Things to do in Santorini

Things to do in Santorini are a strange natural wonder of terrible beauty. Three thousand years ago, an explosion from a volcano blew the island apart and left a flooded crater. A crescent of black and red rocks drops off into the water to reach the volcano, which is underwater. Two craters are stuck in the deep blue water, still on fire. 

From the side of the cliff, whitewashed towns stick out like honeycombs. Thanks to this view, Santorini is now one of the most famous places in the world. Seven months a year, many cruise ships, catamarans, weddings, and people with long lists of things to do come to this dry little island. A calmer, slower way of life can be seen beyond the dramatic caldera.

There are vineyards and villages, old ruins and beautiful frescoes, difficult hikes and mysterious chapels. Santorini is full of pictures and tourist traps, but it can amaze and charm you if you know how to avoid the crowds.

Highlights of the things to do in Santorini

• A lot of beaches with lots of personality (no boring white sands here).
• A huge amount of wine is being made—the Greeks know their wine!
• You could write a book (or at least post a picture of) these sunsets.
• The boujee hotels give off a high-class holiday vibe.

Best things to do in Santorini

These are the best things to do in Santorini: red beaches, painted buildings, and clear blue water. Santorini is famous for its many-coloured rocks, and there’s nothing better than seeing them from above. Not just because it is in the huge volcano crater, this island is one of the world’s most interesting places to visit.

The landscape looks like the Greek gods made it. The island is crowned with whitewashed towns with water views on all sides. Inland, huge land areas are covered in vineyards, and the beaches are black, red, and out of this world. Explorers, foodies, and culture buffs can all find a lot to enjoy, from ancient sites to swimming holes and friendly hotels to delicious Mediterranean food and wine.

Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay is a small fishing town with a cute little dock tucked away in the lower part of Oia. The water here is a beautiful deep blue and light turquoise, like something out of a holiday ad. You can swim between the rocks in these rocky spots to cool off. One of the best places to find traditional Greek fish tavernas is there. Katina’s Taverna is one of them, and the tables are right next to the water. 

Akrotiri

Akrotiri, also known as the “Greek Pompeii,” is a well-preserved historical site where travellers can see how people lived on the island around 1450 BC. A volcano erupted, and the ash layers protected the nearby villages, just like in Pompeii. Panelled paths lead you through the covered site today, past small homes, clay buildings, and objects that show what life was like for the Minoans when they were most powerful. 

Red Beach

The name of this beach, which comes from the colour of its sand, says it all: it’s one of a kind. Many tourists are surprised that Santorini’s beaches don’t have warm palm trees or powdery, gold sand. This volcanic island has a lot of beautiful, different-coloured scenery, and Red Beach is one of them. Its name comes from the rusty reds in the sand and the dramatic amber rocks that drop into it. The island’s east side has black and grey sand beaches, such as Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari. All of these things show how cool nature is.

Tomato Industrial Museum

A curious museum in the outlying beach town of Vlychada is all about the island’s famous tomato paste. This interesting museum is set in what used to be the Nomikos family’s ketchup factory. It’s worth a visit even if you don’t like the humble love apple. Along with old pictures and videos about pulp fiction, there is a cool café in the courtyard and an art gallery with local artists’ work.

Sigalas Winery

One of many small wineries on the island that make some of the best wines in Greece. To taste the amazing difference that having grapes on volcanic soil can make in their wine. Santorini is one of the world’s oldest places where wine has been made. At Sigalas, a private sommelier can show you around farms that still use the old koulara method to harvest grapes, which involves weaving vines into shapes that look like baskets. 

Akrotiri Lighthouse

A beautiful stone watchtower on Santorini’s rough southern side with jaw-dropping views of the sunset. This 19th-century lighthouse is at the end of a stunning (some scary) cliff-edge road that winds to the end of the island’s southernmost point. Just driving out to it is sure to get your heart racing. If you can get to this out-of-the-way place before everyone else does at sunset, you’ll have the famous views of the caldera sunset all to yourself.

Caldera towns

One thing that makes Santorini stand out is the painted towns on the cliffs (called calderas). You should walk around things to do in Santorini to see the caldera towns, which look like white icing falling off the island’s steep rocks. The villages of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira all have brightly painted buildings and churches that line the cliffs of Santorini, making for some of the most amazing views in an almost surreal setting. 

Fira to Oia hike

This walk may be one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The island road cut out between Fira and Oia is one of the most interesting places to walk on the Greek islands. The trail goes along the cliffs and through the towns of Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli. It’s called the Fira-Oia Hike. The hiking trail is just under 10.5 km long, and there are beautiful spots along the way that you can post on Instagram. Either way, it’s a good climb, though it can be tough in the summer.

Catamaran trip with Santorini Sailing

An exciting trip by boat from Vlychada. It’s a lot of fun to go on this boat tour of Santorini’s beautiful caldera with a local company that runs the day trip. At Palea Kameni, you can snorkel to see the lava-black heart of the volcano. Afterwards, you can jump into the sulfur-rich hot springs that bubble up from the seas around you. To end the day, you can enjoy a late lunch of feta-spiked Greek salad and herb-roasted chicken with lots of local wine.

Thirassia

This small island is often forgotten, but it used to be part of the bigger island of Strongilis, which included Santorini before the volcano blew its top in the 16th century BC. The 9 km² island is like a bite-sized piece of what Santorini must have been like before the tourists came. Its cliff-top city, Manolas, can be reached by endless flights of steps, and its cave houses haven’t been turned into hotels yet. Before it’s found out, go now.

Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni

When you go to Santorini, you can sail up to Nea Kameni (New Kameni) and Palea Kameni (Old Kameni), two small rocky islands. If you want to feel better, get off the boat and jump right into the water to get to the sulphur springs. When you get to the shore, you can cover yourself in thermal mud, which is good for you. People on tours can also visit the Geological Park of Nea Kameni, where they can get up close to the volcano crater and enjoy the beautiful views.

Santorini Walking Tours

You can go on guided walking tours to see another side of one of the world’s most famous habitable volcanic islands. Santorini is known for having too many tourists, which is a shame. But Nikos Botsinis, a local guide from Santorini Walking Tours, wants to show tourists a different, much rougher side of his island. Along almost-forgotten mule trails, away from the caldera’s busy towns, you can find lush vineyards, traditional tavernas, old churches, and villages that time (and those tourist crowds) has forgotten.

Prophet Elias Monastery

At the highest point of Santorini, the church of Profitis Ilias stands tall and proud. Many churches are in Santorini, but this is one of the oldest. It was made by monks in 1711. It also has the best views. With views of calderas, farms, valleys, and the ocean, you can see the whole island from its little gardens. Go into the monastery for a quiet look around, and stop by the shop to look at the candles, honey, olive oil, and wine made in the area.

Pyrgos

This Santorini town that not many people visit gives you a look at how the locals live. The village of Pyrgos is one of the most charming ones on the island. Even though it’s a long way from the water, it has beautiful views and a quiet, out-of-the-way charm. The houses and churches in this whitewashed hilltop village were built in and around a Venetian castle. You should check out these tiny, winding roads. Finding a nice café for a coffee break in Greece is easy. In town is Selene, which is one of the best places in all of Greece. Come in the summer when the balcony is open for eating. It’s a nice place to eat with nice views.

The Top Tours in Santorini

Small Group Wine Tasting Tour

Assyrtiko is the mostly favourite type of wine from Santorini. This small and private tour takes you to three great wineries in Santorini. There is also a Santorini Sunset Wine Tour that is almost as good but costs less. A few more people will be on it, but it’s still a small group tour. For some, meeting other travellers on a tour may be a plus, so the fact that it’s not private may be a plus.

Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Swimming in the hot springs, seeing Thirassia, hiking the volcano, stopping at Red Beach and White Beach to swim and snorkel, having lunch or dinner on board, and watching the sunset below Oia are all famous things that can be done on a boat tour. This tour is the easiest, but it’s still really cool. You sail through the caldera, stopping at a few beaches outside the caldera and then going to the hot springs, where you can swim, eat, and lay in the sun. The best part is watching the sunset from the boat below the Oia rocks at the end. It gets cold in the evening if you’re still in your wet suit, so bring a change of clothes. The boat tours on this page include meals on board and transfers to and from your hotel.

Santorini Day Cruise

A boat tour with the best food, nicest staff, and smallest group size. You can swim and snorkel on this caldera boat trip and drink as much as you want. The tour also picks you up and drops you off at your hotel for free. This is like the Sunset Cruise, but there is no sunset. Instead, there is more swimming and time in the sun. If you have the money, you can also take a private catamaran tour of the caldera during the day or sunset.

Best of Santorini (6 Hours)

The best tour for one person in Santorini. Not any boats. There will be a trained guide on this tour of the island itself. The tour goes to three places: Akrotiri, the amazing ruins of an ancient town destroyed by the volcano; Pyrgos, an old town with winding streets and many churches; and Oia, the most beautiful village in Santorini. Stops are also made at Red and Black Beaches, Venetsanos Winery, and the pretty town of Firostefani. It’s easy to see the island in one day because the tour picks you up and drops you off at your hotel.

Santorini Private Photography Tour

This is a great tour of Santorini’s best views and photos, perfect for all levels of shooters. You only need this if you want something unique and special. Many people love this tour.

Santorini Fishing Tour

A great way to see the water around Santorini on a traditional fishing boat. You’ll eat what you catch and empty from the nets for lunch or dinner; fresh fish served on board. Family tours and serious fishermen should go on the day trip. The tour at sunset is best for two people.

Things to do in Santorini for couples

You can take a romantic getaway to Santorini whether you’re going on a holiday, planning to propose, or want to get away with your partner for a few days. If you feel like you have to make sure that your trip to Santorini is great, don’t worry. We know what to do in Santorini for couples because we are travel experts. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, bring swimming gear and some comfortable shoes for a romantic walk, and get ready to be blown away by Santorini’s beautiful scenery. These are the most beautiful things to do on your trip.

See the sun go down in Oia

In your mind, picture a beautiful Greek island. You may have imagined the picture-postcard-perfect view of the sunset from Oia town on Santorini, where blue-domed churches and whitewashed houses fall into each other. Now that you see this picture, it should be clear why the Oia sunset is one of the most important things for couples to do in Santorini. The most famous place to watch the sunset is Oia Castle, but there will be many people there, which might not be the romantic atmosphere you want. Instead, go to the ruins of the Byzantine castle or sit on the rooftop terrace at Sunsets. Book a sunset trip to take your experience to the next level and avoid the crowds. From the comfort and privacy of a catamaran, you can watch the colours change as night falls.

A spa in Santorini can help you find happiness

You can find love and rest at one of Santorini’s world-class spas. You can relax with your partner in a sauna, steam room, hot stone massage, couple’s massage, or facial, and there are even some unique places to do these things. In Santorini, you can get a unique spa experience like a massage with raw honey or frangipani flowers at Canaves, a 17th-century wine shop that looks like a cave. The “Wine Elixir” treatment uses Santorini vine leaves to make you feel better. Book a sailing tour to see Santorini’s natural hot springs and mud tubs for spa treatments that are more in touch with nature.

Find the best wineries in Santorini

Book a wine tasting at one of Santorini’s most beautiful farms to treat yourself. What could be more romantic than sipping wine with your special someone while flowers make a beautiful background? The volcanic island has a history of making wine goes back 3,500 years. Nykteri, Assyrtiko, and Vinsanto are some of the most famous local grapes. If you can only go to one farm, make it the well-known Venetsanos. Venetsanos specialises in Assyrtiko and Mandilaria grapes and has traditional Cycladic architecture and a terrace with stunning caldera views. You can also order cheeses and other Greek treats to match your wine taste. Argyros Estate, Art Space Winery (with modern art that goes well with the wine), and Gavalas are other great places to try local wine.

Take a walk to Skaros Rock

Putting on your walking boots is the perfect way to say, “I love you.” We challenge any couple not to be enchanted by Santorini’s beautiful scenery. And there’s nothing better than sharing it with the person you love the most. From the town of Imerovogli, you can take a short but rewarding walk to the beautiful Skaros Rock. This rocky headland was once home to a grand castle built in the 1300s, but an earthquake in the 1800s destroyed it. As you climb the narrow, steep steps, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the blue Aegean. Stop by the pretty Agios Georgios church on your way back.

You can have a lovely dinner in Thira

We couldn’t write a guide to things for couples to do in Santorini without suggesting some places to go for dinner together, could we? Many people think that Oia’s Ambrosia is the most romantic restaurant on the island. Honeymooners love it because it serves modern takes on traditional Greek food and has the most amazing views of the caldera from its patio. If you’re not in Oia, we suggest going to Argo in Thira for delicious Mediterranean food and a large wine list. After dinner, have a drink at Marinera or Franco’s Bar. Go straight to Katina or Ammoudi on Ammoudi Bay for oysters (known as aphrodisiacs) and other deliciously fresh fish.

Watch a show outside in Kamari

The Kamari open-air movie house has been showing films to locals and tourists since 1987. It is a strong contender for “most romantic cinema.” The films are in English with Greek subtitles, and they usually show from May to October, when the weather is nice and clear, making it a great time to look at the stars. You can come here after an early dinner (doors open at 8:30 pm for a 9:30 pm start) or bring a picnic. Local wine, beer or a drink from the bar will go well with your food. Check out what’s going on in Kamari while you’re in Santorini. It’s sometimes used for theatre acts and art shows.

Things to do in Santorini with kids

Have Fun at the Beach

Some of the best places to swim are in Santorini. The island has several beaches where you can spend time with your family. Monolithos Beach is family-friendly because the water is small, and there is a playground for little kids. So, it’s very famous, especially with families and people living there. The beach is typical of Santorini; it’s long, has black and grey sand, and has clear water. There are sunbeds, umbrellas, and a safety tower in one part of it.

The best part is that there are many cheap choices for staying in a high-class hotel close enough to walk to the beach. Book a nice family room near Kamari or Perissa Beach; you’ll wake up to this view every morning.

Try the food from the Mediterranean

A surprising variety of Mediterranean cuisine is available on the island, ranging from fusion cuisine served in upscale dining establishments to traditional platters served at rural taverns. In addition to that, you and your family can indulge in delicious seafood and fashionable gyro joints for a memorable experience.

Take Part in Water-Based Activities

The island of Santorini is well-known for the many different water sports that it provides. It is possible to have a lot of fun at the beach by participating in various activities, such as swimming, boat rides, jet skiing, parasailing, and paddle boarding. In light of this, the boat excursion around caldera will be a hit with your children. In addition, the children are allowed to swim and leap off the catamaran to experience the excitement and adrenaline rush.

Best time to go to Santorini

From April on, summer starts on this island south of the Aegean. The average temperature starts at a nice 19°C. It gets hot in July and August (28°C), and September and October are still great for the beach (mid-20s), so you should plan a trip during the summer season.

How to get to Santorini

One of the most famous and beautiful islands in the world is Santorini. A small island that is full of real things and beautiful scenery. In Greece, it is in the southern part of the Aegean Sea and is one of the beautiful Cyclades islands. When you want to get to Santorini Island, it’s easiest to fly from Athens, the capital of Greece, with direct flights from many cities in the US, UK, and Canada. ATH is the three-letter code for Athens International Airport, and JTR is the code for Santorini Airport.

Thanks to its beautiful scenery and rich history, Santorini is one of the world’s islands where people usually go on holiday from the beginning of March to the beginning of November. Also, you can take special flights from many European cities to get directly to Santorini during the summer. These cities include Paris, London, Prague, Amsterdam, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt, and Naples. Sometimes, these charter trips are unavailable, so you may have to fly to Santorini via Athens.

How to Get Around Santorini

• Rental car or ATV: You can explore at your own pace if you rent a car or an ATV.
• Public bus: A cheap choice with routes connecting beaches and major villages.
• Taxis: You can take them for shorter trips or to places the bus can’t go.
• Private transfers: Some hotels offer private transfers to make your stay more comfortable and easy.
• Walking: It’s great to get around on foot in the towns of Fira and Oia.
• Tours by boat: Leave from Oia or Fira to visit nearby islands and the volcanic crater.

Are you looking to relax completely? Then Santorini is the right place for you to go. In the Aegean Sea, the island of Santorini is a great place to go on holidays for luxury, romance, and a full break. You can relax by the pool, visit the ruins of old Akrotiri, or go to one of the many beaches with red, white, or even black sand. In the evening, you can enjoy sweet white wine from the area, eat local food, and watch the beautiful sunsets over Santorini as one of the most hearty things to do in Santorini. This is one of our best places to watch the sun go down. Why are you still here? Call now and book your Santorini holiday packages!