It isreferred to as the pearl of the Aegean, whose history and morphology are closely linked to volcanic activity, some of which has significantly altered its structure and allowed the discovery of archaeological excavations that are crucial to reconstructing the genesis of this fairytale location. The'nemesis' of the more'worldly' Mykonos is undoubtedly Santorini, a favourite destination for couples in love for its breathtaking sunsets, but also increasingly targeted by families, singles and festive groups of friends. The reason is simple: the'backbone' of the Cyclades archipelago has much to offer in terms of culture and food and wine, even in terms of nightlife.
Ready to go? Let's discover together what to see in Santorini, with this guide with practical tips on the city!
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1 - Oia
A characteristic village, recognisable by its irresistible blue dome, belonging to the Blue Domed Church Santorini, immortalised in thousands of photos by tourists in love with the extraordinary sunsets that can be enjoyed here. Another symbol of the village are the picturesque windmills.
The village of Oia, in the northern part of the island, is also home to one of the 10 most famous and beautiful bookshops in the world according to'The Guardian': we are talking about Atlantis Books founded by Oliver and Craig, which today houses volumes in every language in a dreamlike location, with aphorisms written on the walls and the owners' dogs sleeping between the shelves. An "other" universe, which deserves a stop not only by reading enthusiasts. But not only: if you want to do some cultural sightseeing, you can visit the Maritime Museum, the city's nautical museum. And don't forget to admire the view from the remains of the Byzantine castle!
Photo by Tango7174. Reach Ammoudi Bay: this beautiful, quiet bay is a real paradise. You can reach it by descending the grand staircase, called Oia steps, which will take you down to the sea.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in the northern part of the island, 12 km from Thira and 22 km from Akrotiri. Reachable on foot from Santorini by trekking (2 h 30 min) or by car or scooter via Epar.Od. Firon-Ias (20 min) - Get directions
Timetable: Oia always accessible / Atlantis Book daily 14:00-20:00, more generally closing at sunset / Maritime Museum Wed-Mon 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00, Tue closed
Ticket price: free
2 - Imerovigli
In the central-western part of the island lies the quaint traditional village of Imerovigli, easily reached on foot from Thira in about 35 min.
With more luxury hotels than private accommodation, Imerovigli offers a magnificent view of the volcanoes and is one of the more upmarket resorts. It is also home to the ruins of the fortress of Skaros, which was the capital of Santorini until the 18th century. Another striking attraction of the village is, without a doubt, the chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, built on a huge rock above the caldera.
Located on the coast, 2.2 km from Thira and 8.5 km from Oia. From Thira easily accessible on foot via the Caldera path (35 min), alternatively car or scooter via Erithrou Stavrou (8 min) - Get directions
Photo by Nikos A. Kanellopoulos. Admire the sunset on Skaros Rock: this rocky promontory is one of the most beautiful views of Imerovigli and the whole island, unmissable at sunset, when the sky turns red and you can take wonderful souvenir photos.
3 - Firostefani
Between Thira and Imerovigli, you absolutely must not miss Firostefani, or rather the 'rooftop of the island', as it is called by locals and outsiders alike. Urbanistically speaking, this small village is part of the town of Thira, but still deserves at least half a day's visit!
Thanks to its strategic position, it is indeed the natural viewing terrace par excellence of Santorini, from where you can admire the northern coast on one side and the southern coast on the other. But that's not all: this small village, in just a few quaint little streets, encapsulates the two sides of the island's coin: the more romantic side, with its candlelit dinners and spectacular sunsets, and the more lively, party-going side, thanks to its happy hours and nightlife!
Located on the coast, 1.1 km from Thira and 9 km from Oia. From Thira easily accessible on foot via the Caldera path (15 min), alternatively from Oia by car or scooter via Epar.Od. Firon-Ias (20 min) - Get directions
Lunch with a view: being the rooftop of Santorini, it also follows that this is where you will find some of the most beautiful bars and restaurants on the whole island! We recommend stopping for lunch at To Briki, a small Greek cuisine restaurant with a spectacular view.
4 - Thira (Fira)
Photo by gar1984. We now set off to discover the villages of Santorini. Thira, or Fira, is the island's main town, where you can alternate cultural visits to the various museums with a day of wild shopping and then get swept up in the town's lively nightlife. With its narrow streets, houses built of pumice stone, white roofs and blue doors, it is a riot of colour, movement, tradition and modernity.
Of particular note is the town's central square, Theotokopoulou Square, a meeting point for tourists and locals alike. The island's main museums are also located here: the Folklore and Heritage Museum Folklore Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Thera.
A word of advice? Better to visit Fira early in the morning, so you will find less crowds and, if you are driving, park more easily. Ah, the car parks are free!
Get to Santorini Old Harbor: located by the sea, the Old Harbor of Santorini is a must-see, ideal for a relaxing stroll and the starting point for a variety of excursions. It can be reached on foot via the Karavolades Stairs, as wonderful views, or by the Santorini Cable Car, the cable car that connects it to the city (one way €6.00). Personal advice? Avoid the experience aboard the donkey... to look at them, they don't exactly look enthusiastic about carrying you up 900 steps on their backs!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in the central part of the island, on the coast, 12 km from Oia and 10 km from Akrotiri. To be visited exclusively on foot. Served by the island's port - Get directions
Hours: village always accessible / Folklore Museum daily 10:00-14:00, July and August also 18:00-20:00 / Archaeological Museum of Thera Wed-Mon 8:30-15:30, Tue closed
Ticket price: village free / Folklore Museum free / Archaeological Museum of Thera full price €3.00, reduced €2.00
5 - Caldera
The Caldera is the number one natural attraction on the whole island! No stay in Santorini is complete without a visit to it, one of the island's most striking attractions. Scientifically speaking, the caldera is a large basin or depression formed by the sinking of the magma chamber of a volcano. This one on Santorini was created over 10,000 years ago and the depression was caused by the collapse of the volcano. Amazing what nature can do!
As already mentioned, today it is a real attraction and is targeted by tourists enraptured by the breathtaking scenery and, above all, by the exaggerated luxury flaunted by this striking location, considered the most 'glamorous' corner of the island.
The best way to enjoy the Caldera is to walk along it, the Thira-Oia route taking about 2 h 30 min. Alternatively, you can admire it by sea, taking part in a boat excursion.
Don't miss the Thira-Oia trek: this trek is one of the must-do's of Santorini, where you can walk right along the Caldera, thus reaching Oia on foot. The path is well marked and the walk takes about 2 h 30 min. If possible, do it this way, because it is the view of Oia at the end of the path that is the most beautiful thing! The return can be done by bus. It can also be tackled with children, but avoid the middle hours, preferring early morning, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
6 - Santo Wines
Enjoying an extraordinary sunset while sipping a glass of aphrodisiac wine is possible, thanks to the Santo Wines winery, one of the most famous on the island. The winery has a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the sea and the Caldera and also organises visits to the winery.
After all, wine production is one of the cornerstones of Santorini's economy, and this nectar of the gods is one of the area's 'heritages', to be protected and exported all over the world.
Take part in a wine tasting on the island: perhaps not everyone knows this, but Santorini has an excellent wine production! If you are a wine lover, you certainly cannot miss a wine tasting accompanied by experts, visiting the best wineries on the island!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in Pyrgos Kallistis, Thira. Easily accessible from the Santorini Gem event centre (50 m, 1 min). 3.6 km from Thira, reachable by a 45 min. walk or by car or scooter via Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis (8 min) - Get directions
Hours: daily, with varying hours depending on the activity.
Ticket price: depending on the activity. See official website
7 - Kamari Beach
Undoubtedly one of the busiest beaches on the entire island, as well as being the largest, stretching for about 5 km, is Kamari Beach. It is located on the east coast of Santorini, a short distance from the archaeological site of Ancient Thira.
Kamari Beach is a very well organised beach, with umbrellas and deckchairs and numerous small hotels and resorts, but above all it is characterised by its black sand, which makes it very special. It is also a favourite destination for families, as here you will find a promenade full of shops, well-equipped lidos and accommodation facilities that guarantee a moment of pure relaxation away from the more frenetic pace that can be found in other Santorini beach resorts.
It is located on the eastern side of Santorini, 4.2 km from the archaeological site of Ancient Thira and 8 km from Thira on the west coast. From Thira, which can be reached by car or scooter via Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis and Epar.Od. Mesarias-Archeas Thiras (15 min) - Get directions
Family Stay: This is one of the best areas to stay if you're travelling as a family! Plenty of accommodation to choose from, plenty of amenities including restaurants and shops and a large, well-equipped beach that, due to its size, is never too crowded.
8 - Ancient Thera
Photo by Tomisti. The archaeological site of Ancient Thera was once home to a large and wealthy city. The site is located on Kameni, 396 m above sea level, thus also offering a wonderful view to those who visit it!
Founded as far back as the 9th century B.C., today only the remains of this old city can be admired, trying to imagine what it was like in the centuries of ancient splendour. The highlight of the entire site is the Terrace of the Feasts, where banquets and festivities were once held in honour of Apollo. Still visible is the main street, around which two agoras, the Temple of Dionysus and the Sanctuary of Apollo Karneio, developed.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: on the Mesa Vouna promontory, between the beaches of Kamari and Perissa, on the eastern side. Accessible fromThira by car or scooter via Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis and Epar.Od. Mesarias-Archeas Thiras (10 km, 20 min) - Get directions
Hours: Wed-Mon 8:30am-3:30pm, Tue closed
Ticket price: full price €6.00, concessions €3.00
9 - Perissa Beach
Located in the southernmost part of the island, Perissa Beach is known as the black sand beach. But that's not all: this is one corner of Santorini that has been left out of the unbridled luxury and trendy hotels that have invaded places like Oia or the capital itself.
Perissa is in fact a quiet resort, not least because of its location, protected from the meltemi on the south-eastern side. Here you will find well-equipped beaches, crowded yes, but quieter than, for example, Red Beach. An ideal place to relax, sunbathe and take a dip in the water. The area is also recommended for families, thanks to the presence of facilities and a large shoreline that continues towards Perivilos Beach.
The beach is located on the southern side of Santorini, 12 km from Thira, and can be reached by car or scooter via Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis (12 min). Nearby is the archaeological site Ancient Thera - Get directions
10 - Tomato Museum
We have mentioned a few museums in Thira or Oia, but there is one museum on the island that is really very special and not to be missed, especially if you are travelling with children: the Tomato Industrial Museum, D.Nomikos, which is perhaps still little known.
If you want to know everything, but really everything, about the cultivation and production of tomatoes by the inhabitants of Santorini, the museum in question is a real cultural centre that also periodically organises all sorts of events, often revolving around this delicious and 'fascinating' vegetable!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: at Vlichada, in the southernmost part of Santorini. Accessible on foot in 1 min from Vlichada Beach and in 5 min from the small harbour of the resort (400 m). From Thira, reachable by car or scotter via Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis (10 km, 18 min) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm, Mon closed
Ticket price: full price €10.00, concessions €6.00
11 - Red Beach
One of the most beautiful and crowded beaches, especially in the summertime, is Red Beach.
The beach is characterised by its distinctive rust-coloured cliffs, which frame the small bay of red sand and pebbles. We recommend reaching it early in the morning to avoid the crowds in the middle of the day. Not very large, it is however equipped with beach umbrellas and deck chairs, ideal for enjoying a relaxing day at the sea. Because of its shape, it is also suitable for families with children.
It is located in the southernmost part of the island. It can be reached on foot in just 10 minutes from the car park provided (free of charge). It is 11 km from Thira and can be reached by car via Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis (20 min). From the archaeological site of Akrotiri just 1.4 km (17 min walk) - Get directions
Plan your day: we recommend that you reach the beach early in the morning, as it is less crowded and easier to find a parking space. During the warmer hours you can explore the southern part of the island, enjoying a sea-view lunch and then visiting the nearby archaeological site of Akrotiri.
12 - Akrotiri
Photo by saiko3p. Santorini is not only sea and sunsets, it would be a mistake to dwell on that. In fact, the island is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean: the archaeological site of Akrotiri, located in the south-western part of the island.
In 1962, Professor Spyridōn Marinatos uncovered the remains of an ancient Minoan civilisation, the Akrotiri, which in the 16th century BC fell victim to one of the deadliest volcanic eruptions that targeted Santorini. The entire town, or rather the entire civilisation, was completely buried by ash. The remains came to light thanks to the work and excavations conducted by the professor himself. A real piece of Santorini's history is therefore preserved here, which is definitely worth a visit, especially since the archaeological finds have remained virtually intact, protected over the millennia by lava. And for some, Akrotiri might even have something to do with the lost civilisation of Atlantis!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in the south-west of the island, 10 km from Thira and 22 km from Oia. Accessible by car or scooter via Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis (17 min) - Get directions
Hours: Wed-Mon 8:30am-3:30pm, Tue closed
Ticket price: full price €12.00, concessions €6.00
13 - Islands of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirasia
The islands of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirasia are three islands of volcanic origin that were once connected to Santorini. With the depression 10,000 years ago and the 'collapse' of the volcano, these three small islands were formed. Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni are in the centre, while the island of Thirisia closes the circle.
The best way to discover the islands is by taking part in an organised tour, with sea transfer included. Here you will discover wonderful landscapes and see Santorini from a different perspective. But most importantly, you can see how volcanic activity is still active: you can trek to the crater, bathe in natural hot springs or catch a glimpse of fumaroles and sulphur whiffs from the ground.
Take part in aboat excursion: the islands can only be reached by sea, so we recommend you join a boat trip including hot springs to experience this beautiful place at its best! Transfers to/from the hotel, swimming stops, even snorkelling equipment are included!
Other attractions to visit
As we have seen, Santorini is an all-round destination: culture, sea, nature and good food! A destination that appeals to many types of travellers and tourists. So far we have seen the must-sees, but there are many other little things to do and see on the island.
If you want to fill up on museums, in addition to the ones mentioned above, we also recommend: the Archaeological Museum of Prehistoric Thira (€6.00); the Wine Museum (€10.00 with wine tasting), for wine lovers who want to find out even more about Greek wine; and the Santorini History Museum of the past (free). Art lovers, on the other hand, will find various galleries and exhibitions, especially in the centre of Thira and Oia.
9 things to do in Santorini
Watch the sunset in Oia
Admire the view from Pyrgos
Take a photo in front of the Kastro Oia Houses
Snorkelling in Amoudi Bay
Atmospheric walk in Emporio
Outdoor cinema in Kamari
Staying in a luxury hotel
Taking part in a fishing trip
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Catamaran Cruise: It's impossible to visit Santorini without taking a day out at sea, embarking on a catamaran and discovering all of the island's coastline!
Watching the sunset atOia: absolutely one of the best spots to watch the sunset, after discovering all the main sites on the island!
Admiring the view from Pyrgos: this is the highest village on Santorini and it goes without saying that the view from up here is truly amazing.
Takinga photo in front of the Kastro Oia Houses: this is one of the most photographed houses in Oia and on the whole island, characterised by a wonderful orange-pink pastel colour, which certainly stands out from the many white houses
Snorkelling in Amoudi Bay: not far from Oia, this is by far one of the best snorkelling spots on Santorini. Crystal-clear water and depths full of life await you
Atmospheric walk in Emporio: this is an area little frequented by tourists, in the northern part of the island not far from Perívolos beach. It is a small, fortified village, very characteristic
Kamari open-air cinema: from May to October, you cannot miss an open-air cinema evening, the Cinekamari. Set up among the trees, it screens films in English for an alternative and unforgettable evening
Stay in aluxury hotel: at least for one night, we recommend staying in one of those wonderful hotels with an infinity pool, from which you can watch the sunset and bathe even at night, with the city all lit up
Take part in a fishing trip: fishing enthusiasts won't want to miss a traditional morning fishing trip off the coast of the island. A different but unforgettable experience.
Plan your stay in Santorini: tips, flights and hotels
Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades Islands and is easily reached either by sea from the other Greek islands or by plane, with flights increasing during the summer period(compare flights). The best period is definitely from May to October, possibly excluding August, which is really too crowded and very expensive!
For accommodation, the advice is to look for the best offers, as it is certainly not a cheap destination(compare accommodation on booking). For getting around between the various locations, the best solution is to rent a scooter. Buses only cover the main towns and are often full, a car is not recommended because the narrow streets are often narrow and ill-suited. For a first approach, we recommend a tour of the island with a local guide, in order to familiarise yourself with the geography of Santorini and identify landmarks. Ah, a personal tip? If you are tempted by the climb up the steps from Thira harbour on the back of donkeys.... well, think again. By the look of them, they don't seem to be keen on it.
If you are looking for nightlife, you should know that the queen beach of nightlife is only one: Perivolos, with disco bars that party until the morning. Many beaches are also home to various clubs, more or less quiet.
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