From scenic hikes to sunset catamaran cruises, ancient archeological sites to cliff jumping, I'll take you through the BEST things to do in Santorini, Greece. Discover the musts and what NOT TO MISS!
Planning a trip to Greece? Be sure to include Santorini on your itinerary…THE most iconic Greek island.
Did you know that Santorini is actually a volcano that imploded on itself and then filled with water? The caldera, flooded volcano crater, offers unforgettable views.
The white-washed villages of Santorini seem to be built directly on top of each other, climbing up the steep walls of the caldera one thousand feet above sea level. Combine that with bright blue rooftops set against turquoise waters and you have one unforgettable scene. Almost too beautiful to be real.
Experiencing these views firsthand is worth the trip alone, but Santorini offers much more than that!
Many people view Santorini as a romantic getaway for honeymooners or couples. After spending 7 days in Santorini, 2 with Jake, and 5 alone, I can tell you Santorini offers more than a romantic vacation for two. And MUCH more than just a quick cruise-ship stop.
From wine tours, ancient villages, archeological sites dating from the times of Moses, and catamaran sailings, the number of tourist attractions in Santorini will keep visitors busy for days on end.
Whether you're traveling as a couple, alone, or with a group, discover all that Santorini has to offer with my list of the 10 best things to do in Santorini, Greece.
SEE ALSO:
HOW MANY DAYS IN SANTORINI DO YOU REALLY NEED?
GREECE 10 DAY ITINERARY | ATHENS, MYKONOS, PAROS, SANTORINI
MYKONOS VS. SANTORINI | WHICH SHOULD YOU VISIT?
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1. Catamaran Cruise
The TOP Santorini experience to splurge on
Sailing around the island is hands down one of the most popular things to do in Santorini, Greece. Gaze up up up at the white-washed villages, enjoy a traditional Greek meal, swim in the turquoise waters, stop by the "hot" springs, and visit the red and white beaches.
This is sure to be one of your most memorable days in Santorini.
Jake and I booked a small group sunset tour. I strongly recommend the sunset option over the afternoon cruise. Watching the sun set from the water without the crowds was incredibly special.
It was €130 per person and worth every penny.
When researching companies, be sure to look at the maximum number of people. We saw some catamarans that were packed with thirty or more people. We had a small group of 12, though our specific tour had a maximum of 18.
I found the smaller group size and add-ons like the meal and hotel pick-up were worth the extra cost compared to the larger cruises.
The tour was seamless from start to finish. We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel and provided a full Greek meal with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments.
If you splurge on one activity while in Santorini, this should be it.
Additional sunset cruise options:
2. Get Lost in Fira and Oia
One of the best things to do in Santorini for photographers and wanderers
Grab your camera and get lost in the villages of Fira (aka Thera) and Oia.
Don’t be afraid to wander off the main street to bypass the crowds and tour groups. You’ll quickly find these towns are small enough that you never really get lost.
Discover the quiet back streets, hidden cafes, and charming shops. If you love to wander as much as I do, continue past Fira and explore Firostefani and Imerovigli.
*Oia is THE spot to watch sunset. Scout out where you want to return for sunset and pin those locations on Google Maps.
*Wandering aimlessly is even better with a gelato in hand. Luckily my favorite, and easily the best gelato in Santorini, can be found in both Fira and Oia. Solo Gelato is on par in quality and taste with the real stuff in Italy…and that’s saying something.
HEADED TO MYKONOS?
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MYKONOS GREECE
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MYKONOS
BEST BEACH CLUB IN MYKONOS – SCORPIOS MYKONOS
Oia
3. Hike from Fira to Oia
This hike is a must for my active travelers
Get up early to avoid the sun and heat, bring plenty of water and a camera, and wear comfortable shoes to make the trek.
It’s about six miles and will take anywhere from two to five hours depending on how fast you walk and how many photos you take.
The trail is pretty straightforward as you're walking along the cliff with the ocean to your left (or right if you start in Oia).
There are usually others doing this popular hike, especially in the morning, which is reassuring for those who are directionally challenged or traveling solo.
Start at the square beside Hotel Atlantis in Fira. Here you will find the first of several red arrow signs pointing in the direction of the hike. Keep following these signs all the way to Oia.
If you somehow take a wrong turn just make your way back towards the ocean.
Pyrgos, Santorini
Pyrgos, Santorini
4. Pyrgos
Escape the crowds and visit a more authentic/less touristy side of Santorini
Pyrgos is a medieval village that was once the capital of Santorini. It’s blissfully quiet compared to the villages of Fira and Oia.
When I explored this charming town I often had the streets, corners, and viewpoints to myself.
Lose yourself in the twists and turns of the narrow, car-free, streets. Climb up to see the Pyrgos Kasteli, one of the five (and most preserved) Venetian castles on the island.
Pyrgos not only offers a charming and quaint escape from crowded Fira and Oia but also has incredible panoramic views of the entire island.
Visiting Pyrgos was one of my favorite experiences in Santorini. It felt like I found a hidden gem.
Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay
5. Ammoudi Bay
The best place in Santorini for a seaside lunch or dinner
Walk down 300 steps from Oia and you'll find yourself at Ammoudi Bay, the port of Oia. The steps are steep and slippery, so wear shoes with some grip.
There are several casual seafood tavernas lining the water. Go for dinner to enjoy beautiful sunset views or for a relaxing lunch looking out onto the water.
I was able to snag a spot so close to the water that if my table were bumped one inch it would have toppled into the ocean. Talk about a memorable lunch view!
Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay offers a popular cliff-jumping spot and should be on your list of Santorini things to do if you're an adventure seeker.
Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, go left, working your way through several restaurants. Continue along the path bordering the water.
After about 5 to 10 minutes of walking, you'll come to a rocky bay just across from a tiny island with a chapel on it (Saint Nicholas).
You’ll know you've arrived because it's a popular spot and usually crowded.
If the water is calm, swim out to the island. There's a stone ledge to jump from and have an exhilarating splash into the sea. Even if you aren’t a daredevil, it’s still a pretty place to sit and watch others make the leap.
Akrotiri, Santorini
Akrotiri, Santorini
6. Akrotiri Archeological Site
Akrotiri is one of the top things to do in Santorini for history buffs
One of the largest volcanic events in recorded history took place on the island of Santorini in 1630 B.C. There are several layers of ash showing multiple stages of the eruption.
The first layer shows that the inhabitants of Santorini had several month's notice to evacuate before the final, deadly eruption.
Many historians and archeologists claim there's a significant connection between the eruption of Santorini and the ten plagues of Egypt.
The explosion produced billions of tons of ash. Enough to blackout the sun, spew ash across Asia, poison water sources and crops, cause enough atmospheric disturbance to displace animals like frogs and locusts, and create tsunamis over 40 feet tall.
Whether you believe the connection or not, one thing is certain; this explosion created devastating effects far and wide.
Akrotiri is an ancient city perfectly preserved because of the layers of volcanic ash. Much like Pompeii.
Since the people had warning, no human remains or items of value have been found in the dig site. So far, only about one-third of the city has been uncovered.
The Akrotiri archeological site is easy to visit. It’s completely covered and has ramps built around the buildings so you can wander over and through the buildings and sidewalks.
I’m not usually one for archeological sites, but Akrotiri was well worth the visit.
To walk through an ancient city over 3,500 years old is truly mind-blowing.
Akrotiri is close to several wineries. Joining a tour that combines the two is a great way to save time and hassle:
Views from Skaros Rock
7. Skaros Rock
One of the best things to do in Santorini if you're looking for epic views sans crowds
Skaros Rock is easy to find as it’s shaped like a giant mushroom and is located in the village of Imerovigli. You can add Skaros Rock to your hike from Fira to Oia, but it will add about an hour.
I preferred to do it on a separate day so I could go before sunset.
Once you reach Imerovigli, go to the Chapel of Agios Georgios. You can easily see the stairs that will guide you to the base of Skaros Rock from the chapel. Follow the trail as far as you wish. I continued around the rock and climbed up to find stunning views of the ocean.
I arrived about an hour before sunset. The lighting was gorgeous and it was incredibly calm and quiet. I would not recommend making the trek once it starts to get dark.
After you walk down the steps leading to Skaros Rock, it’s a dirt trail with loose rocks and not easily marked if you don’t have enough light. If you climb the rock you definitely need to see where to step as it’s steep and narrow in many areas. I used Google Maps to guide my way and it worked just fine.
If finding stellar views without the crowds is a priority, this should be at the top of your list of things to do in Santorini, Greece.
8. Winery Tour
Pretty much everything listed has involved a bit of walking. If you're ready for a break, a wine tour will be just the trick.
Not only does Santorini produce some of the more popular Greek wines, but several wineries also offer stunning backdrops for tastings.
With the narrow roads and hairpin turns, I personally would not feel comfortable driving around the island. Hire a driver or join a tour...especially if you don't have a DD.
About 10 minutes south of Thera, or Fira, are several wineries with beautiful ocean views overlooking the Caldera.
Santo is probably the most popular winery. I prefer Venetsanos Winery. It’s less crowded and has delicious food. Make reservations in advance. You can easily do both as they are a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive apart.
Domaine Sigalas is closer to Oia and offers a wonderful wine experience.
Let someone do the planning for you and join a wine tour!
9. Atlantis Books
Often named one of the top 10 bookstores in the world, Atlantis Books is a must while you're in Oia.
10. Kamari Open Air Cinema
Watching a movie under the stars in Santorini? Yes please! The movies are usually family-friendly and you can expect titles like Mamma Mia and a number of Disney classics to be on the schedule.
Arrive at Kamari Open Air Cinema before the doors open at 8:30 pm to ensure you have a good seat and are settled with your snacks and drinks by the 9:30 pm showtime. You'll either have to drive or take the public bus (Fira to Kamari route).
Sunset in Firostefani
In Summary
I hope this list of the 10 BEST things to do in Santorini, Greece helps plan your upcoming vacation. If you want to do everything on this list, you'll need at least four days in Santorini.
Those short on time will want to start with the catamaran tour, Fira to Oia hike, and wandering around Oia and Fira. Then add whatever else you can squeeze in while still having time to slow down and savor the views.
Santorini Hotel Recommendations
*Some of these hotels are adults only*
LUXURY HOTELS IN Santorini
Mid-range HOTELS IN SANTORINI
LUXURY HOTELS IN SANTORINI (under $300 and not in Oia)
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10 BEST Things to Do in Santorini | Perfect for First-Time Visitors
beautiful scenery to visit and see
It’s one of the most breathtaking places I’ve been to
Hey there – GREAT article thank you. Would you recommend doing a catamaran tour in Santorini OR Mykonos? We would love to know which one to spend the money on! Thanks xx
Thanks Emma…glad you enjoyed the post! Personally, I would recommend Santorini. The views looking up to the top of the caldera are so unique. Overall, I think Santorini would be more memorable.