Santorini, Greece: 16 Best Things to Do and See

Santorini, one of Greece’s most stunning and photogenic islands, attracts over two million visitors each year—and it’s easy to see why. Unlike other Greek islands, Santorini offers unique beaches with striking black and red sands, alongside charming whitewashed villages topped with iconic blue-domed roofs. The island’s breathtaking sunsets and romantic ambiance make it a must-visit destination.

If you’re planning a trip, here’s a guide to the best things to do and see in Santorini to make the most of your holiday.

Best Time to Visit Greece

For those seeking the best weather in Santorini, plan your visit for July or August. However, these months coincide with peak tourist season. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere while still enjoying warm seas, June or September are ideal alternatives.

• High Season (July and August): Santorini sees over two million visitors annually, with the majority arriving during these peak months. July and August offer perfect swimming conditions, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 30°C. Be prepared for large crowds and higher accommodation rates during this time.
• Transition Season (May, June, September, October): Temperatures remain pleasant, ranging from 20°C to 30°C, and the sea stays warm enough for swimming. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and slightly lower prices.
• Low Season (November to April): These months bring cooler temperatures, often dropping below 15°C, and the sea becomes too cold for swimming. Many hotels and restaurants close during this period, but it’s an opportunity to explore Santorini without the crowds and experience authentic Greek life.

Where to find the cheapest and best tours to Santorini

For the best and most affordable tours to Santorini, I recommend using the Invia portal. This popular travel platform offers a wide range of options from over 150 Czech travel agencies, allowing you to easily compare prices and find the best deal.

To avoid any hassle, it’s a good idea to book your trip early through their First Minute Deals. Santorini is a highly sought-after destination, and waiting for last-minute deals can mean missing out on the best options. However, occasionally, Invia offers such great last-minute deals that they can be even more affordable than planning your trip independently.

Best Places to Rent a Car in Santorini

If you prefer exploring Santorini on your own, renting a car at the airport is a convenient option. For years, we’ve relied on RentalCars, a platform that allows you to effortlessly compare offers from various rental providers to find the best deal.

Best Hotels in Santorini

For those seeking luxury accommodation in Santorini, the AVAL All Suite Hotel is an excellent choice. Renowned for its modern and spotless suites, this hotel offers guests a high level of comfort, including in-room whirlpools for a touch of indulgence. Located in Messaria, right in the heart of the island, it serves as the perfect base for exploring all that Santorini has to offer.

An even more luxurious option is the Olvos Luxury Suites, though it may be beyond the budget for some travelers.

16 Best Things to Do and See in Santorini

Wondering what to see and do in Santorini? Rest assured, boredom is not an option on this stunning island. Known as the jewel of the Cyclades, Santorini offers unique experiences, from exploring its striking black and red sand beaches to visiting fascinating archaeological sites and hiking around a volcanic crater.

The most beautiful beaches and marinas in Santorini, Greece

Santorini’s beaches are truly breathtaking, renowned for their unique character and volcanic origins. Each one offers a distinct experience, whether you prefer the dramatic black sand, vibrant red cliffs, or serene hidden coves. However, don’t expect the typical white sand you’ll find on islands like Lefkada or Corfu.

Perissa Beach Black Sand Beach

As mentioned earlier, Santorini’s beaches are quite unlike those on other Greek islands, thanks to the island’s volcanic origins. For example, Perissa Beach features striking black sand that creates a stunning contrast with the crystal-clear waters, offering a truly unique experience.

Kokkini beach

Kokkini, or Red Beach, is anything but ordinary. It’s famous for its striking red cliffs and sand, which give the water a stunning dark turquoise hue. While reaching the beach can be a bit challenging, the breathtaking views of the colorful cliffs and the excellent snorkeling opportunities make it well worth the effort.

Kamari beach

Kamari Beach offers a different vibe compared to the typical Greek postcard scenes. This beach features a long stretch of black pebbles, creating a unique coastal experience. It’s lined with numerous bars and restaurants overlooking the sea, making it the perfect spot to savor a glass of Greek wine or a refreshing summer cocktail while soaking in the vibrant holiday atmosphere.

Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay, a charming harbor nestled beneath the cliffs of Oia, is a favorite spot for romantic dinners. Visitors can enjoy a swim in its tranquil waters or take a boat trip to the nearby island of Palea Kameni to explore the volcano.

Sights in Santorini

History enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Santorini. The island is rich with prehistoric and ancient landmarks, as well as the iconic traditional Greek architecture.

Fira

A visit to Santorini isn’t complete without exploring its capital, Fira. This charming town is known for its iconic white, cube-shaped buildings that line the edge of the dramatic caldera. Fira also offers breathtaking views of the coastline, especially at sunset, when the entire town is bathed in a warm, golden glow.

Agios Theodori

The Church of Agios Theodori is a beautiful example of traditional Greek architecture, featuring bright white walls and a distinctive blue dome. It offers a serene atmosphere for quiet reflection and serves as a stunning backdrop for photography. ☺️

Akrotiri

Akrotiri in Santorini is one of Greece’s most fascinating archaeological sites and a must-see for history enthusiasts and lovers of ancient civilizations. This ancient city was buried beneath volcanic ash during a massive eruption of the Thera volcano around 1627 BC, making it one of the best-preserved remnants of Minoan civilization.

If you plan to visit, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance through GetYourGuide, unless you’re traveling to Santorini with a tour operator.

Ancient Thera

Ancient Thera, a significant archaeological site, sits atop Mesa Vouno in Santorini, Greece. Once the island’s capital, this ancient settlement offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Its strategic hilltop location was chosen for both defense and its stunning panoramas.

As you explore the ruins of Ancient Thera, you’ll discover remnants of public buildings, houses, streets, and a theatre. The site is particularly notable for its well-preserved wall paintings and various artifacts that provide a glimpse into the past.

Tips for Hiking in Santorini’s Volcanic Landscape

Santorini offers incredible nature walks and adventures, highlighting the island’s volcanic origins and stunning panoramic views.

A boat trip to the hot springs and a walk to the volcano

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Santorini’s volcanic landscape with a boat trip to the crater of Nea Kameni. Your adventure begins with a scenic walk from the port of Fira, where you can take in the views and encounter the island’s famous donkeys along the way. Upon reaching Nea Kameni, challenge yourself with a half-hour hike to the summit of the volcano, where you can observe sulfuric fumes and steam rising from the crater—a powerful reminder of the island’s volcanic activity.

The trail is lined with jagged lava rocks and vibrant flowers that contrast beautifully with the dark volcanic terrain. Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes for the hike.

A highlight of the trip is a stop at the hot springs, accessible by swimming from the boat. While the water may feel cool initially, it warms up as you get closer to the springs. For those who prefer not to swim, you can relax on the boat and enjoy the views.

You can easily book this excursion through GetYourGuide for a seamless experience.

Horseback riding in volcanic landscape

For a truly unique experience, consider booking a horseback tour through the volcanic landscape with GetYourGuide. It’s an unforgettable way to explore Santorini’s stunning terrain.

Gastronomy and winemaking in Santorini

Santorini’s gastronomy is as remarkable as its landscape. The island’s unique volcanic soil imparts a distinctive flavor to its local produce, making the culinary experience truly unforgettable.

Be sure to try traditional dishes like fava, a creamy mashed chickpea dish, and tomatokeftedes, flavorful tomato fritters with a spicy kick. Santorini’s wines, particularly the renowned Assyrtiko variety, are celebrated for their fresh, mineral-rich taste that pairs perfectly with the island’s cuisine.

Santo Winery

Santo Wines in Santorini is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the island’s stunning beauty. Located near the village of Pyrgos, this winery is perched on a cliff, offering spectacular views of the caldera.

Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of local wines, and for a more immersive experience, there’s a tasting menu featuring Greek specialties, priced at €110 or €125 for two people. A tour of the winery costs €12 per person, including a 20-minute guided tour and a tasting of two signature wines: the Assyrtiko and the Kameni.

The winery also features a shop where you can purchase Santo wines and a variety of local gourmet products. Open year-round, Santo Wines stays open until midnight during the summer, allowing guests to soak in the evening ambiance while watching the sunset over the caldera.

For those traveling by bus, direct routes to Santo Wines are available from Fira, Perissa, and Akrotiri.

Domaine Sigalas winery

Domaine Sigalas Winery, nestled in the charming village of Oia, Santorini, is renowned for producing high-quality wines that have gained international acclaim and numerous awards.

Founded by Paris Sigalas in 1991, the winery began in the family cellar and expanded in 1998 with the establishment of a modern facility and a 30-hectare vineyard. Here, Paris cultivates local grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athiri, Gaidouria, Platana, and Mavrotragano. The winery adopted the name “Domaine Sigalas” in 2003.

Reaching the winery is convenient by bus, with the nearest stop on the Oia-Fira route just a 20-minute walk away.

Wine museum in a natural cave

The Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum in Santorini is a unique attraction set inside a natural cave, eight meters underground, stretching through a 300-meter-long labyrinth. The Koutsogiannopoulos family spent 21 years bringing this incredible museum to life.

The museum showcases the history of winemaking on Santorini, covering the period from 1660 to 1970. Visitors can explore a range of engaging exhibits, including sound effects, lifelike mannequins, and authentic winemaking tools, machinery, and containers—some of which are rare finds. The exhibits walk you through each stage of wine production, from pruning and plowing to harvesting, treading, and weighing the grapes.

The Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum in Santorini is uniquely situated in a natural cave, eight meters underground, and spans a labyrinthine space of 300 meters. It took the Koutsogiannopoulos family 21 years of dedicated effort to bring this museum to life.

The museum showcases the rich history of winemaking and the life of Santorini’s winemakers from 1660 to 1970. The exhibition includes fascinating elements such as sound effects, displays with still mannequins, and authentic machines, tools, and containers—some of which are rare finds. Visitors can explore the various stages of wine production, from pruning and plowing to harvesting, grape treading, and weighing.

Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace with a self-guided audio tour available in 14 languages. Tickets can be conveniently purchased through GetYourGuide.

The tour concludes at the office of Grigorio Koutsogiannopoulos, the founder of the family winery, where you can view his personal belongings dating back to 1870. Afterward, guests can visit the tasting room to sample four of the finest wines produced by the family winery.

Tomato Museum

The Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos” in Santorini offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s rich history of tomato processing. Located on Vlychada Beach, surrounded by striking volcanic rock formations, the museum is housed in the former Nomikos family tomato processing factory, which was transformed into a modern museum in 2014.

Santorini’s small-fruited tomato is a signature product of the island, prized for its small size, firm skin, juicy flesh, and sweet flavor—making it perfect for tomato puree. This distinctive taste comes from the island’s arid yet nutrient-rich volcanic soil. The original factory was established by George Nomikos in 1945 and operated until 1981, when a sharp decline in tomato production led to its closure.

The museum is open from April to November, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is €10 for adults and €6 for children aged 12 to 18, students, and seniors over 65. Children under 12 enjoy free entry.

Getting to the museum is easy, with options including a 20-minute local bus ride from Fira, a taxi, or driving your own car, with plenty of street parking available nearby.

Fishing in Santorini

Fishing is a beloved activity in Santorini, and Santorini Fishing Tours offers an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts. Their tours combine traditional fishing with opportunities to sunbathe, savor Greek cuisine, and swim in the crystal-clear waters.

The company provides all the necessary fishing gear, and their experienced staff will guide you every step of the way. If you make a catch, you can even grill your fish on board while enjoying stunning sunset views and a glass of local wine.

Tips for other activities on the island

Santorini offers a variety of sea-based activities that are not only enjoyable but also perfect for discovering the island’s natural beauty. Whether you prefer kayaking, snorkeling, or fishing, there are plenty of opportunities for active fun on the water.

Snorkelling or yacht trip

If you’re ready for a change of pace from lounging on the beach, wine tasting, or capturing photos of white houses with blue roofs, consider taking a boat trip. You can easily book a snorkeling adventure or a relaxing day on a catamaran through GetYourGuide or with a local guide. It’s the perfect way to see Santorini from a new perspective.

Interested in visiting Santorini? Check out our article: Where to Go on Holiday in Greece.

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