10 Things To Do in Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece is a dream destination that is known for its stunning views, whitewashed buildings, and iconic blue domes. Situated in the Aegean Sea, this island offers you a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and culture. Travellers can explore the beautiful villages of Oia and Fira well-known for their beautiful sunsets and vibrant nightlife. There are some unique volcanic beaches including Red Beach and Kamari are ideal for sunbathing and swimming. If you are an adventure lover who can hike along the caldera or enjoy water sports. History seekers will love Akrotiri which is an ancient archaeological site. Santorini is a must-visit destination with delicious Greek cuisine and warm hospitality.

1. See The Ancient Atlantis

Once believed to be the setting for the Atlantean tale, Santorini was devastated by a volcanic eruption more than 3,000 years ago. It caused the island’s center to vanish into the water below. Around 1,600 BC, a volcanic explosion occurred that was one of the largest in the globe.

In addition to causing the great majority of the island of Thera, which was originally Santorini, to sink into the ocean. It also left behind a massive crater that created the island’s massive cliffs, which led many people to believe that Atlantis was located here.

It will take you about 45 minutes to come here, and it is highly recommended that you combine your visit with a tour of more of Santorini’s southern region. After all, the famous town of Oia is located in the opposite way.

2. Watch the Sunset in Oia

Take a relaxed afternoon stroll around the cliff-top town of Oia, which has one of the most famous locations. You can reserve a seat at one of the restaurants that have a view of the town or locate a spot in the town itself if you want to watch the sunset. You won’t be the only one with this idea, but it’s honestly one of the coolest things to do in Santorini.

It’s true that Oia is very crowded around sunset. During peak hours, you may need to come 90 minutes before sunset to secure a prime spot with a view of the Caldera.

You can see the sunset over the entire island at the Monastery of Profitis Ilias on the opposite end of the island if you don’t mind crowds. Although you can see the Caldera as a whole from up here, you won’t be able to get a close-up look at the Oia Ciffs.

3. Eat Some Local Food

Greece is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and Santorini is no exception. You must eat some of the numerous delicious local cuisines in Santorini. The grilled lamb souvlaki and the feta saganaki were our favourites. The latter is a tasty oil-drizzled fried feta that tastes amazing.

4. Grab a nip at Santo’s Winery

Visit Santo Winery to sample a variety of delectable Greek wines, olives, and small nibbles. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a relaxed afternoon. Remember to spit up the wine after, just like any other skilled wine specialist.

As an alternative, schedule a knowledgeable winery tour that will show you some of Santorini’s greatest vineyards; we did this and quite enjoyed it. Tickets for this trip sell out on popular days, so make sure to reserve it before you travel to Santorini.

 5. Visit the quaint village of Pyrgos

 There are many amazing tiny spots to see when you leave the Caldera’s edge. As an example, consider Pyrgos. Less than 1,000 people call this charming tiny village home, so you can anticipate lots of charm, welcoming residents, and photo ops everywhere you look. If you enjoy a fantastic view, this hilltop attraction is among the best things to do in Santorini.

6. Hike from Fira To Oia

Santorini is more than just swimming pools and piles of feta cheese, right? You will discover some really great trails that are fantastic to follow after looking into some of the top things to do in Santorini. One such trail is the Caldera trail, which runs between Fira and Oia. To escape the intense midday sun, bring comfortable shoes, drink, and go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

7. Explore the capital, Fira

The capital of Santorini is Fira, although don’t anticipate it to be nearly as big as other European capitals. In many respects, it really does feel like a big village. Nevertheless, Fira is a powerful city for a little capital, with stunning views, charming churches, and a mixture of cobble lanes that are simply too good to pass up.

Don’t forget to visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera, for a brief look into the island’s history and legacy. In Fira, you can also find some great pubs where you can watch the sunset. Most bars fill up at sunset, so make sure you reserve a table the night before.

8. Navigate around Santorini 

A visit to the Greek Islands, particularly Santorini, would not be complete without reserving this boat cruise. If you’re pressed for time or are only in Santorini for a day trip as part of a cruise, it’s well worth doing. It’s one of the greatest things to do in Santorini for an island tour.

Numerous routes will pass by the Volcanic Island, circle the bay’s stunning sections, and even allow for a brief dive into the azure ocean. Additionally, while sailing the shoreline surrounding the Santorini cliffs, most offer a free bar with Greek wines and Mythos beer. We stayed the entire day on board because we enjoyed it.

However, make sure to reserve this Santorini boat ride before your vacation to the island. Santorini is extremely crowded during the summer, particularly if numerous cruise ships have anchored nearby.

9.  Hike to the top of Santorini Volcano

Put on your walking shoes, reserve this fantastic boat tour of Santorini, and head to the island of Nea Kameni. The Volcano’s pulsating heart (or head) is just off Santorini itself. We reassured that although this baron and the volcanic landscape are still rather active, they are currently “asleep.” It’s still warm, though, because you can still feel the heat fleeing the ground.

Additionally, remember to bring your swimming equipment. The mineral-rich water close to the island might discolour lighter-coloured swimwear. On the edge of the island’s geothermal hotspots, which heat the sea below, boat cruises like this amazing one will halt briefly. It was a lot of fun, and you can see a significant improvement in the temperature.

10. Explore Megalochori

A few hours spent exploring the little town of Megalochori is highly recommended. Make your way over early in the morning and get a saganaki from one of the town’s bakeries. This small village is an excellent place to visit if you want to change your pace from places like Oia or Fira because it doesn’t have many tourists.

Conclusion

Santorini is an amazing destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are soaking in its stunning sunsets, exploring historic sites or relaxing on unique beaches. The islands have a lasting impression. Santorini’s impressive culture, delicious Greek cuisine and warm hospitality add to the charm. A trip to this magical island is sure to create unforgettable memories and inspire a longing to return.