Santorini Greece attractions: 18 Top Places to Visit in Santorini Greece

Santorini is where romance meets adventure (and maybe your travel buddy’s last nerve). Santorini is a beautiful island full of whitewashed houses tumbling down cliffs, churches with domes the color of a summer sky, and sunsets so fiery they could melt your heart (and maybe your phone battery trying to capture it all).

But let’s be honest, my lovely anxious travelers: Haven’t you seen enough pictures of Santorini to wallpaper your entire house? I mean, yes, it’s stunning. Breathtaking, even. But there’s so much more to this island than just a pretty face (although, let’s be honest, it’s beautiful).

Santorini is a place where history meets luxury. Its volcanic landscape, stunning sunsets, and charming villages are just a few reasons why it’s one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, you’ll find it all on this beautiful island.

From the iconic blue-domed churches of Oia to the black-sand beaches of Perissa, there are countless places to visit in Santorini, Greece that will leave you breathless.

Here’s the thing: I’ve already shared a bunch of tips and tricks about navigating this magical island in my other articles (check out “The Complete Guide to Santorini” if you haven’t already!), but sometimes, the best way to experience a place is to dive in, get a little lost, and let the adventure unfold.

Sure, you’ll want to snap a few obligatory pics of those iconic blue domes in Oia (just try not to drive your travel buddy crazy with it – trust me, I’ve been there, and my husband Lajos wanted to leave me there!).

But don’t forget to explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan city frozen in time by volcanic ash. Feel the soft black sand of Perissa and Kamari beaches between your toes, and wander through Pyrgos’s charming, cobbled streets, a village frozen in time.

And then, of course, there are the views. Oh, the views! Hike to the top of any cliffside town and witness the Aegean Sea stretch out before you like a sparkling turquoise canvas. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, you’ll understand why Santorini is considered one of the most romantic places on Earth.

So, Santorini might be a little cliché – but hey, clichés become clichés for a reason! It’s a place that will steal your breath away, fill your soul with wonder, and maybe leave your travel buddy begging for a break from your camera roll. But hey, that’s what friends are for, right?

Now, grab your sense of adventure and a healthy dose of wanderlust, and get ready to fall head over heels for Santorini!

Top Places to Visit in Santorini Greece

1. Visit the town of Fira:

Fira is Santorini’s capital and the biggest town on the island. It is situated right in the middle, on the west side. From there, you can catch any bus to every destination on the island.

In Fira, you can find everything you need. From the over-photographed white houses to churches with blue roofs and narrow alleys where you can lose yourself while exploring and looking for the best picture spot, discover luxury boutiques and stay in romantic rooms with a private infinity pool. 

Have a delicious local dinner while enjoying the sunset behind the caldera, and do some incredible shopping to take home with you some Greek gifts to remember your wonderful holiday. In Fira, you will find everything that makes Santorini famous and memorable.

If you want to visit the small port of Fira Skala, located right down the cliff, you will need to walk down 585 steps (a lot, right?), but you will walk downwards so that it will be pretty straightforward.

The problem is going back (I mean, 585 steps are not a joke under the hot summer sun), but don’t worry; a cable car will take you back to Fira for only 6 euros. Another option is to go up riding the donkeys, but I would avoid this option. Poor donkeys!

Heads up! Plan Your Vacation in Santorini! Read my “Complete Guide of Santorini” and get all the information you need to make your next travel successful. 

2. Hike from Fira to Oia:

If you are not planning to visit Santorini in the middle of summer, trust me, you will love this hike. It is not a hike to climb a mountain; it is pretty easy, and you don’t need any particular clothes to do it (I was wearing a light dress with sandals and had no issue, so avoid high heels).

This hike starts in Fira and will take you to Oia (the second most famous town in Santorini on the island’s north side), almost 10 km long. It will take you around 2 hours to get to Oia without stopping, but obviously, you will stop a lot. This hike is on the Santorini’s cliff. 

Don’t worry; there is nothing to be afraid of. You will walk along some beautiful narrow alleys among luxury hotels and resorts. You will see all the swimming pools of every hotel from above. You will pass by many restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and stunning views. You will pass some beautiful villages, the Firostefani and Imerovigli, and you will see the Skaros Rock, a lava formation. 

I advise doing this hike early in the morning to avoid the hottest hours or late in the afternoon (as I did). Make sure to get to Oia right in time (at least one hour before) for the sunset.

To go back to Fira, you can catch a bus. Many buses are behind the main square of Oia, but they get full very fast during high season, so you will probably need to wait a while. Don’t worry about looking for this hike; you cannot miss it. Go to Fira and walk along the main pedestrian road (in the middle of Fira) towards Nord, and you will get there (there are indications).

3. Visit the town of Oia:

Oia is primarily famous for the sunset. Thousands of people run there every day to see this magical sunset from the northwestern point of Santorini. It also has many luxury hotels with private pools where you can spend a day relaxing and working on your tan, blue-roofed churches, and narrow alleys with fabulous sea views where you can take stunning pictures.

But let’s go back to talk about the sunset. Well, I must say that my experience wasn’t so unique and romantic (it wasn’t at all!). We got there quite early, more than one hour before the sunset, to ensure a lovely spot, but once we arrived, there were already many people there. Maybe we should have gotten there more than 2 hours in advance, but we were exploring Oia and did not have much time.

All the tall people decided to stay on the edge of the alleys, so we poor short ones (I am 168 cm, so not a smurf, but still) could not see almost anything. I managed to climb up to a short wall to see something, but so many people kept coming and trying to find a space that got so crowded that I wanted to leave (I felt like a sardine in a can). 

Heads up! Looking for the perfect tan this summer? Read my “Guide to the perfect tan.”

I am not telling you not to go to Oia for the sunset; walk around early until you find a perfect spot where no one will stop before you and obstruct the view. The evening after, we had dinner at Fanari Restaurant in Fira. We booked the table on the first row to have a clear view of the sunset, and guys, it was AMAZING!!!

Our sunset was magical compared to the sunset in Oia (that, as previously said, wasn’t special at all). I booked that table as soon as I saw it when I visited Fira on the first day, and it was one of the best things I did in Santorini.

Feeling romantic in Santorini? Like always, your super-organized traveler has your back; check out my article about the best places to enjoy the sunset in Santorini.

This was my experience of the sunset in Oia, and I always want to be 100% sincere with you. Another way to see the sunset in Oia is by booking a table at a bar or restaurant nearby.

Santorini Tip: Looking for the famous three blue domes you have seen in almost every picture of Santorini? Don’t worry. You are going to see them during the hike from Fira. They are the churches of Agios Spiridonas (Saint Spyridon) and Anasteseos (the Church of the Resurrection).

4. Book a Wine Tour in Santorini:

Wine touring is one of the most famous activities in Santorini because (if you don’t know) Santorini produces an excellent white wine that is one of the best in Greece.

That is why you can book a Wine and Food Tour in Santorini (you visit three vineyards with up to 15 tastings that last more than 4 hours)  or a Wine Tasting (that lasts three hours), depending on your available time.

See all the Wine Tours in Santorini.

5. Book a Wine Tasting at Santo Wines:

Fancy a wine-tasting experience you will remember forever? Then book a table in this beautiful place, probably the most scenic place to taste wines. The view is stunning in front of you, and the location is terrific, with a terrace where you can relax for a couple of hours, drinking wine and eating delicious Greek food.

The wine tasting includes six, twelve, or eighteen glasses (a good amount of wine, not just a drop), Greek cheeses, some bread, tomato paste to spread, olives, and fava beans. If you are not used to drinking a lot of wine, be prepared because you will get drunk.

6. Visit the Ancient Thera:

This archaeological site, founded in the 9th century BC, allows you to admire many Byzantine, Hellenic, and Roman relics in this old town.

There is the old name of Santorini, which the Venetians named “Santa Irini,” and then it became Santorini. I am sorry I don’t have a picture of it, but here is a marvelous view of Santorini’s Caldera.

7. Amoudi Bay:

Down the cliff of Oia is a little fisherman’s village where you can go for a delicious and romantic lunch or dinner on the waterfront. There are excellent restaurants around the island where you can enjoy fresh fish from the sea.

You can get there by car or by walking down 300 steps and then another 300 steps up (the best way to digest your meal; in this way, you can get an extra dessert; think about it). If you fancy a dip before or after your meal, walk along the trail after the restaurants. You will find a nice spot to enjoy some clear water.

Greece island hopping Tip: Check out Ferryhopper, the best ferry website to reach the Greek islands. Where you will find all the ferry routes available in Greece.

8. Rent a Quad Bike:

If you already know how to drive a quad bike or at least have a driving license, you should consider renting one to visit Santorini.

It is much smaller than a car, so it is easier to park (Santorini during high season can be a nightmare for parking; I saw it), and what about feeling the wind blowing through your hair and getting tan while exploring the island? Think about it. It can be a good experience and also fun.

See renting a quad bike in Santorini prices.

9. Watch a movie in open-air cinema:

The Kamari open-air cinema or Cinekamari is (obviously) an outdoor cinema in the middle of the forest (so cool) that shows movies every night from 9.30 pm from May to October at a low fee of 8 euros.

See Cine Kamari’s schedule in Santorini.

Pssst! Plan Your Vacation in Santorini! See my “Complete Guide of Santorini” and get all the info to make your next travel successful. 

10. Spend some time on one of the beaches:

Santorini is not very famous for its beaches because people usually prefer white sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Still, in my opinion, don’t skip visiting some of them. You will see something you will not see anywhere unless you visit a volcanic island, so don’t miss this opportunity.

The Red Beach: Named after the red cliffs around it, this beach is red due to the pulverization of the red and black volcanic rocks. You can reach it by walking down a footpath for a few minutes.

Perissa Beach, Perivolos, and Agios Georgios Beach: Large and black beaches. Trust me. You are going to love to walk on this particular sand. It looked so weird to me. Around these beaches are some bars and tavernas where you can eat something local and delicious. You can reach them by bus from Fira.

Vilhada Beach has white rocks. It’s narrow and has all this particular rock formation behind it, making it unique and beautiful.

Kolumbo Beach: If you are looking for a naturalist beach, you can tan every inch of your body here.

Kamari Beach: This is another black sand beach where you can rent a big, comfortable sunbed and relax all day. There are also some water activities, bars, tavernas, and shops. 

The White Beach: located next to Red Beach, you can visit it by boat. 

Monilithos Beach has shallow waters, so visiting if you travel with kids is best.

11. Try some watersports while in Santorini:

Whether you are traveling with friends or family, everyone loves watersports, which is one of the best ways to enjoy a fabulous day on the beach. That is why I researched the best one for you, so you can book them in advance here and make sure to plan all the fun you want on the beautiful island of Santorini.

• Jet Ski
• A kayak tour to see Santorini from the sea 
• A Stand-Up Paddle Excursion
• Thrill Waves Tubing at Perivolos Beach
• A first dive with an experienced instructor or a dive in the most amazing spots in Santorini (if you are an experienced diver)  
• A windsurfing classes
• A parasailing flight to see Santorini from above 
• A Flyboard session (the most trendy activity in Santorini)  

12. Visit also the other villages of Santorini:

Santorini is not only Fira and Oia. Of course, if you have only a few days to spend on the island, focus on these two towns and see how much time you have left. 

But if you have more days and you plan to rent a car, these villages deserve to be explored:

Emporio: located on the island’s south, not far from Perivolos beach, this is the largest village in Santorini, where you will admire the 15th-century Venetian Castle and the ruined Tower of Nimborio. Charming ancient alleys will take you around beautiful white-washed, blue-domed Orthodox churches with intricate bell towers.

Pyrgos is the highest village on the island and a typical Cycladic village. From here, you can admire the fantastic island view.

Messaria is the best place to explore the vineyards in the middle of the island.

Megalochori: This little village is located on the island’s southwest side; you can admire a fantastic view of the caldera from there. It has relatively narrow alleys to lose yourself by taking thousands of pictures.

Heads up! Looking for the perfect tan this summer? Read my “Guide to the perfect tan.”

13. A wonderful boat trip around Santorini:

Whenever I go to a seaside destination, I always book a boat trip because it allows me to see the location from a different perspective, explore the coast, and swim in little bays that I could not reach otherwise. That is why going on a boat trip around Santorini is an experience you should not miss.

There are many different kinds of tours, and the best one is the 1-day cruise to visit the volcanic islands and swim in the Palea Kamini hot springs.  

See all the boat tours in Santorini.

14. Sleep in a Windmill:

Have you ever slept in a Windmill? No? Well, in Santorini, this is possible. At Windmill Villas in Imerovigli, you can sleep in a new windmill with a private pool, hydromassage jets, and a beautiful terrace to enjoy the marvelous view of the Aegean Sea. 

Each windmill can host up to five people, but if you are traveling with your partner, why don’t you make it romantic and book it just for the two of you?

See Windmill Villa in Santorini availability.

15. Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri:

If you like to learn more about the history of Santorini, visiting this site would be perfect for you. Akrotiri is an ancient Minoan city destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1613 BC and was discovered only in 1967. You can see this ancient city by walking around it and seeing its remaining buildings, streets, and ceramics. 

Welcome to my travel guide, my lovely anxious traveler! Want to know who is behind Valentina’s Travel Guide? Let me tell you more about myself.

16. Visit Akrotiri Lighthouse:

If you plan to rent a car or a quad/scooter, you should look at this lighthouse. It is not much about the lighthouse itself, but more about the view. 

From there, you will see Santorini from a different angle (it is located on the southwestern end of Santorini), with the caldera in the middle, its blue water, and many sailing boats that pass through it.

17. Visit the island of Thirassia:

From Santorini, you will see an island shaped like a crocodile in front of Oia town. If you want to visit this island, you can get there by boat from Amoudi Bay or by booking a 1-day cruise. The ship will also stop there for a visit.

On this island is the delightful village of Manolas, where there are some local tavernas where you can enjoy a delicious Greek meal. The view of Santorini from there is very particular.

See boat tour to Thirassia Island.

18. Hike to the top of the volcano:

Remember your hiking shoes. I highly recommend you avoid wearing expensive sandals (and hurting your poor feet). The top of Santorini’s volcano is on this little island in the picture above, in the middle of Santorini’s caldera.

Book a Santorini Volcano, Hot Spring, and Thirassia Tour to hike up to the top, stop where the volcano heats the seawater, and jump into it for a warm swim (don’t worry; it is not so hot to cook you; it is just warm). Then, end your tour on Thirassia Island. 

Don’t worry; Santorini’s volcano is sleeping. There is nothing to worry about for now.

My final thought

Don’t get me wrong, with all this talk of getting lost and embracing spontaneity, a little organization can go a long way, especially on a famous island like Santorini.

Remember, my travel philosophy is all about creating stress-free adventures! While Santorini may be a dream destination, it can get crowded, especially during peak season. Imagine the disappointment of missing out on that perfect sunset dinner because all the restaurants are booked solid.

Planning, researching must-see spots, and booking tours or restaurants in advance can ensure a smooth and anxiety-free vacation.

Trust me, a little pre-trip planning will leave you more time to soak in those caldera views, sip on delicious Santorini wine, and maybe even convince your travel buddy to take a few more pictures with those dreamy blue domes (wink wink). Now, let’s get planning your unforgettable Santorini adventure!