The best things to do in Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of the most romantic places on Earth and the most popular resort of the Cyclades islands. Previously, this island was home to an active volcano. In the 16th century B.C. one of the strongest volcanic eruptions took place here. Some parts of the Santorini island were flooded and a large crater formed here. This is the reason for the unusual shape of the island.
Santorini has a precipitous coastline on the west coast and numerous beaches (pebbly and sandy) on the east coast. The marina is located in the small village of Athenos, from where you can reach the island's administrative center called Fera (or Fira). The city itself is very beautiful and picturesque. It's easy to get lost in its little streets. Those who love history can visit the local museums:
- Archaeological Museum, which has a huge collection of "farm vessels" of 7-6 centuries BC, sculptures and portraits of different eras;
- The Museum of Prehistoric Fera, which exhibits finds from the Acropolis excavations dating back to the late Neolithic and divided into thematic sections.
Besides enjoying the scenery and relaxing on the beach, Santorini Island has plenty great things to offer tourists. Interesting tours and activities, master classes, sightseeing, boat cruises, Greek cuisine and much more await you on the magical volcanic island.
Catamaran Cruise
A catamaran cruise is one of the best ways to spend a hot day in Santorini. Sail into the sunset of Santorini on a 5-hour cruise on board a catamaran, and enjoy a complimentary barbecue supper with wine and soft drinks. Sail past beautiful Red Beach and White Beach, and jump off to swim and snorkel.
You will start at the Ammoudi Port of Oia (with round-trip transfers from island hotels for a surcharge), from where you'll set sail for beautiful Red Beach to swim and snorkel for 30 minutes. Continue to a secluded White Beach, only accessible from the sea, and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the shadow of the white cliffs. Free snorkeling equipment is available on board the catamaran where you'll also be served a barbecue supper of salads and grilled pork. After a barbecue continue sailing inside the crescent-shaped Caldera, close to the volcano, and enjoy a final dip in the Hot Springs, before sailing back to Oia.
Full Day Sightseeing Tour
A day Santorini tour is a great solution for tourists who plan to spend just a few days on the island. Also this tour is suitable for those who came to Santorini for a long time, but want to see all the major sights in one day.
During this tour you can discover the most important archaeological sites of Santorini. Learn more about the wine heritage of the island, visit the only Wine Museum of Koutsoyanopoulos Winery, amazing caldera landscapes. Also, stop at the highest spot of the island and the Monastery of Prophet Elias. You will have the opportunity to enjoy your lunch by the sea. In the end of the trip, come back to the village of Oia and enjoy the magnificent sunset.
Cooking Class & Wine Tasting
Santorini Cooking Class & Wine Tasting is a great culinary experience to try. Explore the Santorini gastronomy at a fun, hands-on cooking class and discover the local food & recipes from locals. Embark on a fun culinary & socializing journey, crowned with a mouth-watering meal.
A visit to a local winery will start your day, where all the aromas and tastes of the local wine styles will be unfolded through a unique wine tasting. Broaden your taste buds, enhance the flavor of local products and impress with your culinary skills! It’s time for cooking, with the company of a glass of Santorini wine and of your Santorini’s friends. Savor your creations during lunch, relax and take in all the earthy notes of the Santorini cuisine.
Akrotiri Bus
This interesting archaeological site was discovered in the late 1960s. Akrotiri's buildings date back to the 16th century B.C. The settlement on the site of present-day Akrotiri was an outpost of the Minoan civilization and was naturally destroyed by a volcanic eruption (this happened in 1627 B.C.). Thanks to the years of excavations today visitors can learn in detail the history of life on Santorini 3.5 thousand years ago.
Akrotiri Bus Tour takes you to the Southern part of the island where you visit the hidden gems of the area. The first stop of the tour is the 16th century Monastery of Prophet Elias. From there you have a panoramic view of the whole island!
After the Monastery, continue to Megalochori which is one of the traditional villages on the island. There you will have the opportunity to admire the traditional architecture and the unique craftsmanship of the local Masons. Perivolos is a beach with black sand, here you stay for approximately 2 hours and have free time to go for a swim, eat in a local taverna or just relax and explore the area. The tour continues from Perivolos to a local winery where you can taste different local wines of the island.
Santorini beaches
One of the best things to do in island is to chill on the beach while enjoying the Greek sun. Santorini is a volcano island, so there are no yellow sand beaches we are used to. The beaches of Santorini Island in Greece are mostly black and there are also white and red beaches.
Perissa is the longest beach in Santorini and stretches for more than three kilometers along the southern coast of the island. The black beach of Perissa is at the foot of the mountain, so there is almost no wind. There's a lot of cafes, hotels and nightclubs.
The beach of Kamari is located east of Perissa, on the opposite side of the same mountain that closes it from the wind. Camari is the most popular beach on Santorini island for holidays with children. There is a separate area for kids with attractions and professional animators. You can leave your child with them for half a day and go somewhere to have fun or to visit the ancient city of Fira.
Vlijada is definitely the most beautiful beach of Santorini island in Greece. It has a wide beach line, shiny black sand and it is not crowded by tourists as other Santorini beaches.
Not all beaches in Santorini have black sand. There are also Red and White beaches. For example, Akrotiri beach is small, covered with bright red sand, above which rise rocks of the same brick color.
Wine Tasting
Producing some of the most distinctive wine in the Mediterranean, the island owes its success largely to aspa. A unique blend of volcanic soil lends its wines a rich minerality and crisp flavor. Grapes are grown in the shape of a basket close to the ground.
Sip your way around Santorini on a 4,5-hour island wine tour, visiting three of the most legendary wineries. Savor up to 12 different varietals made from grapes such as the Assyrtiko and learn about Santorini’s volcanic viticulture. Walk at a volcanic vineyard and explore the wineries' cellars where the wine is produced. If you want to enhance the experience, upgrade to a sunset tour to pair your wine tastings with sunset views and local island tapas and snacks.
Travel around the Island by Electric Bike
Discover beautiful Santorini by electric bike and ride some great routes that pass through almost all of the island. Get breathtaking views of the sea, mountains and traditional settlements. Pedal from Perissa to Emporio Castelli, Megalochori and more.
The tour starts in Emporio. From there, you can make a stop at the old city of Castelli and admire the beautiful narrow streets and houses. Then you continue your tour travelling through the wine roads to Megalochori, where you will stop for wine tasting at one of the oldest wineries of Santorini, Venetsanos Winery, or for Greek coffee or juice at a local coffee house. To continue your tour, pedal along the traditional road of Megalochori to enjoy the Caldera view.
For the journey back, you will follow a different road again through the vineyards and pass under the windmills of Emporio.
Volcanic Islands Cruise
Cruise to the volcanic islands of Santorini's caldera region. Swim in hot springs, admire views from an active volcano and explore the typical villages of Thirassia and Oia.
Sail from Athinios Port to small islands that are home to volcanos, hot springs and traditional villages. Stop at Nea Kameni and take the path to the crater of the active volcano. Enjoy free time to explore the island. Next, head to Palea Kameni, and swim in the hot springs. Return to the boat for a short sail to Thirassia, where you’ll have free time to explore. Visit Manolas, accessed by winding stairs, or by a donkey ride up to the village.
Photo Shoot with a Private Vacation Photographer
Capture the beauty of Santorini with a photo tour to some of the island's most spectacular sights. This Santorini photo expedition is designed for anyone who loves photography.
Get picked up from your hotel and join a passionate professional photographer for a program carefully planned in order to take advantage of the best light conditions and help you capture the true essence of the island. Visit locations off the usual path that you might otherwise miss, featuring great views of the local landscape, geology and architecture.
Santorini climate
The climate on the island is considered as a traditional Mediterranean climate. However, it is a little hotter in the central and southern parts. In summer it rains a little and even at winter nights you can walk around the island without freezing.
In May the weather is already warm and the bathing season opens. The temperature reaches 24-25 degrees and tourists from all over the world come to the island. And the beaches are not empty until November, when it is cold and it rains more often.
Fira and Oya
Fira and Oya are the two main tourist cities on the island of Santorini (Fira). Both cities were almost completely destroyed during the 1956 earthquake. Later, the cities were restored as tourist attractions. In total, these two cities are home to less than 3000 inhabitants. All other visitors to the cities are tourists. Fira and Oia are located on the edge of 400 m high volcano Santorini. The cliff area is exclusively tourist - hotels, cafes, restaurants and shops. The locals live on a smooth descent from the other side.
