Santorini’s 10 Ultimate Must-dos That Will Leave You in Awe
Let me start by saying that we LOVE Santorini. We have visited it three times, and each time, we have enjoyed it immensely. Scroll down to discover Santorini’s 10 ultimate must-dos. Our recommendations on and around Santorini are here to help you make the most 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 current rugged landscape.
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.
Check out our list of Santorini’s top 10 ultimate must-dos before planning your unforgettable trip.
Red Beach
Red Beach is a cool spot surrounded by red hills and volcanic rocks. You can get to Red Beach by boat, ATV, or bus. Thousands visit this beach to snorkel, swim, or photograph its unique beauty.
Red Beach is close to the 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.
Imerovigli
Imerovigli is the next on the list of Santorini’s 10 ultimate must-dos. It is a picturesque village known for sunset watching and fine dining. Built on the highest point of the caldera cliffs and 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 beautiful boutique hotels, and some of the best restaurants in Santorini are also here.
Extra Tip: Hike 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.
Explore Nea Kameni
Nea Kameni is a small, uninhabited island that forms part of Santorini’s caldera. Most boat tours stop here, and 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 piqued your interest.
Find out more about this geological park on the official website.
Visit the Black Beaches
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 as well.
Perivolos and Perissa’s black sand beaches are stunning too. They are dotted with little stores, cafés, beach bars, and restaurants. This is a terrific area to spend a day at the beach with plenty of amenities.
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 large crowds to Oia. Each time we were there, the sunset viewing spots were packed with romantic couples or sunset lovers. You can try to find spots with fewer people, but that might be nearly impossible. Nevertheless, it is an unbeatable experience, so go for it.
Alternative: Enjoy breathtaking sunsets in Fira or Imerovigli. We experienced both, and it was magnificent.
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 about a 10 km hike that can take 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 hiking early in the morning to allow yourself enough time to make stops and take photos.
Bonus Tip: Stop at Three Bells of Fira, an iconic blue-dome church in Santorini. It is truly magnificent and one of the most photographed ones.
Visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site
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 if you are a history and archaeology enthusiast.
Fun Fact: Some 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. Neither of us can imagine our day without a coffee, so delicious coffee is another reason we love Santorini.
Santorini offers amazing dining options, too. Sample mouth-watering Greek food while enjoying splendid views that are hard to beat.
Useful Tip: During the peak season, make your reservations at least several days in advance.
Visit Therasia
Therasia is a small island just northwest of Nea Kameni. You can get there by ferry or by booking a boat tour.
It is a peaceful, traditional island with a laid-back vibe. 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. It has a more local, authentic aura. During our first visit to Santorini, we spent two nights in Therasia and immensely enjoyed the unrivaled Greek hospitality.
Visit Profitis Elias Monastery and Pyrgos
Prophet Elias Monastery is 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 helps you fully immerse yourself in the scenery.
On your way to Mount Profitis Ilias, make a stop at Pyrgos. It is a small village with twisting lanes and small cafés. It has retained its charm and laid-back vibe on the overly touristy island of Santorini.
We hope you enjoyed scrolling through our list of Santorini’s 10 ultimate must-dos. Now pack your bags and get ready to be mesmerized!
What to pack
- Shoes with good grip (the stairs can be slippery)
- Sun cream, sunhat
- Good mood and open mind 😊
