Santorini, Greece is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning views, picturesque , and beautiful beaches. Visitors from all over the world flock to this island in search of adventure and relaxation. With so many things to see and do in Santorini, it can be overwhelming trying to plan your itinerary. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Santorini.

What is famous in Santorini?

One of the most famous sights in Santorini is the breathtaking sunset in Oia. The village is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, providing visitors with stunning panoramic views. Watching the sunset in Oia is considered one of the best things to do in Santorini and attracts thousands of visitors every evening. As the sun sets below the horizon, the sky is bathed in bright oranges, pinks, and reds. The view is truly magnificent and has been captured in countless photographs and paintings. Santorini is home to some of the most charming villages in the world. The traditional white-washed buildings and narrow winding streets are instantly recognizable and have become synonymous with the island. The villages are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide insight into the island’s rich history and culture. Some notable villages include Fira, Oia, and Pyrgos.

Caldera views, Black Sand Beaches, Wine tasting, Ancient Ruins, and Hot springs are some of the things that made Santorini so famous among the tourists. Besides, Santorini’s cuisine is unique and reflects the island’s rich history and culture. The local specialty is fava, a type of yellow split pea puree that’s served with onions and olive oil. Other notable dishes include tomato keftedes (tomato fritters), grilled octopus, and moussaka. The island is also famous for its seafood, particularly fresh fish and squid.

Best Things to do in Santorini

• Explore the Villages

Santorini has some of the most charming villages in the world. There are several villages on the island that are worth exploring, including Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos. Each village has its own unique charm and character, with narrow winding streets, traditional white-washed buildings, and stunning views.

Oia is perhaps the most famous village on the island. Known for its breathtaking sunsets, Oia is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Santorini.

Fira is another popular village that offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It’s also home to several museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

Pyrgos is a quieter village that’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. It’s located in the center of the island and is known for its ancient castle ruins and stunning panoramic views.  

• Santorini Beaches to visit

There are several beaches on the island that are worth visiting, including Perissa Beach, Red Beach, Nikki Beach and Vlychada Beach.

Perissa Beach is a long black-sand beach with crystal-clear water and plenty of beach bars and restaurants. Red Beach is named for its unique red sand and rock formations. It’s located near the village of Akrotiri and can be accessed by boat or on foot.Nikki Beach Santorini is located on the beautiful black sand beach of Monolithos and is known for its stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

The beach club features a restaurant, bar, and lounge area, as well as a swimming pool and direct access to the beach. The decor is stylish and modern, with white furnishings and touches of blue and turquoise. Vlychada Beach is a secluded beach located on the southern coast of the island. It’s known for its unique lunar-like landscape and crystal-clear water.

• Take a Wine Tour

Santorini is famous for its wine, particularly its white wines made from the Assyrtiko grape. There are several wineries on the island that offer tours and tastings.

One of the most popular wineries on the island is Santo Wines. Located in Pyrgos, Santo Wines offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the island while they sample some of the best wines Santorini has to offer.

Other notable wineries on the island include Boutari Winery, Canava Roussos, and Gavalas Winery.

• Hike the Caldera Trail

The Caldera Trail is a hiking trail that stretches from Fira to Oia along the edge of the caldera. The trail offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic cliffs of Santorini.

The hike takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be quite strenuous at times. However, the stunning views and sense of accomplishment make it well worth the effort.

• Take a Sunset Cruise

Watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea is one of the most magical experiences you can have in Santorini. There are several sunset cruises available on the island that offer visitors the opportunity to watch the sunset from the water.

Most sunset cruises include stops at several beaches and swimming spots, as well as dinner and drinks on board the boat.

• Visit the Ancient Ruins of Akrotiri

The ancient ruins of Akrotiri are one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. The ruins date back to the Minoan civilization and provide visitors with a glimpse into the ancient past of Santorini.

• Relax in a Hot Spring

The most famous hot spring on the island is located near the village of Oia. Visitors can access the hot spring via boat or by hiking down the steep cliffs. The water is warm and rich in minerals, making it a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Go Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a popular activity in Santorini thanks to its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. There are several dive centers on the island that offer diving trips and courses for all levels of experience.

Some of the best dive sites on the island include the volcanic reef at Nea Kameni, the Blue Caves, and the shipwreck at Mesa Pigadia Beach.

Things mentioned above are some of the best things to do while visiting this place.

Best Places to stay in Santorini

Santorini offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a luxury five-star experience in Oia or a budget-friendly stay in Perissa, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island.

• Oia – Luxury

Oia is considered one of the most beautiful villages on the island and is famous for its stunning sunsets. It’s also home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Santorini, making it the perfect destination for those looking to indulge in a five-star experience.

Canaves Oia Suites is one of the most popular luxury hotels in Oia. The hotel features 24 suites, each with its own private plunge pool and stunning views of the Aegean Sea. It also has an infinity pool, a spa, and a restaurant that serves traditional Greek cuisine.

Other notable luxury hotels in Oia include Mystique, Katikies Hotel, and Andronis Luxury Suites.

• Fira – Mid-Range

Fira is the capital of Santorini and is located in the center of the island. It’s a bustling town that offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Fira is also home to several mid-range hotels that offer great value for money.

El Greco Resort & Spa is a popular mid-range hotel located in Fira. The hotel features multiple swimming pools, a spa, and a restaurant that serves Mediterranean cuisine. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with balconies that provide stunning views of the sea and the caldera.

Other notable mid-range hotels in Fira include Villa Rose, Aressana Spa Hotel and Suites, and Hotel Kavalari.

• Perissa – Budget-Friendly

Perissa is a popular beach resort located on the southern coast of Santorini. It’s known for its black-sand beach, crystal-clear waters, and budget-friendly accommodation options.

Hotel Marousi is a popular budget-friendly hotel located in Perissa. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant that serves traditional Greek cuisine. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with balconies that provide views of the sea or the mountains.

Other notable budget-friendly hotels in Perissa include Villa Markos, Stelios Place, and Hotel Aqua Blue.

• Akrotiri – Family-Friendly

Akrotiri is a quiet village located on the southern coast of Santorini. Santorini Princess Spa Hotel is a popular family-friendly hotel located in Akrotiri. The hotel features multiple swimming pools, a spa, and a restaurant that serves Greek and international cuisine. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with balconies that provide views of the sea or the mountains.

Other notable family-friendly hotels in Akrotiri include White Pearl Villas, Astarte Suites, and Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel & Suites.

Best Restaurants in Santorini

Santorini is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, offering everything from traditional Greek tavernas to fine-dining establishments. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, creative takes on traditional Greek cuisine, or stunning views, Santorini has it all. Be sure to check out these top restaurants on your trip to this beautiful island.

• Selene

Selene is one of the most iconic restaurants in Santorini, located in the village of Pyrgos. The menu at Selene features locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes with a modern twist. Some standout dishes include octopus with fava beans, lamb with honey and thyme, and the signature dessert, tomato marmalade with vanilla ice cream.

• La Maison

La Maison is a fine-dining restaurant located in the village of Imerovigli. The menu at La Maison features dishes like foie gras terrine, lobster ravioli, and beef tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes. 

• Argo

Argo is a seafood restaurant located in the village of Fira, overlooking the caldera.  The menu at Argo includes a wide range of seafood dishes, like grilled octopus, lobster spaghetti, and swordfish steak. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list featuring both local and international wines.

• To Psaraki

To Psaraki is a traditional Greek fish taverna located in the village of Vlychada. The menu at To Psaraki features dishes like grilled sardines, calamari, and seafood risotto. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great choice for families or larger groups.

Overall Trip cost of Santorini, Greece

The overall cost of a trip to Santorini can vary greatly based on your preferences and budget. A mid-range budget for a week-long trip to Santorini could be around $1,500 to $2,000 per person, including airfare, accommodation, food, and activities. Luxury travelers should expect to pay upwards of $5,000 or more for a one-week trip.

For those on a budget, it’s possible to have a great time in Santorini for around $1,000 per person for a week-long trip. This would include staying in budget-friendly accommodation, eating at local tavernas, and participating in affordable activities like exploring ancient ruins and relaxing on the beach.

In Conclusion, Santorini is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, each offering something unique and visually stunning. From the red sand of Red Beach to the towering cliffs of Vlychada Beach, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island. This article tried to explain some of the best things to do while visiting Santorini, Greece. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach or an adventure-filled afternoon of water sports, Santorini has it all.