In this article, I discuss, things to do in Greece Santorini. Welcome to the enchanting island of Santorini, where a plethora of captivating experiences await you. With its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich history, Santorini is a dream destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Here's a comprehensive guide on things to do in Greece, Santorini, ensuring an unforgettable getaway.
Begin your exploration with a visit to Oia, a charming village renowned for its iconic sunset views. Stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets, lined with white-washed buildings adorned with vibrant blue domes. Capture the mesmerizing sunset over the caldera, creating a picture-perfect moment that will linger in your memories.
For a deeper dive into Santorini's history, venture to the ancient city of Akrotiri. Explore the well-preserved ruins of this Minoan Bronze Age settlement, often referred to as the "Pompeii of the Aegean." Marvel at the advanced architecture and gain insights into the island's fascinating past.
Things to Do in Greece Santorini
Take a boat tour to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, where you can hike to the crater, witness volcanic activity, and soak in natural hot springs. The unique landscapes provide a thrilling adventure and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Discover the vibrant beaches of Santorini, each with its distinctive charm. Perissa and Kamari offer black sand beaches, while Red Beach boasts striking red volcanic cliffs. Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand as you relax and unwind in these picturesque settings.
Explore the island's culinary delights by indulging in a Greek feast at a seaside taverna. Try local specialties such as moussaka, souvlaki, and fava, accompanied by a glass of Assyrtiko wine produced from Santorini's unique vineyards. The island's gastronomy is a sensory delight for food enthusiasts.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, embark on a sailing excursion around Santorini. Navigate the azure waters, stopping at hidden coves and snorkeling spots. The sailing experience provides an intimate connection with the island's beauty and allows you to escape the crowds.
1. WATCH THE SUNSET IN OIA
Most likely, you have already seen the iconic sunset photos of Oia. Maybe that’s how Santorini made it onto your “must-see” list. It worked for us!
Oia (pronounced ee-uh), is one of the best places in Santorini to watch the sunset. The blue dome churches set amongst cascading whitewashed buildings is the perfect setting to watch the sun go down. This is Santorini’s most crowded spot at sunset, so expect big crowds of people here.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you are renting a car, plan to get here several hours before sunset just to ensure that you get a parking spot. Parking is extremely limited and by late afternoon, giant tour buses make the situation even worse.
You can wander the streets and look for the perfect spot on your own, but I have two suggestions for you.
The most popular spot to watch the sunset is near Oia Castle. The crowds here are insane. But what you get is view of the windmills and the whitewashed buildings cascading down the cliffs of the island.
Oia Castle was not our favorite sunset point. It was very crowded and you don’t get the iconic blue domes.
My favorite spot was right next to the three blue domes of Oia. This is a fantastic view, because not only do you get the blue domes, but you can also get the bells of a church in your photo. As an added bonus, I shared this amazing spot with just a handful of people.
2. SUNSET IN IMEROVIGLI
Imerovigli is less popular that Oia but it’s still a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. It’s also a lot quieter, another reason why it’s so nice.
You can enjoy the view while wandering the narrow walkways, from your terrace or hot tub or plunge pool (if you reserved a hotel here), or from one of several restaurants.
Our favorite restaurant with a view in Santorini is La Maison. Not only is it a gourmet experience but the views are stunning.
3. TAKE A BOAT TOUR
Another great experience in Santorini is to take a sunset cruise. From the catamaran, enjoy the view of the white towns on the rim of the caldera and watch as the sun sets. Most cruises offer dinner, drinks, and a chance to go snorkeling or swimming.
Get out on the water and sail to the volcano. You can swim in the Aegean Sea or the hot springs, peer into the crater of an active volcano, explore the city of Thirassia, and visit the Red and White Sand Beaches. Some of these cruises will end with a sunset view of Oia.
We did not do this, simply because tours were not yet being offered during our visit. However, I think a half to full day boat tour would be one of Santorini’s top experiences.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Want to avoid the cruise ship crowds? Find out when the cruise ships will be in port by clicking here. You can get the cruise ship schedule not only for Santorini but also Athens and the other Greek Islands.
4. WALK OUT TO SKAROS ROCK
Skaros Rock is a large promontory of rock that juts out from the island just below Imerovigli. This was once the location of an ancient castle and fortresses. Now, it’s a popular photography and hiking spot. Explore the trails on the rock, enjoy the views back to Imerovigli, and see the ruins of the old fortresses.
To get here, walk down the zig-zag walking path from Imerovigli to Agios Ioannis Church and continue on the trail to Skaros Rock.
5. GO WINE TASTING
Wine is a major industry on Santorini. Assyritiko is the main grape grown on Santorini and will be found in many wines made here. You can visit the wineries on your own or take a tour. Santo Wines is the most popular winery to visit but Venetsanos Winery also makes a nice pick.
This sunset wine tour includes a visit to three wineries. This full day tour of Santorini includes a visit to Profitis Ilias and Perissa Black Sand Beach, a wine tasting, and sunset views of Oia. Or, take a private tour of the three wineries in Santorini.
6. WALK FROM FIRA TO OIA
Walking along the edge of the caldera from Oia to Imerovigli to Fira was one of our favorite experiences in Santorini. The best parts are the views over Oia and the caldera and exploring the walking paths from Imerovigli to Fira.
This walk is 6 miles and can take 3 to 5 hours, depending on how fast you walk and how often you stop. It’s more of a hike than a walk, since you will be on dirt trails and hiking up and down hillsides for part of the route, but most of the way is paved.
You can go either direction. We walked from Oia to Fira. However, in my opinion, it would be a better experience to walk from Fira to Oia. Doing it this way would make it an overall downhill walk (although you will have to hike up some hills), you get to see the amazing views of Oia in front of you (rather than having to turn around to see them), and you can end in Oia. Spend the rest of the day exploring the village, watch the sunset, and then return to your hotel.
7. EXPLORE OIA
Yes, Oia is famous as a sunset destination. But it’s just as wonderful during the daytime. Explore the narrow walkways, go shopping, hop from café to café, and be prepared to fill your camera’s memory card with tons of photos. This is one of Santorini’s most photogenic spots.
8. VISIT AMMOUDI BAY
Ammoudi Bay sits just down the cliff from Oia. You can walk down on switchback paths. Once here, go to the beach, dine at a seafood restaurant, or even go cliff jumping.
Nestled on the captivating island of Santorini, Ammoudi Bay beckons with its enchanting charm. A picturesque fishing village beneath Oia's cliffs, it offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant sunsets, and traditional tavernas serving delectable seafood. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this hidden gem, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs, creating an idyllic retreat for those seeking tranquility and breathtaking views.
Explore the quaint harbor, indulge in fresh seafood, and witness the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over this Mediterranean paradise. Ammoudi Bay invites you to experience a slice of Greek heaven that lingers in memory long after your visit.
9. PHOTOGRAPH AGIOS THEODORI CHURCH
This is one of Santorini’s most popular blue dome churches. It is located in Firostefani and you can make a detour here while walking from Fira to Oia.
Capture the essence of serenity at Agios Theodori Church, where whitewashed walls meet azure skies. Perched in Santorini's heart, this iconic site enchants with its timeless beauty. Ideal for photographers seeking a blend of tradition and allure, it promises an unforgettable visual symphony against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.
10. EXPLORE IMEROVIGLI
Aah…quiet, picturesque Imerovigli. We really liked it here. This small village is very beautiful and filled with some of the best hotels and restaurants in Santorini. It doesn’t have the shopping and the small cafes like you find in Fira or Oia, but it also doesn’t have the large crowds.
We stayed in Imerovigli at a hotel called Absolute Bliss, and it truly was amazing. Yes, we splurged, and it is was worth it. From our hot tub, we could watch the sunset over the caldera and watch as the lights in Oia twinkled at night. It was private, it was quiet, and it was wonderful. From here, we were within walking distance of quite a few highly rated restaurants. And since Imerovigli is located in the center of the island, it was a very convenient location for exploring the island.
11. VISIT THE RED BEACH
Volcanic Santorini is home to some very colorful and unique beaches. The first on our list is the Red Beach. This is Santorini’s most famous beach. Its unusual red coloring comes from the pulverized volcanic rock. It is located near the Akrotiri archeological site.
However, it is prone to landslides, so it can be dangerous. This might be one beach where you just enjoy the view from a distance and then move on. For more information, read this article.
12. VISIT THE WHITE BEACH
Just around the corner from the Red Beach is the White Beach. This beach gets its name from the white cliffs that dominate the area, even though the sand is black. The only way to get here is by boat but you can get a nice view of beach if you don’t mind going on a mini-adventure.
To get to the viewpoint, you first have to drive down a very narrow, rough, unnamed dirt road. The road starts near the Aeolos Tavern and leads to Kambia Beach. We didn’t drive the entire way because the road got to be too rough for our car to handle.
So, we walked down the road, past small houses, barking dogs, and vineyards. Just past one small house, there is an unmarked trail that leads up and over a hill to a viewpoint of the White Beach. It’s a very short walk to the viewpoint (2 – 3 minutes). You can go farther for views up the coast to the Red Beach.
On this tour, sail to the White Beach and Red Beach by catamaran. The tour includes an open bar, a Greek meal, and a visit to the hot springs at Nea Kameni volcano.
By the way, we also went as far as Kambia Beach. It’s just OK but since this is such a challenging spot to get to, I imagine the crowds would be very low in the summer.
13. VISIT THE BLACK SAND BEACHES
The black sand beaches of Perivolos and Perissa are beautiful. They are lined with small shops, cafes, beach bars, and restaurants, so if you want to spend a day at the beach and have lots of amenities, this is a great place to go.
Embark on a unique coastal adventure as you visit the Black Sand Beaches. Nestled along volcanic shores, the ebony sands of this otherworldly destination create a striking contrast against the deep blue Aegean Sea. Immerse yourself in the surreal beauty, where dramatic landscapes meet the soothing sounds of waves—a must-see marvel for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.
14. KAMARI BEACH
Kamari Beach is another black sand beach on Santorini. It’s very close to Perissa Beach, however, a giant, rocky hill separates the two beaches. Like Perivolos and Perissa, you have lots of dining options to choose from.
Discover the allure of Kamari Beach, a Santorini gem. With its velvety black sands and crystal-clear waters, this Aegean paradise invites sun-seekers and adventurers alike. Lined with vibrant seaside tavernas, it's a perfect blend of relaxation and Greek charm.
15. VLYCHADA BEACH
Also called the Moon Beach, this looks more like a lunar landscape than a volcanic one. Giant, crazy looking cliffs line the black sand beach.
Escape to the serene beauty of Vlychada Beach on Santorini. Known for its sculpted cliffs and unique lunar-like landscape, this secluded haven offers a tranquil retreat. With its golden-hued sands and clear waters, Vlychada beckons those seeking a picturesque and uncrowded escape by the Aegean Sea.
16. VISIT PYRGOS
Pyrgos is a small village located in some of Santorini’s best wine country. It’s a small town with twisting lanes and small cafes. If you are looking to get away from the larger, more touristy towns along the caldera, this is a nice spot to put on your list.
17. ENJOY THE VIEW FROM PROFIT ILIAS
You can get here by car, ATV, tour, or on your own two feet. There is a hiking trail that links Profit Ilias with Kamari, Ancient Thira, and Perissa. If you don’t plan on renting a car while on Santorini, this 5 hour private tour includes a visit to Profit Ilias, Akrotiri Excavation Site, Oia, and Perivolos or Perissa Beach.
18. VISIT ANCIENT THIRA
Ancient Thira is the remains of an ancient settlement in Santorini. This city was inhabited from the 9th century BC through 726 AD. You can see the remains of this ancient city at this site.
Ancient Thira is open from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm every day except Mondays. You can drive here, but it is a crazy, narrow road with over 20 hairpin turns. We drove it, but it was first thing in the morning and there was no other traffic on the road. A better option is to take the bus from Kamari. It leaves hourly and saves you a white-knuckle drive.
19. VISIT AKROTIRI ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE
Akrotiri is an ancient Minoan settlement. Really ancient. In the 16th century BC, the settlement was destroyed in a volcanic eruption and buried in volcanic ash, similar to Pompeii in Italy. It is estimated that humans have inhabited this area since the 5th millennium BC.
We did not visit Akrotiri, although we tried. Hours of operation are listed until 8 pm. However, the staff went home early on the day of our visit, at 4 pm (we arrived at 4:10 pm). It was very disappointing. And this was not the first time in Greece that something we wanted to visit closed unexpectedly early.
Summer hours (from April 15 to October 31) are 8 am to 6:30 pm daily, closed Mondays. It costs €12. Reading reviews on line, some people state that this is too high of a price for what you get. I can’t comment on that, unfortunately, but if you are a history buff, this may be worth it. Learn more on the official website.
20. TRY SOME OF SANTORINI’S BEST EATS
This was also one of our favorite things to do in Santorini…not only trying to eat at as many restaurants as possible but also sampling some new and wonderful foods.
The volcanic soil and climate on Santorini are perfect growing conditions for tomatoes. The cherry tomatoes are delicious! There is even a tomato museum in Santorini. Other things to try are Brantada, a local Santorian fish dish, fava beans, and melitinia, which are cookies made of cheese and yogurt.
FAQ
Q1: What are the top attractions to visit in Santorini, Greece?
A1: Santorini offers breathtaking attractions like the iconic Oia Sunset, the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, the Red Beach, Fira's vibrant nightlife, and the picturesque village of Pyrgos.
Q2: How can I get around Santorini for sightseeing?
A2: The most common transportation options in Santorini are rental cars, scooters, ATVs, and public buses. Taxis are also available, and walking is a great way to explore the narrow streets of the island's towns.
Q3: What is the best time to visit Santorini for favorable weather?
A3: The ideal time to visit Santorini is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Avoid the peak summer months if you prefer a quieter experience.
Q4: Are there any must-try local dishes in Santorini?
A4: Santorini is renowned for its local cuisine. Don't miss trying dishes like Fava (yellow split pea puree), Tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), Moussaka, and the famous Santorinian wines, including Assyrtiko.
Q5: What activities are available for water enthusiasts in Santorini?
A5: Santorini offers various water activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and boat tours. Explore the crystal-clear waters, volcanic beaches, and unique underwater landscapes for an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion: Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Fira, Santorini's capital. From chic bars to lively clubs, the town comes alive after sunset. Enjoy cocktails with panoramic views of the caldera or dance the night away under the starlit sky.
Santorini offers a myriad of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or someone seeking relaxation, the island caters to all. So, pack your bags and get ready for an extraordinary journey filled with things to do in Greece, Santorini, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.
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