architecture galore. It also offers some amazing but different views of the island an some stunning sunset views on top of its glorious hill.. In my opinion, Pyrgos is equally beautiful with Oia and it’s less touristic…so you definitely have to visit it! If you happen to be in  Santorini during the Greek Orthodox Easter  (99% of the times it’s in April, every year) make sure to visit Pyrgos by all means on Good Friday, as the whole village is lit by small fires on the rooftops, giving the impression of a burning town. Pyrgos village is on Google Maps

9. Visit Akrotiri Prehistoric City Archaeological Site

Ancient Akrotiri prehistoric town  is one of the biggest archaeological discoveries in Greece and for many it is considered the  Pompeii of Greece. It’s a whole town that was once inhabited by about 30,000 people. There is a massive (quite new) impressive rooftop that is now protecting the whole site while there are still archaeologists working on the area. This is one of the most important ancient greek civilisations and it is impressive how the whole city was vanished overnight due to the volcanic eruption of Santorini back in 16th century BC. Many people consider this town to be the inspiration for  Plato’s famous story of Atlantis. The ticket costs 12 euros and I do recommend  hiring a guide to take you around  and explain in detail what you are actually seeing (not very clear to be honest…so a  guide  is totally worth it in my opinion).

READ MORE: Akrotiri Prehistoric City – All You Need to Know

• How to Get to Akrotiri Prehistoric Town:  there is a   local bus  that can take you there from Fira (the capital). If you have your own vehicle you can take the the road to Perissa from Fira and then follow the sign on the right that will also lead you to the Red Beach. In total it is about  25mins drive from Fira .
• Akrotiri Prehistoric Town on Google Maps

10. Hike to Skaros Rock

Surprisingly enough , Santorini has some really unique  castle and fortresses  that are always open to public. Skaros Rock  is actually one of them as it used to be a fortress for the buzzing medieval venetian capital of the island which used to be built around that rock. The ideal location of the rock was used to protect the houses of the venetian aristocracy from the pirates ships back in the 16th century. Hiking up there will give you the opportunity to see Imerovigli (as it sits in front of Imerovigli town) from a different view. You will see some of the most impressive  Santorini hotels  while there. The hike itself is not a tough one with the 300 stairs being the hardest bit. Though not as impressive as a castle you will find in Scotland or elsewhere in Europe, Skaros rock is definitely worth your hiking as the views to the volcano and the caldera are stunning!

• How to Get To Skaros Rock: You have to go to Imerovigli first and from there go down to find the chapel/church of Agios Georgios (you can also follow the signs to  Grace Santorini Hotel  too) where the path to Skaros rock basically starts. From there, you will definitely see other people hiking up the rock and the stairs so just follow the crowds!
• Skaros Rock on Google Maps

11. Swim at the Black Beaches of Perissa and Perivolos

Perissa and Perivolos  are basically the same long beach with tens of restaurants and beach bars options for you, to basically spend the whole day there. Perissa  is the famous  black beach of Santorini. There are lots of beach bars, tavernas, pizzerias and cafe places along the main beach road of Perissa and there are lots of sea activities too (diving school, jet ski rental places, beach volleyball courts). The black Beach in Santorini is the  ideal location for kids  and families as it’s literally the best spot for the children to play around and have an awesome day by the water. It’s a totally safe and awesome environment where the whole family can have fun and spend a beautiful day out. However, I should say that Perissa and Perivolos beach (aka “the black beach”) are not worth your visit during the  winter in Santorini . Even though the amazing black beach and the sea is still there,  most of the businesses , restaurants and hotels are closed between November and April every year,  so it’d be good to have that in mind if you are not visiting Santorini during the high season (May-October). The weather is quite cold between November and April and you won’t be able to swim at the sea (you can definitely try if you want!!). You can certainly visit the beach but do not expect to spend any time there.

• How To Get To The Black Beach:  there are many regular buses from Fira to Perissa and lots of bus stations close and on the beach road. If you have your own car or ATV it is a 20 mins drive from Fira to Perissa.
• Black Beach (Perissa) on Google Maps

12. Hike the trail between Oia and Fira

Some people consider this one of the best attractions in Santorini for very good reasons. It’s roughly a  2.5-3 hours hiking trail  which can be a bit steep at some points but it’s definitely worthwhile doing as it will reward you with some of the best views of the island. It is not a difficult hiking tour but you definitely have to be in good shape. The  Caldera Guided Hike  is the best walking tour from  Fira to Oia . Make sure you do the hiking early morning or late in the afternoon as in the summer it could be super hot and the sun may easily exhaust you. Take plenty of water with you and plenty of sun cream and…off you go!  Or you can just hike early in the morning (especiall if it’s summer). This link  provides all the details about the path itself, the starting and end point of the path and other info along the way.

13. Visit the amazing Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay  is just a small picturesque bay just below Oia. This is where you will probably see some of the most crystal clear sea waters of your life!In Ammoudi you will find a few very good seafood restaurants like  Katina Fish Tavern  ,  Sunset Tavern   and  Dimitris Taverna  where you will literally be seated next to the water. From  Ammoudi  you can take the long staircases path up to Oia. I know that taking the steps is tiring but please do not take a donkey up to Oia… This has been a major issue the last years and the good news is that there is  some movement to stop this cruelty .

• How To Get To Ammoudi Bay:  You can go to Ammoudi by going down the stairs from Oia or by driving through the road and park a few meters before the bay (or behind it). There is no local bus that can take you to Ammoudi and if you don’t have your own means of transportation you can just take a taxi from Oia or just walk the stairs down. You can then call a taxi from one of the restaurants at Ammoudi.
• Ammoudi on Google Maps

14. Visit the white Vlychada Beach

Apart from the famous black beach and the unique Red Beach there is one more colour that  Santorini beaches  cover: white! This is  Vlychada beach  and it is super impressive, as the geological formations of the rocks are very dramatic as the long beach unfolds in front of your eyes. Vlychada beach  is also one of the most quiet and peaceful places of the island and probably ideal for beach reading. Apart from having an impressive beach, Vlychada is also a small fishing village with some really good fish tavernas and restaurants:

• How To Get To Vlychada Beach:  There are 3 local buses a day from Fira to Vlychada so…your options are pretty limited if you don’t have your own vehicle. if you have your own car or ATV you can take the road from Fira to Perissa and you will find a right turn to Vlychada Beach and to Eros Beach too. It’s about 20 mins drive from Fira in total.
• Vlychada on Google Maps:  https://goo.gl/maps/wQ3wzGriz9k

15. Visit the family-friendly Kamari Beach

Apart from Perissa, Perivolos, Vlychada and the Red Beach there is one more really famous and totally worth your visit  Santorini beach :  Kamari Beach. Kamari is a long beach with black pebbles and sand which is very well organised with all types of amenities, restaurants, sunbeds, umbrellas and beach bars. Kamari  and  Perissa  are the most family friendly places/areas of Santorini. A day at the beach is always a very good day for a kid and Kamari can offer lots of good options for both adults and kids. You can even dive from the rock which is on the right of the beach and…diving is always super cool, right?

• How To Get To Kamari:  There are regular local buses throughout the day from Fira to Kamari and it’s about a 15mins journey. If you drive then just follow the road to Kamari/Airport (there are lots of signs).
• Kamari on Google Maps

16. Get On The Cable Car

Just to be clear:  this is not an attraction ride but a 3 min ride from the Old port of Santorini to Fira. It offers amazing views to the island and it’s a fun way to go up and down the hill. Please do not choose to ride the donkeys (especially if you just came down from a cruise ship). The whole world is boycotting this cruelty. The cable car ticket costs 10 euros and you cannot book a return ticket. You have to book each ride individually. Normally there shouldn’t be any long queues or crowds (apart from the times when a cruise ship has just arrived obviously when you have to wait for more than 45 minutes to get in). Each cable car can fit 6 people and the views are stunning.

• How To Get the cable car:  you can take the cable car down the hill from Fira or the old port.
• Cable Car on Google Maps

17. Witness a Greek Wedding

This is seriously fun and it is a true representation of a traditional greek wedding (I know because I have been in quite a lot of weddings in Greece!).

Book it here

This is an interactive play / show where you will be taught how to dance  traditional greek dances , you will  eat yummy greek nibbles , you will drink lots of  Santorini wine  and most importantly you will have lots of fun, like greeks and locals do in their private lives. You will see all the traditional things that greeks do (or in some cases used to do…)  in their weddings like  smashing plates , dancing like crazy and drink awesome wine! 

This is one of the newest things to do in Santorini and it is has become a viral sensation for everyone visiting the island!

18. Relax at Katharos Lounge

Katharos Lounge  is one of the most relaxing spots of the island and it is a vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurant with amazing views over Katharos Beach. The building has a very unique energy and it was a hospital back in the mid 1900’s. Now, it’s a super relaxing lounge bar with mesmerising sunset views of the Katharos Bay. The couple that refurbished the whole building from the ground up also have  a lovely story  and they love cool music too. Unfortunately,  Katharos Lounge  on Katharos beach is not open between the months of November and April. It’s open only between May-October.

• How To Get To Katharos Lounge:  There is no local bus that can take you there. You have to drive yourself unfortunately or take a taxi. If you drive yourself just follow the signs from Oia to Ammoudi and you will see a sign for Katharos on the right.
• Katharos Lounge on Google Maps

19. Wander the streets of Imerovigli town

Imerovigli  is a cute little neighbourhood (not a town really) next to Fira. This is the place that has the  most luxurious hotels in Santorini  and it is the place where you will find yourself suddenly walking next to someone’s plunge pool! So be careful of that… Imerovigli  is the ultimate destination to take amazing photos of the caldera and the volcano. Alternatively, you can always take the  Photography Tour of Santorini  and be guided by a professional photographer who will show you what the best spots on the island are (some of them are indeed at Imerovigli). Imerovigli is also the home of the best hotel in Santorini which is  Grace Hotel Santorini  . Imerovigli is also opposite the famous Skaros Rock and you can combine that walk with your hiking to the famous rock.

• How To Get To Imerovigli:  Imerovigli is only 2km away of Fira and there is a local bus that can quickly take you there. Alternatively, you can just take the main road from Fira to Oia and park at the main square of Imerovigli. It’s about 5 mins drive from Fira but to be honest you can even walk From Fira. it’s about 25 mins walk.
• Imerovigli on Google Maps

20. Buy books from Atlantis Bookshop in Oia

Atlantis Bookshop  in Oia is one of the cutest and most famous bookstores in the world with a very inspiring story of a bunch of people who…just followed their dreams and did what they wanted most in life. Craig Walzer  , one of its founders has even spoken at TedX Athens. The thing that actually bothers recently its owners the most is the fact that many people just visit the bookstore and don’t actually buy any books. People started seeing it more like a Santorini attraction rather than an actual bookstore and that is hurting their business who needs Santorini visitors to survive in the harsh economic environment of Greece. So, if you visit the bookstore don’t just take pictures and leave. Buy your beach books from their amazing collections and you won’t regret it…

• How To Get To Atlantis Bookstore:  The bookstore is to your left side as you go to the main sunset location of Oia (just follow the crowds of the main street of Oia… you won’t miss it!).
• Atlantis Bookstore on Google Maps

21. Rent an ATV or quad in Santorini

Riding on an  ATV or quad in Santorini  is certainly a fun thing to do. This recently has become the most common means of transportation on the island and there are hundreds of places from where you can now rent a quad bike on Santorini. However, you should be careful about driving those as they tend NOT to be the most stable vehicles in the world and Santorini’s streets are not the best.

• Where To Rent An ATV (quad) in Santorini:  the best thing to do is to rent it online through  Bikesbooking

22. Visit the Santorini Tomato Industrial Museum

Tomato Industrial Museum “D.Nomikos”  is a museum in Vlychada that you certainly don’t expect to find on an island like Santorini but Santorini’s exceptional cherry tomatoes have been a part of the island’s history for centuries! This factory used to be one of the largest of its kind in Greece and in Europe, but it had ceased producing any canned tomato paste since 1981. It has then been converted to a  museum  and an Arts exhibition center with lots of visitors from around the world.The factory is in Vlychada beach so you can either go there by the local bus or by driving. READ MORE: Santorini Tomato Museum – All You Need to Know

24. Visit the unique Art Space Winery & Gallery

Art Space winery  in Santorini is a very unique place that combines a family winery and the love of its owner for art. When you visit the winery you will be guided by the owner himself (Mr. Antonis Argyros) who will give you a tour and let you wander in the beautiful cave rooms that are filled with art pieces, paintings and sculptures from artists from all over the world. It is one of the best attractions in Santorini! At the end , you will have a wine tasting session with the owner himself who will explain the traditions of wine making of his family , You can buy both art pieces and wine. It’s a fact that only good things can happen when you combine amazing wine and art…so, this is totally worth your visit! (also do not forget to try the amazing  Vinsanto wine  of the winery; one of the best on the island!)

• How To Get To the Art Space Winery:  The Art Space WInery inery is close to Pyrgos town on your way to Kamari. You can either take a local bus and get off the main road that goes to Kamari and then walk or just drive there by following the signs on your right hand side from the main road from Fira to Kamari. Google Maps is always your friend!
• Art Space Winery on Google Maps

25. Try the local “Donkey” beer

Santorini has its own  local brewery  with its own beer brand called  “Donkey” . You will find the Donkey beer in all restaurants and tavernas of the island and it comes in 3 different types: Yellow Donkey (lagered ale), Red Donkey (lagered ale) and Crazy Donkey (IPA). Here are all the beers  that the brewery is producing. You can also  visit the brewery  itself and even buy Donkey merchandise which is pretty cool, anyways. The brewery itself is not something super impressive but you can definitely stop by for a few minutes as you drive to Kamari beach and grab your beers.

• How To Get To Santorini Donkey Brewery:  the brewery is on the main road from Fira to Kamari and you will see it on your right hand as you go towards Kamari. There is a small parking lot outside of the brewery but there is also a  local bus  stop that stops in front of the brewery. This is the bus from  Fira to Kamari .
• Santorini Donkey Brewery on Google Maps

26. Hike on the active Volcano of Santorini and swim at the hot springs

Hiking on the  active volcano of Santorini  is one of the best things you can do on the island. The  best way  to explore the volcano and actually hike on it is through a  Santorini Cruise  that will actually take you to the volcano itself but also take you to the hot springs close to the volcano and to the small island of Thirassia.

The Best Volcano Cruises of Santorini are the following:

• Volcanic Islands and Hot Springs Cruise
• Volcano and Thirassia Sunset Cruise

Almost all of the  sunset cruises  of the island depart from the port of Athinios (the port where the big ferries from Athens also stop).Your cruise operators will give you instructions on where to meet and they may offer transport from your hotel. Hiking the volcano  is a really cool experience but you really need to bring  proper shoes  for hiking as the terrain is tough and flips flops won’t do the job unfortunately… You would need  about 30 mins  to reach the top of the volcano where the views are stunning. The other cool thing you can actually experience while on the volcano cruise is swimming at the hot sulphur springs. Τhis can be really fun and depending on the cruise itself you have about 30mins to 1 hr in the springs themselves. If you actually book a more private (and obviously more expensive cruise  like this one ), you can pretty much organize the schedule as you want with your crew and even stay longer at the places where you feel you want more time!

27. Go for kitesurfing, surfing and SUP at Monolithos Beach

Kitesurfing ,  surfing  and  standup paddleboarding (SUP)  at Monolithos beach is another fun thing you can do in Santorini. Greek islands are famous for their strong winds in the summer time and Monolithos beach (which is the beach literally behind the airport of Santorini) is no exception to that. Monolithos beach  has been a hotspot for  surfing  for decades and now it’s a famous spot for  kitesurfing  too. Dimitris and Manolis are the 2 guys who own and run the famous  Santorini Kitesurfing Lessons and Rentals  and they offer a variety of options with  lessons , rentals or both. You can rent kitesurfing equipment for 50 euros for 1 hour. If you are looking to get  kitesurfing lessons  this will cost you 80 euros for 1 hour. (obviously  check their website  for the updated pricelist).

• How To Get To Monolithos Beach:  Monolithos beach is literally behind the Santorini Airport so no matter where you are, just follow the airport signs. There is also a local bus that can take you to Monolithos and it will cost you about 2 euros and it will take about 15 mins from Fira.
• Monolithos Beach on Google Maps

28. Experience the nightlife at Fira town

You have certainly seen the amazing relaxing photos and the romantic pics from the island but the  nightlife in Santorini  is equally awesome and if you are in the mood for it, then Fira is the place to be! The best nightclubs and bars in Fira are  :  2 Brothers ,  Tropical ,  Tango Bar ,  Koo Club ,  Enigma  and  Murphy’s . You should bear in mind though that all these places  are only open during the summer high season which is between April-October.   They  all close down at the end of October and open up late April or early May  so do check out their social media and websites. While the big clubs like  Koo  and  Enigma  are focused mostly on greek pop music ,  Murphy’s  is focusing on mainstream international pop and hip hop music. These are basically the  best options for solo single travellers  but Tango Bar  is considered a more posh option for a night out (with amazing cocktails and views).

Read More on my detailed guide:  Nightlife in Santorini

29. Relax at Franco’s Lounge Cocktail Bar at Fira or Pyrgos

Franco’s Bar  at Fira has been on the island since the 90’s and it is in my opinion the single best spot for a cocktail, listening to the most relaxing lounge and classical music you could ever imagine overlooking the famous caldera views. But Franco’s has a second location in Santorini and it’s at the top of Pyrgos town. This is an even better and less known spot to watch the amazing sunset from a different and less touristic spot:

• How To Get To Franco’s Bar:  Franco’s Bar at Fira on the main road of Fira as you go down the street on your left hand side. It is very difficult to miss it. Franco’s Bar at Pyrgos is at the top of the village and that means you have to walk up there, next to the church that sits on the top. You can go to Pyrgos village with a local Santorini bus from Fira or with a taxi. It’s a 10 mins drive and then you obviously have to walk to the top.
• Franco’s Bar at Fira on Google Maps
• Franco’s Bar at Pyrgos on Google Maps

30. Watch a movie at the Open Air Cinema at Kamari

Obviously if you are not from Greece you don’t actually know that  open air cinemas are a thing. It’s a big thing! We actually call them  “Summer Cinemas”  in greek because they actually operate from May till September. This is where I have spent most of my Saturday’s summer nights as a kid growing in Greece… The  Open Air Cinema at Kamari  is one of the best and most famous ones in Greece and it is a great night out. There is even a bar inside the cinema so you can get a  glass of Santorini wine  and drink it along with some nibbles under the stars, watching a movie! Happy Days! Movies are always in English original audio with Greek subtitles. The doors open at 20:30 and the movie starts at 21:30.

BE CAREFUL THOUGH:  Kamari Open air Cinema is only open in June, July, August and September. It then shuts down for the winter.

• How To Get To Kamari Open Air Cinema:  The cinema itself is on the main road from Fira to Kamari and you can either take the local bus (there is a bus stop outside of the cinema) or you can drive there. It’s 15 mins drive from Fira on your right hand side as you go towards Kamari.
• Kamari Open Air Cinema on Google Maps

31. Eat at the Mezzo Restaurant at Imerovigli

Mezzo Restaurant  is the best restaurant with a view in Santorini. Hands down! it is located in Imerovigli and the views to Skaros Venetian rock and the caldera are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. A few other amazing Santorini restaurants are:  Avocado  ,  Metaxy Mas  ,  Ambrosia  ,  Argo  .

• How To Get To Mezzo Restaurant:  First you need to get to Imerovigli village (2km from Fira) and then you need to get onto the small alley of Imerovigli. Then go down the alleys of Imerovigli and follow the signs you will see (close to Spiliotica Suites).
• Mezzo Restaurant on Google Maps

32. Hike to Ancient Thera ruins

Ancient Thera  is basically on the top of the mountain/big rock that separates Perissa and Kamari beaches and it is an old city that was inhabited between 9th century BC until 726 AD. It was the old capital of the island! The easiest way you can reach the ancient Thera site is by either walking the path behind the main parking lot of Kamari up to the top or drive to the entrance of the site and then walk inside the town.  It’s about 1 hr hike  through a pretty easy path (but obviously proper shoes, a bottle of water and sunscreen are necessary !). You can also hike from Perissa but this is gonna be tiring and the path is not good (especially during the hot summer months). Once up there, you have to pay a small admission  fee which is 4 euros. Bear also in mind that the site is  open from 08:30 to 14:30 everyday except from Mondays when it is closed. But honestly, the best thing up there is not the ruins themselves. Compared to other archaeological sites in Greece or Athens, there is nothing really impressive to be honest. The best thing up there is the stunning views of Perissa, Kamari and the sea.

• How To Get To Ancient Thera:  see the instructions above! Best way is to go through the parking lot at Kamari. There are no  local buses  that can take you there but  these guys have tours  you can take.
• Ancient Thera ruins on Google Maps

33. Flying Dress Photoshoot

If you are looking for something unique yet completely viral thing to do in Santorini then this is the best. Booking a photoshoot on the blue roofs of Oia or Imerovilgi while wearing a fabulous long dress is probably one of the cheesiest yet most amazing things you can do while on holiday on Santorini island. These are usually 1-hour photo sessions with a full crew of professional photographers and assistants (who usually hold the dresses so that they look like they are “flying”) and you will get the final photos a few of weeks later. These guys are probably the best on the island and they can definitely make you feel like a celebrity during the session.

But depending on your situation the things you might be interested in doing while in Santorini may differ, so I categorised the best things to do per case:

Best Things For Couples & Honeymooners

Santorini  is ideal for honeymooners and couples as there are lots of romantic things to do together. These are the best things you can do while on Santorini:

• Go on a  Sunset Cruise
• Visit and wander the streets of  Oia ,  Imerovigli ,  Fira   and  Pyrgos   towns
• Go for a  Winery Tour
• Have a seafood dinner at Ammoudi ( Katina’s  is the best restaurant at Ammoudi bay)
• Eat at  Mezzo Restaurant  at Imerovigli
• Relax at  Eros Beach and Theros Beach Bar
• Have a cocktail at  Franco’s Bar at Fira  and at  Franco’s in Pyrgos
• Watch the sunset from Oia and Profitis Ilias hilltop
• Watch a movie under the stars at the  Open Air Cinema at Kamari
• Book a flying dress photoshoot
• Visit the Santorini Wine Museum

Best Things For Families With Kids

Santorini is ideal for families and kids  as there are lots of attractions and things to do. There are also many family friendly hotels (such as:  Tsitouras Collection  or  Tamarix Del Mar ). 

These are the  best things to do with kids in Santorini :

• Go on a  Sunset and Volcano Cruise
• Hike the path from Fira to Oia
• Swim at  Perissa Black Beach  (you can spend a whole day there)
• Swim at  Kamari Beach  (you can also spend a whole day there)
• Visit the  famous Red Beach
• Visit the  prehistoric Akrotiri town
• Visit the  Tomato Museum
• Visit the  Wine Museum (they don’t really have to taste the wine but it’s great for them to know about the history of wine making)
• Visit the  Akrotiri Lighthouse
• Try  Water Sports  in Perissa

Best Things For Solo Travellers

Travelling solo in Santorini  can be great because there are so many things to do and so many places to meet other people that you will never feel alone on this island.

If you are visiting in the summer, then the best thing is to stay close to the beach side areas where all the beach bars will be buzzing all day long with endless parties or stay closer to Fira to be able to explore the great  nightlife of the island .

These are the  Best Things for solo travellers in Santorini :

• Go on a  Sunset and Volcano Cruise  and hike the volcano
• Explore the  amazing beach bars of Perissa  and the  nightlife of Fira
• Go on a  Winery Tour
• Go for  Kitesurfing at Monolithos Beach
• Visit the  Akrotiri Prehistoric Ruins

Best Things for Wedding Guests

Santorini  is an ideal  wedding destination  but your guests can also have an awesome time and spend a few days to explore the island. These are the best things to do with or without your wedding guests:

• Hike the path from Fira to Oia  and take hundreds of photos
• Go on a Group  Winery Tour
• Swim at  Perissa Black Beach  and have a lunch or dinner there 

Best Things to Do In The Winter (Nov-April)

In  winter , there is no beach life in Santorini which means you have to stay at Fira to be closer to all the buzz. When it’s  windy  and  cold  in Santorini there is not that many things to do but the amazing landscape is still there. The best thing you can do is to stay as close as possible to Fira which is the liveliest town of Santorini in the winter. There won’t be any nightclubs or beach bars open… 

But there are still plenty of things you can do in the  winter in Santorini : 

• Hike to  Ancient Thira
• Visit  Ammoudi Bay   taking the steps from Oia

So, there you have them! The  best things to do in Santorini  though really depend on what your situation is (couple, solo, with kids, senior etc). There is more attractions in Santorini than any other greek island so you can really use that to your benefit when you are deciding  how long to stay in Santorini . If you don’t have enough time for all of those things and you only have 1 or 2 days on the island then you should definitely do a  sunset cruise , visit  Oia  and visit a  winery  (Santowines is the best). But…no matter what you do…or   where you stay … there is one thing for sure: Santorini will definitely be on the top 3 of the places you will ever be in your lifetime!

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:

🛏️ Booking.com   is the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete  (more than Airbnb!)

⛴️ Ferryhopper   is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands

🏺 Get Your Guide  has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

🚙 Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options

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TOP RATED HOTELS IN:

Oia:  Maregio Suites Fira:  Cosmopolitan Suites Imerovigli:  Grace Santorini Firostefani:  Tsitouras Perivolos:  Orabel Suites Perissa:  Anastasia Princess Kamari:  Sunrise Studios

TOP RATED VILLAS IN:

Oia:  Anemi House

Fira:  Anteliz Villa

Kamari:  Eolia Villa

Pyrgos:  Sensation Villa

Akrotiri:  Cavo Ventus

Firostefani:  Villa Aura

Imerovigli:  Grace Villa

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI:

🌄 Sunset Cruise with Meals and Drinks

🍷 Half-Day Wine Adventure Tour

🥾 Hike the path from Fira to Oia

ALL AVAILABLE FERRIES TO GREEK ISLANDS:

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My name is Pavlos and I come from the beautiful country called Greece. You can follow me on Twitter here and I will try to do my best to respond to you personally. This is my blog to help you plan your next holidays to Greece and the greek islands, whether it is Santorini, Mykonos, Crete or even Athens. I was actually born in Athens and I have been to almost all of the greek islands and pretty much most of mainland Greece. I know the ins and outs of my country and hopefully my travel blog will help you make the most of your holidays.

Booking.com  i s the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete  (more than Airbnb!)

Ferryhopper    is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands

Get Your Guide  has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options

Booking.com Flights  has all the available flights to and from the greek islands

Santorini Secrets

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Santorini Sights & Landmarks

The active volcano

Views from 3-dome church in Oia

The archaelogical site of Akrotiri

Discover the Best Sights of Santorini! Perched on the edge of steep cliffs, the picturesque villages of Santorini offer a charming view of the Aegean Sea and the submerged volcano. Apart from the caldera villages with traditional Cycladic architecture, such as Oia and Fira, there are much more sights & attractions to discover in Santorini.

In brief, Santorini is famous for its stunning sights; the  caldera , the active volcano , and the  romantic sunset are probably the most enchanting.

You can see the best Sights of Santorini below : Ancient sites, Museums, Churches, Castles, and more points of interest . You can filter all attractions by category and location. After seeing all the sights, don't miss to check out All Things to Do in Santorini (best beaches, villages, restaurants, and more)

The volcano of Santorini is the most famous sight on the island. It stands in the middle of the sunken caldera, right opposite the coastline of Santorini. It is located on the island of Nea Kameni and many tour boats go there from Fira.  Not to miss: Best Boat Trip to the Volcano

The caldera is undoubtedly a natural wonder and one of the most bewitching sights in Santorini. The volcanic explosion that occurred on the island more than 3,500 years ago changed the topography of the Mediterranean coast forever.

Hot Springs

Ranking among the very best in Europe, the hot springs of Santorini cannot be missed if you wish to experience the essence of the island: its volcanic nature. Have a rejuvenating bath in their therapeutic waters and take in the breathtaking views of the caldera.

Discover the Best Boat Trips & Activities

BOOK A VOLCANO BOAT TRIP

Romantic Sunset

The sunset of Santorini is probably the most famous in the world and cannot be missed. It is gorgeous from every part of the island, but the sunset in Oia is one of the best things to see during your holiday. Thousands of couples in love come to Santorini every year to see the sunset or get married with this lovely background.

The Castle of Oia comprises one of the most popular viewpoints on the island. It consists of exterior walls, houses, and a small church dedicated to Saint Nikolaos.

Skaros Rock

Around 20 minutes on foot west of Imerovigli lies Skaros, a strange rock featuring the remains of a Venetian Castle. The area offers beautiful views of the caldera.

Explore the island with your own car

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Emporio Castle

Situated in the south part of Santorini, the Castle of Emporio and Goulas Tower are two worth-seeing sights in Santorini because of their great historical background and architecture. They were built in order to protect the locals from the pirates’ attacks, while the Tower used to serve as a storehouse for the cultivators’ crops in the past too.

Oia Blue Dome Churches

Along with the breathtaking caldera in the background, the blue-domed churches constitute the most photographed scenery of the Cyclades, being depicted in thousands of cart postales. 

Akrotiri Minoan Site

The Minoan Town of Akrotiri is one of the most important sights in Santorini and probably its most famous ancient site. It is located on the southern side of the island and the town was found almost intact, covered with layers of ashes. Scientists believe that this town was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Santorini in about 1,650 BC. After many years of being closed down, the site reopened to visitors in April 2012.

Ancient Thera

Ancient Thera is located on top of a cliff near Kamari. The road is a bit difficult and windy, but this is one of the must-see sights in Santorini. It is situated between Kamari and Perissa beaches and offers beautiful views over the Aegean sea.

Archaeological Museum

TThe Archaeological Museum of Santorini is located on Fira, the capital village of the island. It hosts sculptures, ceramics, statues, small vases, and findings from the ancient cemetery of Thera. The exhibits may not be as impressive as the exhibits of the Prehistoric Museum but it is still worth a visit.

Museum of Prehistoric Thera

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is located in Fira and exhibits findings from the prehistoric times that have been excavated from Akrotiri, the Ancient Thera and other areas on Santorini. Exhibits include ceramics, marble statues, Minoan frescoes from Akrotiri, tools, and weaponry.

Thirassia Island

Thirassia is a small island just opposite Oia, frequently connected to Santorini by tour boats. This is a remote place with untouched nature and few inhabitants.

Santorini is home to approximately 70 traditional windmills. The one located in Oia constitutes a picture-perfect spot to enjoy the charming sunset.

Tomato Industrial Museum

Tomato-based products are the second most famous thing produced in Santorini after wine. The Tomato Industrial Museum in Vlychada allows you to find out more about the long and fascinating history of tomato production on the island.

Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum

Prophet elias monastery.

The Monastery of Prophet Elias is located on the highest peak of Santorini 565m. It comprises an ideal destination for trekking and offers a gorgeous view of the island. The Monastery also hosts a small ecclesiastical museum.

3 Dome church

The 3 dome church guarantees breathtaking views of the setting, including the quaint caldera, the Aegean sea, and the photogenic blue-domed churches of Oia.

Catholic Cathedral

The Catholic Cathedral is very close to the Orthodox Church. It is located in the Catholic quarter of Fira Santorini and distinguishes for its vibrant colors. The church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The bell tower was rebuilt after the terrible earthquake of 1956 that hit the island.

Theoskepasti chapel

Theoskepasti chapel is one of the lesser-known yet very enchanting churches in Santorini. Its location ensures panoramic views of the deep-blue waters of the Aegean.

The lighthouse of Akrotiri comprises one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece. Its location on the southwestern side of the island gives an amazing view of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.

DISCOVER MORE THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI

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The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

15 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

20 March 2024 · In: Greece , Santorini , Travel

Are you looking for the  best things to do in Santorini ? You have come to the right place! This article walks you through  15 top attractions and activities to add to your bucket list  for an unforgettable vacation, whether you are travelling as a couple, family with children or with friends.

When you think of the  Cyclades Islands , images of Santorini will likely come to mind. Diverse and elegant, this Greek island is  full of hidden gems  and  one of the most romantic places  to get away from it all. 

Renowned for its  picturesque villages  like Oia and Fira, Santorini offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture. From its  volcanic beaches  and  crystal-clear waters  to its  world-class cuisine and wine , you will never get bored.

After visiting Crete and Rhodes, Santorini was next on my travel bucket list. I could not stop dreaming about those  whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and beautiful sunsets . So my partner Matt and I decided to book a trip to the Greek island and enjoy it for a week. It was the perfect way to  take a break  from work and  relax under the sun .

So, are you ready to discover the  top 15 experiences you must try in Santorini ? Let’s get started! And, of course, let me know in the comments below if you have any other suggestions 😊

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information, please  read our full affiliate disclosure .

15- Uncover the Thirasía Island

Overview: what to do in santorini.

1- Wander through Oia 2- Sail along the Caldera 3- Hike from Fira to Oia 4- Visit Ammoudi Bay 5- Go on a wine tour 6- Watch a film at the Kamari cinema 7- Stroll through Pyrgos 8- Discover unique archaeological sites

9- Relax on the many beaches 10- Hike to the top of the volcano 11- Stop at Akrotiri Lighthouse  12- Explore the capital Fira  13- Head to the top of Mount Profitis Ilias 14- Get lost in Megalochori 15- Uncover the Thirassia island 16- Enjoy! ☀️

Santorini’s top attractions – Map

Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.

15 unique things to do in Santorini

1- Wander through Oia

Oia is a  charming village  located on the northern tip of Santorini. It is one of the most beautiful towns on the Greek island, and you have probably come across many photos of this stunning place online.

Renowned for its  breathtaking sunsets, narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings with blue-domed churches , it is a picturesque destination you should not miss!

Perched on the cliffs above the Aegean Sea, the village offers stunning  panoramic views of the caldera and the surrounding islands .  The caldera is a cauldron-like hollow formed after the magma chamber emptied during the Thera volcanic eruption.

Day or night, Oia is also one of the  most popular and vibrant places on the island , filled with luxury hotels, restaurants with a view and designer boutiques. 

One of the best things to do is  stroll through its narrow streets . It does not take long to explore the town, around 30 minutes to the sunset point. And, of course, you will want to take your camera with you, as every turn will surprise you with a beautiful vantage point.

However, keep in mind that it gets very crowded at sunset. But it is still worth your time. And since there are so many streets, you will always find another way to explore without too many people. 

Finally, its  unique architecture and lively atmosphere  make Oia a popular spot for couples on a romantic getaway and an iconic representation of the beauty found in the Cyclades archipelago.

2- Sail along the Caldera

Sailing along the Caldera in Santorini is a  fascinating experience  offering a  unique perspective  of the dramatic coastline of the island. As someone with a passion for the sea, this activity was on my bucket list.

We asked our Airbnb host for advice on the best cruise and decided to go with Sunset Oia. We had a great time, so I recommend them.

You will find on their website different tours and types of boats depending on what you want to do and your budget. We were on the Diamond cruise, and we loved it. As there were a maximum of 20 people, it was intimate and very calming. We also had drinks onboard and a barbecue with fresh local produce. 

The journey reveals the  impressive cliffs  adorned with iconic white-washed buildings, cascading down to the  crystal-clear waters  of the Aegean Sea. 

As the boat glides along the Caldera, you will be treated to  panoramic views  of vibrant volcanic landscapes and the distinct architecture of Oia and Fira. 

If you are lucky, you will also end your cruise tour with an  unforgettable sunset  from the boat. 

The tranquil blue waters, combined with the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, create an  unforgettable and serene sailing adventure , providing an intimate encounter with the natural beauty of Santorini – a perfect activity for couples!

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES I RECOMMEND

3- hike from fira to oia.

Hiking is  another great activity  I recommend for discovering the beauty of the Greek island. 

The hike from Fira to Oia is a  scenic and rewarding journey  that stretches for approximately  10 kilometres  along the western edge of Santorini. It will take you  3 to 5 hours , and the path is for pedestrians only.

The trail offers  stunning vistas of the Caldera , with panoramic views of the azure Aegean Sea and volcanic landscape. 

Winding through  charming villages  such as Firostefani and Imerovigli,  past vineyards  and along  cliffside paths , the hike showcases the traditional architecture and captivating scenery of the island. It is also a great way to  experience local culture  and meet the locals. 

On your journey, you will also witness the iconic blue-domed churches and sun-kissed white buildings, making the trek from Fira to Oia a  memorable exploration  of the beauty of Santorini. 

Unfortunately, we did not have the chance to do this walk, as the temperatures were too hot, and I was not feeling 100% (I got sunburned on the first day). But, it is something you should consider when visiting Santorini. 

4- Visit Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay is a  picturesque fishing village  and a  fantastic spot for food lovers , nestled at the foot of the cliffs below Oia. 

It is one of the best places on the island to  sample traditional Santorini cuisine  and  fresh seafood  whilst enjoying a sunset, making it a must-visit destination on your Santorini exploration!

Accessible via a  winding path or by descending over 280 steps , this charming bay offers a tranquil escape from the busy streets above. But you guessed it, the journey up can be quite rough, especially when it is hot. So go slow and take breaks. Also, keep in mind that the steps are  incredibly popular at sunset . 

In addition, if you continue walking along the left side, you will find a  secluded corner to relax on the rocks and swim in clear blue waters  – I loved it. And you are courageous, you can also jump into the water from the small island.

With its colourful fishing boats, waterfront tavernas serving fresh seafood and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling, Ammoudi Bay provides an  ultimate Greek island experience . 

5- Go on a wine tour

As we drove across the island, we asked our host about the strange vines in the field. He explained that the vines were twisted into baskets to protect them in the moisture-containing volcanic soil rather than growing in the usual vertical way.

That is how we learned that  Santorini was renowned for its wine . 

A wine tour on the Greek Island offers an  immersive journey into its rich viticulture and winemaking traditions . You will have the opportunity to explore famous vineyards nestled amidst the volcanic terrain, where ancient grape varieties thrive in the mineral-rich soil. 

Guided tours typically include tastings of distinct Santorinian wines such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri and Vinsanto, accompanied by  insightful commentary from experienced guides . 

From panoramic views of the Caldera to intimate cellar visits, a wine tour in Santorini provides an  ideal sensory experience  that celebrates its unique terroir and winemaking heritage.

6- Watch a film at Kamari cinema

Open-air cinema is a concept I discovered thanks to a Greek friend, and I thought it was such a great idea. During my stay in Santorini, I found  Kamari and its beautiful lush garden , projecting English-speaking films in a unique setting. 

Kamari Cinema is a  unique open-air movie theatre  nestled in the heart of Kamari village. Set against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea, this charming cinema offers you the opportunity to enjoy  blockbuster films and classic favourites under the starlit sky . 

With comfortable seating, a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, this outdoor cinema provides a  memorable and enchanting experience for all ages .

You can find the program on their  website . The cinema shows  recent films , and what could be better than enjoying a movie under the stars after a long day of walking and exploring?! Definitely something you should try.

7- Stroll through Pyrgos

If you have the time, rent a car or a bike, or take the bus and explore the island. On your journey, do not hesitate to stop at Pyrgos, a  picturesque village  located in the centre of Santorini, known for its  traditional Cycladic architecture and historic charm . Crowned by a medieval castle, it offers panoramic views of the rugged landscape of the island and the Aegean Sea. 

Its  labyrinth of cobblestone streets  winds past whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and quaint tavernas, creating an  enchanting ambience for a day of exploring . You will also come across cute galleries and shops.

Pyrgos retains a  tranquil atmosphere  (especially compared to Oia), making it a favourite destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the timeless  beauty and rich cultural heritage of Santorini  – without the crowds.

For my part, this village felt way  more traditional and peaceful  than Oia – a true hidden gem that should be on your Santorini bucket list.

8- Discover unique archaeological sites

If you decide to explore the island for the day, take the time to also discover more about its history and heritage. You will find  several archaeological sites  offering a captivating journey through  millennia of human history and cultural evolution .

The most famous is  Akrotiri , a Bronze Age settlement buried under volcanic ash around 1600 BCE. The excavations (exposure of archaeological) remains revealed well-preserved buildings, frescoes and artefacts, providing insights into Minoan civilization. 

🎟️ Book your entrance:  Akrotiri Entry Ticket and Audio Guide

Another significant site is  Ancient Thera , perched on a mountain ridge and featuring ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. You can explore ancient streets, temples and theatres whilst enjoying panoramic views of the island and the Aegean Sea.

🎟️ Book your tour:  Santorini History & Archeology Tour

9- Relax on the many beaches

Santorini is an ideal place to relax under the sun and swim in crystal-clear waters. Its beaches offer a wide range of landscapes and experiences, as the island is renowned for its unique black, red and white volcanic sand beaches, each with its own charm. 

Perissa and Kamari beaches  offer black sand and vibrant beachfront promenades lined with tavernas and cafes.  Red Beach  stands out for its striking purple cliffs and pebbly shores, whilst  White Beach  provides secluded coves and dramatic cliffs made of white volcanic rock. 

Other beaches worth a look at are  Perivolos  and  Vlychada . And if you are in Oia, do not miss  Ammoudi Bay .

Whether seeking relaxation, water sports or stunning scenery, the beaches of Santorini cater to the desires of every traveller with the iconic Caldera as a backdrop. 

Just keep in mind that the wind can be strong on some parts of the island, even in summer. So plan your beach trip accordingly.

My partner Matt and I visited Kamari for an afternoon and it was great. We also visited the White Beach and the Red Beach on our sailing cruise.

10- Hike to the top of the volcano

The Santorini volcano hike offers a  thrilling adventure for nature enthusiasts and history buffs ! 

The volcano is a  complex geological formation  located in the Aegean Sea, encompassing  several volcanic islands  within its caldera. Formed by a series of explosive eruptions over thousands of years, the volcano has shaped the landscape of Santorini and surrounding islands. 

Starting with a boat ride to  Nea Kameni , the volcanic island in the centre of the caldera, you will embark on a journey to  explore the lunar-like landscape shaped by ancient eruptions . 

Traversing rugged terrain and volcanic ash fields , the hike culminates at the rim of the crater, where you can stare into the  dormant depths of the volcano  and marvel at panoramic views of Santorini and the surrounding islands. 

This unique experience provides a firsthand encounter with the  geological wonders and volcanic history  of the Greek island – an activity that you can do on its own or as part of a longer sailing cruise. 

11- Stop at Akrotiri Lighthouse 

Another monument worth the visit is the Akrotiri Lighthouse , perched majestically on the southern tip of Santorini , standing as a beacon overlooking the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. 

This  historic landmark , built in the late 19th century (making it one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece), offers  panoramic views  of the rugged coastline of the island and the volcanic caldera. 

Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and picturesque scenery, the lighthouse provides a  serene and romantic setting  for those (especially couples) seeking to witness  breathtaking sunsets  and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Santorini.

Can you walk from Akrotiri to the lighthouse?

Yes, it is possible to walk from the village of Akrotiri to the Akrotiri Lighthouse, although it can be a bit of a hike. The distance is around  3.5 kilometres  and takes about  45 minutes to an hour to walk , depending on your pace. 

The route takes you along  scenic paths and coastal roads , offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding landscape. Although the walk can be challenging due to some uphill sections and uneven terrain, it is a  rewarding experience  for those who enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors.

12- Explore the capital Fira 

Fira is the  bustling capital of Santorini , perched on the edge of the famous caldera cliffs. Its whitewashed buildings and narrow cobbled streets wind through the town, adorned with  charming boutiques, cafés and restaurants . 

Offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and volcanic landscape, Fira is a  vibrant hub  where you can immerse yourself in the  culture, history and breathtaking scenery  of the island.

Here are some of the  best things to do and see in Fira :

• Walk along the cliffside promenade to enjoy stunning views
• Discover the Archaeological Museum of Thera
• Wander through the charming streets filled with shops
• Experience a breathtaking sunset from one of the many viewpoints
• Admire the architecture of the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral
• Enjoy a scenic cable car ride from the old port up to the town centre
• Stroll around the picturesque old port area
• Visit cultural sites such as the Megaro Gyzi Museum
• Sample local wines at the numerous wineries and wine bars
• Take part in outdoor adventures like horseback riding

13- Head to the top of Mount Profitis Ilias

Mount Profitis Ilias is the  highest peak on the island of Santorini , rising approximately 567 meters above sea level. Named after the Prophet Elijah, the mountain offers  spectacular panoramic views  across the entire island, including the caldera, surrounding villages and the Aegean Sea. 

You can reach the summit by car or on foot  via   winding roads or hiking trails , making it a popular destination for those seeking breathtaking vistas and a  serene escape from the busy tourist areas  (but be careful of the strong winds).

At the top, you will find a  café where you can relax  and enjoy the scenery and the  Prophet Elias Monastery , a historic religious site.

The  monastery dates back to the 18th century  and is dedicated to the Prophet Elijah. You can explore its traditional architecture, including  whitewashed buildings, a central church and peaceful courtyards . The site also houses a  small museum  displaying religious artefacts, icons and historical relics, giving an insight into its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

14- Get lost in Megalochori

Megalochori is a  charming traditional village  nestled in the heart of Santorini. Known for its well-preserved Cycladic architecture, a labyrinth of narrow winding streets and whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful flowers, the village exudes a  timeless charm . 

You can explore its  historic churches, picturesque squares and traditional tavernas , immersing yourself in the  authentic atmosphere of rural Santorini  whilst enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and the Aegean Sea.

Here are some of the  best things to do and see in Megalochori :

• Wander through the charming cobblestone streets
• Visit the Church of Agios Nikolaos and the Church of Panagia Isodion
• Experience the renowned wine culture by visiting local wineries
• Take a scenic stroll or hike along the Caldera cliffs
• Indulge in authentic Greek cuisine at the traditional tavernas
• Discover the secrets of Santorini’s winemaking at the Boutari Winery
• Uncover hidden gems, such as the charming square of Vyzatzis
• Stop by Symposion by La Ponta, a unique culture centre

Thirasía is a  small island located in the Santorini caldera  in the Aegean Sea, forming part of the Cyclades archipelago. It is characterised by its  rugged volcanic landscape, picturesque villages and pristine beaches . 

Despite its proximity to Santorini, Thirasía remains  relatively untouched by mass tourism , offering you a  peaceful retreat  away from the crowds. Its traditional way of life, charming tavernas and stunning views of the surrounding caldera make it a  hidden gem waiting to be discovered  by travellers looking for an authentic Greek island experience.

And although smaller and less developed than its neighbour Santorini, the island offers a  variety of experiences  to enjoy its natural beauty and traditional charm. 

Here are some of the  best things to do and see on Thirasía Island :

• Wander through the picturesque village of Manolas
• Embark on a scenic hike to the island’s highest point 
• Spend a relaxing day on the secluded Korfos Beach
• Indulge in delicious seafood dishes at one of the tavernas
• Take a boat tour to the nearby hot springs
• Discover the charming village of Potamos

Shop the printable travel itinerary

Plan your perfect trip to Santorini & live a unique experience!

How to reduce your eco-impact in Santorini

Sustainable travel  means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.

Being a responsible traveller in Santorini is possible! Here are some  eco-friendly travel tips  for reducing your carbon footprint:

• If you need to take the plane, book direct flights  (which require less fuel than indirect flights)  and  offset your carbon footprint . But, do not use carbon offsetting as a complete solution. Combine it with other sustainable practices, like avoiding single-use plastic on the plane and mindfully packing your suitcase for your green holiday. 
• Select an eco-friendly accommodation . Look for hotels, guesthouses or Airbnb accommodations that prioritise sustainability practices, such as recycling, energy conservation and water-saving measures. It is not always easy to determine whether a hotel has eco-conscious policies, but try to look on their website for green credentials and ask questions. You can also use  Bookdifferent  or  Ecobnb  to help you decide.
• Be mindful of your energy and water consumption . Turn off lights, electronics and the air conditioner when you do not need it. Reuse towels and linens at your hotel or guesthouse to reduce your usage and impact.
• Once there, use public transport . Take advantage of the public buses or shared shuttle services to explore the island, minimising the carbon footprint associated with rental cars or taxis. And if you prefer to move freely or reach a more remote area, rent an  electric or hybrid car .
• Otherwise,  opt for walking or cycling . Explore the towns, villages and scenic trails on foot or by bike to reduce air pollution and enjoy a more sustainable mode of transportation. It is a great green way to appreciate your surroundings whilst reducing your environmental impact.
• Eat at local restaurants and cafés  that serve locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, and shop at local markets to support the economy of the island and reduce carbon emissions associated with imported goods.
• Reduce plastic waste as much as possible . Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag and utensils to avoid single-use plastics, and choose products with minimal packaging when possible. In addition, dispose of waste properly and avoid littering when visiting beaches, parks or hiking trails.
• Respect wildlife and natural habitats . If you are exploring the natural areas of Santorini, follow designated trails to minimise damage to fragile ecosystems and respect the local flora and fauna. Avoid disturbing, touching and feeding wildlife (on land and sea).
• Always respect the local heritage . Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel is not only about the environment but also about the local communities. So, always be respectful, smile and learn a few Greek words.

More inspiration for your green vacation:

• Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
• Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World

Eco-friendly gear you might love:

• 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
• 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
• 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking

Check out  this page  for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.

Santorini travel planning guide

Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your sunny vacation in Santorini stress-free with one of my favourite providers,  Nomad Insurance .

Our host advised us that drinking tap water in Santorini was not recommended. That is why I suggest travelling with the  UltraPress Purifier Bottle , a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.

Yes, renting a car in Santorini is easy and is a great way to explore the island freely. I recommend booking yours with  Rentalcars.com  – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

The best way to book your accommodation in Santorini is with  Booking.com  – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury resorts.

I recommend booking your plane with  Skyscanner . It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.

Must-see in Santorini, Greece – FAQ

Santorini is generally walkable in many areas, especially towns and villages. Places like Fira, Oia and Megalochori have pedestrian-friendly streets and paths, allowing you to explore on foot comfortably. Additionally, you can go on a hiking adventure along the caldera rim.

I recommend spending 3 to 5 days in Santorini, which leaves plenty of time to explore the highlights of the island comfortably. It will give you the opportunity to visit popular attractions, explore picturesque villages, relax on the beaches and sample local cuisine and wine.

Santorini can be considered relatively expensive compared to other destinations in Greece, especially during the peak tourist season. Its popularity as a luxury travel destination, coupled with its limited space and high demand, often results in higher prices for accommodation, dining, transportation and activities.

The best time to visit Santorini is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), two seasons which offer the most pleasant weather with fewer crowds, making it easier to explore popular attractions and enjoy the beauty of the island. Additionally, hotel and flight rates tend to be lower.

And you, what are your favourite things to do in Santorini?  Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

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8 Best Things To Do in Santorini

Updated April 21, 2022

Santorini's volcanic activity plays a role in many of island's popular activities, from swimming and sunbathing at the molten-dyed beaches (such as Kamari Beach ) to exploring ancient ruins once buried in ash ( Ancient Akrotiri ). Even the

• All Things To Do

Kamari Beach Kamari Beach free

Santorini's volcanic history has led to the formation of some of the more unique beaches in the Greek Isles, and Kamari is no exception. Sitting about 4 miles southeast of Fira on the island's east coast, this stretch of black sand is one of the largest in Santorini. The beach is backed by the town of its namesake, a popular resort area where you'll find numerous hotels , restaurants, beachside bars and shops. On the beach, visitors can take advantage of the available lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Travelers enjoyed the clear blue waters of Kamari and suggested planting your feet towards the southern portion of the shore. That's because the views of the imposing Mesa Vouno hill, where you can find Ancient Thira , makes for a picture-perfect Greek beach setting. No matter where you decide to kick back on Kamari Beach, travelers strongly suggest bringing protective footwear. The sand and pebbly terrain can get quite hot with the sun beating down on it, especially after a couple hours, so bring sandals if you're hoping to spend the day on the beach. Some visitors even suggested bringing water shoes, commenting that the underwater terrain at the shore quickly goes from sand to slippery solid rock. 

Amoudi Bay Amoudi Bay free

For beautiful views of the caldera, descend the 300 steps from the northern city of Oia to the charming port of Amoudi Bay. Surrounded by striking red cliffs and dotted with white-washed buildings typical to Santorini, this little village features several quaint tavernas serving up the catch of the day. Aside from digging in the bounty of the sea, visitors can enjoy some swimming here, though the beach is rocky so you should bring appropriate footwear, especially if you plan on cliff diving (a popular activity in Amoudi Bay). On the small island of Saint Nicholas, seen from Amoudi Bay's beach, visitors can climb up stairs from the water onto the small, rocky island and jump from a designated point.

Travelers admit there isn't a whole lot to do in Amoudi Bay, but the quality of the bay more than makes up for the quantity of activities it offers. Visitors were dazzled by the beauty of Amoudi Bay and said merely dining alfresco was all they needed to soak up the site. Most strongly suggested to plan a trip in the late afternoon, as a sunset from Amoudi is a site to behold. 

Fira to Oia Hike Fira to Oia Hike free

The best way to take in Santorini is to walk, and there is no better route than the one from Fira to Oia. This hike is 6 miles one-way and passes through four towns, including Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia. It's important to know that there is no marked trail or pathway for this hike (aside from a couple signs, according to recent travelers), but a matter of following the roads closest to the caldera. Along the way, travelers will find numerous sites worth stopping for, in addition to spectacular ocean views and picturesque towns. One of these is  Skaros Rock. Today, this headland is a popular vantage point for watching sunsets, but in yesteryears it housed a castle that served as the prime meeting place for Christians during the 1800s. There's also numerous churches dotted throughout, including the blue-domed St. Gerasimos Church, which offers excellent views of the volcano. Once you hit Oia, you'll find Byzantine castle ruins open for exploration.

Recent visitors say the best time to start this trek is in the morning, as there is no shade and the afternoon sun may be too much for some. Travelers also said there are rocky elevation changes throughout, so plan to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Many reviewers said they completed the hike in three hours or less, but also noted completion time all depends on a traveler's level of fitness as well as how often they stop. And with all the photogenic spots along the trail, be prepared to stop a lot. Even though the hike is considered moderate and time consuming, travelers agreed that this is the best way to experience Santorini's natural beauty.

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Ancient Thira Ancient Thira

Separating Kamari from Perissa on top of Mesa Vouna is Ancient Thira. This archaeological site, which was first claimed by the Dorians (ancient Greeks) in the 9th century B.C., is home to ruins from the Hellenistic (Greek empire built by Alexander the Great), Roman and Byzantine (eastern Roman empire) eras. Stroll through Ancient Thira and you'll find ruins of ancient religious sites, a theater, old city administrative buildings and even a gym for military trainees. 

Recent travelers found the ruins of Ancient Thira to be interesting, though many said the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea were pretty distracting. Travelers who walked from the town of Kamari up to Mesa Vouna recommended the scenic walk if you're in shape; it takes about an hour to get up and there is minimal shade along the way. Along with the great views, travelers loved the low price of admission into the ruins in comparison to Ancient Akrotiri . 

Santorini Wine Tours Santorini Wine Tours

When conjuring up images of famous wine destinations, one might think of France or Italy, but believe it or not, Santorini is considered a premiere wine destination in Europe. That's because the soil in which the wine grows in Santorini, which is partially composed of volcanic sediment, creates an interesting flavor difficult to find elsewhere. Not only that, but here, vines trees are often formed into circles and grown on the ground (instead of propped upright in rows) to protect the crop from strong ocean winds.

Wineries can be found all over the island, but most are concentrated in central Santorini. Santo Wines in Pyrgos is the largest winery on the island and considered one of the most popular in Santorini. Other choice spots among travelers include Venetsanos Winery in Megalochori (about a half-mile south of Santo Wines) and Domaine Sigalas in Oia. Travelers also enjoyed the Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos , found in Fira. Located in a cave, the museum showcases Santorini's history as a wine producer and offers visitors a tasting with their ticket. When visiting a winery, patrons tend to receive a complimentary snack, such as bread and cheese, along with their tasting. For those who may not have the time to make a day out of visiting wineries, many of Santorini's wines are featured in the island's restaurants. Ask your server about local wines or keep an eye out for Vinsanto (a dessert wine), Nychteri, or Assyrtiko, both of which are white wines.

Red Beach Red Beach free

It's important to know that since 2013, Red Beach has been on watch for landslides and vulnerable parts of the beach are sanctioned by rope for visitors not to enter. If you're uncomfortable visiting this attraction, but still want to get an eyeful of red cliffs, visit  Amoudi Bay .

Located less than a mile southwest of  Ancient Akrotiri , this beach earns its name from its towering red cliffs and dark sand. Travelers say the scenery is stunning – be sure to bring a camera to take photos of the stark contrast between the brick red cliffs and the aquamarine water. While the water may look tempting to dip your toes in, travelers strongly suggest choosing a different shoreline as the site of your beach day. Some even suggest skipping this spot entirely for a number of reasons. Travelers have said that there is no paved path to get to the beach. Visitors must park at a parking lot nearby then traverse a rocky pathway to the beach. Some said they didn't know how rugged the path would be prior to visiting and had great trouble making it to the beach without sneakers. Travelers were also keen to point out that the beach is small and unless you get there early or are traveling in the offseason, it can get very crowded very quickly. What's more, the rough, rocky sand made it hard for a lot of visitors to really kick back and relax. On the other hand, those who did enjoy their experience at Red Beach suggested hiking to the beach (with the proper footwear) to get a look at its incredibly unique geography and leave it at that. 

Ancient Akrotiri Ancient Akrotiri

This fascinating archaeological site was first discovered in the late 1860s but its buildings date back to earlier than 17th century B.C. This former Minoan outpost, which, according to the Greek Ministry of Culture, is considered one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean Sea, was once a thriving port town. The city was later destroyed by a massive volcanic eruption, the same one that made Santorini look like it is today. Thanks to years of excavation, enough of the site has been uncovered (only one-third of the site is said to have been excavated) to allow visitors to explore. Here, travelers can look at multi-level buildings, loads of pottery and even drainage systems. What is absent, however, is any sign of its former residences. This has led scientists to believe that Akrotiri's previous inhabitants knew of the eruption and fled the island accordingly.

Most travelers were impressed with Ancient Akrotiri. Visitors strongly recommended securing a guide to take you around the site and explain its rich history. Otherwise, as other travelers who went without a guide noted, you might end up spending your time staring at a bunch of rocks. Some lamented the high entrance fee, especially the extra fee that comes with booking a guide, but those who did said the expense was completely worth understanding Santorini's fascinating history. To get a better glimpse of the frescos and other art found at Ancient Akrotiri, be sure to visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira . 

Museum of Prehistoric Thera Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Taking a trip to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is a great way to finish exploring the ruins of Santorini's ancient cities. This tiny museum in the heart of Thira houses frescoes and other archaeological treasures found during the excavation of Ancient Akrotiri , which was destroyed by the volcanic eruption that made Santorini look like it does today. Some of the pieces here date back several thousand years (some of the pottery on display is leftover from 3,000 BC) and offer insight into early human life on the Greek Islands, making this an interesting place to check out if you're keen to learning more about the island's history.

Travelers who visited said this is best explored after your visit to Akrotiri, as many say it gives greater context to the story of Ancient Akrotiri. Also having an interest in art or history helps. As visitors who weren't big on either found the museum to be a bit boring. However, the museum is pretty small, so even if you have just the slightest interest, a visit here won't take up lots of your time (some travelers said they spent only about 20 minutes here). 

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Top 35 Things to Do in Santorini (Updated for 2023)

Key Takeaways

• Mavelling at the famous Santorini sunsets is a must-do activity. Find a prime spot in Oia or Fira to marvel at the golden hues spreading across the horizon.
• Santorini boasts a rich winemaking tradition due to its volcanic soil and unique grape varieties. Visit the island's wineries, and indulge in wine tastings.
• Explore the island's coastline and nearby islets by taking a boat tour . Cruise around the caldera, admire the volcanic formations, and visit the hot springs for a therapeutic dive .
• Santorini's settlements are worth exploring; its narrow streets, traditional Cycladic architecture , and boutique shops are to die for.

In the southern part of the Cyclades lies one of the most renowned Greek islands. This is no other than Santorini or Santa Irene , which is, in fact, a cluster of islands.

There are many amazing things to do in Santorini .

Always scoring high in travel rankings but most importantly in the hearts of its visitors, the island is labeled as romantic -given its world-famous Greek sunset and the many weddings taking place there every year- adventurous and timeless.  

Before we list the best things to do in Santorini, Greece, let us share with you a brief history of this unique island.

Top things to do in Santorini 

Here, you can find some alluring suggestions about what to do in Santorini:

1. Visit Akrotiri, the Most Important Archaeological site

At the very south of the island lies the prehistoric site of Ancient Thera.  IAncient Thera is the obvious answer to the question 'what to see in Santorini?'

Even though the site is small, its significance and magnitude for European history are out of the question.

It is undoubtedly one of the most important places to visit in Santorini. Excavations on the site revealed that the spot was inhabited even as far back as 4500 BC.

The site was continuously inhabited, and in the 18th century BC, the settlement had developed into a prosperous and bustling city.

During the 17th century, Akrotiri had a functional and widespread sewerage and irrigation system, buildings a few stories high, artisan workshops, public spaces, religious centers, private houses of different sizes addressing different social classes, a sophisticated ruling system, and advanced art and culture.

Proof to all that stand the ruins of the site.

After the Minoan Eruption, a thick layer of volcanic debris and ash destroyed and covered the ancient ruins of Akrotiri like Vesuvius did with Pompeii centuries after.

The result was the preservation of elaborate wall paintings reflecting a prosperous society, garments, and furniture thousands of years old, and the actual preservation of the urban body of the city with high houses revealing the complicated urban plan of the site.

The artifacts collected during the excavations are simply astonishing because of their level of preservation but, most importantly, because of the reflection of the level of sophistication, those people had already achieved during the 17th century BC!  

With just a small part of the city excavated, who knows what the future might hold, not just for the island of Santorini but for the whole world as well. Waste no more time, and once you find yourselves on the island, spare a day to visit this prehistoric Pompeii.

So, if you are wondering what all the fuss about the island of Santorini is, it is an understatement to say that we have just scratched the surface of what this iconic Cycladic island has to offer.

Are you dreaming of finding yourselves under the shade of a blossomed bougainvillea and gazing at the blue of the Aegean Sea from your small white balcony?

Then, Santorini is definitely the next holiday destination for you! Do not waste more time; browse our Greece tours , or  Santorini tours in particular, and select the ideal Santorini experience for you, whether you're after a private experience or a small group tour!  

Most of the original artworks have been transferred to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. 

2. Discover Thera

Thera lies in the southeast between Kamari and Perissa,   8,5 km away from the island capital, which bears the same name -although slightly changed from Oia to Fira .

Following the big volcanic eruption of the 17th century BC, the island remained deserted for a few centuries but was resettled in the 9th century BC.

The Spartans founded the city of Thera , which survived until the Byzantine Period, but was especially prosperous during the Hellenistic period when it became a naval base of Ptolemaic Egypt. 

On the site, you can gaze at important historical monuments, such as the sanctuary of Apollo Karneios , the Hellenistic theatre -with a breathtaking view of the sea- and the sanctuary of the priest Artemidoros.

3. Catch Santorini's Sunset in Oia

Are you looking for things to do in Oia? You can always begin by catching the sunset! Oia is one of the most popular spots and, of course, Santorini tourist attractions.

It is a coastal town on the northwestern tip of Santorini that looks like it has come straight out of a fairy tale. However, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Oia apart from the sunset views.

The Venetian castle of St. Nicolas, the enchanting mansions that used to belong to ship owners of the 19th and 20th century in the so-called 'Captains’ Neighbourhood,' as well as the traditional rock-hewn houses in the 'Crew’s Neighbourhood' are only a few of the reasons why you should put Santorini on your bucket list.  

You can learn more about the rich naval tradition of the island at the Maritime Museum .

Don’t forget to check the windmills and the traditional knitting factory, where you can buy one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Now you understand why Oia is considered one of the best Santorini things to do!  

4. Discover the Geological Park, Nea, and Palaia Kameni

Some of the most exciting aspects of Santorini are its intense volcanic past and geological treasures, which are from many the beginning of their Santorini sightseeing adventures

The two islets, which are visible at the center of Caldera, consist of solidified material that emerged from the sea in recent years – especially the islet of Nea Kameni.

In both, you can see volcanic craters and hot springs, which are some of the most unique Santorini attractions. 

In Palaia Kameni, you can even apply volcanic mud to your body and enjoy its therapeutic properties.

If you’re visiting during summertime, be aware that hiking the uphill path under the scorching sun can be quite strenuous. Regardless, boat tours there are worth your time and effort, and they will allow you insight into the best places to see in Santorini.

5. Check out the Magnificent Caldera of Thera

It is no secret that Santorini is an active but thankfully dormant volcano.

Its most destructive eruption happened in 1627-1600 BC , which resulted in the annihilation of the settlement of Akrotiri and a huge tsunami that swept the northern shores of Crete, which, according to some scholars, signified the end of the Minoan civilization.

The magnitude of the eruption was so intense that a whole part of the island sunk into the bottom of the sea, resulting in today’s peculiar shape of the island, which is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Santorini. 

Just a small part of the middle of the crater is still visible between the island of Thera and the neighboring island of Therasia. Despite the catastrophic event, nowadays, Santorini and the results of this violent event operate as one of the most iconic landscapes Greece and the whole of the Mediterranean region has to offer. 

People continued to inhabit this small piece of land and, after a succession of centuries, succeeded in reforming the landscape to their advance, creating some of the most beautiful traditional island settlements.

6. Explore the Gastronomic Culture of Santorini

Based on a long-standing culinary tradition, the traditional dishes of Santorini -like the cuisine of all the Greek islands- will astonish you.

The fertile volcanic land offers the optimum terrain or the growth of high-quality products, some of which are local and unique.

Do try the fava (yellow split peas), the sundried cherry tomatoes , the Greek  saffron ( crocus), as well as the local Santorinian wine the island is famous for.  

Tomatokeftedes (vegetable meatballs with tomato), marinated fish, and garlic pasta are also perfect options for you to satisfy your palate while getting an insight into Santorini's gastronomic culture.

Don’t miss the chance to try Santorini’s white eggplants baked in the oven with balsamic vinegar or in an exquisite eggplant salad mixed with fresh red peppers.

All in all, here are some lists of local products and foods you should try during your Santorini vacation. The local cuisine is definitely one of the tastiest attractions in Santorini.

Local products :

• Fava legumes
• Cherry tomatoes
• White eggplants
• Chloro cheese

Local dishes :

• Tomatokeftedes
• Skordomakarona (garlic pasta)

Local wine :

7. Swim at the Red Beach

The Red Beach of Santorini is one of the most popular on the island and in Greece in general, and one of the most popular spots on the island for a Santorini elopement . It lies on the southwest coast of the island, at a distance of 12 km from Thira and 23 km from Oia.

Its name is self-explanatory as it is surrounded by red volcanic rocks that, together with the black pebbles the beach consists of, make up for a rare scene that you cannot miss!

The Red Sand Beach is not organized, although there are a few sets of umbrellas and sunbeds scattered across.

The visit to this beautiful beach can be combined with a visit to Akrotiri, where the famous ancient settlement was discovered and buried under volcanic ash.

To reach the beach, you can park your car next to the archeological site and continue on foot, which takes about 10 minutes, or by boat from Perissa. Local buses also run. 

8. Diving in Santorini

Santorini is the perfect place for sports lovers and adventure fans, offering an array of watersports and fun activities.

There are diving spots in Caldera and close to the volcano. There is also a shipwreck in Palaia Kameni, while many diving centers all over the island can offer you a dive to remember!

Don't hesitate to explore the mysterious depths of the Aegean Sea and discover for yourself the flora and fauna of the region! 

9. Embark on a Santorini Sunset Wine Experience

The cultivation of wine in Santorini  goes back almost 5.000 years ago and is one of the most sought-after Santorini attractions.

The volcanic soil in which the varieties of Santorini’s grapes grow is mainly responsible for its unique character of wines.

The island offers you a great opportunity to try its most ancient and well–known varieties, Assyrtiko , Athiri, and Aidani (full-bodied, white, dry wines with citrus aromas). 

It’s highly recommended that you also try Vinsanto , Santorini’s famous sweet dessert wine, a combination of the three aforementioned varieties that stay sun-dried for 10-15 days before they get pressed. 

Grab the chance and take one of the popular wine activities in Santorini that include wine-tasting followed by an excellent guide presentation from a sommelier and book a seat at one of Santorini’s Wine tours !

10. Hike from Fira to Oia

The most popular walking route starts from the square of Fira, crosses the commercial pedestrian street and the catholic district, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and, following the arch of the Caldera, reaches Oia.

At the height of Profitis Ilias, make sure not to follow the cobblestone that turns to the right so as not to miss the wonderful view offered by the outside route.

It is a 10.2 km hike, meaning that it will take you around 3 hours to complete; however, it is a rather easy one and, therefore, perfect for taking in the striking landscape of Santorini.

No need to mention that this is one of the most unique and fun things to do on Santorini island. 

11. Swim at Ammoudi Bay

The small pebbled bay of Ammoudi is accessible as the visitor descends more than 200 wide steps.

The waters are dazzling blue, but keep in mind that they deepen sharply, which for some is exciting but for others intimidating. The background is imposing, with the steep volcanic rocks "decorating" the port.

From Ammoudi, visitors can also board the boats that take them to Thirasia and Nea Kameni. The  beaches of Santorini are unlike any other beaches in Greece and the whole world, and swimming in them is a fulfilling and valuable experience! They may not be golden sandy beaches, but they are remarkable nonetheless. 

12. Drink a Local Beer from Santorini Brewing Company

Everyone and their mom know that Santorini has one of the best wine productions in Greece, so when you arrive from Athens to Santorini , tasting the local wine is a must.

Did you know, however, that the island also produces incredible beers? Santorini Brewing Company combines the water of the volcanic island of Santorini with carefully selected types of malt, hops, and yeast from all over the world!

It is a microbrewery in Santorini with a signature donkey logo that offers incredibly tasting beers to the locals and visitors of the island. Make sure to take a break from the indigenous wines and try one during your visit!  

13. Must See in Santorini: The Volcano

One of the must-see Santorini sites is its ancient volcano, and a stroll around and inside it should be one of your top priorities. You can reach the crater of the volcano, the huge funnel, within a 30-minute walk from the port of Nea Kameni.

Wear your most comfortable yet light attire, trusty sneakers, "sturdy" socks, light clothes, enough sunscreen, and a hat, and discover how a world of colorful waters, a variety of rocks, hot smoke, and soil, as well numerous underwater hot springs are waiting for you.  

14. Discover Emporio village

Emporio, also known as ‘Nimborio,’ located on the south side of Santorini and at about 12km from the central Fira, at the foot of the hill of Prophet Elias, is the largest village on the island and sports a rather impressive population of 1,773.

The scenic settlement of Emporio used to be one of the most significant castles in Santorini, where during medieval times, the houses were built right next to each other so that the inhabitants were protected from pirates.

Much has been said about the origin of Emporio’s name, with the prevailing theory claiming that the name comes from the word ‘trade’ –or ‘emporio’ in Greek, either because all goods were traded there or because the area was adjacent to the commercial port.

Another theory wants the name to come from the words ‘new’ and ‘bourg,’ which in French means ‘medieval fortified village.’

The moment you step foot in Emporio , you’ll get the strong desire to wander around the whitewashed cobbled streets decorated with colorful, blooming bougainvilleas.

Give in to that desire and explore the wonderful setting that unfolds before your eyes. Visit the Tower of Goula, Kastelli, and maybe make a stop to marvel at the pretty churches of the settlement.  

Before leaving the village, take a walk on the hill of Gavrilos, where there are eight traditional 19th-century windmills and some Byzantine ruins.

Emporio is very much like a travel back in time and will give you the opportunity to witness how the entire island of Santorini used to be.

15. Open Air Cinema in Kamari

It opened its doors in 1987 with the aim of maintaining the strong tradition of the Greeks in the cinema and theater sectors, offering locals and visitors the opportunity to watch movies under the stars in a magnificent garden that seems to have come out of a fairy tale.

It is considered one of the best cinemas in the world by the Guardian and the Travel Channel.

Located outside Kamari, it has its own bar with snacks, cocktails, and local wine. It also hosts a variety of cultural events, such as concerts, theatrical performances, and art exhibitions.  

16. Eat at a Traditional Taverna

You cannot possibly expect us not to wax lyrical about Santorini’s cuisine. Much like every other region of Greece, Santorini boasts incredible traditional dishes and eateries that will leave you breathless.

From family-run, traditional taverns to high-end, gourmet restaurants on the Greek island of Santorini, you will get to taste delectable delicacies made with fresh, local ingredients and follow time-honored recipes that celebrate simplicity.

Don’t skip on trying some of Santorini’s signature dishes such as ‘ atherinopita ,’ a local fish pie, ‘ aematia ,’ intestine stuffed with rice and liver, and the traditional dessert of ‘ kopania ,’ which consist of smashed barley buns that are mixed with raisins, honey, and sesame.  

17. Visit Skaros Rock

A steep rock that resists the passage of time to remind it of its important history. Skaros was a bustling castle city with 200 houses, cobbled streets, and churches.

The most important of the five fortified settlements of Santorini. Today not many parts of the settlement are saved.

However, a visit to Skaros Rock is certainly due in order to gain insight into the history and culture of the island. 

18. Discover the Small Village of  Finikia

Only a few kilometers outside of the stunning yet busy Oia, the small village of Finikia stands as the perfect example of an incredibly well-preserved village of Santorini that maintains its old-time charm and authenticity.

During the time when the ancient city of Oia experienced great prosperity with shipping, Finikia used to be home to the farmers who worked in the lowlands and the vineyards.

Apart from being an absolute pleasure to visit, Finikia is also a great place to stay during your vacations if you don’t want the liveliness of Oia but don’t want to be too far out of the center either.  

Once you reach Finikia, you can walk from Baxedon beach to the settlement and take the road that leads to the valley with the vineyards and the beautiful churches of Agia Kyriaki and Agios Konstantinos.

Especially if you’re visiting Santorini for your honeymoon , make sure to enjoy a peaceful sunset from the small church of Kyra Panagia! 

On the left side of the road that leads from Baxedon beach to Finikia, you will find the famous winery ‘ Sigala ,’ the only one in this area of ​​the island; if you can, have a sip of one of the indigenous wine varieties and your perception of what a good wine should taste like will change forever!

19. Visit the Tomato Factory Museum

On the beach of Vlychada, in Santorini, in the southern part of the island, with impressive geological formations, about 10 km from Fira, you can find Santorini’s Industrial Tomato Museum, which was founded in 2014.

It is the first museum of its kind in the world and follows the course of cultivation, processing, and production of tomatoes, one of the most traditional and famous products of Santorini.

Its guests will come in contact with the traditional methods followed by the tomato growers of Santorini, getting to know at the same time the history of the place, its inhabitants, and their traditions.

The Museum's exhibits include processing machines from 1890, old factory manuscripts, old tools, the first labels, as well as audiovisual material with videotaped stories of people who worked in the factory.  

20. Visit the Wine Museum

Koutsoyannopoulos wine museum was created by the love and passion of the Koutsogiannopoulos family for tradition and wine, and it took 21 whole years of hard work to create it.

It is the only natural cave wine museum in Greece, at a depth of 6 meters below the earth's surface and a total length of over 300 meters, with corridors and rooms shaped like a labyrinth.

The exhibits of the museum date from 1660 to 1950. All tools, utensils, and machines are authentic and rare pieces, machines that have worked for previous generations. All stages of wine production, as well as all machines, are exhibited in chronological order.

The museum’s main goal is to educate people on wine production and offer them a ‘historical route of the local wine,’ which has resulted in the museum becoming an important attraction for visitors of Santorini.  

21. Snap Photos of the Trademark Blue-Domed Roofs 

The trademark Cycladic architecture and aesthetic is a feast for the eyes and a big contributing factor to the popularity of the Greek islands that belong to the complex.

Every cobblestone street you choose to follow will take you to striking mansions with luscious gardens and emblematic orthodox churches, all featuring contrasting colors of white and blue.  

Don’t miss the opportunity to snap a photo of the blue-domed roofs of the churches Santorini is known for and create the perfect background for your vacation photos!

22. Stroll the Cobbled Alleys of Imerovigli

Imerovigli is a village of Santorini, just 3 km from Fira, the capital of the island. It is the highest point of the Caldera, with stunning views of the sea and the volcano.

It is believed that there used to stand an observation tower for the arrival of pirates. The ideal time for a stroll around its scenic streets is early in the morning or late afternoon.

Whichever time you choose to visit it, it’ll be worth it, as the stunning view it offers is more than rewarding. Imerovigli has a special architectural interest and has been characterized as a traditional settlement.

All-white houses with colorful flowers in the courtyards and windows, beach hotels , cafes, and restaurants built on the edge and below the sea make up a heavenly picture you need to admire for yourself!  

23. Εnjoy a Santorini Sailing Tour

It is no rocket science that the best way to experience Santorini is enveloped in luxury.

For that reason, we highly suggest you add to your Santorini bucket at least a day of sailing, where you will get the opportunity to enjoy the bright sun on your skin and dive into water you would never otherwise get to experience.  

Our Santorini Semi-private Cruise: Day or Sunset Experience with meal & drinks offers the best opportunity to treat yourself to a sunset cruise adventure while also promising a delicious meal that will refuel you and make you feel pampered and well taken care of!

Water activities in Santorini are extremely popular, and we are sure you will definitely have a great time.

24. Dive Into the Hot Springs

One of the "gifts" of the Santorini volcano is geothermal energy, which enriches its water with healing properties.

The gushing sulfur water, the fumes we inhale, or the mud have a positive effect not only on the musculoskeletal but also on the nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and hematological systems.

Pleasantly non-commercial, on the northeast side of the island of Palia Kameni, the homonymous beach catches the eye. Although access is only by boat, hundreds of visitors run there for a swim.  

The whole island is the result of the eruption of the volcano, which is distinguished by the black rocks, the gray sand, and the yellow-green waters.

The region’s hot springs are extremely popular, reminding everyone that the volcano is alive and well! A visit to the hot springs of Nea Kameni is imperative.

25. Take the Boat to Thirassia Island

For those seeking adventures in Santorini island , this is one of the best ideas: Take the boat to Thirassia!

The islet of Thirasia is located within a 7-minute boat ride from Ammoudi. It is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and yet it is one of the least developed tourist islands in the whole country.

The island doesn’t have a single hotel, except for a few rentals located in Manolas, the island town that grows linearly at the eye of the caldera and has a unique panoramic view of Santorini.

Manolas is one of the most beautiful towns in the Cyclades; incredibly old Cycladic houses, traditional taverns, an old-time charm, and a laid-back atmosphere give us a picture of what Santorini was like in the olden days.

It is necessary to visit the ruined settlement of Agrilia with the cave houses and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, one of the most special churches in Greece with the characteristic use of color in the decoration of its facade.

The walk from Manolas to the monastery of Profitis Ilias in Kera and from there to the monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin, built in 1851 at the cape of Tripiti at the southern tip of the island, is also worth your time. The only beach with easy access to the island is the beach of Riva, in the port of the same name.  

26. Join a Santorini Food Tour

What better way to get to know a place than through its cuisine? And when the place in question is an island in Greece , getting to know the culinary tradition becomes an urgent necessity.

Stroll the picturesque streets of Santorini and get introduced to the riches of its gastronomy by joining our Semi-Private Santorini Walking Food Tour that will take you around the island’s best food offerings, getting to know an island never tasted so good!  

27. Go Off the Beaten Path:  Pyrgos village

One of the best things to do in Santorini, Greece, is to visit some off-the-beaten-path villages of the island. Pyrgos Kallistis –Kallistis’ Tower in English-, or usually just Pyrgos and formerly 'Kainourgiobourgo,' is one of these villages.

It reaches the tallest height and is located 10 km southeast of Fira, while it is home to 732 inhabitants.

Pyrgos was one of the five castles of the island and was the seat of the municipality of Kallistis from 1835 to 1914 when it was transformed into a community of Pyrgos until the year 1997, which is annexed to the municipality of Thira.

During the Turkish occupation in the 18th century, the first Thera School was founded in Pyrgos, with the initiative of the local authorities and the abbot of the Monastery of the Prophet Elias.

Today, in the place where the old school used to lie, on the old road from Pyrgos to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, one can find the church of Agios Apostolos, which is the old classroom of the school, while around there are the ruins of the teachers' and students' rooms.

Because of its location, Pyrgos has, in fact, also served as a place of exile during turbulent times. The castle suffered great damage with the 1956 earthquake, but the most damage was done by the army, which demolished parts of the castle during the war.

If you decide to visit the quiet village of Pyrgos , you can visit Kastelli and admire the architecture of the churches of Agia Theodosia, Theotokaki, Agios Georgios, Agios Nikolaos, and Agios Eleftherios.

Also, keep in mind that the best time to visit Pyrgos is during Easter, when after the procession of the Epitaph on Good Friday night, fires are lit in tin lamps throughout the village, and the whole area looks like a flaming dragon!  

28. Participate in a Cooking Class

If you have a love for cooking and are intrigued by the idea of learning how to cook up traditional dishes of Santorinian and Greek cuisine, then our Santorini cooking class is the one for you!

Learn how to use fresh local produce to create delectable dishes of local cuisine by an expert professional, and taste the fruits of your labor accompanied by luscious wine in a friendly atmosphere that will make you feel at ease. A hands-on cooking activity can definitely be among Santorini's best activities !  

29. Experience the Vibrant Nightlife

Santorini is famous for its vibrant nightlife; as long as you’re on the island, the fun never stops! As soon as the night falls, the magnificent beaches, traditional taverns, and archaeological sites give way to the bars and clubs that promise hours of drinking, dancing, and unadulterated joy. 

There is a world of choice in regard to the music you can enjoy in Santorini’s nighttime offerings, while the countless bars and clubs frequent mainly the streets of Fira to Oia but also the streets of Kamari beach , Perissa,  and Perivolos.

‘PK Cocktail Bar,’ ‘Erotokritos,’ ‘Love Boat Bar,’ ‘Two Brothers Bar,’ ‘Kira Thira Jazz Bar,’ ‘Night Flight,’ and ‘Secret Bar,’ are only some of the island’s top-rated options for your night entertainment.  

Wherever you choose to go, one thing is for sure: the nightlife of Santorini is -for lack of a better word- explosive! 

30. Visit  Monolithos Village

Monolithos is a coastal village of Santorini, on the east side of the island, 8 km east of Fira. Home to only 405 people, this offbeat village got its name from the big homonymous rock on which the church of Agios Ioannis was built.

Although small and quiet, Monolithos hosts the Santorini State Airport, as well as the only tomato factory that operates today on the island and belongs to the Union of Thera Products Cooperatives.

On the striking beach of Monolithos, you will find the well-known black sand of Santorini, remnants of the island’s volcanic past. The black sand is so fine, in fact, that during winter, it fills the whole area and the road. The beach of Monolithos was very popular at the time when the only beach bar in Santorini lay on its premises.

Now, despite still being –partly- organized and having a section of sunbeds and umbrellas, it doesn’t attract the younger crowds it used to, as other beach bars have pooped up, but is instead considered an ideal beach for those visiting Santorini with kids .

In the left part of the beach of Monolithos, called ‘Agria’ -or ‘Wild’ in English- the rawness of the natural landscape will take your breath away.

It is the part of the beach that is most affected by the weather and the one that has not been turned into an organized beach, giving its visitors the freedom to choose a more hippy-ish beach Santorini experience.  

31. Visit the Charming Prophet Elias Monastery

Near the traditional village of Pyrgos , at the top of the mountain of Profitis Ilias, is the monastery of Profitis Ilias.

Its imposing facade with the large stone wall resembles a fortress. The monastery dates back to around 1711. In earlier times, the monastery had a large fortune; it even owned a ship, which was traded for the benefit of the monastery.

At the same time, it was a spiritual center with great patriotic influence. From 1806 until 1845, it also functioned as a school where Greek language and literature were taught.

The decline of the monastery began in 1860, while the buildings suffered severe damage during the catastrophic earthquake of 1956.

Today the monastery has a museum with an important collection of ecclesiastical items, books, and ethnographic material.  

There is also a collection of local and Cretan portable icons, wooden statues, metal works of art, and embroidery dating from the early 17th and 18th centuries.

32. Visit the Mnemosyne Gallery

With such a vast history, it comes as no surprise that Santorini is a cultured place where you can admire art in all of its forms.

If you want to discover a side of Santorini that is not advertised nearly as much as its beaches and nightlife, then exploring its art galleries is a wonderful way to do so.

Mnemosyne Gallery is a prime example of that. It is the ultimate artistic haven in Santorini that hosts valuable works of art crafted by Greek artists .  

33. Explore Traditional Festivities

Throughout the whole year, but especially during the month of August, many religious festivals take place in Santorini .

Folk dance and music accompanied by mouthwatering local traditional Greek food will give you a full taste of what it means to be an islander in the Cyclades islands .

The most popular festival takes place on the 15th of August in the church of Agia Episkopi -an important Byzantine monument- in Mesa Gonia   village, and the celebrations last till the early morning hours!

34. Taste the Local Delicacies at Ammoudi Bay's Seafood Restaurants

The local cuisine is the highlight of every trip to Greece, Santorini, and the other Greek islands, no matter which destination you choose to visit.

Santorini is no exception to the rule. The island may be famous for its atmosphere and view, but it has a wide variety of local products, which give restaurants and cooks endless inspiration.

Traditional and Greek fusion cuisine can be found in dozens of restaurants and taverns on the island.

Cherry tomatoes, sun-dried vegetables, and white aubergines are some of the flavors that you will savor during your trip.

The top local dishes include delicious fava beans, fluffy tomato and pumpkin meatballs, spicy eggplant salad, and lountza sausage cooked in Visanto wine with sugar and fennel seeds.

To taste the above and much more, we highly suggest you pay a visit to Taverna Katina, Barbounaki Santorini, Sunset Ammoudi, Ammoudi Fish Tavern, Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna, Fanari Restaurant, and Charisma Restaurant.

They all serve mouthwatering creations of Santorinian cuisine and will steal your heart both with their food and their service.  

35. Discover  Thirasia

Last but definitely not least on the list of unexplored regions of Santorini comes the place that is not exactly on Santorini but actually straight across from it: the small island of Thirasia.

Until the eruption of Santorini’s volcano in Minoan times, around 1600 BC, which created the stunning Santorini Caldera cliffs we enjoy today, Thirasia was part of the island of Strongyli , which today completes the circular outline along with the islands of Thira (Santorini) and Aspronisi.

The islet of Thirasia is located in the west part of Santorini, a little over a kilometer away from Oia.

According to Greek mythology , the island was named after the youngest daughter of King Thira, Thirasia, to whom he had gifted the area in order to build there a regal palace.

Apart from its striking natural beauty, Thirasia, one of the most unique ancient settlements of Greece, carries significant historical value in regard to not only Santorinian but also Greek history and heritage in general.

Dating back to the Late Bronze Age, over the years, various excavations around the area have brought to light findings that have interested scientists from all over the world and have contributed to revealing to us what we know about the culture that flourished there in ancient times.

Additionally, the excavations of Thirasia were the reason why other parts of Santorini were later also investigated thoroughly for ancient findings, resulting in the resurfacing of remnants of past civilizations, valuable for a deeper understanding of the region’s history.

Korfos, which is the Santorini's port , is connected to Manolas, the capital of Thirasia, by a winding yet absolutely stunning path.

There are a total of 21 blue dome churches and chapels on the island, often in privileged locations, while in addition to Korfos and Manolas, there are three other settlements: Agia Irini, Agrilia, and Potamos.

Stroll the walking trails of the island, swim in the turquoise waters, and eat fresh fish and seafood in one of the picturesque taverns by the sea; the best things in life are usually the simplest ones!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our extended list of top things to do on Santorini Island. If you want more inspiration, you can always check out our Santorini blog  and then, you can book one of our Greece vacation packages that include this magical destination.

Santorini will amaze you; it is not a coincidence that this island is considered among the most beautiful islands in the world. However, there is only one way to discover it yourself, right? It's time to visit Santorini and never look back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is santorini best known for.

Santorini has been famous for winemaking traditions and has vast vineyards and a wide range of excellent wines. It has several boutique wineries which offer an ambrosian experience.

Are three days in Santorini enough?

Three days in Santorini are a great average to spend without having your Santorini itinerary resemble mayhem.

In three days, you will have enough time to explore the most important sights in Santorini, relax by the seaside or hotel at a variety of restaurants, watch the sunrises, or cruise the caldera.

Spend one day exploring the island by car, tour, and private transport. The things to see in Santorini will still your breath away!

What should I not miss on Santorini?

Some of the best tourist spots in Santorini include the hiking trails from Fira to Oia, the sunset in Oia, the incredible wineries and vineyards, the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, and the unique beaches of Vlychada and Koloumbos.

Last but not least, you cannot leave the island without indulging in a local wine tour!

Which is better, Mykonos or Santorini ?

They both boast incredible beauty, scenic landscapes, and amazing beaches.

So it is all a matter of personal preference and what you want to get out of your Greek vacation . If you want to swim in postcard-worthy beaches and experience Greek island nightlife until the wee hours of the morning, Mykonos is the one for you.

If, however, you are after a romantic adventure filled with wine and lunar was, you have to go with Santorini.

Our goal is to stay three to five days so that you can visit most of the destinations. Santorini is a versatile island.

Aside from the volcanic cliffs of Oia and spectacular panoramas, there is much more interesting exploration. Alternatively, the trip will take around 24 hours because of the numerous days trip suggested by the other nearby islands.

21 Top Santorini Greece Attractions

The very best things to do in Santorini include experiencing a sunset catamaran cruise, boat trips to swim in the hot springs of the volcano, wine tasting, hiking from Fira to Oia, lazing on different colored sand beaches, hanging out at beach bars, cooking classes, visiting Ancient Akrotiri and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, cliff-jumping, sea kayaking, jet-skiing, and wandering around the whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches of the caldera villages and towns. And that’s just for starters!

Santorini island is what was left of ancient Thera after a huge volcanic eruption, and it is shaped like a croissant. The western side of the island is the lip of the caldera with the Aegean Sea far below.

The main towns and villages are perched along the caldera cliffs and if it’s your first visit to Santorini island, staying in Oia, Imerovigli, Firestofani, or Fira will be an unforgettable experience.

Let’s get into all the fun things to do in Santorini!

1. Take a Boat Trip

2. volcano tours: hike to the top of santorini’s volcano, 3. fira to oia hike, 4. exploring skaros rock, 5. wine tasting and winery tours, 6. visit ancient akrotiri – greece’s pompeii, 7. museum of prehistoric thera, 8. relax at beaches and beach bars, 9. water activities: snorkel, paddle, kayak, scuba dive, jet ski, or rent a boat, 10. go cliff-jumping then dine by the water at amoudi bay, explore the villages of santorini, 11. akrotiri, 13. megalochori, 14. emporio, 15. stay in a traditional cave hotel, 16. take a cable car ride up and down the caldera cliff, 17. check out the highest point on santorini, 18. discover santorini’s venetian castles and fortresses, 19. go horseriding in a volcanic landscape or at sunset, 20. catch a movie a drink and dinner at santorini’s open air cinemas, 21. eat and drink santorini produce – foodie tours and cooking classes.

Sailing around Santorini, swimming in the warm pools at the Volcano, and watching the sunset over the island is not just one of Santorini’s main attractions, it’s one of the biggest drawcards in Greece.

Boat trips are the most popular half-day and full-day trips for everyone and depending on the kind you choose, they can be the highlight of a family trip or become your most romantic memories of Santorini.

The most popular is the  sunset catamaran cruise . It’s a chance to take a romantic trip to watch one of Santorini’s stunning sunsets from the water.

Most boats leave from either end of eastern Santorini, from Vlachaya marina in the south, or from  Amoudi Bay , below Oia at the northern tip of the island.

Embarking from Vlachaya on the south coast means you will finish your trip and disembark at Oia, in time for the sunset.

If you’re still hungry, you can finish the day with a meal at the fish restaurants on the water at Amoudi Bay.

Tours that begin and end at Oia are most often going straight to the volcano and returning or are otherwise sailing in the caldera without putting anchor anywhere.

There are dozens of different tours. Some leave from Athionios Ferry Port instead of the catamarans that leave from Vlachaya or Oia.

Those leaving from the Athionios Ferry Port can have different itineraries, so make sure your tour includes a stop at the destinations you’d like to see.

The cruises stop just offshore from the red beach at Akrotiri. You’ll be able to spot the Akrotiri lighthouse from the boat. The red cliffs and red sand beach give the beach its name.

You can dive off the boat and swim to the beach.

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The next stop is the  white beach . The catamarans anchor offshore to cook their Greek BBQ.

You’ll dine on a variety of Greek dishes before heading out to the hot springs surrounding the volcanic island that you see from Santorini.

The hot springs are not “hot,” they should be called ‘warm springs’! If you sail out to the hot springs in the months around peak season (such as April and May), the water surrounding the hot springs will be cold. It’s about a 5-meter swim to the hot springs from where the boat will anchor.

You’ll be given flotation aids (like pool noodles) so that you can float around in the warm water.

After you’ve swum in the  hot springs [limited to 30 minutes per tour boat) , it’s back to shore below Oia at  Amoudi Bay  as the sun is setting.

This is why cruises that end at Oia are the most popular. It’s definitely the most romantic!

TIP: Don’t wear white when you swim in the hot springs as it can become discolored because of the copper in the water.

The cost of transfers to and from your hotel is usually included and a minivan will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Read about all the inclusions, what to take, and more details about the different tours and itineraries and types of boats at  Sailing around Santorini: the best Santorini boat tours.

This article may contain compensated links. Please read the disclaimer for more info.

If you’d rather be the master of your own ship, you can  rent a boat for a full day.

Note: The most popular tour in Santorini is the Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit

Best Boat Tours of Santorini

1. most popular boat cruise: santorini: volcanic islands cruise with hot springs visit, 2. best private day or sunset cruise: santorini: private catamaran cruise with bbq meal and drinks, 3. best premium day cruise: santorini: 5-hour small-group catamaran cruise, 4. best standard sunset cruise: santorini: private sunset cruise with barbecue and drinks, 5. best luxury sunset cruise: santorini platinum: luxurious small-group catamaran cruise.

Most of the caldera of the volcano is submerged. But the other islands that you can see from Santorini island are all parts of the caldera that are above water.

Directly across from Santorini are the two Kameni islands,  Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni. These black lava islands are a major tourist attraction.

It is possible to hike over the lava to the highest points of the islands.

You don’t need to take a volcano tour to do this – you can hire a boat, but it’s a whole lot simpler to hop aboard one of the daily tours to the volcano.

The other volcanic island you can visit on the same tour is Thirassia Island. Thirassia gives you a sense of how Santorini would have been before it became an international tourist mecca.

Best Volcano and Thirassia Island Boat Trip: Santorini: Thirassia Islands and Volcano Guided Cruise

The Fira to Oia hike is often considered to be the highlight of a Santorini stay (it sure was for me on my first visit to the island!)

That’s because the blue domes and sapphire sea far below the caldera are Instagram-worthy sites, but the truth is that the whole of this small Greek island is beautiful.

This walk along the spine of the caldera is not just an opportunity to see the iconic blue domes of Santorini up close.

It’s also a way to see the colorful wildflowers, the cliffs plunging down to coves only accessible from the sea, and some of the small churches that dot the island.

You can take beautiful pictures of Santorini that you just can’t get if you stay in the towns and hang out on the beaches.

The hike can be made in either direction. It is 6.5 miles long (almost 10.5 kilometers). Take a picnic and lots of water – it takes a few hours and can be made longer by hiking out to Skaros Rock below Firestofani. The highest point of the hike is 350 meters, as you hike through Imerovigli.

You can do this hike by yourself and you can read about what to take, where to hike, and all the options along the way at  Fira to Oia hike: Santorini caldera cliff-top walk.

It includes two of the possible options for extending or ending the walk early.

If you are a little unsure of following the route, or if you would prefer to take a guided tour of the Fira to Oia hiking trail, the 2 best-guided hiking tours of the Caldera train between Fira and Oia are:

Best 2 Guided Tours of the Fira to Oia Caldera Trail

• Santorini: Caldera Hiking Tour from Fira to Oia
• Santorini: Caldera Trail Guided Hike and Sunset Viewing

If you’re visiting Santorini for less than four days, it makes sense to trek out to Skaros Rock when hiking between Fira and Oia, or when you are exploring the village of Imerovigli.

This adds 45 minutes for the Caldera Trail between Fira and Oia.

The trail to Skaros Rock (which is called Cape Skaros) begins at Agios Georgios Church. There will usually be a string of tourists along the path so it’s impossible to miss.

Skaros Rock is worth visiting because of the views out to sea. It was once the best lookout for spotting pirates! But it was also the capital of Santorini until it moved to Fira. It was fortified in the 13th century and a grand Byzantine castle was erected on the outcrop in 1207. It became the biggest settlement on Santorini and had 200 homes and a church at its base.

 Once the island stopped being threatened by pirates, and after earthquakes destroyed the castle, people moved to Imerovigli and Fira.

The Chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti on the cliffs below is still being used. That’s a lot of history on one beautiful little rocky outcrop!

There are a couple of highly-rated private tours of the island that are fully customizable. You can choose to fit in a hike out to Skaros Rock on these half and full-day trips. The best customizable private tour of Santorini is:

Best Customizable Private Tour of Santorini

• Santorini: Half-Day Private Sightseeing Tour
• Santorini: Half or Full-Day Private Island Tour

As you travel around Santorini you can’t but help notice the unusual way that grapevines are planted. Unlike many other popular Greek islands, Santorini is very windy, especially in the off-season.

To protect the vines they are coiled together and stay close to the ground rather than being grown in rows on trellises. The result is low basket-shaped mounds of wines sitting on the ground.

Wine-making is a big deal on this little island. It has been going on since prehistoric times!

There are harvest festivals and grape grape-crushing festivals, and several varieties of grapes that produce wine varieties you can’t find anywhere else.

Santorini is immune to the grapevine disease phylloxera and so it has a large proportion of very old vines.

Santorini wines are generally complex but approachable. Assyrtiko is the most famous grape grown on the island.

It’s my definite favorite but you can find other white varieties such as Athiri and Aidani as well. The most well-known red variety is Mavrotragano.

The scenery of, and from, the wineries and vineyards is incredibly beautiful and there are even a few wineries where you can taste wines on outdoor terraces overlooking the caldera!

One of these magnificent wineries is Santo Winery. If you ask around Santorini for the best winery, you are sure to hear about Santo Wines (or Santos Wines) in the medieval village of Pyrgos.

It is the largest winery on the island and represents a collective of 1200 growers.

The only other winery with spectacular caldera views is Venetsanos winery which is a very popular place for weddings.

Given the danger and illegality of drunk driving on this windy and hilly island, a wine-tasting tour is definitely a good idea! I

f you’re staying in villages such as Pyrgos or Megalochori , you can walk to local wineries but otherwise, you must book ahead in peak season to secure a booking for a winery tour.

A wine tour can be combined with other attractions such as Ancient Akrotiri (see below), cruises, and on a whole day trip, you can visit several wineries.

They can be divided into two kinds of tours:

• the first is Winery Tours where you visit several wineries and taste at least 8 varieties. These sell out the most quickly of all tours on the island (even cruises).
• The second type of tour is the Wine Tasting Tour. You will visit at most two wineries and they are shorter in length and often combined with other sightseeing activities.
• The most popular tours include half-day winery tours and sunset wine-tasting tours.
• For a wider and more detailed list with all the inclusions of the best wine-tasting tours and combo tours, see Best Santorini wineries and wine-tasting tours.

This ancient site was buried by lava when the island of Thera was blown apart by the volcanic eruption.

It is truly Greece’s Pompeii and one of the most intriguing ancient ruins in Greece , but many visitors to Santorini don’t even know it exists!

Ancient Thera is one of the sites thought to be a possible location of the Lost City of Atlantis and you’ll see tourist attractions about Atlantis on the island.

The archaeological site lies at the southern tip of the island, at Akrotiri, very close to the red beach.

Q. Why should you spend your precious holiday time visiting Ancient Santorini?

A. The archaeological site is covered by a roof and walkways have been made above and between the buildings.

There are sections where you can walk the streets of a wealthy Minoan town and peer into the windows of houses built more than 3,500 years ago!

There are frescoes in 3 story villas that have roof-top terraces, running water, and toilets!

If you’d like to make your own way to Ancient Akrotiri, here is the best and most well-priced guided tour:

The best of the Ancient Akrotiri archaeological site guided and private tours are:

From the outside, it doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is a wonderful little archaeological museum, full of the treasures of ancient Thera.

You’ll notice that there is nothing of value left in the excavated village of ancient Akrotiri.

That’s because the objects and frescoes found here were moved to museums in Athens or to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera only a few kilometers away from Ancient Akrotiri in Fira.

The site didn’t contain bodies or almost any precious objects – the Ancient Akrotirians either sailed away or were in Atlantis!

The wall frescoes have been mounted on the walls of the museum and you can find large pottery urns and everyday items that are decorated with sea creatures, waves, and other motifs that show the importance of the Aegean Sea the people of ancient Thera.

Ancient Thera had societies older than the Akrotiri Minoan society that perished in the eruption.

The archaeological museum includes amazing small Cycladic figures carved from stone that are almost 5,000 years old.

Volcanic islands don’t have long stretches of golden sand.

If you’ve taken a boat tour, you will have experienced the white sand at the White Beach, and the Red sand at the Red Beach.

But heading to Kamari Beach and the other beaches along Santorini’s eastern shoreline will give you a chance to experience a black sand beach.

TIP: If you don’t want to take a boat tour but you want to visit White Beach , you can hire a water taxi from Red Beach, which is the next cove to the south. It’s only accessible by sea.

To experience a black beach, head to Perissa, Perivolos, or Kamari. You’ll find a strip beside the beach with beach bars and a fun Mediterranean party atmosphere.

The beach bars are not open in the off-season and the water is too cold to swim in for more than a few minutes! But in summer you can find them beside most beaches, especially on the eastern side of the island.

TIP: If you’d like to stay across from Santorini’s wonderful beaches like Kamari, Perivolos, or Perissa Beach, check out the beachside options at  Where to Stay in Santorini.

Explore Santorini from the water (or under the water!) with the best adventure tours. If you want to have the day to yourself, it’s easy to have a  full-day boat rental.

Otherwise, there is a wealth of water activities to help you work up an appetite.

300 wide cut steps below Oia is the little jewel of Santorini – tiny Amoudi Bay.

This little bay is lined with seafood tavernas a rocky narrow path leads around to an area where you can swim out to the equally tiny St. Nicholas island.

The island has a small church but the reason people swim out here is to jump off a high rock platform into the green-blue sea below.

You can also take scuba diving classes here. On the other side of Amoudi Bay is a sunken ship you can snorkel and scuba dive around.

The Fira to Oia hike will take you through the cliffside villages and towns, but if you want to visit Santorini to see locals living their daily lives, head to the villages that aren’t on the “usual” tourist trail.

My favorite villages are Akrotiri, Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Emporio.

There are buses between the caldera towns and the other villages on the island but it’s also convenient to hire a rental car and maximize your sightseeing time.

When you visit the ancient site at Akrotiri, it makes sense to spend time sampling the delights of this very small town. In fact, you could easily spend a whole day in Akrotiri.

After visiting Ancient Akrotiri you can hit the beach – the red beach that is. You can’t miss it. It is immediately north of the tiny village and you can see the red cliffs as you exit the archaeological site.

When hunger strikes, eat at one of the delightful fish tavernas in the tiny village. Resume your day at the red beach but trek up to Akrotiri lighthouse to watch the sunset.

Akrotiri lighthouse is one of the oldest in Greece and like any lookout along the island, it is a great place to watch the sunset and has a panoramic view of the island and the Aegean Sea.

Up in the interior of Santorini is the hillside village of Pyrgos (Pyrgos Kallistis). Pyrgos is located just below Mount Prophitis Ilias, the highest point on the island.

It is the highest settlement on the island with panoramic views over the entire island. It’s also a beautiful village, with some truly unspoiled remnants from traditional Greek life.

The main attraction of Pyrgos lies in the ruins of the castle which was a formidable defensive structure to protect the people of Santorini. To find the Kasteli, simply head up the hill from the main square.

Apart from its history of being a military stronghold, Pyrgos was once a holy city with numerous churches and chapels built throughout the area around Mount Prophitis Ilias and its famed monastery.

Since 1950. Pyrgos has been a ‘protected settlement’ because of its medieval layout and buildings. It’s a delightful village to wander around and stop in at the upscale bakeries and wine bars.

There is lovely accommodation with incredible views, including exclusive Adults-Only luxury boutique hotels.

For more reasons to visit Pyrgos, read Charming Pyrgos Santorini – a guide to this traditional village.

The name “Megalochori” means “great Village” and it’s been a village since the 17th century.

Its white churches, pirate hideouts, and boutique lodging are scattered along the cobblestone streets and alleyways of the traditional village.

Rather than hiding from the pirates that were such a menace to the Santorini fleet, Megalochori welcomed them and it became a hideout for many well-known pirates.

Once privacy had become rare, Megalochori was still a bustling trade village, exporting wine across Europe.

The 1956 earthquake caused many of the older buildings to collapse and it’s only been in recent years that traditional houses have been restored and the wine-making industry revived.

It’s a fascinating part of life on the Cyclades islands. You can read a comprehensive guide to Megalochori village here .

Emporio is Santorini’s largest town. It feels far away from the sophistication of Oia and the Caldera edge villages and towns, but it has its own charm.

It has very good value accommodation and everything you’d like to see in a small Greek Island village, including churches (of course) but also towers, windmills, Venetian castles, and colorful doors.

It’s near great beaches and it has deserted and eerie buildings and alleyways to explore.

There are parts of the old Kasteli complex that are deserted and very photogenic and its heart is – well, I don’t want to spoil the secret – but you won’t regret a wander into the heart of this interesting village.

It feels like you’re a million miles from Oia but you can be back in time to have a cocktail and watch the sunset!

Like the other villages of Santorini, there is wonderful accommodation, you just have to know where to find it – here’s how: Where to Stay in Santorini

To know all there is to explore in this lovely old town, read Village of Emporio Santorini: Complete Travel Guide.

Best Tours of Santorini’s Villages

If you don’t have a car, are short of time, want to take a shore excursion, or would like to indulge in some wine-tasting along the way, half and full-day tours to the villages of Santorini can be an efficient and unforgettable Santorini experience.

Here are the 6 best ones (you’re spoiled for choice!) :

Best 3 Tours for Visiting Santorini’s Villages

Best tours of santorini villages, 1. most popular bus tour: santorini: traditional sightseeing bus tour with oia sunset, 2. best private tour: santorini: traditional villages and akrotiri private tour, 3. best e-bike villages tour:santorini: private e-bike village tour with lunch or dinner.

Each of the Greek islands has unique aspects because of the history of trade and invasions throughout the Mediterranean.

The high caldera walls on this volcanic island have natural and human-made caves that have become known as “cave houses.”

If you visit Santorini and want to stay in one of the unique aspects of this particular Greek island, then there are a great number of luxury cave houses to stay in.

Santorini’s history as a maritime trading nation meant that it attracted pirates. Some of the cave houses were made to protect sailors from pirates.

These days luxury hotels are made from cave houses. Some have a private pool or hot tub on a private terrace. Some cave houses even have a swimming pool carved into the lava that extends inside and outside the cave house!

Here are the best cave hotels for a perfect (and traditional) Santorini holiday: Luxury Cave Houses: best Santorini Oia hotels

Another unique way to see Santorini is to ride the cable car from Fira to the old port of Santorini. This interesting trip is for travelers by arriving at the old port, such as on cruise ships.

Skala is the name of the old port. It is also called the Santorini Old Harbor and the Santorini Cruise Port.

With 80,000 visitors from cruise ships alighting here each day in peak season from cruise ships, it’s important to time your visit for a day when there are no, or few, cruise ships.

Tip: Don’t try to take the cable car when cruise ships are arriving or leaving each day or you could be in line for a couple of hours!

Otherwise, tickets can be purchased immediately before your ride (no advanced purchase) at the ticket office at both ends of the ride.

A return trip is double the cost of a single trip and there are no discounts. You can use cash or a card but you can’t buy them online.

The schedule of the cable car is for 20 minutes between cars.

You can ride the cable car each day from 06:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and you’ll pay €6 each way for an adult and €3 for a child ( 5-10 years). Children < 5 are free.

The whole island of Santorini is only 18 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide.

The Monastery of Mount Profitis Ilias (Moni Profitou Iliou) sits atop the highest point and from here you can see the entire island!

Mount Profitis Ilias is 5 kilometers from the village of Pyrgos. The trail to the Monastery begins in Pyrgos’ main square.

It’s also possible to rent a car to get there, and there are also bus tours of the island, so you can visit the monastery as part of a day trip by bus.

It is 565 meters or 1,852 ft above the Aegean Sea and it’s a great place to look out to sea and trace the Santorini caldera caused by the great volcanic eruption which is what’s left of ancient Thera.

But it’s also interesting because it was a very wealthy monastery with a school and was a center for Greek literature. It became rich because it had its own private ship.

You can’t see inside the monastery (there are some wine-making monks still living there), but you can visit the 4 chapels surrounding the Monastery.

The bell tower of the Monastery is very impressive and makes for great photos.

During the time of the Venetian era of Santorini (1207-1580), the Byzantines and then the Frankish Empire occupied the island.

The new rulers of the island created fortifications and they built Goulades, or Towers, to live in. They had moved inland and established fortresses to protect themselves from pirate raids.

There are five castles and fortresses or towers that you can visit by yourself or as part of a tour. You’ll find them at Oia, Skaros, Pyrgos, Emporio (or Emborio), and Akrotiri.

The most interesting Goulades is in the village of Emporio.

You can reach these castles and Goulades by car, taxi, or by using the bus system.

You can add them as stops on your way to nearby attractions, or you can take the hassle out of getting there yourself, and take an interesting tour that will give you more than the ‘regular’ Santorini beach-and-volcano short holiday experience.

The best tour of the Venetian castles is the Santorini: Small-Group Highlights Tour of Venetian Castles

Ride along village paths, through vineyards and farms, along black sand beaches, and past lookouts on the best Santorini horseriding tours.

These tours include sunset rides and rides through volcanic landscapes . It’s much better to ride the horses than the poor old donkeys on the Oia steps down to Amoudi Bay!

What don’t they include? The main stables in Santorini are in Megalochori and they don’t include hotel pick-up and drop off so you’ll need to get a taxi, bus, or your own transportation there and back.

Also, I always ride in gloves and I take them to the Greek Islands because I’m likely to come across somewhere I can canter a horse along a beach!

How long are the rides? The total time is 1.5, 2, or 2.5 hours.

Do I need to know how to ride a horse? No, not for all the tours except for the tour that is for experienced riders only.

Best 3 Santorini Horseriding Tours

1. megalochori: horseback riding tour for experienced riders, 2. santorini: horse riding experience at sunset on the caldera, 3. santorini: horse riding trip to black sandy beach.

Surely this has to be one of the most scenic outdoor cinemas anywhere in the world!

Volkan on the Rocks is on the cliff path at Firestofani, a 7-minute walk from the cable car. Drinks and meals are served before, during, and after each movie.

But all of this fine wine and dining doesn’t matter at all – what matters is the incredible view of the volcano, over the island of Santorini, and out to the Aegean Sea from Volkan on the Rocks.

It’s a treat for all the senses and another great way to fit in a Santorini sunset doing something unique and memorable!

In Kamari, you can find the charming Kamari Open Air Cinema .

Located on the way to Kamari village and enclosed within a thicket of trees, this cinema shows the latest Western movies and has a bar and snack shop.

You have to buy your tickets at the door before the show starts and there are no seat numbers on the tickets.

Tip: Arrive at 8 pm to get seats and make sure all of your party arrives at the same time as you can’t “save” seats for your friends to join you later.

Families love this theater in part because it is close to the beach resorts with family-friendly accommodations. These theaters are only open in summer and make a great evening out.

Why should you take a Greek cooking class when you visit Santorini?

Like many regions of Greece, Santorini grows products not grown in other places in Greece. Fava beans , Santorini Salad , Santorini tomatoes , seafood caught in the waters around the island, and wines that originate in Santorini should all be on your list of what to eat and drink when you visit Santorini.

Fava and Santorini tomatoes are examples of Santorini specialty foods, and of course, some of the incredible wine you can experience here is also unique.

If you’ve been to a fish taverna at Akrotiri or Amoudi Bay, you already know that the most amazing food involves freshly caught fish and octopus.

Swordfish are caught in the Aegean Sea around Santorini as well as some other Greek islands.

The high season for swordfish is August and September and another great reason to visit Santorini at the end of the summer season!

If you would like to walk, tour, visit farms, and wineries, or pair food with wine tastings, then there are several excellent foodie tours.

They include trips to the local Santorini market, visits to tavernas, and sampling of Santorini products like olive oil and honey produced on the island.

The best three highly rated foodie tours are below.

The Best Santorini Food Tours

1. santorini: greek food & wine tasting tour, 2. megalochori village walk: farm food tasting & winery tour, 3. fira: 4-hour walking food tour with tastings.

Cooking classes can be taken in several places. Some can be taken on the water, on a farm, and combined with wine tasting, hiking, and snorkeling! Here are the best 3.

The 3 Best Cooking Classes in Santorini

1. perivolos beach: cooking class fortyone bar restaurant, 2. oia: greek cooking class with a local grandmother & lunch, 4. santorini: vegan traditional cooking class with local wines.

Santorini itinerary for 3 days: explore all of the volcano island

Corfu Travel Guide

Athens, Mykonos, Santorini Itinerary: 7-10 Days

Hi! I'm an anthropologist & history travel expert. I spend a part of each year in Greece, Italy, & Cyprus.

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• 1. Watch the Sunset
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• 5. Swim in the Black Beach
• 6. Visit Red Beach
• 7. Delish Dinner at Ammoudi
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Discover the World

26 Top Tourist Attractions in Greece

By Kaeylen McCrea · Last updated on February 5, 2024

Rich in ancient history, breathtaking beaches, awe-inspiring scenery, and Greek mythology, Greece is teeming with unique tourist destinations.

Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, theatre, democracy, and famed philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle. Greece consists of thousands of islands, some of the more well-known vacation spots including Santorini and Mykonos. The country’s cuisine is vibrant and rich. Olives are a popular ingredient in many Greek dishes, which makes sense why Greece is the third-largest producer of olives.

Between history, culture, cuisine, and nature, Greece is an undeniably attractive tourist destination you should not miss out on. It’s one of the sunniest places in the world, with plenty of rays for exploring ancient archaeological sites, tanning on white-pebbled beaches, and adventuring to your heart’s content.

To discover the best things to do in this Mediterranean country, use this list of the top tourist attractions in Greece and create your dream itinerary.

26. Balos Lagoon, Crete

Northwest of Kissamos and Chania, Balos Lagoon is well-known for its stunning natural beauty and perfect photo opportunities. The lagoon is located in Crete , the largest island in Greece , loved for its pristine beaches and ancient ruins.

Balos Lagoon twines between Cape Gramvousa and Cape Tigani. It exudes an unmistakable tranquility, attracting hundreds and thousands of people throughout the year. The white-sugared sands and shallow turquoise waters are ideal for inexperienced swimmers. Near the boundaries of the lagoon are deeper sections of water perfect for snorkeling.

The lagoon is protected under the Natura 2000 program, with rare species of plants and animals inhabiting the area. The monk seal and loggerhead sea turtle are examples of protected species in Balos Lagoon.

25. Naoussa, Paros

A fishing village in the Cyclades on the northeastern section of Paros Island, Naoussa attracts people from all over the world. They came here to admire its white washed buildings and enjoy its beaches for summer vacation.

Naoussa’s dazzling golden beaches, like Kolymbithres Beach and Monastiri, stretch along the natural bay. Many of these beaches, which vary from secluded to crowded, can be accessed on foot. However, some require trips by caiques, small fishing boats, that launch from the local port.

Naoussa is well-known as a summer hotspot but is also famous for its local wine production. It also features impactful historical sites like the Venetian Castle. The castle dates back to the 15th century. It was used to protect the island from pirates and later on as a defensive tower for the Ottomans.

24. Nafplio

A coastal city in the eastern Peloponnese , Nafplio is one of the most romantic cities in Greece. Its historic charm and classic architecture set the scene with flowing Turkish fountains, Byzantine churches, and medieval castles.

Only two hours from Athens, a trip to Nafplio opens up a world of local history to learn more about. The beautiful town was the first capital of the new Greek state until 1834 before the title was passed on to Athens. Walk down cobblestone alleys of medieval Old Town. Head to the Italianate Syntagma Square at the heart of the city. Here you will find two Turkish mosques and the Archaeological Museum, preserving historical artifacts dating back to the Prehistoric period.

Enjoy a stroll through Arvanitia Promenade, a scenic route with viewpoints of Akronafplia, the oldest of three Nafplio castles.

23. White Tower of Thessaloniki

Located in northern Greece in Macedonia, the White Tower of Thessaloniki is an iconic historic landmark.

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city. The ancient city is full of history, having played a vital role in the Byzantine period. The White Tower of Thessaloniki was around during a majority of the city’s historical turning points. It was termed “the Red Tower” and “the Tower of Blood” throughout Ottoman history. This was because of the tower’s role as a prison where brutal torture was enforced.

The monument houses a museum depicting the city’s history. At the top of the White Tower are awe-inspiring viewpoints of the Thermaic Gulf and the city. Outside the tower is the promenade, the popular seaside pedestrian street that routes past the White Tower.

22. Old Town of Rhodes

Encircled by medieval walls, the Old Town of Rhodes has been inhabited since medieval times. Along the walls are seven gates, said to enter another world, and walking through them, visitors will find one of the best-preserved fortified cities in Europe.

Rhodes was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of the Greek sun god Helios. Unfortunately, the Colossus of Rhodes was disassembled and sold in AD 654 when the Arabs invaded Rhodes.

The main square, right inside Marina Gate, features a central fountain, cafes, and shops to explore. One of the prominent shopping streets, Sokratous Street, heads off from the square. Next, stroll down the Street of the Knights, a cobblestoned street lamp-lit route outstandingly preserved to relieve the days of medieval knights. Finally, visit Our Lady of the Castle, a Byzantine-style church estimated to have been built in the 11th century.

21. Acropolis Museum, Athens

Considered one of the most significant museums on earth, the Acropolis Museum homes the findings and replicas from the Acropolis of Athens .

The museum is only a short drive from the Acropolis archaeological site, where the famous tourist attraction, the Pantheon, sits. The museum features miniature replicas of the Acropolis after each major invasion in Athens, including Roman, Ottoman, and Persian. Continuing on through the Acropolis Museum is the display of the ancient Athenian neighborhood, which was discovered while building the museum.

One of the favorite attractions of the museum is findings from the Parthenon, the historic temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and one of the biggest attractions of Greece. The museum’s third-floor houses artifacts and sculptures from the Parthenon, including original marble inscriptions.

One of the Saronic Islands in the Aegean Sea, Hydra, is about a two-hour ferry trip from Athens.

As one of the most popular islands near Athens , the car-free island attracts visitors of all kinds, including famous ones like painters Henry Miller and Leonard Cohen. The island is known for its elegance, history, and it’s main port, surrounded by old churches and 18th-century mansions. Old canon bastions used to defend the island in the Greek War of Independence decorate the port.

The busy harbor is frequented by fishermen heading off to catch a hefty bounty. Some fishermen will use their boats to sell fresh catches after their return. Cats are a standard part of life in Hydra, many of which come to get their morning meal at the harbor.

Just wandering the streets of this enchanting town is one of the most rewarding things to do in Greece. First, have dinner at one of the restaurants for a fresh seafood dish caught locally. Then, stop at a cafe for a quick dessert or refreshing drink.

19. Mount Athos

Found on the edge of the Athos peninsula in Macedonia, Mount Athos is a holy mountain that has served as an Orthodox spiritual center since 1054. Women and children are forbidden to visit Mount Athos.

Twenty monasteries, including subsidiary establishments, decorate the slopes of Mount Athos. Since Byzantine times, Mount Athos has maintained a self-administered status, with its first constitution signed in 972.

To visit Mount Athos, a permit must be issued. Only ten non-orthodox and 100 Greeks and orthodox visitors are given permits daily, valid for four days. Mount Athos is a well-loved spiritual place where many men come to prioritize spirituality. Arriving at Mount Athos on a permitted visit, one will be overcome by structures that date back centuries on a thousand-year-old site.

Near Mykonos in the Aegean Sea’s Cyclades archipelago, Delos is the mythological birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis.

The island is an archaeological site featuring ruins of Doric temples, mosaics, and the famous Terrace of the Lions statue. The only inhabitants of the islands are archaeologists and caretakers of the island. There are no hotels or other stays to spend overnight on Delos. Once a religious center and commercial port, the island was quickly abandoned after several attacks and has stayed that way since 7 BC.

Excavations of Delos began in 1872, some of which continues to this day. A trip to Delos is one of the most popular things to do in Mykonos and offers a leap back in time. The island is an archaeological site dating back to the Archaic and Hellenistic periods.

17. Cape Sounion

At the southern point of Attica and the end of the Sounio Peninsula stands the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion.

Built in 5 BC to honor Poseidon, the structure was constructed entirely of white marble. The Temple of Poseidon is a renowned monument of the Golden Age of Athens. The Aegean Sea stretches out on three sides of the temple, and the scenery of the sunset descending into the sea is mesmerizing from this viewpoint.

The Temple of Poseidon had 34 columns. Only fifteen are left standing. If you look closely at one of the columns, you’ll find the name, Lord Byron. The famous poet inscribed his name during a visit to the historic site in 1810.

16. Epidaurus

Once a small city of ancient Greece, Epidaurus is a famous archaeological site found on the northeastern Peloponnese in Argolis.

One of the biggest tourist attractions of Epidaurus is the Ancient Theatre. The theatre was established in 4 BC to host religious ceremonies honoring the god Asclepius. It was also used to host plays and symposia and as a wrestling arena. This is because of the theatre’s outstanding acoustics and symmetry, which are used to host ancient Greek drama performances in the present day.

Epidaurus acted as a health center in ancient times, referred to as “The Asclepion.” Myths accumulated between the ill that stayed in the Asclepion. That the god Asclepius appeared in dreams and cured their ailments.

15. Portara, Naxos

The Portara is an iconic landmark on the largest Cyclades islands on the islet of Naxos.

A colossal marble doorway acts as the favored jewel and landmark of Naxos . The construction of the Portara began in 6 BC under the decree of tyrant Lygdamis. However, construction ceased when Lydgamis was overthrown, resulting in only the Portara, or “door,” being built. It was believed that the structure was meant to be a temple dedicated to Apollo, but there is some controversy over its original purpose.

The photogenic marble gateway of the Portara illuminates stunningly, whether it be sunset, sunrise, or at night. Stroll up the cobbled pathway to the Portara and explore the ruins and encompassing sights beheld there.

14. Corfu Old Town

The northernmost of the Ionian Islands, Corfu is found in the Adriatic sea near the western coasts of Albania.

Corfu is loved for its captivating architecture and history, with some buildings dating back to the Venetian period. Within Corfu’s Old Town are cobbled streets, old churches, charming shops, and adorable cafes.

For one-of-a-kind local finds, explore the local shops for clothes, sandals, trinkets, and fun souvenirs to take home. Many churches in Corfu’s Old Town are open to visitors looking to take a peek at the intricate design and architecture or simply to light a candle and say a prayer. Listen to live music as performers show off their talent to the crowds. Finally, get a taste of the local cuisine that fuses Greek and Venetian cuisine with an eastern twist.

13. Knossos Palace

The largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, the Palace of Knossos, is the residence of the mythical King Minos, the son of Europa and Zeus.

Southeast of Heraklion in Crete, the palace symbolized the Minoan civilization. It was used as a political and ceremonial center for the Minoans. The palace was inhabited for a few thousand years until its destruction and the end of the Minoan civilization in 1375 BC.

The original Palace of Knossos, not the reconstructed one after its devastation, was four wings of four-story houses centered around a courtyard. A maze, or labyrinth, connected to the courtyard. In Greek mythology, the maze, or “Labyrinth,” was the home of the Minotaur that battled Athenian hero Theseus.

Combine a palace tour with a trip to the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. Visit the museum first for a deeper understanding of the Palace of Knossos.

12. Ancient Mycenae

One of the major centers of Greek civilization, Ancient Mycenae is an ancient city and archaeological site and was a military stronghold that strong-armed the Cyclades, Crete, and southern Greece. The old archaeological site is southwest of Athens and north of Argos in the Peloponnese.

The first to speak the Greek language, the Mycenaens thrived until their eventual downfall around 1200 BC. After that, the Bronze-age acropolis was one of the greats, heavily impacting Greek culture and mythology.

Ancient Mycenae was also King Agamemnon’s home, who played a vital role in the Trojan War. Throughout the archaeological site are preserved finds like King Agamemnon’s palace, cisterns, Cyclopean architecture, and tombs. Some other noteworthy points of interest include the Tomb of Clytemnestra (the wife of King Agamemnon), the Museum of Mycenae, the Treasury of Atreus, and the Lion Gate.

11. Vikos Gorge

On the southern slopes of Mount Tymphe in the Pindus Mountains, Víkos Gorge is a favored hiking spot with numerous awe-inspiring viewpoints. It is documented in the Guinness book of records as the world’s deepest canyon in proportion to its width.

Often called the Grand Canyon of Greece, the gorge offers breathtaking views of nature’s wondrous capabilities. One of Greece’s most naturally stunning sights, this gem is a sight to behold.

The most frequently used starting point for trekking the Víkos Gorge is Monodendri, a village in Zagori. Take your time indulging your curiosity with a tour through Monodendri’s snaking alleyways and delectable food options. For a more appealingly gentle descent from hiking Víkos Gorge, take the trailhead at Dilofo, a scenic mountain village.

10. Navagio Beach

Commonly called Smugglers Cove or Shipwreck Beach, Navagio Beach is a famous pebble beach on the coast of Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands.

Surrounded by shimmering turquoise water and towering cliffs, the beach is only reachable by boat. The second most photographed site and one of the most popular beaches in Greece , Navagio Beach lives up to its reputation with spectacular scenery that exudes paradise.

On its shores lies a shipwrecked boat, “Panagiotis”. The ship attempted to transport cigarettes in 1983 illegally but washed ashore during a massive storm. Nevertheless, it has become one of the biggest reasons why millions visit Navagio Beach every year.

9 Lindos, Rhodes

A town on the island of Rhodes, Lindos preserves Greece’s second most visited archaeological site.

The legend goes that Danaus, the son of the King of Egypt, founded Lindos. Greek mythology believes that when Danaus fled his brother and Hera, he resided on the island before moving to Greece’s mainland.

The Acropolis of Lindos can be seen from every viewpoint in the town. On the first level of the acropolis is a Byzantine church of St. John established around the 13th century. There is also a big Hellenistic stoa and the remains of a temple. On the top of the stairs are the ruins of the Temple of Athena Lindia, a 4 BC sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Visit the ancient theatre of Lindos, dating back to 4 BC. The historic amphitheater was used for festivals, plays, and athletic competitions. Admire the Church of Panagia, an elaborately designed chapel with a Rhodian campanile tower and hanging chandeliers.

An ancient town in Phocis, Delphi rests between the Phaidriades Rocks of Mount Parnassus.

A major religious center in the 6th century BC, the Panhellenic sanctuary of the god Apollo lies in Delphi. It was the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, translating to “Athena who is before the temple (of Apollo).” Visitors would first see the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, then reach the sanctuary of Apollo.

Archaeological finds discovered Mycenaean remains, showing the area was inhabited in 2 BC. The sanctuary was established in 8 BC, its influence extending over Greece. Pilgrims came to Delphi to meet the priestess of Pythia and the Oracle of Delphi, which was widely known for divining the future. Delphi was once home to the Pythian Games, second to the Olympics for Greeks, to honor Apollo.

Now, visitors to Delphi can tour the archaeological sites of these historic religious sanctuaries. Other noteworthy artifacts and educational information can be found at the nearby museum.

Referred to as Myzithras in the Chronicle of the Morea, Mystras is a historic town in the southeast of Peloponnese near ancient Sparta.

The settlement of Mystras began in 1249 with the construction of an amphitheater surrounding a fortress overlooking Sparta. However, after multiple attacks and occupations, by the Byzantines, Turks, then Venetians, Mystras was soon abandoned in 1832 with only ruins left behind.

The well-preserved archaeological sites feature Byzantine churches, fortress walls, and palace remains to peer over. The site is split between three sections—the fortress on the summit, the upper town, and the lower town.

Built by the Franks and preserved by the Turks, the fortress is historically outstanding, with stunning scenic opportunities from atop the hill. Within the upper and lower town sections are cobblestone streets worn down after centuries of use and numerous structures dating back to the 12th century.

6. Samaria Gorge

A part of the White Mountains National Park on the island of Crete, the Samaria Gorge is the longest in Europe.

Home to 70 species endemic to Crete, the gorge is an enriching masterpiece of nature. Thousands of people hike Samaria Gorge every day during its peak month of August. But before beginning your hike of the gorge, take a quick trip to the Museum of Natural History of Samaria Gorge. The museum presents a deeper understanding of the gorge’s historical and natural wealth.

Hiking the gorge is one of the most popular things to do in Greece. Begin your hike at Xyloskalo, or “wooden stairs.” Locals constructed the wooden staircase as an entrance to the gorge.

5. Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach is a famous beach found in the northwest part of Kefalonia Island in Pylaros.

Featuring a picturesque position at the base of two mountains, Myrtos Beach is frequently publicized as one of the best beaches in the world. Its breathtaking blue waters and shocking white pebbled shore make it an easy favorite as one of the best tourist destinations in Greece.

Sink your toes in the sand. Go for a swim and suntan on the sand. And take plenty of pictures while relaxing in paradise at Myrtos Beach!

4. Mykonos Town

One of the most featured destinations in Greece, the island and town of Mykonos is part of the Cyclades between Naxo and Syros.

The islands of the winds, Mykonos , is a luxurious holiday destination for romantic getaways and group tropical vacations. The town of Mykonos satiates a range of interests, from history and culture to food and nature.

Shop designer clothes at local boutiques around Mykonos Town. Find local pieces at various art galleries. Unwind at the picturesque beaches to catch some sun. Tour the archaeological sites, like the Ancient Delos, scattered with historic structures and ruins. Stroll through the streets surrounded by Cycladic architecture that has made the town of Mykonos well-known and well-loved for its unique setting.

3. Acropolis of Athens

A historical landmark above the city of Athens, the Acropolis of Athens preserves the remains of ancient structures that hold historical and architectural value.

Now an archaeological site, the military fortress established during the Neolithic period became a religious center dedicated to the goddess Athena. During the battle of Salamis in 480 BC, parts of the Acropolis were damaged. However, the structure was recovered and rebuilt by Pericles, the founder of the Athenian democracy, into the Acropolis observed today.

See also: Where to Stay in Athens

On the grounds of the Acropolis of Athens are different historical structures, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. These buildings are temples dedicated to different elements of the Goddess Athena, each holding its own enigmatic pull. To the northwest of the Acropolis is the Areopagus, which functioned as the high court of appeal for cases of the law, and is now admired for its outstanding viewpoints of Athens.

Near the town of Kalabaka in central Greece, the Meteora is a famed rock formation home to one of the largest Eastern Orthodox monasteries. It is only second to Mount Athos.

Six monasteries are stabilized on natural pillars and massive boulders on the rock formations for a truly unique and stunning attraction of Greece. The area of Meteora combines medieval history, impactful religion, and breathtaking nature, having sheltered the monasteries for nearly a thousand years.

Rock climbers crowd from all over the world to take on Meteora. But, if you’re afraid of heights, consider taking Meteora on from the comfort of the ground. There are numerous hiking trail options, including leisurely strolls or strenuous climbs that travel through the refreshing landscapes stacked with towering rock formations. End, or start, your trip at the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum. It is one of the few museums in the world dedicated to mushrooms.

1. Sunsets at Santorini

A famous tourist destination and island in the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini is adored for its unrivaled sunsets.

Created by volcanic eruptions, Santorini has impressively steep cliffs that offer some of the best sunset-viewing opportunities in the world. The two main towns, Fira (or Thira) and Oia have different rewarding perspectives for a romantic and unforgettable sight.

Book an evening cruise for views on the water to lose the bustling crowd and get the perfect spot for sunset viewing. Then, reserve a table at Ammoudi Fish Tavern in Ammoudi Bay for a romantic dinner while basking in bewitching pink and red hues. Atop Skaros is a historic Venetian fortress that avails clear views of the sea and sunsets at Santorini. Another ideal sunset viewing spot is at the 19th-century Akrotiri lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Greece

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Reader interactions.

May 28, 2019 at 6:44 am

77 year old USA couple just returned from a 7 week trip to Greece last week. Skipped the tourist spots and concentrated on the historic locations which made Greece a remarkable society for 1000s of years including Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean, and Byzantine.

April 24, 2017 at 12:23 pm

I’m 13years old and I have even been to Greece. It was one of the best places I’ve been in my life and I’ve been to some pretty cool places like Egypt.

February 2, 2015 at 9:57 am

I need to add Cape Sounion to this! The Temple of Poseidon. A couple of hours by coach from Athens. Absolutely amazing, stunning views and if you stay until sunset really quite breathtaking!!

December 1, 2014 at 1:28 pm

I visited Santorini in October last year . It is beautiful place to be but unfortunetely even in October overcrowded 🙁 Crete is a better destination in my opinion 🙂

April 14, 2014 at 8:07 am

I surely hope that I can visit Greece. It is so unbelievably amazing even just the pictures. Parthenon, Mykonos, and definitely Santorini are on top of my list 🙂

April 10, 2014 at 4:28 am

Sailing Greece in August 2014. Arriving early, where’s the best place to stay and the best things to do?

March 26, 2014 at 1:14 pm

Greece is so amazing !! I wish i could go there someday 😉

March 16, 2014 at 1:16 am

I would like to go to Santorini 😀

December 2, 2013 at 5:56 am

I will recommend you to complete the map of tourist attractions in Greece 2014 Aegina island. Its 1 hour far from peraeus harbour. We have ”flisvos” tavern at aegina ‘s port and we offer eating services for tourists Groups. Please have in your mind aegina island and i am waiting you coming in my taverna. To drink a glass of ouzaki eating octopus on bbq for free (only for you). Thank you very much.

July 3, 2013 at 6:31 am

Mykonos is the place to be!! I love this island. I ve been to Ornos, Elia and Ag. Sostis beach. Panormos is also great! Great beach and nice waters!Next to the beach there is a pool venue with djs! We went after the beach and they have pool afternoon parties. We had some cocktails and amazing food. Guilty Beach !!!!

October 23, 2012 at 1:38 am

I love Kefalonia and Myrtos beach is stunning…

December 9, 2011 at 6:49 pm

Greece is WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

September 11, 2011 at 11:47 am

Greece is wonderful place.Thasos is nice to see also

August 24, 2011 at 1:15 pm

Absolutely beautiful photos! Greece is a fantastic tourist destination! But I would like to add Sithonia, Halkidiki, to your list – lots of unspoiled nature and beaches, and not spoiled by tons of tourists…

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There's A Fake Greek Island Of Santorini In China You Can Visit

Santorini has joined China's long list of famous landmark replicas found across the nation.

• China recreated Santorini with $1 billion resort in Dali city, replicating blue and white architecture with Mediterranean charm.
• Yunnan province's 3,700-acre resort offers accommodations mirroring Santorini's allure, providing a taste of the island in China.
• China's love for replicas extends to world monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, and even the Titanic.

Santorini (also known as Thera in Classical Greek) is one of the most iconic destinations in the Greek Islands and all of Europe. It is nestled in the southern Aegean Sea, is the remnant of an ancient caldera, and attracts people from far and wide. But not everyone can make it to Greece and visit the island. So if one can't go to an attraction, why not bring the attraction elsewhere? That seems to be what has happened with a replica of the island in China.

Naturally, there is nothing quiet like seeing an attraction in real life. There are many things to see and do in Santorini and one needs to actually go there to see and do them. That being said, there's nothing quiet like traveling to China and seeing replicas from around the world in real life too.

A Picture-Perfect Replica Of Santorini In China

Dali city in yunnan province offers a stunning replica of the greek santorini island.

According to reporting by the Times of India , China has built a picture-perfect replica of Santorini . The publication states "This pretty replica impeccably captures the quintessence of Santorini's iconic appeal." It should be noted that such a resort-based replica would not be out of the ordinary in Las Vegas where one can find Egyptian pyramid replicas, Venice replicas, and more.

China's southern city of Dali in Yunnan province is one of the top tourist destinations for domestic Chinese travelers. Sometimes, holidaymakers enjoy bringing the world to them instead of having to travel and see the world. China is full of many elaborate replicas of famous landmarks, with Yunnan province's Santorini Dali resort boasting the blue and whitewashed architecture of Santorini.

The resort spans 3,700 acres and costs over a billion dollars to construct. It is nestled close to a local lake and offers a selection of stunning accommodations, along with little shops and authentic Greek-themed restaurants. The Cangshan mountain range rises in the background, while the Chinese relax with a touch of Mediterranean charm.

Is Santorini Possible On A Budget? Here Are 10 Ways To Do It

Santorini: one of greece's most iconic islands steeped in history, santorini not only has stunning beaches and iconic architecture, it has its own ash-covered city like pompeii.

Santorini has a population of around 15,500 and a landmass of around 28 square miles. It is an island that has forged its own identity and boasts red sand, black sand, and pebbled beaches with some of the Mediterranean's most well-known architecture.

Santorini is believed to be the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, which caused massive damage to the ancient Minoan civilization around 3,600 years ago (at the height of their civilization).

One of the great attractions in Santorini that the Chinese are unlikely to have replicated is Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city buried in the eruption (much like Pompeii thousands of years later).

Sunny Skies & Ocean Breezes: Your Guide To The Weather In Santorini & When To Go

China: a land of many replicas, china has built scale and even larger-than-life replicas, sometimes resulting in them being taken to court for intellectual property theft.

Replicas of many of the world's most well-known monuments and attractions are found in China. Travel to China and see fake versions of the Eiffel Tower (354 feet tall), the Sydney Opera House, the White House, the Roman Colosseum, Paris' Arc de Triomphe, Moscow's Kremlin, and much more. Sometimes there are multiple replicas of the same landmarks around China.

Examples of replicas in China:

• Rome's Colosseum
• Arc de Triomphe
• London Tower Bridge
• Effiel Tower
• Sydney Opera House
• The White House
• Great Sphinx

Not all replicas in China are smaller versions of their real-life counterparts. The Romandisea Titanic is an unfinished full-scale copy of the Titanic . The project was first reported in 2013 and formally launched in 2014. It would have been the centerpiece of the Romandisea resort in Sichuan province. However, it seems to have stalled and remains around 25% complete ( the United States has more than one Titanic replica of its own ).

Some replicas are much larger than the real thing. In 2012, a double-sized replica of London's famous Tower Bridge over Yuanhe Pond was built in Jiangsu province.

However, while China's replicas are typically met with amusement when the outside world learns about them, they sometimes anger countries. China has built a number of Great Sphinx replicas only to have the Egyptians take them to court to demolish them claiming them to be intellectual property theft.

New Greek Resorts, Golden Visa Countries And More Travel News

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5 New Greek Hotels For Summer

W ith summer fast approaching, there are recently opened hotels and resorts in Greece to consider. From popular escapes such as Mykonos and Santorini to the lesser-known islands across the Aegean chain, here are five new Greek hotels worth checking out —and into.

10 Incredible Cruise Ship Features

For many years, the trend in cruise ship design has been that “bigger is better”—with vessels such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas setting new passenger records. But many cruise lines are also competing by offering innovative features to the high seas. From kart racing on multi-level courses to multiscreen movie theaters, here are some of the most incredible activities on cruise ships right now.

Disney World Earns Its First Michelin Star

Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort—which has been a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurant since 2018—added a new star to its constellation this month: It became the first Disney restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star . Located at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World, Victoria and Albert’s is known for its opulent Victorian era-inspired meals. A prix-fixe dinner is $295 per guest, with optional wine pairings starting at $155 per person. Unlike the rest of the theme park, a formal dress code is encouraged for all diners, who must be 10 years of age or older.

Golden visas—which grant residency and/or citizenship through an investment—may be disappearing from Europe, but many EU countries are now luring travelers with digital nomad visas, which grant travelers the legal right to work remotely for an extended period. Italy recently became the latest country to offer the visa and here are other EU countries with digital nomad visas .

America’s Best Airlines 2024

The personal-finance website WalletHub recently announced its annual ranking of the best U.S. airlines . The study evaluates the nine largest national airlines and one regional carrier across a range of criteria, including safety, on-time records and overall service. This year, Alaska Airlines was named the best airline in America, beating out Delta, which ranked first in 2022 and 2023. The survey also ranked U.S. carriers based on reliability and comfort.

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