Santorini’s 10 Ultimate Must-dos That Will Leave You in Awe
Let me start by saying that we LOVE Santorini. We have already been there 3 times and each time we have enjoyed it immensely. Scroll down to discover the 10 ultimate must-dos on and around Santorini to help you make the most out of your holidays.
Santorini is an awe-inspiring volcanic island in the Cyclades, Greece. Its official name is Thira (Thera in classical Greek). A volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC devastated Santorini, shaping the rugged landscape we see today.
This magnificent island with its whitewashed houses, breathtaking sunsets, pebble beaches, and luxurious villas is a popular destination for honeymooners, holidaymakers, and lovers of unique landscapes. If you are planning a trip to Santorini, check out our list of the top 10 things and places.
- Red Beach
- Imerovigli
- Explore Nea Kameni
- Visit the Black Beaches
- Discover Oia and Enjoy Breathtaking Sunsets
- Hike from Fira to Oia
- Visit Akrotiri Archaeological Site
- Sample Delicious Greek Coffee and Food
- Visit Therasia
- Profitis Elias Monastery and Pargos
Red Beach
This small yet stunning beach on Santorini is surrounded by red hills and volcanic rocks. You can get to Red Beach by boat, ATV, or bus. Thousands of people visit this beach to snorkel, swim, or photograph its unique beauty.
Red Beach is close to Akrotiri Archaeological Site. So, you can visit the Archaeological Site and then chill on the beach or swim in turquoise waters. Santorini has better beaches for swimming, so a few hours here should be enough in our opinion.
| beenhere Visited by us |
Imerovigli
Imerovigli is a picturesque village popular for sunset watching and fine dining. It is built on the highest point of the caldera cliffs. Referred to as “the Balcony to the Aegean”, Imerovigli offers magnificent views of the small islands on the west.
We loved this quiet cute village. It has amazing boutique hotels and some of the best restaurants in Santorini are also here.
Extra tipHike to Skaros Rock. It is a large promontory of rock that juts out from the island just below Imerovigli. It is a popular photography and hiking spot. Explore the trails on the rock and see the remains of a Venetian castle. |
| beenhere Visited by us |
Explore Nea Kameni
Nea Kameni is a small uninhabited island that forms part of Santorini’s caldera. Most boat tours stop here, and a lot of visitors arrive at this site to walk around the crater and learn more about its history. Give it a try when on Santorini if this has picked your interest.
Find out more about this amazing geological park on their official website. There are interactive maps and a lot of in-detail information.
Visit the Black Beaches
Photo by Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com
The next on our ultimate must-dos of Santorini are the black beaches. Even though Naxos, Milos, and Ios are more popular amongst swimmers, we believe beaches on Santorini are still worth the shot.
Kamari Beach is a stunning black sand beach. Spend a leisurely afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying a glass of Freddo here. You have a variety of dining options too.
Perivolos and Perissa’s black sand beaches are stunning as well. They are dotted with little stores, cafes, beach bars, and restaurants. This is a terrific area to spend a day at the beach with plenty of amenities.
| beenhere Visited by us |
Discover Oia and Enjoy Breathtaking Sunsets
A trip to Santorini would not be complete if you did not visit the breathtaking Oia and took that iconic sunset shot.
Oia is one of the main towns of Santorini, with cute, whitewashed houses, cozy cafés, awe-inspiring views, and much more it makes for an excellent base.
Watching and photographing the sunset draws huge crowds to Oia. Each time we were there the sunset viewing spots were packed with sunset lovers or romantic couples.
You can try to find spots with fewer people, but that might be nearly impossible. Nevertheless, sunset watching is an amazing experience, so go for it.
AlternativeEnjoy breathtaking sunsets in Fira or Imerovigli. We experienced both and it was magnificent. |
| beenhere Visited by us |
Hike from Fira to Oia
Hiking from Fira to Oia is a perfect way to discover the unique beauty of this volcanic island. It is around a 10 km hike that can take somewhere between 2,5 and 4 hours. We spent 4 hours getting to Oia, as we made a lot of stops on the way.
The hike passes through the cute towns of Imerovigli and Finikia. Start the hike early in the morning to allow yourself enough time to make stops and take pics.
Extra tipStop at Three Bells of Fira, one of Santorini’s most popular blue dome churches. It is truly magnificent and one of the most photographed ones as well. |
| beenhere Visited by us |
Visit Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Photo by vivooo / Shutterstock.com
Akrotiri is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Aegean. It was an ancient Minoan settlement destroyed in the 16th century BCE by a volcanic eruption and buried in volcanic ash. Add this site to your Santorini itinerary especially if you are a history and archaeology enthusiast.
Fun factSome scholars say the lost Atlantis was none other than Santorini after examining the finds from the excavations at Akrotiri. |
Sample Delicious Greek Coffee and Food
If you are a coffee lover, you must try Frappe and Freddo during your Santorini trip. Both are iced coffee drinks perfect to cool off the summer heat. We both cannot imagine our day without a coffee, so delicious coffee is another reason we love Santorini.
Santorini offers amazing dining options. Sample mouth-watering Greek food while enjoying splendid views that are hard to beat.
Useful tipDuring peak season months, make your reservations at least several days in advance. |
Visit Therasia
Therasia is not a place on Santorini, but another small island you can get by a ferry or as part of a boat tour.
It is a peaceful, traditional island with a laid-back vibe.
On Therasia, the nightlife is non-existent, and the amenities are limited, yet whether you visit for a day or stay for a few days, you will feel rested and renewed.
It is like Santorini a long time ago with a more local authentic aura to it. During our first visit to Santorini, we spent two nights in Therasia and immensely enjoyed the authentic Greek hospitality.
| beenhere Visited by us |
Profitis Elias Monastery and Pargos
Prophet Elias Monastery is located in the southeast part of Santorini, on the summit of Mount Profitis Ilias. It is the highest point on the island, and you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Santorini. You can get here by car, ATV, or motorbike. Alternatively, you can hike here, it is healthier and gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the scenery.
On your way to Mount Profitis Ilias make a stop at Pyrgos. It is a small village located in some of Santorini’s with twisting lanes and small cafes. It has retained its charm and laid-back vibe on the overly touristy island of Santorini.
| beenhere Visited by us |
Let me start by saying that we LOVE Santorini. We have already been there 3 times and each time we have enjoyed it immensely. Scroll down to discover the 10 highlights on and around Santorini to help you make the most out of your holidays.
Santorini is an awe-inspiring volcanic island in the Cyclades, Greece. Its official name is Thira (Thera in classical Greek). A volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC devastated Santorini, shaping the rugged landscape we see today.
This magnificent island with its whitewashed houses, breathtaking sunsets, pebble beaches, and luxurious villas is a popular destination for honeymooners, holidaymakers, and lovers of unique landscapes. If you are planning a trip to Santorini, check out our list of the top 10 things and places.
- Red Beach
- Imerovigli
- Explore Nea Kameni
- Visit the Black Beaches
- Discover Oia and Enjoy Breathtaking Sunsets
- Hike from Fira to Oia
- Visit Akrotiri Archaeological Site
- Sample Delicious Greek Coffee and Food
- Visit Therasia
- Profitis Elias Monastery and Pargos
Red Beach
This small yet stunning beach on Santorini is surrounded by red hills and volcanic rocks. You can get to Red Beach by boat, ATV, or bus. Thousands of people visit this beach to snorkel, swim, or photograph its unique beauty.
Red Beach is close to Akrotiri Archaeological Site. So, you can visit the Archaeological Site and then chill on the beach or swim in turquoise waters. Santorini has better beaches for swimming, so a few hours here should be enough in our opinion.
| beenhere Visited by us |
Imerovigli
Imerovigli is a picturesque village popular for sunset watching and fine dining. It is built on the highest point of the caldera cliffs. Referred to as “the Balcony to the Aegean”, Imerovigli offers magnificent views of the small islands on the west.
We loved this quiet cute village. It has amazing boutique hotels and some of the best restaurants in Santorini are also here.
Extra tipHike to Skaros Rock. It is a large promontory of rock that juts out from the island just below Imerovigli. It is a popular photography and hiking spot. Explore the trails on the rock and see the remains of a Venetian castle. |
| beenhere Visited by us |
Explore Nea Kameni
Nea Kameni is a small uninhabited island that forms part of Santorini’s caldera. Most boat tours stop here, and a lot of visitors arrive at this site to walk around the crater and learn more about its history. Give it a try when on Santorini if this has picked your interest.
Find out more about this amazing geological park on their official website. There are interactive maps and a lot of in-detail information.
Visit the Black Beaches
Photo by Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com
Santorini’s black beaches are worth exploring during your next trip. Even though Naxos, Milos, and Ios are more popular amongst swimmers, we believe beaches on Santorini are still worth the shot.
Kamari Beach is a stunning black sand beach. Spend a leisurely afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying a glass of Freddo here. You have a variety of dining options too. Perivolos and Perissa’s black sand beaches are stunning as well. They are dotted with little stores, cafes, beach bars, and restaurants. This is a terrific area to spend a day at the beach with plenty of amenities.
| beenhere Visited by us |
Discover Oia and Enjoy Breathtaking Sunsets
A trip to Santorini would not be complete if you did not visit the breathtaking Oia and took that iconic sunset shot.
Oia is one of the main towns of Santorini, with cute, whitewashed houses, cozy cafés, awe-inspiring views, and much more it makes for an excellent base.
Watching and photographing the sunset draws huge crowds to Oia. Each time we were there the sunset viewing spots were packed with sunset lovers or romantic couples.
Try to find spots with fewer people, but that might be nearly impossible. Nevertheless, it is an amazing experience, so go for it.
AlternativeEnjoy breathtaking sunsets in Fira or Imerovigli. We experienced both and it was magnificent. |
| beenhere Visited by us |
Hike from Fira to Oia
Hiking from Fira to Oia is a perfect way to discover the unique beauty of this volcanic island. It is around a 10 km hike that can take somewhere between 2,5 and 4 hours. We spent 4 hours getting to Oia, as we made a lot of stops on the way.
The hike passes through the cute towns of Imerovigli and Finikia. Start the hike early in the morning to allow yourself enough time to make stops and take pics.
Extra tipStop at Three Bells of Fira, one of Santorini’s most popular blue dome churches. It is truly magnificent and one of the most photographed ones as well. |
| beenhere Visited by us |
Visit Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Photo by vivooo / Shutterstock.com
Akrotiri is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Aegean. It was an ancient Minoan settlement destroyed in the 16th century BCE by a volcanic eruption and buried in volcanic ash. Add this site to your Santorini itinerary especially if you are a history and archaeology enthusiast.
Fun factSome scholars say the lost Atlantis was none other than Santorini after examining the finds from the excavations at Akrotiri. |
Sample Delicious Greek Coffee and Food
If you are a coffee lover, you must try Frappe and Freddo during your Santorini trip. Both are iced coffee drinks perfect to cool off the summer heat. We both cannot imagine our day without a coffee, so delicious coffee is another reason we love Santorini.
Santorini offers amazing dining options. Sample mouth-watering Greek food while enjoying splendid views that are hard to beat.
Useful tipDuring peak season months, make your reservations at least several days in advance. |
Visit Therasia
Therasia is not a place on Santorini, but another small island you can get by a ferry or as part of a boat tour.
It is a peaceful, traditional island with a laid-back vibe.
On Therasia, the nightlife is non-existent, and the amenities are limited, yet whether you visit for a day or stay for a few days, you will feel rested and renewed.
It is like Santorini a long time ago with a more local authentic aura to it. During our first visit to Santorini, we spent two nights in Therasia and immensely enjoyed the authentic Greek hospitality.
| beenhere Visited by us |
Profitis Elias Monastery and Pargos
Prophet Elias Monastery is located in the southeast part of Santorini, on the summit of Mount Profitis Ilias. It is the highest point on the island, and you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Santorini.
You can get here by car, ATV, or motorbike. Alternatively, you can hike here, it is healthier and gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the scenery.
Extra Tip:
On your way to Mount Profitis Ilias make a stop at Pyrgos. It is a small village located in some of Santorini’s with twisting lanes and small cafes. It has retained its charm and laid-back vibe on the overly touristy island of Santorini.
| beenhere Visited by us |
ConclusionWhat to pack: Shoes with good grip, the stairs can be slippery |
