You are about to embark on your best vacation to Greece. To make sure you don’t miss out on anything, we’ve put together a list of things you must do while you’re there. From beautiful beaches to historical sites, here are 12 attractions you shouldn’t miss.

 

1. Visit Oia and watch the Sunset

Oia is the second largest town in Santorini. Its name literally translates into “eye,” as it used to be called “the eye of the island.” It is located in the northwestern part of the island and is definitely the most visited city on the island by tourists.

The whitewashed buildings, the lovely churches with blue domes, the narrow streets, local shops and restaurants, the small squares… Oia is definitely worth a visit! Strolling along the winding alleys of Oia will lead you to the most beautiful hidden gems, from beautiful views to amazing buildings.

Oia is the most famous destination for watching the sunset in Greece. This picturesque town sits atop a hill overlooking the sea, and the ruins of a Venetian fortress are visible in the distance. A walk along the cliff tops reveals some of the best views of the island and the Aegean Sea.

You might want to arrive early to beat the crowds and get the best spot to see the sunset.  But even if you don’t see much action during the day, the sunset is still worth waiting for.

You can also take a boat ride around the island that offers even better views. You can take one across to the neighboring islands of Thirasia and Agios Nikolaos, where there are plenty of tavernas serving local food. Or you could head out to the uninhabited island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony turned into a national park.

 

2.  Explore Firá, the Capital of Santorini

Firá (also known as Thíra), the capital of Santorini is located on one of Greece’s most beautiful islands and lies off the southern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula.  With its clear waters and white beaches, it attracts thousands of tourists every year.

The town dates back to Neolithic times when it was inhabited by farmers and fishermen. In classical antiquity, it became part of the Cyclades group of Greek islands. During the Middle Ages, it was under Venetian rule and later came under Turkish control. By the end of the 18th century, it had become a major center of trade, due to its strategic position on the south coast of the island.

In 1770, during the French occupation, the city was devastated by earthquakes and much of what we see today dates from the 19th century.

Today, Firá is one of the most visited places in Greece. Its main attractions include the white houses and churches built into the cliff face, the view over the caldera, the views from the old Acropolis, and the nearby beaches.  There are many traditional restaurants and shops to visit.  And a stroll along the narrow streets won’t disappoint.

Three bells of Fira is the Greek Catholic church that can’t be missed.  It is famous for its three bells, blue dome, and picturesque views.  And is therefore one of the most photographed places in Fira.

From the small port of Skaléa, Firá can be accessed either by foot or by horseback ride, following the steep and winding paved path (587 steps). Alternatively, there is a cable car that connects the town to the upper level of the village of Oia, where there are several tavernas serving traditional food.

Ferries dock at the port in Athinios, which is connected to Firá via a narrow road. Cruise ships drop anchor off the shoreline, and passengers disembark by tender.  During the summer months, Fira is very popular.

Athiniós is the main town on the western coast of the island, and it’s connected to Firá by a narrow paved road. This route goes through the center of the island, passing several villages and hamlets. The road ends near the village of Agios Nikolaos, which is home to the famous Monastery of Saint Nicholas.

Firá is home to some 200 residents, mostly elderly people, and is mainly dependent on tourism. Many of the buildings are now used as small hotels, apartments, and restaurants, while others provide accommodation for visitors.

 

3. Santorini’s best beaches

Santorini offers a wide range of the finest beaches in the Aegean Sea.  From the black beach to the white and the red beach, there is something to explore for everyone.

The famous Red Beach with its dramatic red cliffs and white sand beach is one of the most photographed destinations in the Mediterranean.

This beautiful landscape was formed by layers of lava that flowed from eruptions and occurred during the 16th century BC. These volcanoes are still active today and cause occasional earthquakes – the latest being in 2007.

There are several ways to reach the beach; either by foot along a rough dirt road or by boat from the port of Oia. If you want to avoid walking, there is also a regular ferry service from the town of Fira to the beach.

Beaches like Red Beach are perfect for relaxing holidays. You can hire a lounge chair and relax while enjoying the view. Or why not try some watersports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, or sailing?

The most family-friendly beach on Santorini, Kamari Beach is located just 5 minutes’ drive from the airport. This beautiful stretch of golden sand is set against a backdrop of green hills, making it perfect for relaxing holidays, and the location makes it easy to access everything else on the island.

There are many things to do here, including swimming, water sports, snorkeling, diving, fishing, horse riding, cycling, and hiking.

The white rocks that encircle Vourvoulos Beach are home to one of the most popular beaches on the island of Santorini. The beach itself is expansive and rarely feels crowded. Sunbeds and umbrellas dot the sand, making it perfect for relaxing and reading a book. There are no barbecues or vendors here; just pure relaxation.

Perissa beach is a lively, Blue Flag–awarded beach.  Visitors are invited to lounge on their sunbed until sunset, indulging themselves in cocktails and the soundtrack played by international DJs at the hip beach bars around the area.

There are plenty of water sports to enjoy, including jet skiing, parasailing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and kitesurfing. There are also opportunities to try out scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and cycling.

Small taxi boats link Perissa to Kamari and the larger port town of Loutraki, where buses run regularly.

The White beach has been named by the locals, as this beach has black sand but is nestled under high white cliffs.  The dramatic white cliffs that encircled this small beach create an eerie, otherworldly geological backdrop to the day at the seaside – perfect for those looking for something different. Swim in the calm of the Cove, or stretch out on one of the sunbeds. There are no restaurants or extra facilities, but it’s well worth bringing some food and drinks along just to enjoy the views. Located near Red Beach, the nearest public transport stop is a 15-minute ride away.

Thermi Beach is located 10 km away from Oia. This is another great option if you wish to relax and enjoy the sun. There are several restaurants offering delicious food and drinks.

Monolithos is a small beach in the north of the island. It offers crystal clear waters and a soft black sand beach.  There are plenty of outdoor activities at this beach like kitesurfing, volleyball, and basketball.  There are lots of sunbeds and restaurants and the beach is family-orientated.

The famous beach of Vlychada lies just outside Fira town on the southwest coast of the Greek island of Santorini, where the magnificent volcanic cliffs meet the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. This natural beauty is best enjoyed during low tide when the soft sand stretches almost uninterrupted along the shoreline. In fact, the entire stretch of land is actually formed by large boulders, some weighing several tons, which are slowly being eroded away by the waves and wind.  Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent at this beach.

If you prefer relaxing activities, you can rent a boat and explore the area around the islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasia.

 

4. Enjoy a Sailboat or Catamaran Cruise around the island 

The Catamaran Cruise is one of the most popular activities in Santorini. This is because it gives you a chance to experience the beauty of the island and its breathtaking scenery. You’ll see some of the best spots of the island like Red Beach and White Beach, where you can swim in the crystal clear water.

Doesn’t matter what boat option you pick, you will see the volcano and some tours give you the opportunity to disembark and explore the volcano.  Some boats offer barbeque meal options with unlimited drinks, while others offer sunset cruises.  Whether you are on your honeymoon, or with a large group of friends looking for a party, or just a family a private boat tour would be great for your special occasion.

 

5. Visit the Nea Kameni Volcano and Enjoy Swimming in the Hot Springs

The Nea Kameni volcano is located about 5 km southeast of Oia, on the west coast of the island of Santorini. The name translates to “New Mountain”, and refers to a small cone formed during the eruption. Its height above sea level is approximately 400 m.  The volcano last erupted in 1950, but it is still considered active today.  It has a high number of visitors each year and contributes to the tourism industry significantly.

The only way to reach Nea Kameni, which is created entirely out of black lava, is by boat.  When visiting Nea Kameni you have to climb to the top via gravel road, around 130m where you can walk all around the rim of the crater, completing a full circuit.  It is a great experience and definitely not one you want to miss.

Nea Kameni and the nearby island of Palea Kameni boasts with natural hot springs which people belief have healing properties.  The warm yellowish water has concentrated amounts of sulpher, iron and magnesium.  Agios Nikolaos is a small cove on Nea Kameni islet, where many visitors enjoy swimming and relaxing in the therapeutic waters.  The water temperature reach up to 35 degrees.

The only way to reach these hot springs is by boat.

 

6.  Enjoy the view from Profitis Ilias Mountain

Profitis Elias is the highest mountain on Santorini island. It rises to a height of 1,867 m above sea level and has an area of about 2 km². The peak is located in the southeast part of the island, near the village of Perissa.

The name “Profitis” comes from the Greek word for profit (prosopon). This was given by the first settlers who lived here.

From the top of the mountain you nearly have a 360-degree view of the island, a memory not to forget soon! You can drive to the top of the Mountain with a very narrow road or you can hike up the mountain which many people find challenging.

 

7.  Hiking Trail from Fira to Oia

Walking from Fira to Oia is one of Santorinís top experiences. You will hike along the rim of a large volcanic crater, pass small villages, and see stunning views of the island. This route takes about 4 hours round trip and includes both paved roads and dirt paths. We recommend starting around 7am to avoid the heat of the day.

The hiking route begins at the Atlantis Hotel in the center of Fira.  This is one of the most popular hikes in Santorini because of the beautiful views and serenity of the landscape.  It is recommended to start from Fira and walk to Oia which will make the route downhill in total, although there will be some ups and downs during the route.

This trail is part of the network of trails around the island called the “Hiking Routes of Santorini” project. For those interested in learning more about the routes, check out the website.

If you want to extend your walk, you can take a short detour to Skaros Rock, located off the main road. The rock sits atop a cliff overlooking the sea and offers amazing views of the sunset. From here, you can continue to Oia, which is about 3 km away.

 

8.  Visit the amazing Ammoudi Bay

The bay and port of Ammoudi are located on the northwest tip of the island of Santorini, on the seashore below the town of Oia. The white buildings of the Ammoudi town built into a red slope of the calderan cliff look quite picturesque. The stone stairway from Oia to Ammoudi starts near the Veneziano castle in Oia and has almost 300 steps, exactly 278 and the rise of the stairs is about 120 meters.

If you’re not feeling the Amoudi Bay hike you can get there by car! Taxis go down the road all day from Oia. Just always double-check the prices before getting in the vehicle. Amoudi Bay is also where many boat tours run from or stop as part of an excursion.

You can also do cliff jumping at Ammoudi Bay. Here, you just need to swim over a cemented platform or to a boulder and jump from them. It’s only 4.8 meters (16 feet) high, but it still feels quite good.

The main draw to this area is unquestionably the Amoudi Bay restaurant. You can sample some fresh seafood here that’s caught daily and brought into the port. There are several different restaurants mostly serving similar foods, and all with beautiful sea views. You can enjoy a meal on the terrace overlooking the bay. However, if you plan on coming at the peak sunset hours, it’s a good idea to make a reservation. Especially for a table right next to the water!

 

9.  Spend some time at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site

The Bronze Age settlement of Aktiri on the island of Thira (Santorini), is one of the most significant sites in the Aegeans. Founded around 3000 BC, it was a well-connected Minoan port town, connecting the islands of Crete and Rhodes, as well as mainland Greece and beyond. During the Late Minoan period (1700–1450 BC), the settlement grew into a major centre, with up to 4,000 inhabitants. Its importance continued throughout the Middle Minoan period (1450–1225 BC). By 1200 BC, the city had become the capital of the entire Cycladic Archipelago.

In prehistory, the island was part of the Minoan civilization, which flourished from about 1500 BC onwards. The settlement of Aktirrhi was destroyed by a massive volcanic eruption in 1628 BC, and the subsequent ash fall preserved much of the architecture, including the walls of some houses, streets, public buildings, wells, and cisterns.

Today the site is covered by a bioclimatic roof, and walkways are suspended over the archaeological remains, allowing visitors to walk among the 2 and 3-storey buildings.

Akrotiri is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and is located near the small town of Fira on the western coast of Santorini.

Akrotiri is easy to reach if you have a rental vehicle.  There are also regular buses from Fira to the car park at the archaeological site at Akrotiri Red beach throughout the week. From there it is about a 200m walk to the archaeological site itself.

If you’re arriving by ferry, take the bus from Santorini port to Fira town center. From there, catch the bus to the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri. This takes around 40 minutes.

Alternatively, taxis are available in Fira town center.

Opening Hours:

1 November – 31 March 08h00 to 15h00   Tuesday to Sunday

4 April – 31 October Daily 08h00 to 20h00

Thursdays 08h00 to 15h00

Monday: Closed

 

10.  Ancient Thera

The ancient city of Thera is located on Santorini Island, on the top of Mesa Vouno Mountain which lies on the east of Prophet Elias Mountain. In July 1908, a catastrophic eruption occurred on the island. Today, there are many archaeological findings left behind by the people living there during the Bronze Age. These include buildings, streets, temples, tombs, etc.

On the top of the mountain, where the city once stood, is a large rock formation called “Prophet Elias”. It is believed that this rock formation was formed due to volcanic activity. There are several myths surrounding the destruction of the city of Thera. One says that the gods punished the people of Thera because of their sins. Another myth tells us that Poseidon, the god of earthquakes, destroyed the city. Yet another myth tells us that the city was destroyed by a volcano.

It is definitely worth a visit, as you will be enjoying beautiful views as well as Ancient Thera at the same time.

 

11.  Enjoy a Wine Tasting Tour and visit the Wine Museum

You cannot visit Santorini and not go on a Wine Tasting Tour as Santorini is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and also home to some of the finest wines in Greece. But it’s not just about the scenery here; there are many vineyards and wineries too, and while you’re likely to spot plenty of tourists snapping selfies on the beach, there’s much more to explore.

So why not combine sightseeing with sampling some local vino? A day trip to Santorini could include visits to both Fira and Oia, along with a tasting session at a nearby winery. Or perhaps you’d prefer to spend a week exploring the area, staying in boutique hotels, and enjoying fine food and wine. Whatever you decide, we’ve got everything you need to make sure your trip to Santorini gets off to a great start.

Why not book your wine tour in advance?

Another great place to visit is the Wine Museum, Koutsoyannopoulos.

The Koutsoyannopolous Winery is located in the village of Katavothra Molas, near the town of Vai. This is where the founder of the winery, Grigorios Koutsoyannopoulou, came from. He was born in 1849 and he was one of the most important figures in the development of the island. In fact, his name is still remembered today.

In 1910, he bought land in the area of Oia, where he built a house and planted vines. At that time, there were already many vineyards around him, but they did not produce good quality grapes.

He wanted to change everything and decided to build a winery. His idea was to develop the local production of wine because he thought that the best way to improve the economy of the island was to export wine.

At the beginning of World War I, he managed to convince the Greek government to give him permission to transport his products abroad. So, he began exporting wine to England and France.

This was the start of a long journey that lasted almost 50 years. During those years, the winery grew increasingly successful and became very well known throughout Greece and beyond.

Today, the Koutsoyannopolis Winery produces high-quality wines and offers tours to visitors interested in learning about the history of the place. There are different types of tours depending on the visitor’s interest. They include guided tours, tasting sessions, and visits to the cellars and the museum.

Being the only one of its kind in Greece, the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum occupies a natural cave. It is eight meters below ground, 300 meters long, and has a labyrinth-like shape.  Visiting the Museum is definitely a unique experience that you do not want to miss.

 

12.  Visit Imerovigli

The village of Imerovigli is located on the north part of the Island, approximately 3 km from the capital city of Fira. The village was established in the 16th century and became a well-known tourist destination because of its unique location.

Its name comes from the Greek word “i” meaning balcony and “mouvogelio” meaning little balcony. The village is built on the highest points of the caldera cliff, about 300m above sea level. The village offers stunning views of the famous volcano, sparkling Aegean Sea, and the sunset that is beyond description.

The village is surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, which are typical features of Santorini. The village consists of around 150 houses, some of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. There are many restaurants serving local cuisine and traditional dishes such as souvlaki, gyros, saganaki, tsipouras, dolmathes, baklava etc.

There are several taverns where visitors can enjoy drinks while listening to live music. In addition, there are shops selling souvenirs and handicraft items.  This beautiful village also offers great views of the sunset.