Santorini, Greece is a dream destination for many travelers. It’s famous for its stunning views, white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches and romantic sunsets. But there’s more to this island than meets the eye. In this post, I’ll reveal the 15 best things to do in Santorini that will make your trip unforgettable. You’ll discover hidden gems, local secrets, and fun activities that will suit any taste and budget. Ready to explore Santorini like never before? Here we go!
Visit the town of Oia
Are you ready for a magical experience? Then head to Oia, the most amazing spot on the island. Oia is a charming village that sits on the edge of the caldera, where you can see white houses, blue domes and colorful flowers. It’s also the best place to catch the sunset in Santorini, as the sky becomes a masterpiece of orange, pink and purple colors. But don’t wait too long, because you’ll need to find a good spot before it gets too crowded. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!
Experience the Caldera like never before
Join us for a thrilling boat tour around the caldera and discover its amazing sights and secrets. The caldera is the giant hole left by a massive volcanic eruption that shaped Santorini’s unique landscape. You can hop on a boat from different ports on the island and see the caldera from various perspectives. You can also visit the active volcano, where you can walk on the sizzling lava rocks and witness steam vents and sulfur deposits. Then, you can dive into the hot springs, where the water is cozy and healing. Finally, you can stop at Thirassia, a charming island that offers a taste of traditional life in Santorini.
Go Swimming At The Red Beach.
Explore the Red Beach, a stunning contrast of red volcanic rocks and turquoise water. The Red Beach is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches in Santorini, located near the village of Akrotiri. The beach is named after the red-colored sand and cliffs, which are a result of volcanic activity. the water is clear and calm, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. You can access the beach by boat or by foot, but be careful because the path is steep and rocky.
Dine like the locals at Ammoudi Bay
Enjoy the seafood and views at Ammoudi Bay, a charming fishing port below Oia. Ammoudi Bay is a hiddem gem in Santorini, where you can find some of the best seafood restaurants on the island. You can dine on fresh fish, octopus, calamari and more, while enjoying the breathtaking views of the caldera and the sunset. You can also swim of cliff jump from the rocks into the crystal-clear water.
Enjoy the Wines of Santorini
Discover the amazing wines of Santorini at some of the best wineries on the island, like Santo Wines or Domaine Sigalas. Santorini’s wine is unique and delicious, thanks to the volcanic soil and climate that create the perfect conditions for growing grapes. The island is home to some of the most exquisite white wines in Greece, such as Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani. You can take a tour of one of the many wineries on the island and get a glimpse of the history and process of winemaking in Santorini. You can also taste different varieties of wine and enjoy them with cheese, olives and other local delicacies.
Take a Scenic Hike
Do you love an epic adventure? Then you’ll love this amazing hike that takes you from Fira to Oia, two of the most stunning towns on the island. Along the way, you’ll discover the beauty and charm of this magical place, with its breathtaking views of the caldera, the sparkling sea and the colorful landscape. You’ll also explore some of the most picturesque villages in Santorini, like Firostefani, Imerovigli and Finikia, where you can see their unique architecture and culture. This hike is a must-do for anyone who wants to experience the best of Santorini!
Take a visit to Akrotiri
Imagine traveling back in time to a city that was frozen in time by a volcano. That’s what you can experience when you visit Akrotiri, the ancient Minoan city that was buried by volcanic ash. Akrotiri is more than just an archaeological site. It’s a window into a fascinating civilization that flourished thousands of years ago. Akrotiri was a wealthy and sophisticated city that had everything from paved roads and sewers to beautiful pottery and paintings. But around 1600 BC, a huge eruption from the nearby Santorini volcano wiped out the city and covered it with ash. The good news is that the ash preserved the city’s structures and artifacts, making it possible for us to explore them today. You can walk through the houses and streets of Akrotiri and admire its stunning frescoes and objects. You can also learn about the history and culture of the Minoans, who were one of the first European civilizations. Akrotiri is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves history, art and adventure. Don’t miss this chance to discover a hidden gem of Greece!
Go Shopping in Fira
Discover the amazing art and shopping scene in Fira, the heart of Santorini. Fira is more than just a transport hub, it’s a vibrant town full of fun and charm. You’ll love exploring its cozy streets and alleys, where you’ll find tons of art galleries, boutiques, souvenir shops and cafes. You’ll also get to see some of its museums, such as the Folklore Museum or the Megaro Gyzi Museum, where you can discover the fascinating history and culture of Santorini. Fira is a must-see destination for anyone who loves art, culture and shopping.
Have a Relaxing day at the Beach
Relax on the black sand beach of Perissa or Kamari, two of the most popular beaches on the island. If you’re looking for some sun and sand, Santorini has plenty of options for you. Two of the most famous beaches are Perissa and Kamari, both located on the east coast of the island. They have black volcanic sand and pebbles, which contrast with the blue water and the white buildings. They also have many facilities, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, bars, restaurants and water sports.
Take a Cooking Class
Learn how to cook Greek cuisine at a cooking class, such as
Selene or Petra Kouzina. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in
Santorini’s culture is to learn how to cook its delicious food. You can join a
cooking class and learn from local chefs how to prepare traditional dishes,
such as moussaka, tzatziki, dolmades and baklava. You’ll also use fresh
ingredients from the island, such as tomatoes, fava beans, capers and cheese.
After the class, you’ll get to enjoy your creations with a glass of wine and a
view.
Snap a Selfie with the Blue Domes
Snap a selfie with the iconic trio of blue domes in Oia, the most Instagram-worthy spot in Santorini. You can’t say you’ve been to Santorini without posing with the three blue domes of Oia, which are the signature of the island. They belong to a stunning church called Anastasis, perched on the cliff of the caldera. The best time to snap a selfie is in the morning or in the evening, when the sun casts a golden glow and there are less crowds. You can also experiment with different angles and views to show off the beauty of the domes and their backdrop.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Experience the nightlife in Fira, where you can find bars,
clubs and live music venues. If you’re looking for some fun after dark, Fira is
the place to be. The town has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many options for
every taste and mood. You can find cozy bars, where you can sip cocktails and
listen to jazz or blues. You can also find lively clubs, where you can dance to
pop or rock music. Or you can find live music venues, where you can enjoy
performances by local or international artists.
Take in a bit of History
How would you like to travel back in time and witness the ancient civilization of Santorini? Well, you can do that by visiting the museum of prehistoric Thera in Fira. This amazing museum showcases the rich and diverse culture of the island from the Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age. You will be amazed by the variety of artifacts and artworks that reveal the daily life, beliefs and skills of the prehistoric people. You will also get to see some of the stunning frescoes from Akrotiri, such as the fisherman, the monkeys and the spring. These colorful paintings capture the beauty and vitality of nature and human activity. The museum of prehistoric Thera is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves history and archaeology. Don’t miss this chance to explore the fascinating past of Santorini!
Drive out on your own
If you want to have an epic adventure in Santorini, you need to get behind the wheel of a car or an ATV and explore the island like a boss. Forget about crowded buses or boring tours, you can create your own itinerary and discover amazing places that most tourists miss. Whether you want to cruise along the coast, climb up the hills, or wander through the villages, you’ll find something to wow you at every turn. Some of the hidden gems you can check out by car or ATV are Pyrgos, Emporio, Megalochori and Vlychada. Trust me, you’ll love it!
Rest and Relaxation
Pamper yourself at a spa or a hot tub, or book a luxury hotel with a private pool and a caldera view. Last but not least, one of the best things to do in Santorini is to treat yourself to some relaxation and indulgence. You can visit one of the many spas on the island and enjoy massages, facials, body treatments and more. You can also soak in a hot tub or a jacuzzi, where you can relax your muscles and mind. Or you can splurge on a luxury hotel with a private pool and a caldera view, where you can feel like royalty.
Stunning views, rich history, delicious cuisine and wine, fun activities and lively nightlife, with bars, clubs and parties that go on until dawn, Santorini has something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the beach, hike on the volcano, sail on a catamaran, or shop for souvenirs. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Santorini today and experience the magic of this amazing island!