Things to Do in Santorini Greece

Santorini: A Paradise of Sunsets, Volcanoes, and Whitewashed Wonders

Santorini is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, from its iconic white-washed villages perched on volcanic cliffs to its stunning black sand beaches and vibrant sunsets. Here are some highlights of what any tourist would want to do in Santorini:

Must-Sees:

  • Oia: Witness the world-famous sunset over the caldera from the charming streets and blue-domed buildings of Oia.
  • Fira: Explore the bustling capital, Fira, with its stunning views, whitewashed houses, vibrant shops, and delicious restaurants. Enjoy the nightlife, shops, and museums.

Sunset Experiences:

  • Santorini Caldera Sunset: This is a classic for a reason! The volcanic caldera provides breathtaking scenery to enjoy as the sun dips below the horizon.
    • Where: Oia is the most popular spot, but sunsets are stunning from many points in Fira and other villages.
    • Tip: Arrive early to find a good spot in Oia for the sunset, as it gets crowded.

Beyond the Sunset:

While the Santorini sunset is a highlight, the island offers much more:

  • Santorini Caldera: Explore the unique volcanic landscape and take a boat trip to the caldera’s center for a truly unforgettable experience.
  • Volcano Tours: Discover the Nea Kameni volcano, the heart of the caldera, with guided tours that offer spectacular views of the volcanic crater and the surrounding volcanic islands.

Historic Wonders:

  • Akrotiri Archaeological Site: Explore this ancient Minoan city buried by a volcanic eruption centuries ago.
  • Ancient Thera: This archaeological site showcases the ruins of an ancient settlement and offers insights into Santorini’s rich history.

Island Adventures:

  • Santorini Wine Tours: Discover the island’s unique volcanic wines at one of the many wineries offering tours and tastings.
  • Sunset Sailing: Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise on the Aegean Sea, exploring the stunning coastline and witnessing the caldera from a different perspective.
  • Hike to the Volcano: Take a ferry from Fira or Oia to Nea Kameni island and hike up the active volcano for an adventurous experience and panoramic views.

Relaxing Beaches:

  • Red Beach: Experience the beauty of this iconic beach with its dramatic red cliffs and volcanic black sand.
  • Kamari Beach: Enjoy the smooth, black sands of Kamari and explore the charming village nearby.
  • Perissa Black Sand Beach: Relax on the black sands, enjoy the crystal-clear water and soak up the sun at this popular beach.

Other Activities:

  • Santorini Volcano Hike (Nea Kameni): Experience a unique hike across an active volcano. The views are spectacular and the terrain is challenging.
  • Explore Ancient Ruins: Discover the remnants of Santorini’s past at the archaeological site of Akrotiri, where you can walk through ancient streets and homes frozen in time by a volcanic eruption.

For the Adventurous Foodie:

  • Santorini Wine Tasting: Indulge in the island’s volcanic wines, known for their distinctive flavors and aromas.
  • Visit Santorini’s Beaches: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing on one of Santorini’s stunning black sand beaches (Kamari) or red sand beaches (Red Beach).

To Explore Further:

  • Take a Boat Tour to the Volcano: Experience the power of nature and the volcanic landscape up close.
  • Hike from Fira to Oia: Enjoy breathtaking views along the way, but be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes!
  • Hike the caldera (Nea Kameni): Enjoy a unique and challenging hike across the volcano’s crater and explore its volcanic history.

For the History Buff:

  • Santorini Archaeological Museum: Discover artifacts from the ancient island, including pottery, sculptures and jewelry.
  • Akrotiri Lighthouse: Take in panoramic views of the Aegean Sea while learning about its history as a navigational aid for sailors.

Remember to:

  • Book your volcano hike in advance: These tours are popular so it’s best to book ahead of time.
  • Bring appropriate footwear and clothing: The terrain can be rocky and uneven, especially around the caldera rim.

For a memorable experience:

  • Enjoy the sunset from Akrotiri: This picturesque village offers stunning views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.

  • Sunset Catamaran Cruise: Experience the beauty of the caldera and the nearby islands on a relaxing and scenic boat tour.

  • Visit a local winery for a tasting: Santorini is known for its unique wines made from grapes grown in volcanic soil.

Beyond the Basics:

  • Santorini Wine Museum: Explore the history and tradition of winemaking on the island, learn about the different grape varieties used in their production and enjoy a few tastings along the way.
  • Akrotiri Archaeological Site Tour: Discover the ancient Pompeii-like city of Santorini, frozen in time by a volcanic eruption.

For the Foodie Adventurer:

  • Try local specialties: Santorini offers a variety of delicious dishes that you can’t find anywhere else, such as “fava” (a type of yellow split pea puree), “tomatokeftedes” (fried tomato balls) and “fava beans with onions”.
  • Visit the Santorini Wine Museum: Learn about the history of winemaking on the island.

Enjoy a sunset wine tasting: Experience a unique combination of volcanic scenery and wine appreciation.

For the History Buff:

  • Santorini’s famed archaeological site: Explore the remnants of ancient Pompeii-like city, “fava” (a traditional dish made from Santorini’s famous fava beans)
  • Ancient Akrotiri:

Enjoy the experience with a glass of local wine in hand.

For the adventurous soul:

For the adventurous foodie:

For a truly unique experience:

A must-see for any visitor:

Go beyond the typical tourist attractions:

For those who love to explore:

  • Akrotiri Archaeological Site:

Enjoy the caldera views from the Akrotiri archaeological site:

  • Ancient Thera:

Beyond the ordinary:

  • Visit a local winery:

For the adventurous foodie:

  • Try a Santorini sunset cruise:

For the adventurous tourist:

Explore the unique history of the island:

Enjoy the culinary scene:

Go beyond the typical tourist traps:

Beyond the standard tour:

Discover the hidden gems:

For a memorable culinary experience:

Consider visiting these places for a deeper dive into Santorini’s history and culture:

Explore the volcanic landscape of Santorini:

Experience the island’s unique history through its food:

Enjoy the island’s natural beauty: