The 12 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

Located in the middle of the mesmerizing Aegean Sea, the volcanic island of Santorini has been enchanting visitors for thousands of years. Literally. While the landscape of the Greek Islands has changed throughout the years, the allure has just gotten even more potent with time.

Santorini is no stranger to mass tourism, and I won’t sugarcoat things: it is almost uncomfortably crowded in the high season. With that said, I still think everyone should visit Santorini at least once! It is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous places on Earth.

The gorgeous scenery, delicious food, and super-friendly locals make it hard to beat for a prime European vacation destination. I’ve visited Santorini many times and in almost every season, so I have a few tips and tricks for planning an itinerary.

We’ll go over how to get to Santorini, how to get around Santorini, when’s the best time to visit, and, of course, the best things to do in Santorini. Writing this is already making me wanna book a trip back to this magical island, so let’s get into it!

The History of Santorini

Santorini’s history goes back far beyond the iconic whitewashed villages and blue domes that it is known for today. When the ancient city of Akrotiri was excavated, evidence suggests that the Minoan Civilization lived on Santorini in 1600 BC.

That civilization was wiped out when Santorini’s volcano erupted. The eruption was so massive that it even caused death and destruction all the way in Crete (roughly 80 miles away). Some believe that Akrotiri was actually the site of The Lost City of Atlantis. Hundreds of years later came the Phoenicians, then the Lacedaemonians, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Ottoman Empire before Greece ultimately declared independence.

In 1956, Santorini suffered another massive volcanic eruption, which destroyed 85 percent of the island’s structures and caused a mass loss in its population. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the island began to rebuild its economy — primarily due to the tourism industry.

Today, Santorini is still considered an active volcano, though it has been dormant since its last eruption in the 1950s.

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Santorini Travel Logistics

Getting to Santorini

Santorini is not the easiest place to get to, but not the hardest, either. The fun thing about planning your Santorini itinerary is that you can also include stops at other Greek islands or visit Athens. The Port of Piraeus, located just outside of Athens, is the central hub for ferries to the Cyclades, the island group Santorini is a part of.

Another way to get to Santorini is by plane. Flights are short from Athens, which allows you to maximize your time touring the island. The Santorini Airport also offers flights to and from other major European cities, including Stockholm, Prague, Milan, Barcelona, and Paris. Some flights are only seasonal, so be sure to check with the airlines.

Visit the Santorini Airport’s website for the current arrival and departure destinations.

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Getting Around Santorini

ATV: My favorite and highly recommended way to get around Santorini is by ATV. It allows you to explore every part of the island without restriction. It’s also easier to find parking. The downside? You will inevitably get a little dirty and sweaty, and it doesn’t offer as much storage as a car would. But who needs storage when all you need is your bikini and a towel?

If spending your whole trip on an ATV is too much, you can always try a Santorini ATV tour like this one.

Car: If you like the freedom of exploring completely on your own schedule but don’t like the ruggedness of an ATV, renting a car is your best option. Check out Rentalcars.com to find the best Santorini rental car deals.

If you won’t have cellphone service while visiting Santorini, I recommend downloading the offline maps of the island on Google Maps just in case your car is not equipped with GPS. But the island is tiny, and there is sufficient signage to get you almost anywhere you need to go.

Public Transportation: The public bus system is another easy and convenient way to get around the island. Each major town and attraction has its own bus station, and buses run regularly. The downside of relying on Santorini’s public transportation system is that everyone uses it – both tourists and locals. That means you may have to wait a few cycles of the bus schedule during peak tourist season.

Taxi: Taxis are convenient and easy, but will probably cost more than renting a car unless you don’t plan to explore much. Each town has a central taxi pickup area, usually next to the bus station. You can often find someone or a couple to split the fare with to save a few bucks, especially if you both just missed the bus.

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Best Time to Visit Santorini

The best time to visit Santorini is during the shoulder season. Shoulder season is the period between the high season and the off-season. For Santorini, shoulder season is May to June and September. I’ve even heard it’s usually still warm enough to swim in the Aegean Sea as late as October, but I’ve never tested that myself.

The benefits of visiting Santorini during shoulder season as opposed to any other time of the year are endless. Hotels and car rentals are slightly cheaper, there are way fewer crowds, and the island is pretty much 100 percent open.

Best Things to Do in Santorini

These are all of my favorite things to do in Santorini. I have added a few things I haven’t personally done, like the hike between Fira and Oia and the wine tour, because I have heard great things about them and plan to do them during my future visits to this magical island.

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1. Take a scenic sunset cruise around the caldera

If there’s only one thing to splurge on on your must-do list in Santorini, it has to be taking a boat tour around the caldera. It is the best way to take in the stunning views of the island.

You can find boat tours that go anytime of day, from early morning to sunset. I highly recommend a sunset cruise because it is such a magical time of day in Santorini. This island has some of the most amazing sunsets I’ve ever seen, and it’s way more enjoyable to enjoy the sunset view from a boat rather than with all the crowds in Oia.

This Santorini Sunset Caldera Cruise is top-rated on both Viator and TripAdvisor. It also includes complimentary drinks, a full Greek meal, and transportation to and from your hotel.

2. Visit the ancient city of Akrotiri

Greece is the perfect place to visit if you love being surrounded by natural beauty and learning about history. There are few places in the world where you can do both simultaneously!

Akrotiri is an ancient city dating back to the 16th century BC. This prehistoric city was once a fishing and farming village until a giant volcanic eruption decimated the entire town and its people. Scientists estimate that this eruption took place sometime between 1620 and 1530 BC.

Excavation on the site began in 1967 and is now an archaeological museum. The extensive site includes homes, buildings, pottery, and other fascinating artifacts. I recommend spending at least 30 minutes to an hour visiting the site. Akrotiri is open daily except on holidays, with limited hours from November 1st to March 31st.

You can purchase your entry ticket here through GetYourGuide. If you enjoy experiences like this, I also recommend visiting the Ancient Thira site between Kamari and Perissa.

3. Make the trek down to Ammoudi Bay

This one is a mix of work and relaxation. The trek down to Ammoudi Bay is killer, but you’ll be rewarded with one of the most stunning places in Santorini. Here, you’ll find the cutest small boat harbor, a few cafes and restaurants, and the clearest water on the island. You might even catch a glimpse of daredevils cliff-jumping into that sparkling sea.

Ammoudi Bay is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots on the island, so it’s not hard to get a bad picture here. Speaking of Instagram-worthy – you can also go on a photography tour with an experienced guide to find the island’s most photogenic spots.

Pro tip: make sure to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. The stones that make up the stairs down to Ammoudi Bay (and all over Santorini, for that matter) have worn over time. Also… beware of donkey poo!

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4. Have a drink on Kamari Beach

Alluring black sand, buzzing beach bars, and natural hot springs – what more could you ask for? This exotic Greek beach is one of my favorite spots on the island. Kamari Beach is one of several black sand beaches on the island. It is more built up than the other black sand beaches, which is great if you’re looking for restaurants, beach bars, and accommodations.

Kamari is the perfect place to grab a drink, sit back, and relax. There are many beachfront bars here; my favorite one is Hook Bar. Their super cute pink sun loungers are free with any food and beverage purchase, and they also have a full-service restaurant featuring amazing traditional Greek food.

The water is cool, but pockets of natural hot springs bubble up from under the sand! It’s a really cool experience.

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5. Spend the day shopping in Fira

There’s something so stunning about the whitewashed buildings of Fira that is unlike any other place on Earth. Fira is the best place on the island for panoramic views of the caldera, dining, nightlife, and shopping. It is the island’s capital and has the most going on.

While my favorite place to stay in Santorini is Oia, Fira is an awesome place to spend the day. There are so many little shops ranging from clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, and so much more. I could literally spend hours walking the narrow cobblestone streets and looking into every shop.

After shopping, it’s time to refuel. The best spot to grab a bite with a view is La Scala, which is even great for breakfast!

Pro tip: Though pickpocketing is virtually non-existent in Santorini, it can happen. Keep your belongings close to you at all times, and do not put anything (like your phone or wallet) in any open, unzipped pockets.

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6. Hike to the Red Beach of Akrotiri

Red sand beaches, black sand beaches, white sand beaches — no matter your fancy, you can find them all in Santorini!

Akrotiri’s Red Beach is one of the most famous on the island due to its striking rust-colored sand. The rocky beach was created from the erosion of the island’s volcanic soil, giving the sand and rocks their bright hue and making it one of the most unique beaches to visit in Greece.

Getting to Red Beach takes a bit of work. It’s a straight shot from the bus station and the nearby parking lot, but you’ll have to do a little bit of hiking over volcanic rock to get there. The hike from the parking lot takes less than 10 minutes and is suitable for most fitness levels.

Come prepared with sunscreen, a hat, and lots of water. There is no shade on the trail to the beach and very limited shade at the beach. It’s not somewhere I’d spend all day, but it’s definitely a beautiful place to stop and take a quick dip!

7. Watch the sunset in Oia

There’s just something so magical about sunsets in Oia. It is worth dealing with all the crowds to catch a glimpse of the sunset from the Castle of Agios Nikolaos (also called the Castle of Oia) at least once during your trip.

The best way to do this is to spend the late afternoon in Oia. Take time to explore Oia, with its countless blue dome churches, cute boutique shops, and incredible cave houses. About an hour before sunset, start to make your way towards the Castle of Oia. People camp out here for hours just to get the perfect viewing spot, but I personally don’t think that’s necessary.

After you take in the spectacular sunset views, it’s time for dinner. I really love Strogili’s rooftop dining area, and the staff is super friendly and attentive. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that their food is absolutely out of this world!

8. Sample the most delicious Greek dishes

The first time I tried Greek food was in Santorini back in 2016, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Everything is so simple, made with fresh ingredients, and just so delicious. Here are some of my favorites that I highly recommend everyone try when visiting the Greek Islands:

• Tzatziki: This delicious dip is made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, and garlic. So yummy with literally anything!
• Dolmades: Stuffed grape leaves. The “stuffed” part is rice mixed with herbs, lemon, and sometimes minced meat.
• Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers. This is often served with pita, tzatziki, and French fries. Pork souvlaki is my fave, but you can also find lamb, chicken, and minced meat.
• Moussaka: My favorite hot Greek dish. It’s like Shepard’s pie but 100000x better. It’s made of bechamel sauce, creamy or sliced potatoes, minced lamb, and delicious eggplant.
• Tomatokeftedes: Tomato fritters. The name speaks for itself. So delicious dipped in tzatziki! There are also zucchini fritters, which are equally delicious.
• Freddo Espresso: If you are a coffee lover, you MUST. TRY. FREDDO ESPRESSO. It is my favorite coffee in the world. No other culture in Europe embraces iced coffee like the Greeks, and they also do it the best. One of the things I look forward to every morning while I’m in Greece is grabbing a freddo espresso (or freddo cappuccino) from the nearest cafe.

Local wine and fresh seafood (caught daily by local fishermen) are also highly recommended. If you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture, why not try a cooking class? This cooking class is held in a traditional cave house, which is just so cool. In the class, you’ll learn how to make typical Greek dishes, including tomato fritters, fava (another great thing to try), and halva, a Greek dessert.

9. Take the cable car down to the Santorini Old Port

Did you know there’s an old port just below Fira? The old port was used by commercial ferries and commerce until just a few decades ago. Today, the port mainly serves cruise ship tenders and small boat excursions.

There are two ways to get between the old port and Fira town: the cable car and the Karavolades Stairs. The Karavolades Stairs are a challenging 580 steps, which are steep, sometimes uneven, and may or may not be covered in donkey poop. If you’re looking to add a bit of physical activity to your vacation, you can always take the stairs down and the cable car back up to Fira.

The cable car runs every 20 minutes and takes less than 10 minutes each way. Tickets can only be purchased in person at the cable car terminals, and extra fees apply if you are traveling with luggage.

10. Enjoy lunch with a view at Perissa Beach

While Kamari Beach is my favorite, Perissa Beach is quite stunning, too. This black sand beach is a little less populated than Kamari, but features a ton of amazing restaurants and beach bars. It is also easily accessible on the Santorini public bus, which is great.

Perissa is always a stop I like to make for lunch time. My favorite beachside restaurant here is Aquarius (probably also biased because I am an Aquarius and I love it). They have incredible fresh seafood as well as a selection of classic Greek dishes.

After lunch, you can relax on a sun lounger, walk through the small town, and admire the gorgeous Church of the Holy Cross. You can also head down to Perivolos, which is another small beach town just down the road that not many visit.

11. Embark on the challenging hiking trail from Fira to Oia

I know there are people out there who love to physically exert themselves while on vacation, and I also know that I am certainly not one of those people. But if you are looking for some (or a lot) of physical activity during your Santorini vacation, I have the activity for you.

The Fira-Oia hike is absolutely killer – or so I’m told. The hike is just under 6.5 miles and usually takes folks between three and five hours to complete. If you plan to add the hike out to Skaros Rock near Imerovigli, plan to add about an hour to your hike.

The hiking trail is rated as moderate and doesn’t get super steep anywhere in particular, but there is a gradual elevation increase between Oia and Imerovigli. Santorini is super hot during the summer, so be sure to get an early start and stay hydrated. If you don’t want to do it on your own, you can join this small group hiking tour.

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12. Enjoy a scenic wine tour

One of the best things about going on vacation is that the drinks don’t count, right? Well, anyway, one of the things you’ll notice all over Europe is that wine is just so much cheaper here. It’s like it’s everywhere! And one of the best places to find local wine in Greece is in Santorini.

This small group half-day wine tasting and vineyard tour is among the top-rated Santorini tours on Viator for good reason. First of all – no one has to be the designated driver! The tour will pick you up from your hotel or a pre-determined meeting point. From there, you’ll visit three of Santorini’s most popular wine estates.

During these visits, you’ll sample at least 12 different wines. The last stop of the tour is Santo Wines, which features some of the most stunning panoramic views of the island. It’s perfect for wine lovers or just those looking to have a good time with great views!

FAQ

Do you need to be on an organized tour to visit Santorini?

No, you do not need to be on an organized tour to visit Santorini. While there aren’t any direct flights from the United States to Santorini, planning your own travel to the island is not as daunting as it looks.

What is Santorini best known for?

Santorini is known for its whitewashed buildings, blue dome churches, incredible views, and stunningly clear waters.

How many days in Santorini is enough?

Three days is enough to enjoy all that Santorini has to offer. Prioritize watching the sunset in Oia, having a drink on Kamari Beach, and taking a snorkeling or sunset cruise around the caldera.

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