Famed for its dramatic black and red beaches, sparkling white houses perched on the edge of a cliff, and stunning sunsets, Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations. With its volcanic origins, the island has much to offer visitors beyond its natural beauty, including a wealth of archaeological and cultural attractions. In this post, I have prepared a list of the 12 Best and Fun Things to Do in Santorini you won’t want to miss.
Things To Do In Santorini
1. Oia
Oia is without a doubt the most popular town on Santorini and one of the most beautiful in all of Greece. This whitewashed village is perched atop a cliff overlooking the Caldera and boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
The narrow streets of Oia are filled with whitewashed houses, elegant boutiques, and art galleries. It’s the perfect place to wander around and take in the charm of the island. This town is also home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture on the island. The Venetian castle is a must-see, as are the many churches with their characteristic blue-domed roofs.
The best time to visit Oia is late afternoon or early evening when the sun casts a beautiful golden light over the village and the sea. This is when the village comes alive with locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy the stunning views and take pictures. Oia is also home to some excellent restaurants that offer superb views of the sunset. Be sure to make a reservation if you want to eat at one of these restaurants, as they often fill up quickly.
All in all, Oia is a must-see for anyone visiting Santorini. It offers some of the most beautiful views of the island and is home to some excellent restaurants. Make sure to allocate plenty of time to wander around the village and take in the incredible sights.
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2. Fira
The capital of Santorini, Fira, is perhaps one of the top attractions in Santorini, perched atop a dramatic cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Caldera and its surrounding islands.
The town is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and shops. Many restaurants and cafes can be found here, as well as a lively nightlife. The town is lively and vibrant, with something to see or do at all hours of the day. In addition, Fira is also home to the Archaeological Museum of Thera. This museum is housed in a Venetian building and contains exhibits on the prehistoric and ancient cultures of Santorini.
Overall, Fira is a great place to wander around and take in the unique atmosphere of this charming village. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore, as well as the excellent Archaeological Museum. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the best of Santorini village life.
3. Akrotíri Archaeological Site
If you’re interested in history and archaeology, then be sure to visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. This site is home to the ruins of an ancient Minoan city that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 17th century BC. And today, it offers a unique glimpse into the ancient Minoan city and its people.
The remains of the settlement include walls, houses, and tombs that have been excavated and well preserved. You can wander around the archaeological site on your own or take a guided tour for a more in-depth experience. I would recommend at least half a day to see everything at this attraction.
Akrotíri is not as well-known as other tourist destinations on Santorini, so it tends to be a bit quieter and less crowded. This makes it a great place to appreciate the island’s history and archaeology without the hustle and bustle of other areas. If you’re interested in ancient civilizations or just want to see some unique ruins, then I suggest adding it to your list of things to do in Santorini.
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4. Boat Trip Around Santorini
If you’re looking for a more thrilling experience while in Santorini, I suggest going on a boat trip around the island. The mesmerizing Caldera and volcanic cliffs towering above the turquoise waters make unforgettable scenery.
There are several different types of boat trips to choose from, depending on your interests. If you want to see the highlights of Santorini and spend as little time on the water as possible, a half-day cruise is perfect. But if you want to explore more of the island, a full-day cruise is a better option. This tour gives you the opportunity to see all the top tourist attractions in Santorini while on the boat trip, including the Caldera, cliffs, and villages.
No matter which cruise you choose, be sure to book well in advance, as they often sell out. This is a great way to get a feel for the whole island and see all the best sights in a short amount of time. The views from the boat are simply too amazing to miss. So I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an exciting and informative day out.
5. Profitis Ilias Monastery
The Profitis Ilias is a religious monument located on the highest point of the island (Mt. Profítis Ilías) at 584 meters above sea level. The hike to the monastery is about an hour-long, but it’s a beautiful journey with great views along the way. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best vistas on Santorini and also tour the white-clad Byzantine-style Monastery.
It is said that the monastery was founded in the 18th century, and it is dedicated to Prophet Elias. Today, the monastery is open to the public, and visitors can wander its tranquil grounds and admire the beautiful Byzantine frescoes and icons. There is also a small museum on-site that showcases religious artifacts from the monastery’s long history.
It is definitely worth making the climb up to see this lovely religious site. The panoramic views of the island are simply stunning, and the monastery itself is very photogenic. Be sure to dress modestly if you plan on entering the chapel.
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6. Red Beach
If you’re looking for something a little more exotic and dramatic, then head to the Red Beach near Akrotiri. This beach gets its name from the rusty-hued cliffs and pebbles that line its shores. It’s definitely a photographer’s paradise, with dramatic scenery and crystal-clear waters.
The Red Beach is much quieter than other beaches on Santorini since it’s a bit harder to get to. You’ll need to hike down a steep path to get there, but it’s well worth the effort. There are no amenities on the beach, so come prepared with food, water, and sunscreen.
Red Beach is definitely one of the top attractions in Santorini. The mix of black and red pebbles against the bright blue waters is a sight to behold. It’s also a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Read More: 10 Best Beaches in Santorini
7. Ancient Thira
The archaeological site of Ancient Thira is a must-see for any visitor to Santorini. The ancient city is located on the island’s southeast coast, high above the sea on a clifftop. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Caldera and the Aegean Sea.
The ruins of Ancient Thira date back to the 9th century BC and are some of the oldest in Greece. The city was destroyed by an earthquake, and little remains of it today. However, you can still see the ruins of the temples, theaters, administrative buildings, gym, and other buildings that once stood here.
Ancient Thira is a fascinating archaeological site to explore. It gives you a unique glimpse into the ancient history of Santorini and Greece. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in ancient history or archaeology, as it is one of the top tourist attractions Santorini has to offer.
8. Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay is another of the most popular attractions in Santorini. It’s located just the village of Oia and is considered to be the most romantic spot on the island. It is a natural harbor and one of the unique places on the island where it’s still possible to swim, snorkel, and dive.
The bay is also a great spot for seafood lovers. A few restaurants perched on the edge of the cliffs offer stunning views of the Caldera and the Aegean Sea. The restaurants serve up some of the freshest seafood on the island, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a special night out.
Ammoudi Bay is definitely one of the most beautiful spots on Santorini and shouldn’t be missed by anyone visiting the island. And if you are in Fira, you can easily catch a boat and enjoy a day trip to this picturesque spot.
9. Kamari Beach
Kamari Beach is another popular spot on the island of Santorini. It’s a wide, sweeping beach with black sand and lovely deep blue waters. The sand is soft, and the water is crystal clear, making it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
This beach is also one of the busiest on the island, as it’s located close to the capital Fira. This makes it easy to get to, but it also means that it can be quite crowded during the peak season. The beach is well equipped with amenities, including public restrooms, showers, beach chairs, umbrellas, sun loungers, and more. The beachfront is also lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and a few souvenir shops.
Kamari beach is a great option if you’re looking for a busy but beautiful beach with plenty of amenities and activities. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in Santorini and is definitely worth a visit.
10. Caldera
The Caldera is a must-see attraction and one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Greece. Formed by the devastating volcanic eruption, the Caldera is a huge sea-filled cauldron-shaped depression in the island’s center.
The area around the Caldera is dotted with picturesque villages, whitewashed churches, and windmills. The most famous village is Oia, which is perched on the Caldera’s rim and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Many visitors choose to take a boat trip around the Caldera or hike its perimeter.
So, no matter how you choose to experience it, the Caldera is one of the must-see attractions in Santorini and the most beautiful natural wonders in all of Greece. So make sure to add it to your list of things to do while on the island.
11. Museum of Prehistoric Thira
The Museum of Prehistoric Thira is a small but interesting museum located in the town of Fira. It contains exhibits on the prehistoric period of the island, with artifacts dating back to about 3000 BC.
One of the most interesting sections is the Venetian period (12th-15th century AD). This section contains items from the excavations at Akrotiri, a prehistoric city that was buried in ash after a volcanic eruption. There is a large collection of pottery, figurines, tools, and other objects from these ancient cultures.
The Museum of Prehistoric Thira is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Santorini. It is definitely one of the top attractions in Santorini you don’t want to miss.
12. Therasia
Therasia is a small volcanic island located opposite Santorini. It can be reached in about 15 minutes by boat from the port of Fira. The island is only inhabited by a few hundred people and is known for its quiet, rural atmosphere.
Therasia is much quieter and calmer than Santorini, and it is known for its dramatic landscapes, stunning views, and interesting geological features. Its main beach offers stunning views of the Caldera and is excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. In addition, this small island is a great place to go for a hike. There are some excellent trails that take you through the rugged terrain.
All in all, Therasia is a lovely place to visit for a day trip and offers some wonderful views of Santorini. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quieter and more peaceful alternative to Santorini.
In summary
The 12 top tourist attractions in Santorini listed above are sure to please every type of visitor. From the dramatic Caldera and stunning sunsets to the black and red sand beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this beautiful Greek island. So be sure to add at least a few of these attractions to your itinerary when planning a trip to Santorini. You won’t be disappointed!