20 Unmissable Things To Do in Santorini for Your Bucket List
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Almost three millennia ago, a volcanic eruption formed the now-magnificent caldera named Santorini. Officially known as Thira, this gorgeous slice of land is nothing short of perfection. With white, black, and red sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters stretching for miles, and unreal views, Santorini is a must-visit.
The island of Santorini has a distinct magnetic charm that attracts newlyweds looking for a romantic getaway, adrenaline junkies looking for an adventure, and people looking to be swept away by the beautiful places to destress from their daily life.
When so many things are packed into one place, it is often overwhelming to plan a vacation. Don’t worry because our guide to the best things to do in Santorini will ease some of that burden.
In a Nuthell
Best Hotels in Santorini
- Best luxury hotel: Abyss
- Best mid-range hotel: Delion View Hotel
- Best budget hotel: Nautilus Dome
Best Tours in Santorini
Where To Stay
Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, something in between, or budget hotels, Santorini is a great place to stay.
The Abyss is a five-star hotel where you can experience the island in a unique way. Located in the village of Oia, it has top-notch amenities, including air-conditioned rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. The dome-like hallways and minimal aesthetic are phenomenal.
🏨 See photos and availability here
When looking at mid-range hotels, Delion View is an ideal place to stay. The place is Instagram-worthy, spick, and span, and the staff is amicable. They also have in-room electric teapots and a gorgeous view and are located near a popular tourist attraction, the ancient Thira.
🏨 See photos and availability here
If none of these hotels fit your budget, Nautilus Dome is a great way to cut extra costs while still having an excellent place to stay. With spacious rooms and swimming pools, it offers a spectacular view at half the price. The archaeological site of Akrotiri is only five miles from here.
🏨 See photos and availability here
Read also: Amazing Landmarks in Greece
Enjoy a Sunset in Oia Village
To fully immerse yourself in the Santorini experience, you can’t miss out on a mesmerizing sunset from the highest point of the Oia Castle. Not only can you see the yellow-orange rays dancing in the sky, but you’ll also be able to see volcanic rocks up here.
The Castle of Oia also has breathtaking views of the caldera that will leave you stunned. Additionally, once you’re here, you must visit the Maritime Museum, lined with paintings, art, documents, and more. Below Oia, you can see the Ammoudi Bay as well.
Read also: Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Look at the Sunset in Imerovigli
The Santorini village of Imerovigli offers an alternative to the jam-packed Oia Village. From here, you can enjoy stunning sunsets that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful Cycladic architecture, but this small village also offers some of the best boat tours to explore the volcanic island.
For adventure seekers, a short hike to the Skaros rock, which leads to the most epic views, is one of the best things to do here.
Read also: Best Traditional Greek Food
Visit the Fira Town
Fira, the capital of Santorini, is home to glorious blue-domed churches with a volcano backdrop, the Old Port with steep cliffs in the surroundings, and the Fira Main Square, packed with bustling life and delicious local cuisine.
This cosmopolitan area is one of the best ways to spend time in Santorini because of its rich history. You can also enjoy a movie at the open-air cinema on the main road to Fira town.
Read also: Top Must-Visit Greek Islands
See the Caldera Cliffs
An eruption 3,500 years ago created a giant crescent-shaped volcanic crater known as the caldera. Visiting these enigmatic cliffs is one of the most popular activities for tourists since they have their own unique charm. To fully explore the place and immerse yourself, you can take an organized tour on a catamaran and enjoy the stunning view of the area.
🏛️ Book a Luxury Catamaran Day Trip
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Explore the Red Beach
Santorini’s beaches are known to be some of its best destinations, with people worldwide coming to enjoy their time. The Red Beach is a unique location with red cliffs and sand pebbles that make it stand out. The striking contrast between the beautiful waters and the area’s color is truly one of the most amazing things to experience.
Read also: Quirky Places in Europe
Visit the Black Sand Beaches
If you think red beaches are fantastic, Santorini is also home to black beaches like Perivolos Beach, Perissa Beaches, and many more. The black sand is a result of molten lava caused by volcanic ash. Not only can you enjoy the bizarre yet mesmerizing view, but you can also enjoy scuba diving, swimming, and boat trips and have the time of your life.
Read also: Top European Beaches
Swim at the White Beach
Santorini is so diverse that you will even find Lefki Ammos, or the White Beach, here. The best time to visit is during the summer months to fully enjoy the water, white cliffs, and warmth of the place, though it can get a little busy. To see the colorful beaches of Santorini, you can also venture on a cruise ship to hit every spot in one day.
Read also: Pocket-Friendly Beach Destinations in Europe
Walk on the Vlychada Beach
One of the best beaches in this area is Vlychada Beach, which has cute spots for spectacular pictures. You’ll also find an open bar with delicious beverages and exotic cocktails to chug down as you take in a whiff of fresh air and fully relax. Since this is a popular place, you can even rent sunbeds. People also love to visit the tomato industrial museum when they’re here.
Read also: Top European Spring Destinations
Dip Your Toes at Kamari Beach
With crystal-clear water and black sand, Kamari Beach is filled with fun and adrenaline. Though it can get quite packed during high season, the best time to go is early morning. The locals are known to be very friendly and welcoming, which makes the experience even better. Since the water dives deep, keeping children away from it is essential.
Read also: Top European Beach Destinations
Swim in the Hot Springs
Also known as the Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, the hot springs are a fun experience for those visiting Santorini for the first time. These waters are known for their therapeutic properties and attract many people worldwide. While they aren’t hot, they’re warmer than typical beach water, and people enjoy jumping off cruise ships into the water below.
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Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
What better way to enjoy the late afternoon than to go on a sunset cruise? You can select from various options depending on your budget and needs. There are luxury sunset cruises that offer mouth-watering food and live music, but there are also cruises that are budget-friendly yet still allow you to explore picturesque villages.
🏛️ Book a luxury sunset cruise
Read also: Awesome Natural Wonders in Europe
Divulge in Wine Tasting
Santorini’s local culture and rich history include wine making, which is one of the top things to do here, especially for wine lovers. This delicious and crisp nectar can be enjoyed at one of the many wineries here, like Hatzidakis, or you can even go on a wine tour to test various options in one go.
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Go on a Volcano Hike
One way to experience the essence of this place is to go on a volcano tour or hike to witness views that will leave your mouth hanging wide open. You can venture to the top by taking the 2.6-km loop trail near Nea Kameni, a medium-difficulty hike that takes approximately 50-55 minutes to complete, which isn’t long for trails.
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Hike from Fira to Oia
Regarded as a spectacular hiking trail in mainland Greece, traveling from Fira to Oia can be great fun. Though it is considered a generally easy path, it does take 3-4 hours, so stamina is critical. But you don’t need to do it in one go.
Enjoy your surroundings, and look at the Ancient Thera. This beaten track will be easy to conquer.
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Bask in Luxury With the Santorini Helicopter Tour
If you have the money, a helicopter tour is one of the best ways to enjoy the ancient ruins and jaw-dropping cliffs with your friends and family. From the very top, you can enjoy the views and make memories that last a lifetime. You can even book a tour between Mykonos and Santorini.
Read also: Greece Island Hopping Tips
Ride a Cable Car From Old Port to Fira
The Cable Car serves a dual purpose; it’s both recreational and functional. While there might be plenty of means of transport to travel between Fira and the Port, a cable car only takes four minutes, making it efficient. You can even bring your luggage. However, you can also just ride it for the complete experience. Remember to book your tickets in advance since it does get busy.
Read also: Top Secret Spots on Greek Islands
Explore Ancient Akrotiri
Akrotiri is one of the well-preserved historical sites inhabited by the Minoans in 3000 B.C. However, the entire place was leveled with volcanic ash after the eruption. You can explore the place with a travel guide who will tell you about the ancient stories and take you to the archaeological museum. But that’s not all. You can also climb up the Akrotiri Lighthouse for a romantic getaway.
🏛️ Book an Akrotiri Prehistoric City Private Guided Tour
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Learn About History at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira
Visitors can learn about Santorini and its history by visiting the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. The place is lined with pottery pieces, wall paintings, and artifacts, which help you learn a lot. While the place is small, it packs years and years of history into it, so it’s a must-visit, especially if you’re a history buff.
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Visit the Venetian Castle Ruins
This 13th-century castle has a deep historical significance. It was constructed during the Venetian occupation as a defense tower. Behind it, 200 houses were built to protect the inhabitants. The climb up there can look daunting, but it’s not as bad as it seems, and you also get to enjoy the gorgeous scenic view.
Read also: Spectacular Day Trips From Athens
Enjoy the Top Restaurants With a Sunset View
Head to Petra in Oia for a taste of fine dining and a caldera view. Not only is it reasonably priced, but it also has a 360-degree view of the Pyrgos Village.
You can also visit the Eros Beach Bar, which is much more secluded, making it easier to get some privacy while enjoying the mesmerizing views. The staff is very friendly.
For the most scrumptious meal and a breathtaking view, you should also head to Le Moustache Caldera.
Read also: Best Things To Do in Athens
Gobble Down the Local Cuisine
The most awaited part of any vacation is the delicious, hearty meals from different cultures. Santorini’s best places offer their delectable sfougato, which is their version of an omelet, the Greek delicacy called fava beans, perfectly cooked octopus, tomato keftedes made with an array of vegetables, and much more. You can also find seafood restaurants at Amoudi Bay, selling mouth-watering and juicy fresh marine life.
Read more: Best Greek Foods to Try in Greece
Best Time To Visit Santorini
There is shoulder season in Santorini from mid-April to June and September to mid-October, making it the best time to visit.
While the summer months are ideal since Santorini is home to many beaches, these months offer peace, unlike peak seasons, when tourists are jam-packed in every nook and corner. Additionally, this timeframe will cost you much less, and you can enjoy a vacation even with a tight budget.
Read more: When To Visit Greece
How To Get to Santorini
The best option is to travel by air since it will take considerably less time but is costly. There are direct flights from Athens, and Santorini has an international airport so that you will arrive straight to your destination.
If you don’t want to spend that much money on transport, you can use ferries to travel. The time it takes to get to where you want to go varies depending on your ferry choice, as some are faster than others.
There is also a helicopter ride from Crete, Mykonos, or Athens; however, it costs a kidney and some.
We compare all airlines with this search engine to get the lowest price possible for flights. You can also set ‘Everywhere’ as destination and it gives you the cheapest flight anywhere on any given day or find out when is the lowest price to fly to a specific destination.
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Read also: Top Greek Islands With Airport
How To Get Around Santorini
There are many ways to get around, including by bus, foot, ferry, car, and taxi. During peak season, buses are the best way to travel as they have frequent schedules, almost one every hour, and they also cost less than other means. Walking is also doable since there is little area to cover.
You can also rent a car from the various rental places near airports or take a taxi, though that can be more expensive. For day trips, an ATV might be the best option.
We always use this search engine to find the best car rental deal. They compare all major companies, like Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, and more, and you get the lowest price. The earlier you book a car, the lower the price. You also get free cancelation up to 48 hours before pick up, which is great if anything happens
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Read also: Best Things To Do in Rhodes, Greece
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She is regularly featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire, and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
