Discover the 18 most amazing things to do in Santorini, Greece below.
Santorini is one of the world’s most magical travel destinations. A hotspot for anyone seeking breathtaking views, world-renowned sunsets, bright blue water, and unmatched energy. It is especially popular amongst couples for honeymoons and special occasions, but is also a welcome place for families, girls’ trips and more! Santorini is one of the most popular islands in Europe for a reason.
Find the 18 most magical things to do in Santorini below and get planning the trip of a lifetime.
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18 Magical Things to do in Santorini
Watch the Sunset in Imerovigli
Watching the sunset is easily one of the top things to do in Santorini. There are so many different places you can watch as the sun goes into the horizon and the sky turns pink and orange. The most popular place to watch the sunset in Santorini is in Oia – and although it is stunning here it is unbelievably busy in the summer months which ruins the experience.
As a result, the best place to watch the sunset is in Imerovigli. Here you can find ample space on a patio, path or public area to watch the sunset beautifully into the sea. From here you also get the Caldera view of the volcano crater!
Find the Blue Domes in Oia
Nothing screams Santorini more than the blue-domed churches. The deep blue against the white-washed buildings is an iconic sight to see and finding them for your own viewing is one of the top things to do in Santorini. They can be found in the village of Oia and are very popular amongst tourists. In the summer months, you will find lines of people waiting to take photos with and of the domes!
If you want to capture some photos of these domes be sure to head here early or visit in the very beginning or end of the season when fewer people are in Santorini.
Take a Boat Tour
Heading out on a boat and exploring the bright blue waters surrounding Santorini is one of the top things to do on the island. There are a ton of boat tours that run during the day or during sunset that will show you some of the best-hidden secrets only accessible by boat. Below are some of the top boat tours in Santorini.
Relax on Red Beach Santorini
Red Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Santorini and one of the most famous beaches in the world! It is one of Santorini’s top tourist attractions with people eager to see the volcanic landscape and red-hued sand. In the summer months, you will find plenty of people laying out on sunbeds swimming in the blue water and admiring the other-worldly landscape.
Sample Local Food
Greek food is just delicious! With a focus on fresh seafood and classics like greek salad, gyros and more you cannot go wrong. Exploring Santorini and eating all the special greek food you can find is a must. One of the most unique and interesting is the fried feta covered in honey! Super unique and oh-so-delicious.
Hike From Fira to Oia
Hiking from Fira to Oia is a long but rewarding hike along the island. The hike brings you along the cliffs on a clear path and is easily one of the top things to do in Santorini. It takes around 2.5-5 hours to complete depending on how fast you walk and how many stops you make along the way. Going on this hike offers stunning views of the sea, the caldera, and other small villages along the way.
Enjoy Wine Tasting
Santorini is home to many wineries that are perfect for visiting while on the island. You can choose one winery and spend the day there immersed in it, or you can join one of the tours below and visit many different wineries in one day for a more complete experience. For wine lovers, and those wanting to immerse themself in Santorini’s magic, this is the top thing to do.
Enjoy an Afternoon in Megalochori
Escaping the busy villages like Oia and Fira to visit some of the smaller villages for a few hours is one of the top things to do in Santorini. A great option if you are looking for a beautiful and authentic village is Megalochori, a traditional old Greek village with whitewashed buildings, winding streets and blue accents all around.
If you are visiting during the busy season this is the ideal thing to do if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a stunning village with fewer people.
Visit Amoudi Bay
Amoudi Bay is a beautiful place to visit in Santorini located just below Oia. The stunning bay and port is built amongst the red volcanic rock and sits along the bright blue water. It is easily reached by a long set of stairs leading from the village of Oia to the Bay! Heading here the admire the village and views is one of the top things to do in Santorini.
Venture to the Thera Prehistoric Museum
Want to do something more historic and educational while visiting Santorini? Then a visit to the Prehistoric Thera Museum is a must. Heading to this small yet fascinating museum is one of the top things to do in Santorini. It is the perfect place to learn about ancient Greek history and admire the old paintings, sculptures, and vases all with their own story.
Spend a Night in a Luxury Hotel
Staying in a luxury hotel is one of the best ways to experience Santorini. As one of the more lux holiday destinations, there are a ton of high-end, special hotels to choose from for a stay, unlike anything you’ve experienced before. If you have the budget and want to enjoy a few nights of luxury, then stay in a luxury hotel and prepare to be amazed.
Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Oia:
Spend a Day at White Beach Santorini
White Beach is a very popular beach in Santorini for those seeking a day in the sun surrounded by beauty. It is located beside Red Beach and is known for its bright white cliffs surrounding the shore. It can only be reached on foot from Red Beach or by boat.
Visit Akrotiri Excavations
Akrotiri is an archeological site in Santorini full of exciting things to see and discover. It was a Bronze Age settlement that was destroyed in a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. What is here now are the remains of the eruption such as frescos, vases, art and much more. Heading here is one of the top things to do in Santorini to see and experience its past.
Visit the Volcano and Hot Springs
Heading off the main island of Santorini and visiting the other islets nearby is one of the top things to do on the island. Here you can see and experience the unique volcanic landscapes, natural hot springs and more.
Head to the Black Sand Beaches
Black sand can be found on many of Santorini’s beaches due to the devastating volcanic eruption that happened over 3,600 years ago. The unique black hue of the sand is very unique to Santorini and heading to one of these beaches to soak in the magic is one of the top things to do. Some of the top black sand beaches are Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach and more!
Explore Fira
Fira is the capital of Santorini and a top place to visit and explore. It is made up of a maze of alleyways all with their own unique charm and beauty. Wandering the streets and exploring all of Fira is easily one of the best things to do in Santorini. While doing this you can discover new restaurants, shops and aesthetic Greek streets straight out of a postcard.
Visit the Village of Pyrgos
Pyrgos is a wonderfully preserved medieval village in Santorini and is the perfect place to head to for a day trip. This hilltop village is known for its wineries, boutiques, and beautiful architecture, making it the perfect place to head to if you want to escape the crowds in Fira and Oia.
Rent an ATV and Explore the Island
Renting ATVs to see and explore Santorini is the best way to do it. By renting your own ATV you can cruise all around the island jumping from village to village and beach to beach with ease and on your own schedule.
When to Visit Santorini
Santorini is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, especially in summer. As a result, visiting in summer is not suggested. It is extremely busy and hot so enjoying the island to its fullest can be hard.
The best time to visit Santorini is in the shoulder seasons: Late April to Mid June and September to Mid-October.
Where to Stay in Santorini
Booking.comTravel Insurance
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This list of the 18 best things to do in Santorini is enough to keep you busy for days! Enjoy your stay in one of the world’s most beautiful travel destinations.
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SSW
Oh this looks amazing…I love the varied coloured sand beaches, the museum and dig site…as a big history buff I love to discover what once was…
You finally managed to get me to spend time reading about Santorini, Greece 🙂 For years I have seen these pictures of white buildings with blue roofs and domes and thought about visiting this most beautiful of Greek islands, but as you say, it gets so busy during the warm months of the year. One day, I really want to see it though, and go through this list of magical things to do in Santorini, in the shoulder season, naturally. Your photos are stunning!