The volcanic island of Santorini is among the top 10 most popular destinations in the world. Apart from the famous sunset, the activities it offers create the perfect conditions for some unforgettable holidays. Swimming at the red beach, diving at the caldera, several kilometers of walking and plenty of delicious local delicacies will keep your interest unabated throughout the entirety of your stay.

Discover more attractions in Santorini

Vlychada beach is one of the most impressive and large, in length, beaches in Santorini. The rock formations and caves that are created from the wind and force of the sea change even in the span of one day, with the landscape looking almost lunar. Relax on the thin black sand, observe the white rocks, dive in the cold deep waters and wrap up your day with some fresh fish in one of the coastal taverns. If you have time, you can visit the renovated tomato factory, on the entry point of the beach.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours

 The know-it-all says: The rocks consist of soft volcanic ash!

Emporio or Nimporios is the largest village in Santorini. Built on the foothills of Prophet Elias, it is one of the island’s five Castles. Walking around the narrow streets, one easily notices the unusual architecture, with the houses stuck together, the tall walls and small indoor windows. Pass through the village’s only gate, a.k.a. “Porta”, explore the Castle, look for beautiful bell towers and drink some coffee at the traditional coffee place.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours

 The know-it-all says: All of Santorini’s castles used to have a chapel of Saint Theodosia right outside the entrance!

If you are wondering how volcanic soil can produce decent products and create a tasty cuisine, you must simply try Santorini’s local cuisine. Try some creamy fava with fresh onion, fluffy tomato or zucchini fritters, fried white eggplants, fresh and sundried cherry tomatoes, as well as the fine caper. Santorini’s local cuisine could not be lacking in fresh fish, while many menus include game (wild rabbits and birds). Of course, all dishes are accompanied by select wines, from the island’s unique varieties, as well as by local beers.

 The know-it-all says: The Fava of Santorini has been a product with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for over three millennia!

One of the best, but at the same time tiring, ways to meet Santorini is hiking. The trails that were once used by residents for their transportations have now been connected, forming a large hiking network, with various levels of difficulty. There are around 25 hiking routes with the most well-known ones being Fira-Oia, Kamari-Ancient Thera-Perissa, Pyrgos-Prophet Elias and Fira-Mesa Gialos. Whichever trail you pick, you will discover “unknown” places, chapels, monuments and villages that exist in no-one’s camera.

Mini tip: Take a bus or taxi for the return.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours

 The know-it-all says: The trails total up to 75km!

The Red beach is probably the most well-known beach in Santorini. It is located on the southern part of the island and stands out for its unique red color. A short and easy route will lead you right in front of a stunning volcanic landscape, dressed in red, black and blue colors. Even though it is not fully organized, plenty of people pick it daily for a dive. Close to the red beach you will find the Akrotiri archaeological site, as well as the equally unique white beach.

Caution: The beach has been characterized as dangerous, by the authorities, due to the sudden rockfalls.

Suggested visit time: 1 hour

 The know-it-all says: It owes its red color to the ground’s iron content!

Megalochori of Santorini is a picturesque village, located away from the cosmopolitan caldera. The quiet traditional village looks like it has remained in another era, while desertion is prevalent in many spots. Megalochori is famed for its vineyards, the underground canavas, as well as for the lovely mansions. You simply have to lose yourself in the narrow streets and dead ends, admire the exquisite bell tower of Zoodochos Pigi and wrap it up with some coffee at the square.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours

 The know-it-all says: At the Church of Panagia ton Eisodion there are miniature icons of 365 Saints!

Ancient Thera is built on Mesa Vouno, at an altitude of 400m. In order to reach the once bright city, you will have to travel a quite uphill, S-shaped route of 4km, which starts from the village of Kamari. But it is worth making the effort, as the view from the top will relax you, while your gaze will run as far as the black beaches of Perissa and Kamari, the hill of Prophet Elias as well as the Aegean Sea. Among the ruins of the archaeological site you will find agorae, temples, baths, churches, as well as the theater.

Mini tip: Before the entrance is also the starting point of the trail to Perissa.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours (including the climb up and down)
Open: Every day 08:30-15:00, Closed: Monday
Cost: 4€, Reduced 2€

 The know-it-all says: Santorini used to be known also as Stroggyli, Kallisti or Kallisto, Thera, Fileteri or Filotera, Kalavria, Karisti, Tefsia, Therameni and Renia!

Ammoudi Bay is located under the shadow of grandiose Oia and it is one of the most picturesque places in Santorini. Ammoudi is known for its taverns that serve fresh fish, right by the sea, while it is the point of departure for the caiques that take the daily trips to Therasia. Access is achieved through Oia by car or by climbing down the 200 steps. Do not miss out on taking a dive in the clear blue waters at the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, but also enjoy Santorini’s spectacular sunset from another point of view.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours

 The know-it-all says: It was the main port from where the Vinsanto wine was exported to all of Europe and Russia!

If you think that Santorini is majestic only during sunset, then you have not seen it wrapped in its black veil. The lights and the turquoise details, from the hotels’ pools, adorn the pitch-black caldera, while the lounge music from the bars and restaurants creates a chill atmosphere. You can enjoy the night scenery by taking a walk around the cobbled streets or have some drinks at the tens of bars in Fira and Oia.

Suggested visit time: All night

The crystal waters of Santorini hide an underwater world that impresses all those who dare to dive a little deeper. Colorful sponges, corals, shells, octopi, lobsters as well as schools of small and large fish, make scuba diving in Santorini one of the most exciting experiences. Swim next to the active volcano, at Palea and Nea Kameni, explore underwater caves, small reefs as well as the island’s only visitable shipwreck (Nea Kameni bay). The options are many and cover all levels of difficulty.

Suggested visit time: half a day
Open: May-October
Cost: From 60€ per person

 The know-it-all says: Santorini has the largest submerged caldera in the world, 400m in depth!

Boat trip in Santorini, an activity that will offer you unique images! Apart from the usual tourist trips, there are dozens of companies that organize private tours. Small boats, inflatables, sailboats, catamarans, and even luxury yachts await for you to sail towards an…unforgettable experience. The tours include (one or more of the following) rides around the volcano, the thermal springs, Therasia, beaches, scuba diving, food and of course a romantic ride with Santorini’s famous sunset in the background.

Suggested visit time: 4-5 hours
Open: May-October
Cost: From 30€ to 250€ per person

 The know-it-all says: The island is visited by more than 400 cruise ships every year!

What does Santorini have in common with the lost Atlantis and Plato? The truth is hiding in the Lost Atlantis Experience Museum! Through an interactive and fun 9D experience you will feel the earthquake, the tsunami and the dust from the volcano’s eruption, while you will discuss with Plato’s hologram and find out information about his life. Finally, you will watch the morphological evolution of the island and study the amazing diorama of Atlantis. The only museum in the world dedicated to the lost Atlantis excites visitors of all ages.

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Open: Every day 10:00-21:00
Cost: General entrance 12€, Reduced 6€ (7-12 years old), Free for children under the age of 6

 The know-it-all says: More than 200 locations contest the “paternity” of the submerged city!