Santorini, one of the 200+ Cyclades Islands, is perhaps the most famous island in Greece. People are drawn to the 28-square miles of this intimate island. It is known for its ancient ruins, rocky beaches, and whitewashed, smooth-edged houses clinging to the rugged cliffs with incredible views of the Aegean Sea.
The romantic landscape of this Mediterranean hot spot has been in the making for centuries. The island’s unique half-moon shaped bay is a caldera, a large cauldron-like hollow of volcanic depression formed by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in the world over 3,900 years ago.
Can’t wait until you can book a flight and explore the island? Discover the best things to do in the island paradise, Santorini, with our guide.
1. Go cliff jumping at Ammoudi Bay
People tourists swimming and sunbathing in a popular cliff jumping spot at Ammoudi Bay | FotoHelin, Shutterstock
Amoudi Bay is a peaceful fishing harbor in the foot of Oia that is surrounded by striking, towering cliffs. The harbor overlooks the mesmerizing seascape vista. You can charter a boat and go out to sea, where you can enjoy the crystal clear waters straight off the rocks.
Dive headfirst into the Mediterranean Sea for a refreshing start to your Santorini adventure. For a more thrilling, 20-foot cliff jump, make your way to the rocky path from the parking area near the bay. Don’t forget your swim shoes as the beach is rocky.
Amoudi Bay
Ormos Ammoudiou 847 02, Greece
Admission: Free
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Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Barbounaki Santorini (5/5 stars, Restaurant, €€€)
• Katina Fish Tavern (4.5/5 stars, Seafood, €€)
• Elinikon (4.6/5 stars, Greek, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Amoudi Bay.
The best hotel to stay near Amoudi Bay based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• White Pearl Villas (9.5/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
2. Enjoy yourself at Kamari Beach
Kamari beach at sunrise – Santorini | Zocchi Roberto, Shutterstock
Located over 10 kilometers from Fira, the island’s capital is one of Santorini’s most popular beaches. Kamari Beach is situated on the foot of the massive Mesa Vouno Mountain. The beach is well known for its long stretch of volcanic black sand and pebble beach. You’ll find plenty of things to do on the beach during the day, but the beach comes alive at night. Lined with bars, cocktail lounges, and taverns offering authentic Greek fare, it is lively and thrumming with eclectic energy.
Kamari Beach
Παναγίας Μυρτιδιωτίσσης, Kamari 847 00, Greece
Admission: Free
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Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Kordas (4.9/5 stars, Greek, €€€)
• Captain’s Corner (4.7/5 stars, Greek, €€)
• The Rakomelo (4.6/5 stars, Greek, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Kamari Beach.
The best hotel to stay near Kamari Beach based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Santorini Kastelli Resort (9.5/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
3. Visit another planet at Red Beach
Red Beach is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches of Thira island | cge2010, Shutterstock
Santorini’s magical beaches were born out of the volcanic activity on the island centuries ago. However, when you step on to the iconic Red Beach, you’ll feel like you’re not on earth. The beach offers otherworldly views of the contrasting bright cerulean waters, pebbly beach, and deep red hills and cliffs. It is one of the most photographed sites of all of Santorini.
Red Beach
Grecia, Thira, Greece
Admission: Free
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Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Ifestioni restaurant (4.9/5 stars, Greek, €€€)
• Anogi (4.7/5 stars, Greek, €€)
• Metaxí Mas (4.7/5 stars, Greek, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Red Beach.
The best hotel to stay near Red Beach based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Astarte Suites (9.2/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
4. Take a boat to White Beach
White Beach, Santorini, Greece | Santorini Sea Kayak, Flickr
Each of Santorini’s famed beaches has special characteristics that make it stand out from any beach you’ve ever been to. In the cove right next to White Beach lies one of the distinct beaches that embodies the unique hues everyone associates with Santorini. White Beach is a secluded white pebbled beach, surrounded by massive white cliffs. The waves of the beach are crystal clear and are perfect for swimming.
Venture into beautiful and unique White Beach and take in the unforgettable scenery of the white sand and cliffs sandwich between the stunning blues of the water and the sky. Like Red Beach, it is located in the small village of Akrotiri on the southside of Santorini. However, it is only accessible via a boat, which departs from the Red Beach.
White Beach
Thera, Greece
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Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Athenian House (4.7/5 stars, Greek, €€€)
• Kokkalo (4.7/5 stars, Greek, €€)
• Fino (4.8/5 stars, Greek, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near White Beach.
The best hotel to stay near White Beach based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Santorini Princess Spa Hotel (9.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Go cruising
Cruise ships in Thira, Santorini island, Greece | Elina Manninen, Shutterstock
The already small island of Santorini can be made even more intimate with an exclusive boat cruise. A private boat tour allows you to explore the island on your own terms. Boat tours enter the caldera and/or sail the volcano and allow you to drop anchor on the cool waters. Treat yourself to a fun-filled day of swimming, snorkeling, or basking in the sun of your very own boat.
6. Hike up to the Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera archaeological site in the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea, Greece | P.Brunclik, Shutterstock
Perched on top of the Mesa Vouno Mountain, with cliffs that drop abruptly on the sea, are the ruins of Ancient Thera. The highlight of this high area is the panoramic views of Santorini and the nearby islands. Check out the Terrace of Festivals, a site created in tribute to Apollo. Marvel at the amazing view in the midst of the ruins of a land before time.
Ancient Thera
Santorini 847 00, Greece
Admission: 4 euros ($4.46)
Ph: +30 2286 081939
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Fratzeskos (4.6/5 stars, Greek, €€€)
• Sirocco (4.6/5 stars, Pizza, €€)
• Mesogaia Delicatessen (4.5/5 stars, Fine dining, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Ancient Thera.
The best hotel to stay near Ancient Thera based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Cavo Bianco (9.1/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
7. Hike from Fira to Oia
Hiking trail up the hill to the church, the trail over the sea from Oia to Fira in Santorini, Greece | kavalenkava, Shutterstock
The charms of Santorini can really only be appreciated when you explore the island on foot. One of the best hikes on the island is the trail that takes you from Fira to Oia. These two towns are known for their beautiful scenery and delightful local offerings. The trail also allows you to explore the quaint villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli. The trail is around 10 kilometers long. Completing the trail takes around 3–5 hours, so it’s best to do this earlier in the day to avoid the intense heat.
8. Take a winery tour
Santo Wines Winery | Santo Wines Winery
Forget Italy and Australia! Greece is where the best wines are. It may come as a surprise to you that Santorini has been making wines since ancient times. In fact, Santorini is home to the oldest wine regions in the world. For a sampling of fine wines and even finer views, you must consider a tour of the wineries of Santorini.
On top of the cliff in the outskirts of Pyrgos is Santo Wines Winery. The scenic and centrally-located winery offers walking tours with tastings and sides. It also has an amazing terrace with a mesmerizing view of the caldera, especially during the sunset.
Santo Wines Winery
Pyrgos Kallistis 847 00, Greece
Admission: 20 Euros per person
Ph: +30 22860 22596
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Parea Tavern (4.6/5 stars, Greek, €€€)
• Pitogyros (4.7/5 stars, Greek, €€)
• Ovac (4.7/5 stars, Greek, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Santo Wines Winery.
The best hotel to stay near Santo Wines Winery based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Carpe Diem Santorini, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (9.6/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
9. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Building of the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira, Santorini | Milan Gonda, Shutterstock
Knowing about the history and culture of the island helps you appreciate your time in Santorini. An avenue to learn about the island is at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. Located in Fira, the museum was built on the site of the old Ypapanti Church.
The museum offers a curated collection of artifacts and murals from the archaeological sites. Its exhibits give visitors an insight into how the beautiful island came to be. Enrich your vacation by learning about one of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating islands.
Museum of Prehistoric Thira
Thera 847 00, Greece
Admission: 3 euros (around $3.38 per person)
Ph: +30 22860 23217
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Mylos Bar Restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Greek, €€€)
• FalafeLAND (4.8/5 stars, Vegan, €€)
• Lucky’s Souvlakis (4.6/5 stars, Greek, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Museum of Prehistoric Thira.
The best hotel to stay near Museum of Prehistoric Thira based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Astro Palace Hotel (9/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
10. Glimpse the past in Ancient Akrotiri
Ancient Greece archeology dig Akrotiri history old archaic city ancient civilization | Leah Pirone, Shutterstock
The mysteries of the Santorini are still being uncovered. As most of the island was covered in ash after the great volcanic eruption, many of the prehistoric settlements in the area have been well-preserved. On the south-western part of Santorini lies the ancient, buried city of Akrotiri. This site is also referred to as Greece’s Pompeii. The area was converted into an archaeological site housed in a big, airy building and is open to visitors.
Ancient Akrotiri
Thera 847 00, Greece
Admission: €12, reduced: €6; Special package: full: €14, reduced: €7
Ph: +30 2286 081939
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Melitini (4.6/5 stars, Tapas, €€€)
• Cava Alta (4.6/5 stars, Mediterranean, €€)
• Oia Vineyart (4.7/5 stars, Greek, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Ancient Akrotiri.
The best hotel to stay near Ancient Akrotiri based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Volcano View Hotel Santorini (9.2/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
11. Take photos at the Byzantine Castle Ruins
Byzantine Castle Ruins in Oia Santorini island in the Cyclades, Greece on sunset | saiko3p, Shutterstock
Perched on top and in between Oia and Ormos Ammoudia was a 15th-century medieval Byzantine Castle. Time has turned the castle into ruins; however, beauty is still evident in the area. The elevation of the site promises one of the best views of the island. In your sight will be the landmark white-washed, cubic buildings, a windmill, and the rocky cliffs descending into the deep blue sea. The view is one of the most photographed on the island.
Byzantine Castle Ruins
Oia 847 02, Greece
Admission: Free
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Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Karma (4.6/5 stars, Greek, €€€)
• Piatsa Souvlaki Grill House Oia (4.6/5 stars, Gyro, €€)
• Niko’s Place (4.7/5 stars, Greek, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Byzantine Castle Ruins.
The best hotel to stay near Byzantine Castle Ruins based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Secret Legend Suites (9.4/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
12. Hunt for Instagrammable spots
Traditional and famous houses and churches with blue domes over the Caldera, Aegean sea | PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek, Shutterstock
Explore the charming towns of Santorini to hunt for beautiful scenes and spaces to strike your best pose. The towns are dreamy and effortlessly beautiful. The imagery created by cobblestone paths in between whitewashed buildings with hanging bougainvilleas is almost manufactured – except it’s not.
For example, walk down to the main street of Oia and turn left right before the Bulgari store and down to a small pathway for a photo opportunity with Santorini’s signature bright blue domes.
13. Watch the sunset at Akrotiri Lighthouse
Akrotiri lighthouse – Santorini ,Greece | Merlino82, Shutterstock
Sunsets in Santorini are beyond magical. There are a number of spots around the island that promise stellar views of the colorful sunset, but the most famous one is on the Akrotiri Lighthouse. Set on the extreme southwest area of the island, the lighthouse is situated on an idyllic and peaceful landscape. It is also among the first lighthouses in Greece. Make your way to the lighthouse and be entranced as the warm light of the setting sun fills the sky and floods your senses.
Akrotiri Lighthouse
Thera 847 00, Greece
Ph: 6948875445
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Lefkes (4.8/5 stars, Greek, €€€)
• Lucky’s Souvlakis (4.6/5 stars, Greek, €€)
• Alali Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Greek, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Akrotiri Lighthouse.
The best hotel to stay near Akrotiri Lighthouse based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Ducato Di Oia (9.2/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
14. Experience Cinema Kamari
People waiting movie to begin in no roof and open air movie theater, Santorini, Kamari | FotoHelin, Shutterstock
When going to the cinema, sometimes it’s about the movie and sometimes it’s about the experience of being in a theater. Cinema Kamari, located in the village of Kamari, offers the latter. The open-air movie theater promises a cozy and friendly viewing experience. Open from May to October, the theater is set in the middle of a garden where you watch films under the starry night. It is regarded as one of Santorini’s most fun activities. The cinema also has a full bar offering refreshments and other snacks to enjoy with your movie.
Open Air Cinema Kamari
Santorini, Kamari 847 00, Greece
Admission: 8 euro
Ph: +30 22860 33452
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Seaside (4.6/5 stars, Greek, €€€)
• Il Forno (4.8/5 stars, Italian, €€)
• Koralli Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Greek, €€)
See the full list of places to eat near Open Air Cinema Kamari.
The best hotel to stay near Open Air Cinema Kamari based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• La Mer Deluxe Hotel & Spa (8.9/10 stars, €€€) – Booking.com
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