Best Things to Do in SANTORINI (GREECE)

Are you planning a visit to Santorini, and are wondering what are the best things to do in Santorini?

Santorini is one of the most iconic, if not the most iconic, islands in all of Greece. Santorini’s coastline is dominated by whitewashed buildings perched high on the cliffs and rugged cliffs. Santorini is formed from volcanic activity, now it’s a part of a mostly submerged caldera. People know this island for its volcanic landscapes and volcanic beaches. But it is most famous for its picturesque towns, Oia and Fira.

7 best places to visit in GREECE

As the island is so popular, it may get very busy, especially during the high season.

But, despite the crowds, Santorini still is one of the best places to visit in Greece.

Read on to find out what are the best things to do in Santorini.

7 Best Things to Do in Santorini

Watch the Sunset in Oia

Watch the Sunset in Oia

It’s the most iconic thing to do in Santorini.

In fact, when Santorini is mentioned, the first thing that comes to people’s minds is an image of the sun setting over the sea and picturesque bright white buildings washed by sunset light. Sunsets in Oia are considered among the most beautiful on the planet.

The best and most popular sunset spot is near Oia Castle. It gets super crowded there, but the views are soooo worth it! Another great sunset spot is right next to the Blue Domed Church (Agios Spiridonas and Agios Anastasis).

If you plan to watch the sunset in Oia, get to Oia during the day, to explore the town. And, if you are travelling by car, get a parking space! Wandering the streets of Oia is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Santorini. Known for its bright white-washed buildings and many white steps, Oia is one of the most postcard-perfect destinations in Greece. Having lunch at one of its cosy taverns is a must.

When you are visiting Oia, do not miss Paralia Katharos, a wild beach backed by sandstone cliffs located just 1.5 km away from Oia.

Hike from Fira to Oia

Hike from Fira to Oia

Hiking from Fira to Oia is one of the best things to do in Santorini. 

Santorini is formed from volcanic activity and is a part of a mostly submerged caldera. A few towns of Santorini (including the famous Oia and Fira) are located along the edge of this caldera.

Walk along the edge of Santorini Caldera and enjoy the volcanic landscapes of the island! 

The trail starts in Fira, leads to Imerovigli, and then continues on to Oia. The best part of the trek is the views over Oia. The trail is 10 km long, and it takes about 3 hours to complete. The route passes through four towns: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia. Besides these towns, there are a few beautiful places worth stopping for. Skaros Rock (an impressive cliff), The Assumption of the Virgin Mary Holy Chapel and Three Bells of Fira are some of the best places to visit in Santorini, and they all are located along the trail.

Visit Fira

Visit Fira

Fira (Thera) is the capital and one of the best places to visit in Santorini.

It is known for its white-washed houses built on the edge of a 400 metres tall cliff. Because of its location, the town boasts a panoramic view of the 18 km-long calderas all the way from Cape Akrotiri in the south to Oia in the north.

One of the best attractions in Fira is the Santorini cable car which connects the port with the town of Fira up on the cliff. Fira also has a number of churches, including the famous Three Bells of Fira and the Cathedral of Ypapanti.

Visit Red Beach & Akrotiri Lighthouse

Visit Red Beach & Akrotiri Lighthouse

Red Beach is a volcanic sand beach located in the north of the island.

Famed for its bright red-coloured sand, the Red Beach is one of the most picturesque places on the island. The sand is composed of red and black pulverised volcanic rock which comes from the Santorini caldera. The cliffs along the beach provide wonderful views of the bay.

If you are visiting Red Beach, head to Akrotiri Lighthouse to watch the sunset. It is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Santorini. The lighthouse casts an impressive silhouette at sunset, making it a great time to visit. Watching the sun setting over the sea in Akrotiri is one of the best things to do in Santorini.

Relax on Kamari Beach

Relax on Kamari Beach

Kamari is one of the longest and most visited beaches in Santorini.

It is a long, lively black sand and pebble beach with restaurants, bars and an umbrella rental. The beach is backed by the town of Kamari where you’ll find plenty of hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants.

The close proximity to the airport makes Kamari Beach a great plane watching spot.

Explore the Ruins of Ancient Thera

Explore the Ruins of Ancient Thera

Ancient Thera is the ruins of an ancient mountaintop city.

Being an important historical landmark, the ancient ruins of Thera is one of the best places to visit in Santorini. The archaeological site consists of ruins of a number of buildings, columns and other important landmarks of the ancient city.

The site boasts panoramic views of the island.

Hike to Profitis Ilias

Hike to Profitis Ilias

With an elevation of 567 m, Mount Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elija) is the highest mountain in Santorini. 

At the top of the mountain, there’s a monastery. The place is known for its tranquillity and sweeping views of the island. 

Mount Profitis Ilias is one of the best hiking destinations on Santorini. You can ascend the mountain from two sides: from Perissa (and Ancient Thera) or from Pyrgos. If you want to go on a longer hike, ascend from one side, and descend the other.

Women should bring or wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Otherwise, they won’t be let into the monastery.

Best Things to Do in SANTORINI

Santorini Travel Tips

  1. If you want to save some money, do not stay in Oia, the most iconic town on the island. Stay somewhere close (outside the town), and walk to Oia.
  2. If you are driving to Oia to see the sunset, make sure you get to Oia in time — several hours before the sunset. Just to get a parking spot, as parking space in Oia is limited.
  3. Unusual enough, but the cheapest accommodation in Santorini is by the beach — in Perissa and Kamari.
  4. Greek cuisine is amazing. The food is mouth-watering and super filling. For the best dining experience — go where the locals go. The greatest meals travellers have had while travelling in Greece were from local tavernas.
  5. As Santorini (and the rest of Greece) is a popular holiday destination, it may get very busy, especially during the high season. Visit Santorini during the shoulder season when the island experiences fewer crowds.
  6. If you travel during the high season, book accommodation and ferry tickets well in advance.
  7. Carry cash. Many Greek tavernas, shops and guesthouses do not accept credit cards.
  8. The euro is the official currency in Greece.