The 15 BEST Things to do in Santorini, Greece
One of the most unique places in the world I’ve ever visited is Santorini, Greece. Santorini is truly unlike any other island you will ever visit and deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list. Santorini was at the very top of my bucket list and I can’t believe I was finally able to take a trip there!
Santorini is known of the island of romance in Greece, but the island is so diverse, you can always find something to do whether you’re on your honeymoon, solo traveling, or just on a trip with friends! In this guide, I’ll go over all the best things to do in Santorini, Greece. From exploring black sand beaches to trying seafood at Ammoudi Bay, I’ll help you pack your Santorini itinerary full!
More Greece Guides:
- 3 Day Mykonos Itinerary
- 7 Things to do in Oia, Santorini
- 3 Day Santorini Itinerary
- Ultimate Mykonos Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Santorini
If you are planning a trip to Santorini this summer, below are a few important things to know when planning your trip!
When is the best time to visit Santorini?
Deciding when to visit Santorini is an important factor when planning your trip. The weather can get cold in the Greek Islands, so most things in Santorini will be closed during the off season.
April to May are when Santorini starts opening up for the summer. During this time, the weather will be cooler and you can expect lower prices and fewer tourists. If you do visit in April, some hotels and restaurants may still be closed. I personally went to Santorini in May, and felt like it was a great time to visit!
The high season in Santorini runs June-August. These are the warmest months perfect for swimming and boat days, but there will be larger crowds and higher prices on flights and hotels.
Another great option to avoid the crowds and prices are September & October. These months are when the summer tourism season starts to calm down and prices and crowds will reduce as well.
How to get to Santorini?
There are 2 different ways to get to Santorini, but first, you will have to fly into Athens if you are coming from a US city.
Search flights to Athens:
Santorini by Ferry:
Once you arrive in Athens, you will need to arrange transportation to Santorini. The cheapest way to do that is by booking a ferry. Although cheaper, the ferry from Athens to Santorini is long and takes several hours.
If you are traveling to Santorini from another Greek Island, taking the ferry will also be your best option. Ferries between islands are much quicker than the ferry from Athens to Santorini.
Browse Ferry Options:
Santorini by Plane:
The quickest way to get to Santorini from Athens is by plane. This option is more expensive, but the flight is short and worth it in my opinion so you have more time to explore all the best things to do in Santorini!
If you are coming from another city in Europe, you most likely will be able to find flights directly from that city to Santorini.
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Where to stay in Santorini
The two main areas to stay in Santorini are Fira and Oia. Both are great options to stay in and are within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and popular attractions. You can also easily taxi or uber between the two villages.
Best hotels in Oia:
Canaves Oia Suites, Allure Breeze Suites, Mystique by Marriott, Andronis Luxury Suites, The Saint Hotel, Olvos Luxury Suites
Best hotels in Fira:
Villa Bordeaux, Athina Luxury Suites,
Now, we can discuss all the best things to do in Santorini, Greece!
1. Take a catamaran cruise
Seeing the impressive cliffs of the caldera from the water when in Santorini is a must! The views in Santorini are some of the best in the world, and just as good when viewed from below!
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Santorini, a catamaran cruise definitely needs to be on your list!
Best catamaran cruises in Santorini:
Comfort Max Catamaran Cruise
Price: $72 USD
Rating: 4 stars
Santorini Caldera Cruise with Volcano and Hot Springs visit
Price: $42 USD
Rating: 4 stars
Half Day Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Open Bar
Price: $132 USD
Rating: 4 Stars
Luxury Small-Group Catamaran Cruise
Price: $168 USD
Rating: 4 Stars
Santorini Private Catamaran Cruise with BBQ and Open Bar
Price: $662 USD
Rating: 4 Stars
2. Hike from Fira to Oia
If you’re an outdoor and adventure lover looking to do some hiking on your trip to Santorini, then try out hiking from Fira to Oia!
The hike is 6.5 miles long with 1,076 ft of elevation gain. The estimated time for this hike is 3 to 4 hours. The hike will take you along the cliffs with stunning views of the caldera, and connects the two most iconic villages in Santorini, Fira and Oia.
3. Visit Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay is a small fishing port at the bottom of the cliffs in Oia and is one of the best things to do in Santorini. If you want to try some fresh seafood and authentic Greek cuisine, Ammoudi Bay is a must! There are a few restaurants to try in Ammoudi Bay, such as Ammoudi Fish Tavern and Sunset Ammoudi.
If you plan to visit Ammoudi Bay for lunch, you most likely will not need a reservation. If you do come for dinner, especially around sunset time, then you may want to reserve a table just in case!
Another fun thing about Ammoudi Bay is that it’s a great spot for swimming in the summer months! Their is a trail that leads away from the dock and restaurants, if you follow the trail, it will lead you to a swimming area and cliff jumping!
How to get to Ammoudi Bay:
There are two options to get to Ammoudi Bay, either walk down the 200 stairs from the top of the cliffs to the bottom, or take a taxi/Uber that will drive you down the back way to the bottom. DO NOT ride the donkeys down the stairs; this is unethical and unnecessary with two alternative options.
4. Hike to Skaros Rock in Imerovigli
Near the Grace Hotel in the village of Imerovigli is a short trail that you can hike to Skaros Rock. This is a short hike, around 1 mile round-trip, and only takes about an hour.
If you decide to do this hike, make sure to bring some good hiking shoes! The trail is steep and uneven, and also has some stairs. This hike does not have any shade, so it is best to go in the early morning or later afternoon to avoid the sun and heat, especially if you are traveling during the summer months.
5. Santo Winery
A wine tasting at Santo Wines is one of the best things to do in Santorini for wine lovers! The wine in Santorini is unique due to the grapes being grown from the island’s volcanic soil.
Santo Wines is the most popular winery in Santorini and is a must visit on your Santorini trip! The winery sits at the top of the caldera and you can actually see the entire island of Santorini from the winery.
Also Read: Best Santorini Wine Tours
They have a few different tasting options and you can also book a tour of the winery before your tasting. The sunset views from the winery are incredible and I highly recommend booking your tasting during sunset!
Santo Winery Tour:
6. Take a wine tour
Santo Wines isn’t the only winery in Santorini! There are plenty wineries around Santorini and if you want to experience more than one, booking a wine tour is a great thing to do in Santorini!
There are a wide range of tour options and you can even do full or half day wine tours. Below are some options to choose from when booking a wine tour in Santorini.
Best Santorini Wine Tours:
Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings
Price: $180 USD
Rating: 4 Stars
Sunset Tour with Tasting and Dinner
Price: $208 USD
Rating: 4 Stars
7. Visit a red sand beach
Did you know there is a red sand beach in Santorini? This is probably one of the most unique things to do in Santorini! The red beach is located near the Akrotiri Archaeological site, so you could easily do both in the same day! You can access the beach by boat, rental car, or taxi/uber where you will have to walk down a steep path to the beach.
8. See the three blue domes in Oia
One of the most iconic viewpoints in Santorini is the Three Blue Domes in Oia. This is a popular location for photos, and a trip to Santorini is not complete without taking a photo here! If you want to get the iconic Santorini photo at the blue domes, I recommend going early! I went around 8 AM and there was already a small line, but if you go any later, you’ll definitely be waiting a while!
9. Flying Dress Photoshoot
Another great way to get those iconic Santorini photos is to book a flying dress photoshoot! If you don’t have your own camera equipment, this is a fun way to get some quality photos in Santorini. Another perk of hiring a photographer is they can typically take you to spots you otherwise wouldn’t be able to access on your own!
Best flying dress photoshoots in Santorini:
10. Visit Oia Castle and watch the sunset in Oia
The view from the Castle of Oia is a must when in Oia! The ruins of the castle offer incredible views of Oia and the caldera and is free to visit! This is also a popular spot to watch the sunset. People gather at the castle from all over the island every evening to catch a famous Oia sunset.
The castle gets very crowded during sunset, so it is recommended to get there early, or visit the castle first, and then watch the sunset over dinner at a restaurant in Oia!
11. Take a cooking class
One of the best ways to experience the culture of a new country is by taking a cooking class to learn about its cuisine! I hadn’t explored much Greek food before visiting Santorini, but since my trip to the Greek Islands, it’s become one of my favorite cuisines.
One of my favorite things about Greek food is how everything is fresh, healthy, and full of flavor! If you’re visiting Santorini and want to venture into the food scene, a cooking class is a great way to do just that!
12. Try the best gyros from Pitogyro
If you go to one restaurant in Santorini, it needs to be Pitogyros in Oia! These were the best gyros I had on my trip to Greece and it is a great, affordable food spot in Santorini! This small restaurant tucked away in an alley in Oia almost feels hidden! The restaurant is a “fast food” restaurant as the locals call it where you walk up to order and can take it to go or sit at one of the outdoor seating tables.
13. Visit a black sand beach
Santorini is a volcanic island, which means you can find several black sand beaches to explore! The most popular black sand beaches on Santorini are Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari. Perissa and Perivolos are the best black sand beaches for swimming in Santorini.
For a more luxury experience of a black sand beach on Santorini, visit the beach club at Nikki Beach!
14. Explore Oia
From blue domes, ancient ruins, iconic churches, cafes, shops, and cute bookstores, you can spend all day exploring the narrow streets of Oia.
Oia is the most popular village in Santorini and gets very crowded in the afternoon, especially on cruise ship days. If you plan to explore Oia one day, I recommend going in the morning, having breakfast at a cute cafe, and doing some shopping before the afternoon and cruise ships crowds hit!15. Have dinner at Skizza Cafe in Oia
15. Take an ATV Tour
Taking an ATV tour in Santorini is a great way to see the island in a day! Some ATV tours will take you around to the beaches where you’ll be able to see the black and red sand beaches. They’ll also take you to some unmissable viewpoints of the caldera. An ATV tour is a fun way to see the island of Santorini in a unique way!
FAQ
What should a first-time visitor to Santorini know?
The most important thing for first time visitors to know is that you will do A LOT of walking and there are A LOT of stairs! You will want to make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes. It is also important to know when to travel (May-October) because the island will be closed in the off season.
What are some free tourist attractions in Santorini?
Some free things to do in Santorini include swimming at Ammoudi Bay, watching sunset at the castle of Oia, hiking from Fira to Oia, walking around Oia, and hiking to Skaros Rock.
Things to do in Santorini, Greece on a honeymoon/for couples?
Some things to do in Santorini, Greece if you are traveling as a couple or for your honeymoon include staying in a cave hotel, taking a wine tour, booking a wine tasting at sunset at Santo Wines, having a sunset dinner at Ammoudi Bay, and spending the day at Nikki Beach Club!
Final Thoughts
Santorini is a destination that truly lives up to the hype and should definitely be on your bucket list. From iconic caldera views and black sand volcanic beaches to unforgettable sunsets in Oia, fresh seafood at Ammoudi Bay, and bucket list experiences, this island offers something special for every type of traveler. Whether youāre hiking cliffside trails, sipping local wine at sunset, or simply wandering through the streets of Oia, Santorini is a destination that everyone should visit at least once. If youāre planning a trip to Greece and wondering if Santorini is worth it, take this as your sign to go! Itās a destination youāll be thinking about long after you leave. Hopefully these travel tips are helpful when planning your trip to Greece and looking for all the best things to do in Santorini, Greece!
