10+1 Things to see in Santorini, Greece

Welcome to Santorini, the island of breathtaking sunsets, whitewashed houses, and clean seas. Holidays in Santorini are becoming more and more popular each year, with many tourists choosing this beautiful Greek isle due to its stunning combination of gorgeous beaches and quaint architecture, as well as mouthwatering food. If these are the kind of things you enjoy, then Santorini is going to be your ultimate vacay destination!

Let us now discuss the history of this lovely island. Santorini is a volcanic island in the southern Aegean Sea that belongs to the Cyclades island group. The island was produced by huge volcanic eruptions, the last that occurred roughly 3,600 years ago. This eruption is also thought to have brought the Minoan civilisation to an end. The name of the island is derived from the Venetian name for Saint Irene, and it was afterwards renamed Thera by the Greeks.

Without further ado, let us look at the top 10+1 things to do in Santorini!

1. Watch the Sunset at Oia: Oia is a town on the northern end of Santorini, famous for its stunning sunsets that attract tourists from all over the world. The town’s white-washed buildings with blue-domed churches and narrow streets add to the charm of the experience. The sunset itself is a mesmerising sight, as the sun sinks behind the horizon painting the sky with hues of pink, orange, and red. Don’t forget to bring a camera and capture the moment!

2. Hike from Fira to Oia: The trail from Fira to Oia is an incredible hiking experience that will take you through beautiful scenery and some of the island’s most picturesque villages. The hike takes around 3 to 4 hours, and it’s an excellent opportunity to explore the island’s landscape, architecture and meet locals. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry enough water to stay hydrated.

3. Visit the Ancient Akrotiri: The ancient site of Akrotiri is a well-preserved archaeological area on Santorini, which was buried in ash after a massive volcanic eruption over 3,600 years ago. The site has given historians a glimpse into the life of the Minoan civilization that inhabited the island before the eruption. It’s an excellent place to learn about the island’s history and architecture.

4. Swim at the Red Beach: The Red Beach is a unique beach on the southern end of Santorini, famous for its red and black volcanic sand. The beach offers stunning views of the ocean and cliffs that surround it, and it’s an excellent spot for snorkelling and swimming. Be aware that the beach is quite crowded, so it’s best to arrive early.

5. Take a Boat Tour of the Caldera: The Caldera is a massive volcanic crater that partially encircles Santorini and offers breathtaking views of the island. A boat tour is an excellent way to explore the Caldera, and many tours include stops at hot springs, the volcano, and other picturesque spots around the island.

6. Visit the Santorini Wineries: Santorini is known for its vineyards and wine, and there are several wineries on the island that offer wine-tasting tours. Try the locally produced Assyrtiko wine, which is grown in the volcanic soil of the island and has a unique flavour profile.

7. Explore the Villages of Pyrgos and Emporio: Pyrgos and Emporio are two charming villages on Santorini that offer a glimpse into the island’s traditional architecture and lifestyle. Both villages have narrow, winding streets that lead to beautiful churches, stunning views and cafes, and local shops where you can buy souvenirs.

8. Have a Spa Day in a Cave: Many spas in Santorini are located in caves, making for a unique and relaxing experience. The island’s natural volcanic hot springs are also believed to have healing properties and are often used in spa treatments.

9. Walk Along the Black Beach: Perissa and Perivolos are two black sand beaches on Santorini, famous for their unique colour and crystal-clear waters. The beaches have a lively atmosphere, with beach bars, restaurants, and water sports available.

10. Admire the Views from the Skaros Rock: Skaros Rock is a rocky promontory on the northern end of Santorini, offering incredible views of the island’s coastline and the Aegean Sea. The hike to the top is challenging, but the views are worth the effort.

11. Extra: Watch a Movie at an Open-Air Cinema: There are a few open air cinemas that function in the summer. Tickets cost just €10, but are worth every penny, as watching a film under the stars has to be one of the most fun ways to do so!

And with that, we come to the end of our journey through Santorini. We hope that this list has provided you with a comprehensive guide to the wonders of this beautiful island, from the iconic blue domes to the fiery sunsets.

So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to explore one of the most stunning destinations in the world. And remember, when it comes to getting around the island, skip the hassle of public transportation and book a quality, reliable, and comfortable airport transfer with AtoB. Let us take care of the logistics, so you can focus on soaking up all the beauty and magic that Santorini has to offer.

Happy Travels or Καλό Ταξίδι!