30 Amazing Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

Discover the best things to do in Santorini, one of the most beautiful and enchanting places in the world. The island is a perfect combination of archaeological sites, exotic beaches, picturesque whitewashed villages, an active volcano, and breathtaking sunsets.

When I arrived in Santorini for the first time in July 2014, I was captivated by its unforgettable beauty.

On my last visit, as a travel blogger, I committed to exploring as many Santorini attractions as possible during 10 days on the island.

There are many extraordinary places to visit in Santorini, and in this post, I want to give some tips on what to do in Santorini on your next trip.

From visiting red and black beaches to discovering famous Instagrammable places, experiencing wine tasting, exploring the villages, touring the volcano caldera, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife, here is a list of the 30 best things to do in Santorini.

The church of Agios Theodori in Firostefani, Santorini, Greece

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Table of Contents

The Best Things to Do in Santorini: Unmissable Tours & Attractions

1 – Admire the sweeping views

If there’s something unbeatable on Santorini island, it’s its spectacular landscape.

Some Santorini cities are perched on high cliffs and provide stunning views of the deep blue sparkling Aegean Sea and other islands around this small archipelago.

Whether you’re in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli or Oia, you’ll find plenty of places where you can appreciate the superb vistas.

From main squares to cafes, bars, restaurants, streets and even from your balcony, in case you’re lucky enough to stay at one of the hotels with a caldera view.

Pericles Rosa standing inside an infinity swimming pool at CSky Luxury Hotel in Santorini, with the Aegean Sea in the background
I’ll never get tired of this view!!

For me, the most beautiful views are the completely unobstructed ones of Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni, at the center of Santorini caldera (volcano’s crater), from the north of Fira, towards Firostefani. South of Imerovigli and Oia also provide stunning vistas.

But anywhere you’re facing the caldera, the view won’t disappoint you.

Two cruise ships sailing in the Aegean Sea near the island of Nea Kameni, Santorini, Greece

2 – Discover photo opportunities

Wandering around the streets and cobbled alleys of Santorini will leave you awestruck!!

Around every corner, you’ll find a photo opportunity because there isn’t a single place on this island that doesn’t deserve to have its picture taken.

I selected some of Santorini’s most iconic photo spots to snap a “perfect” picture.

1 – Homeric Poems Hotel (Firostefani)

An old wooden boat on the rooftop of  Homeric Hotel Santorini, and the whitewashed houses of the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli and the Agean Sea in the background
One of the most stunning Santorini photo locations

2 – Grace Hotel and Skaros Rock

A swimming pool and a balcony with tables of a hotel in Imerovigli, Santorini, with the Skaros Rock and the Aegean Sea in the background

3 – The most emblematic Santorini postcard

The famous three blue-domed church and house of the top of the cliff in the village of Oia, Santorini

4 – The famous blue-domed churches

5 – Ammoudi Bay

These are just some of the best photo locations in Santorini and if you’re into travel photography and don’t want to miss any hotspots, why not take a Santorini photo tour?

3 – Walk a path with stunning vistas

The greatest way to explore Santorini is on foot and, in fact, there is a 10 km hiking trail connecting its prettiest villages: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia.

My suggestion is to walk only from Fira to Imerovigli. This part is very pleasant, much shorter, 3 km (35 min walk), and the most interesting one. You’ll pass by numerous hotels, restaurants, picturesque houses and churches along the way.

The path provides impressive caldera vistas, especially from Fira to Firostefani, where you face the caldera constantly.

A man wearing a light red t-shirt and beige short walking on a path in the village of Imerovigli, Santorini, with several whitewashed houses and a blue-domed church surrounding him
Walking this hiking trail is one of the best activities in Santorini!

4 – Visit Oia: the most picturesque and charming village

Oia is the most famous, scenic, beautiful, touristy and expensive town in Santorini. It boasts all types of accommodations, particularly boutique hotels with infinity pools, restaurants, bars, and luxury stores.

With plenty of whitewashed cubist houses colored only by bougainvillea flowers and blue-domed churches, Oia is so picturesque and romantic that you’re bound to fall in love with it.

As Oia’s main square and pedestrian strip can get very crowded, I recommend that you explore its paths, alleys, and stairwells to find places where you can enjoy the views peacefully and take great pictures.

Visiting the charming village of Oia is definitely one of the unmissable things to do in Santorini. You can do it by yourself or book one of these tours.

5 – Take a boat trip to the caldera, one of the best Santorini activities

Santorini is a complex of volcanic islands, including one with an active volcano.

During my first visit, I took a day trip to the caldera, as it’s one of the best tours in Santorini.

We hiked to the volcano on Nea Kameni Island for around 1h over the hills and valleys – no shade at all – while our guide explained curious facts about past volcanic eruptions and Santorini’s formation and culture.

From Nea Kameni, I was able to see all the islands that form Santorini and take in the breathtaking views.

people walking at Nea Kameni Volcanic Park, which has black sand and volcanic rocks, and the island of Santorini with whitewashed houses atop of an immense cliff in the background
Nea Kameni Volcanic Park has a very weird surface, with tons of black rocks that seem like a sci-fi movie set

The second stop was the hot springs, located on Palea Kameni, one of the two volcanic islands in the middle of the Santorini caldera.

people swimming on a hot spring in Santorini and others on a boat during a caldera tour
After hiking the volcano under the sun I was eager to jump into the water

The following stops were at Therasia Island, where we had time for lunch and to explore the island, and then the charming Oia.

Taking a caldera tour is one of the most unique things to do in Santorini and you should not miss it.

6 – Have a night out in Fira

While in Santorini, you should head to Fira, Santorini’s capital, to enjoy its vibrant nightlife.

You can go for a drink with friends or party like there is no tomorrow to Reggaeton and the big hits of the moment.

Murphys, Town Club, The Highlander, and Two Brothers are the best bars in Fira. The first three provide loud music, dance floors, and bar-top dancing; the latter, the smallest one, with only tables and chairs, is more appropriate for drinking and chatting.

The best clubs in Fira are Koo Club and Enigma. Koo has three outdoor bars where you can relax under the stars and palm trees. While Enigma, built in a stylish Cycladic building, has more of a “proper club” vibe with an impressive lighting system.

YouTube video
Most bars and clubs are free and the drinks are reasonably priced.

7 – Watch the acclaimed Santorini sunset

A visit to Santorini cannot be complete without watching the sunset!

The island claims to have the most beautiful sunset in the world, so naturally one of the best free things to do in Santorini is to take in this glorious spectacle.

Sunset in Santorini is a cult event and every day, visitors and locals alike stop and watch it. You can see it from main streets, bars, restaurants, viewpoints, and even from your hotel if you’re staying in a hotel with a sunset view.

The most popular places in Santorini to watch the sunset are: the Castle of Agios Nikolaos in Oia, Fira’s promenade, the viewpoint located at the front of Agios Georgios church, Skaros Rock in Imerovigli, Prophet Elias Monastery, and Akrotiri Lighthouse.

But no matter where you watch it, this spectacle of nature will amaze you.

The magnificent Santorini sunset from Akrotiri Lighthouse
The magnificent Santorini sunset from Akrotiri Lighthouse

8 – Be in awe with the Red Beach, one of the few red sand beaches in the world

Located in the city of Akrotiri, Santorini Red Beach is one of the most unique places to visit on the island.

Access to this relatively small beach isn’t that easy, the surface is very uneven and there are many rocks. Because of these reasons, most people just take a glance and leave.

The Red Beach is enveloped by massive dark red cliffs and has soft sand mixed with seaweed and crystal blue waters.

There isn’t much space for sunbathing because of the risk of falling rocks, and most people gather and sunbathe in the area near the restaurant.

Whether you decide to make your way down to the beach, or just admire the incredible view from the headland, this eccentric beach will leave you completely in awe.

Santorini Red Beach
I was really excited to see a red beach for the first time in my life, especially since I didn’t know that it existed…

9 – Spend the day on a black sand beach

Because of its volcanic formation, Santorini beaches range from white and red to black.

Two of the most visited Santorini black sand beaches are Perissa and Kamari. Both of them have excellent infrastructure and restaurants, bars, water sports, and beach facilities.

They feature a long stretch of volcanic black sand and pebbles, crystalline water and are overlooked by the immense Mesa Vuono Mountain.

Perissa and Kamari are very attractive and the best areas to stay in Santorini for beach life. Another great black sand beach is Perivolos, located 3 km away from Perissa.

lounge chairs and umbrellas on the Perissa Beach, Santorini, and Mesa Vuono Mountain in the background
Perivolos Beach

10 – Go shopping

With a great variety of boutiques, souvenir and gift shops, jewelry stores, bookshops, and a small shopping center, you’ll feel very tempted to go shopping in Santorini.

You can buy some clothing for yourself or as a gift, beach accessories, such as hats and sunglasses, handmade bags, watches, designer jewels, magnets, black lava soap, etc.

Some of the best boutiques in Santorini are: Bazaar, Ilias Lalaounis, The White Santorini, and Ammos. And you can find souvenirs at really good prices in Perissa, close to the Holy Cross Perissa, a Greek Orthodox church.

11 – Go exploring

Fira, Oia, Perissa, and Kamari are generally considered to be the best places to visit in Santorini.

But the island, which extends for an area of 76.19 km2 (29.4sq mi), has many other attractions. And this is the reason that you should take the opportunity to discover other beaches and towns.

Some of the villages that you should visit are Imerovigli (very scenic), and Pyrgos (pretty and non-touristy).

Other beaches to visit are: Koloumbus (super exotic and deserted) and Vlychada (my favorite).

You can also go to Therasia, a laid-back and undeveloped island in Santorini.

Whitewashed houses on the top of a cliff in the village of Imerovigli, Santorini, during the sinset
I love Imerovigli! It’s my favorite Santorini village.

12 – Find the famous Instagrammables Places in Santorini

Every summer our Insta-feeds are filled with pictures of people in Santorini.

The island, particularly Oia, with its iconic whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, is an Instagrammer’s delight and an ideal location for film and commercial photo shoots.

So don’t miss the opportunity to boost your Instagram while in Santorini.

Below I have selected the most famous Instagrammable places in Santorini where you can take the perfect picture.

1 – The blue-domed and salmon tower church: one of the most desired Instagrammable places in Santorini.

Pericles Rosa wearing sunglasses and a light pink shirt sitting on a white wall, a blue-domed church and a salmon bell tower behind him, in the village of Oia, Santorini

2 – The famous Santorini postcard (from another angle) and one of the most recognizable Santorini photo spots.

Pericles Rosa wearing sunglasses, white polo, marine blue jumper and light blue pants walking in an alley in Oia, Santorini, and a white church with three blue domes behind him

3 – Oia sunset: the best spot is from the castle where you can capture the whitewashed houses and windmills.

4 – Anastasi Church: the dome, the bell tower, the gate, and its surroundings.

5 – Stairway of Katikies Chromata Hotel: a fashion blogger’s favorite photo location.

Pericles Rosa wearing a white hat, sunglasses, light blue blazer, marine blue scarf and shirt, white t-shirt and sneakers walking up the stairs of Chromata Hotel in Santorini.
One of the most famous Instagrammable places in Santorini.

13 – Go wine tasting

Santorini is Greece’s top wine destination and cultivates nine indigenous grape varieties, including the famous Assyrtiko, as well as Aidani and Athirithe.

You can witness the traditional vinification process from beginning to end at any one of the 18 Santorini wine farms.

One of the best places in the world for wine tasting, according to Wine Enthusiastic Magazine, is Santo Wines, but my recommendation is to book one of these wine tours, for a much richer experience.

On this wine tasting tour, you’ll visit three renowned wineries, learn about the island’s unique viticulture, sample 12 different varietals and finish with breathtaking sunset views. The tour takes around 4h, includes pick-up and drop-off, and has excellent reviews.

a trail with four glasses with some red and white wine, a basket with some bread and a white bowl with olives served during a wine tasting at Santo Wines, Santorini
Make sure to try some Santorini wines

14 – Try the delicious Greek cuisine

With many restaurants serving appetizing dishes, it’s impossible to leave the island without tasting delicious Greek cuisine.

Just imagine consuming Greek salad, Souvlaki, Gyro, Moussaka, and Honey Baklava overlooking the blue waters of the Aegean Sea and admiring the astonishing caldera view!

Some of the best restaurants in Santorini are: Metaxí Max (Exo Gonia), Athenian House (Imerovigli), Cava Alta (Pyrgos), Naoussa (Fira), Panorama Balcony (Oia), La Maison (Imerovigli), Aktaion (Firostefani), Lucky’s Souvlaki (Fira) and To Psaraki (Vlychada).

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the summer.

five people eating on the outside seating of Metaxi Max Restaurant, Santorini, which has white umbrellas, tables, chairs and some plants
I loved dining at Metaxí Max Restaurant

15 – Take the cable car

To deal with the increasing number of ships and tourists arriving in Santorini since the 1970s, a cable car was built to connect the old port to the capital.

The journey takes around 3 min each way and provides fantastic views and another perspective of the stunning caldera.

It’s a convenient method of transport, saving time and energy for those who arrive in Santorini by cruise ship or wish to take a volcano tour.

At the old port, you can visit the old market and also take a boat to Oia.

The one-way ticket costs 6 euros for adults and 3 for children, and the cable car is open every day of the week (time and frequency vary according to the season).

16 – Hike Skaros Rock

If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Santorini, hiking Skaros Rock is a great option.

Skaros, an immense rocky promontory that was created through volcanic activity and shaped by erosions and earthquakes, lies on the seaward side of the village of Imerovigli.

This prominent landmark housed one of the five fortresses of Santorini that was constructed in 1207 and, by 1336, had become the largest settlement on the island with over 200 homes.

But many strong eruptions and earthquakes over the years reduced the Old Venetian fortress to only a few weathered ruins you see now.

However, you can hike to the top of Skaros Rock to admire and photograph the striking views. The hike is easy, takes between 20 to 30min (each way), and is recommended for all ages.

Pericles Rosa wearing a blue t-shirt, blue short and sunglasses hiking Skaros Rock and whitewashed houses of the village of Imerovigli, atop of a colossal red cliff covered low vegetation behind him
I felt so happy hiking Skaros Rock! There were so many flowers, the views were absolutely amazing and it was incredibly peaceful.

17 – Enjoy one of the most glamorous infinity pools in Santorini

Imerovigli, one of the most charming villages in Santorini, is home to many luxury hotels. Among them is Cavo Tagoo, perched above the renowned caldera, and one of the best five-star hotels in Santorini.

It features sophisticated suites, one of the finest restaurants in Santorini, and a sumptuous infinity pool with unrivalled views of the Aegean Sea.

You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy Cavo Tagoo’s pool. It offers day use and you can just pop in, select one of three options (pool only, pool and front row or back row sunbeds) and dive into the most glamorous infinity pool in Santorini.

Prices are not cheap but if you’re celebrating a special occasion in Santorini or just want to boost your Instagram account, you should consider spending time at Cavo Tagoo.

The ambience is awesome, the staff professional and friendly and the service is as good as the pool.

Pericles Rosa wearing a white hat and sunglasses sitting on a lounge chair by an infinity swimming pool with the Aegean Sea in the background at Cavo Tagoo Santorini
Not to mention the views, which are unbeatable!

18 – Plunge into the public pool

One of the most amazing things to do in Santorini is to relax in an infinity pool and enjoy dazzling views of the Aegean Sea.

But if your hotel doesn’t have a pool with a view, worry no more because there is a “public” pool with fascinating views that you can plunge into.

At Lioyerma Lounge Cafe Pool Bar, you can swim, have breakfast and/or cocktails, unwind and watch the sunset from a very privileged spot at the edge of the caldera.

With no entrance fee and a minimum of only 10 Euros spend per person, you can enjoy free sunbeds, tables, and umbrellas all day long.

Lioyerma Lounge Cafe Pool Bar is a true hidden gem of Santorini and a great place for a sunset drink and to have fun with friends!

lounge chairs, umbrellas and a swimming pool at Lioyerma Lounge Cafe Pool Bar, Santorini
It’s nice, even after the sunset!

19 – Take the steps down to Ammoudi Bay

You can get a glimpse of the beautiful Ammoudi Bay from Oia, but if you have time, I recommend that you take the 240+ steps down to enjoy this scenic point of interest.

This tiny idyllic cove in Oia’s foothills is enveloped by impressive red cliffs with crystal-clear turquoise water and boasts taverns serving delicious seafood and Greek specialties.

At Ammoudi Bay you can also find a great spot to watch the sunset. In fact, dining and watching the sunset at the picturesque harbor is very popular in Santorini so reservations are highly recommended.

From Ammoudi Bay you can also take a caldera tour or a boat to Therasia Island.

And if you feel tired and don’t want to climb the steps, you can ride a donkey for 5 euros.

Ammoudi Bay, Santorini
The view of Ammoudi Bay is superb!

20 – Go cliff jumping

There are two popular places on the island where you can get an extra dose of adrenaline by throwing yourself into the crystalline blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

If you want to go cliff jumping on Kamari Beach, just head to the farthest section and you’ll see the cliff from where people jump.

In Ammoudi Bay, on the contrary, the rock is not easily visible or accessible. You need to walk south along the bay and follow the narrow, treacherous path that leads to a hidden beach between the rocks.

To get to the boulder and jump platform, you need to swim out and climb some stairs.

The crystal-clear water is very enticing and the boulder is only 4.5 – 6 m (15-20 ft) high, but it feels very good.

Two ladies cliff jumping from a boulder at Ammoudi Bay, Santorini
Cliff jumping in Ammoudi Bay

21 – Get naked on Vlychada Beach

During my endeavor to find the best Santorini attractions, I stumbled upon Vlychada Beach.

Located on the south coast of Santorini, 13 km from Fira, Vlychada features a long stretch of volcanic black sand and pebbles and the most incredible rock formations I’ve seen on the island.

Vlychada is perfect for those who like one-of-a-kind beaches, but also to tan and bathe completely naked, as it’s one of the few clothing-optional beaches in Santorini.

At Vlychada Beach I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie – its moon-shaped landscape, carved by the wind, completely blew my mind!

Vlychada Beach is one of the most exotic beaches in Santorini. I loved it!

A man laying down on the black sand of Vlichada Beach, Santorini
This was the very first time that I didn’t feel uncomfortable getting naked on a beach.

22 – Visit an old tomato factory

Tomatoes are some of the most famous and traditional products of Santorini and have been cultivated on the island since the end of the 19th century.

With their distinctive flavor, small size, and high sugar content, Santorinian tomatoes are ideal for the production of tomato paste.

The tomato factory of D.Nomikos has been transformed into a modern Industrial Tomato Museum, offering its visitors a journey back into the industrial past of Santorini, by guiding them through the cultivation, processing, and production of tomatoes.

The Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos” is open daily, except Monday, from 10h to 16h and the ticket costs 10 euros (free for children up to 12 years old).

the buildings of Santorini Old Tomato Factory

23 – Visit Atlantis Bookshop

Located on the main street of Oia, overlooking the caldera, Atlantis Bookshop offers literature in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Chinese, and of course, Greek.

It focuses on new and used books of modern classic fiction and non-fiction but also offers selections of poetry, philosophy, art, and all things Greek.

What makes Atlantis worthy of visiting, apart from its exquisitely curated collection, is its setting. It occupies the basement of an old captains’ house that was levelled by the 1956 earthquake.

A precipitously steep staircase leads to a two-room cave stuffed from floor to ceiling. Above the shop, up a short flight of exterior stairs, is the rooftop terrace with bookshelves, benches, and sweeping views of the Aegean Sea.

Three people among books on the shelves at Atlantis Bookshop, Oia, Santorini
Atlantis is one of Europe’s most enchanting bookshops

24 – Go to a Greek wedding show

One of the coolest things to do in Santorini for couples, with kids or not, is to watch a Greek wedding show, where you’ll celebrate Greek culture through music and dance.

The “ceremony” is held in a 200-year-old building in Fira and is set during the post-war years of the 1940s. The 90-minute show consists of an interactive performance of singing, dancing, acting, and music.

Guests also enjoy plenty of local wine and a selection of traditional homemade Greek tapas. Book your ticket online in advance here.

25 – See a movie at one of the best open-air cinemas in the world

Imagine sitting comfortably under the stars, surrounded by trees with a cocktail in hand, enjoying a movie. It sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?

While visiting this enchanting island, you have the chance to go to one of the best outdoor cinemas in the world, according to CNN and The Guardian, and be entertained with a very different movie experience.

The beautiful Cinekamari has been one of the most popular Santorini attractions since 1987. It shows movies in English with Greek subtitles and starts at 21h30min. The entrance fee is 9 euros and the cinema is open from May until October.

26 – Find beautiful churches

Santorini has dozens of churches, and their blue domes are iconic images of the island.

With over 600 cathedrals, churches, chapels, temples, and monasteries, I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with at least some of them.

There are glorious and extraordinary churches, with different architectural styles, colors, bell towers, and types of crosses all over the island.

The most famous churches in Santorini are the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and the Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Fira; Ekklisia Panagia Platsani, Agios Spyridonas (Saint Spiridon) and the iconic blue-domed Church of Anastasis (Resurrection) in Oia; and the historic Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in Pyrgos.

Make sure to visit some of these churches when you’re in Santorini.

27 – Visit Art Galleries

If you’re looking for things to do in Santorini when it rains, why not visit some art galleries?

Ak Art Gallery and Foundation, Oia Treasures, Icon Painting Work Shop, Spira Marble, MATI Art Gallery, and Opera are just somewhere you can find intriguing sculptures, beautiful paintings, and many other artworks made by local artists.

You can also find handmade designer jewelry, pottery, temporary art exhibitions, and events.

The galleries combine sophisticated aesthetics with the beauty of the island and even a non-connoisseur will enjoy them. Most are open until midnight in the summer months and offer worldwide shipping.

A statue at the entrance of Opera Art Gallery in Oia, Santorini, and other several artworks inside the gallery in the background
Opera Art Gallery

28 – Learn about Santorini’s history at its archaeological sites

Santorini used to be a much larger island that suffered one of the world’s biggest eruptions around 3600 years ago.

The Minoan eruption devastated the island of Thera (now called Santorini), and the middle of the island collapsed, forming a huge crater (the caldera).

It also destroyed the city of Akrotiri, one of the most important Minoan Bronze Age settlements on the Aegean Sea, as well as other communities and agricultural areas on nearby islands and along the coast of Crete.

A visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri transports visitors back to those ancient times, is a great opportunity to learn about the old Santorini civilizations, and takes around 1h.

You can do it by yourself, but I highly recommend that you hire a private guide or go on a group tour.

ceramic vases and houses in the archaeological site of Akrotiri, Santorini
The huge acclimatized hangar contains ruins from 1500 BC when Akrotiri was a small fishing village that are very well preserved due to being covered in volcanic ashes.

Another archaeological site that you can visit is Ancient Thera, the classic city of the island, located on Mesa Vouno, 396 m above sea level.

It was founded in the 9th century B.C. by Dorian colonists, led by Theras, and continued to be inhabited until the early Byzantine period.

I have visited both and loved them.

The preserved ruins of the Hellenistic and Roman phases of the city Ancient Thera, Santorini
The preserved ruins belong to the Hellenistic and Roman phases of the city

29 – Visit the Prehistoric Thera Museum

Located in the heart of Fira, close to the bus terminal, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera reveals treasures and shows the evolution of the old civilization of the Cycladic Islands.

The exhibition is structured in four parts, from the history of research at Thera to the geology of the island and the Late Cycladic I Period (17th century BC).

The two-story building houses some extraordinary pieces from the excavations at Akrotiri, Potamos, and other parts of the island, and the collection includes pottery from the Neolithic to the Middle Cycladic period, marble figurines, metal artifacts, and many more.

The museum is very interesting but small, so a visit won’t take longer than one hour. It’s open daily, except Tuesdays, and tickets cost 3 euros.

A wall with paintings from the ancient city of Akrotiri at the  Museum of Prehistoric Thera
I loved the wall paintings from Akrotiri and the small golden goat statue that was found recently.

30 – Take the off-the-beaten-path path

Santorini is one of the dreamiest places and most visited islands on Earth.

So, it isn’t surprising that it has loads of tourists – in fact, over two million of them yearly.

The cities of Fira and Oia can get constantly overcrowded, particularly in the summer. After wandering around these two cities and taking some good pictures, it’s time to beat the crowds.

The southern part of Oia, towards Fira, is very serene and unspoiled, and the perfect photo location for a picture with whitewashed houses in the background. The same applies to the South of Fira.

Even quieter are Imerovigli, Firostefani, Pyrgos, and Megalochori, all very picturesque, and making a visit totally worthwhile.

Pericles Rosa wearing a white hat, sunglasses, blue scarf and white t-shirt and a mountain in the background in the village of Pyrgos, Santorini
The views in Pyrgos are very different

Santorini is one of the most picturesque islands in the world! But as gorgeous as it looks in pictures, they can never capture the true magnificence of Santorini. And this is the reason one should visit it at least once.

Safe travels and enjoy Greece.

What to Do in Santorini in 1 – 3 Days – Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Best places to visit in Santorini (Fira, Imerovigli and Oia) and Sunset in Oia
  • Day 2 – The Archeological City of Akrotiri, Santorini Red Beach and Perissa/Kamari Black Sand Beach
  • Day 3 – Santorini Volcano Tour + Fira Nightlife

I always recommend that you buy travel insurance! It can literally be your lifeline if something happens to you, or your luggage is lost or stolen.

30 Amazing Things to Do in Santorini, Greece 1

Play safe and get yours. Get a quote with World Nomads here or buy your travel insurance now with SafetyWing using the widget below.

  • If you’re thinking about visiting Mykonos you can spend a few days in Ios, a small island between Santorini and Mykonos. In this post, you can find Things to do in Ios.

Tips for Planning a Trip to Santorini, Greece

Where is Santorini?

Santorini is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 120 mi southeast of Greece’s mainland (check the map here).

How to get there?

There are only two ways to get to Santorini: by boat or airplane.

Book your flights with Skyscanner, which is the website that I use and trust.

You can book your shared arrival transfer from Santorini National Airport to your hotel or cruise port with a discount here; or a Private Departure Transfer: Santorini Hotels to Airport or Ferry Port here from US$ 35.

If you prefer, hire a car with Rental Cars or Discover Cars at no extra cost to you.

Best time to go?

The best time to visit Santorini is from May to September when the sun is shining, the temperatures are high and the chances of rain are minimum.

To avoid crowds pick the months of May and September, as the weather in Santorini is still good this time of the year.

How many days do you need in Santorini?

At least 3 full days. There are many things to do and if you stay longer, you can enjoy the island more.

Where to stay in Santorini?

Budget: San Giorgio, Afrodete Hotel, Merovigliosso and Anemomilos

Great value for money: Evgenia Villas & Suites, Agali Houses, Aqua Luxury Suites Santorini and White Pearl

Luxury: Cosmopolitan Suites, Katikies Hotel, The Tsitouras Collection and Iconic Santorini

Santorini Tours that I Recommend

I recommend that you book your Santorini tour online in advance with Viator, a TripAdvisor company, or Get Your Guide.

∗ Are you planning a trip to Santorini? Now that you know what to do, what are you waiting for?

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13 thoughts on “30 Amazing Things to Do in Santorini, Greece”

    • Greece is really nice and Santorini is truly beautiful.
      It’s very touristy but still worth visiting.
      Try to go in June or September tho. You will like the vistas from the path for sure 🙂
      Thx!!

      Reply
  1. Hi, dear, I am glad to find your informative blog. Actually, I’m feeling jealous of you right now. I’ve always wanted to go there. But Now I will go there for my next backpacking trip.

    Reply

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