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26 Best Things to Do in Santorini (in 2026)
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do in Santorini | Sites & Attractions | Food & Drink | Museums & Culture | Beaches | Unusual & Offbeat
For some, Santorini may conjure an image of the quintessential Greek dream: whitewashed houses and blue-domed chapels spread across cliffs overlooking a dazzling sea. For others, it may mean unpleasant thoughts of competing with crowds just to capture the “perfect” Instagram sunset shot.
Yes, Santorini is one of the most high-profile victims of overtourism and is subject to the negatives that come with it. However, as a self-proclaimed lover of Santorini, I believe everyone should visit this island at least once in their life.
With its jaw-droppingly gorgeous landscape, spectacular villages and enticing culture, Santorini is a part of Greece that should not be missed. Plus, there are plenty of things to explore here and, with some thoughtful planning, ways to navigate beyond the super crowds.
I’ve visited the island several times and have created this guide to help you have the best visit possible. Combine it with my guide to where to stay in Santorini to plan a great trip.
26 Best Things to Do in Santorini
Oia
Santorini’s most iconic village, while touristy, is still a must-see.
Everyone knows this place from the pictures. Oia is Santorini’s most famous town. Teetering on the northern point of the caldera and filled with beautiful whitewashed houses, vibrant bougainvillea, and blue-domed churches, this place gets horribly crowded. Yet all visitors need to see it.
Unless you decide to see the famous Oia sunset, try to avoid coming here at dusk. Crowds around Oia Castle spill onto all nearby streets. Visit earlier in the day (like early morning) to beat the cruise ship day trippers, and you’ll likely have a more pleasant experience.
Regardless, this is one of the most beautiful villages in Greece, and maybe even the world. Wander around and be sure to make a detour onto the lesser-traversed side streets.
You’ll find plenty of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and cafes. There are also many overpriced options, so just check the menu prices before you make your choice. I recommend Lotza, a restaurant which has a great view from its back dining area. The Santorini Maritime Museum is also located here.
Bottom line: While a visit here likely won’t be calm and quiet, it also doesn’t have to be a crowded nightmare. Plan ahead, come early, and you will experience it in the best way possible.
Fira
Santorini’s main town is beautiful and bustling.
Fira is Santorini’s hub, and it’s perched on a beautiful spot overlooking the central part of the caldera. The landscape here is breathtaking and provides some of the best views of the island’s dramatic landscape. Here you’ll find numerous lodging options, museums, plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping.
Fira has a more commercial feel than Oia, and there’s a lot of kitsch to wade through. But overall, there are plenty of options here, and it’s convenient and lively. Plus, the open pedestrian paths and areas over the caldera give Fira a more spacious feel than Oia and nearby Imerovigli.
It’s also nice to wander around paths between various hotels and guesthouses and take photos. Be sure to also check out the view from the Three Bells of Fira and walk or ride the cable car down to the port below. The town is also beautiful when lit up at night.
Fira is a good jumping-off point as well to see other attractions around the island. Many buses and tours will leave from here.
Hike from Fira to Oia
Take an incredible walk that’s a unique way to experience Santorini.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book A Small Group Caldera Hike from Fira to Oia on Viator
Anyone who loves hiking or exploring places on foot will love the walk from Fira to Oia. It’s a relatively easy route and will take a moderately paced walker about 3-4 hours to complete, not including longer stops. If you prefer to go with a group rather than on your own, you can book this guided hike.
That said, if you go on your own, I absolutely recommend taking your time to soak in the views and enjoy every minute of the experience. Along the way, you will have both beautiful caldera views and views over the gentle slopes of the eastern coast.
This remains one of the best things I’ve ever done in Santorini. It’s the most peaceful and ideal way to admire this fantastically unique place from myriad viewpoints and away from massive crowds. Pack a picnic, plenty of water and sun protection, as there isn’t any shade along the way. Buses run fairly frequently from Oia back to Fira, or you can take a taxi.
📚 Related Reading: Greece Packing List (28 Things You Might Forget to Bring)
Skaros Rock & Imerovigli
This small village and rocky promontory are worth exploring.
Just north of Fira, Imerovigli is a village with clusters of whitewashed houses tumbling down the cliffs over the caldera. It’s smaller and quieter than Fira and a relatively short 20-minute walk away.
There are many options for lodging and numerous restaurants along its narrow paths. Booking a hotel here is a good idea if you want a quieter place to stay that’s still close to the island’s hub.
A big draw here is Skaros Rock, a rocky promontory jutting out into the sea, upon which sit the ruins of a Venetian fortress from the 13th century. Take the footpath from the village and circumambulate the fortress ruins, which seem to blend into the reddish-black rock.
It’s a nice little hike and another great spot for good views and photos. It can also be a great addition to your hike to Oia. It’s easy to slide on the loose rock along the path, so proceed with caution.
Watch the Sunset
There’s a reason why everyone says this is the thing to do. Santorini sunsets are breathtaking.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +30 2286 025951 | Website | 👉 Book A Luxury Sunset Cruise on GetYourGuide
This is the Santorini cliché, but it would be unacceptable not to include in the top things to do. As unpleasant as it may seem, there is a reason that Oia is an elbow-jabbing jostle for a view at dusk. The sunsets here are extraordinary and not to be missed. But you don’t have to see them from Oia. In fact, I’d actually recommend watching from another point.
While it won’t be much less crowded, Fira is a great place to see the sunset. Grab a spot at a bar or restaurant with a caldera view and take it all in with a drink in your hand. For me, seeing the sun set along with a view of Oia on the horizon makes it preferable to being in Oia itself.
Or, watch crowd-free from Akrotiri Lighthouse, from Ammoudi Bay during a sunset cruise, or even from your own hotel balcony if possible – there are many options.
Stay in a Hotel with a Caldera View
Santorini is the place to splurge on a room with a view.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Santorini Hotels on Booking
In Santorini, the views are everything. And with landscapes this dramatic, it’s truly an incredible thrill to have a view of the caldera from your room when you wake up in the morning and as the sun dips low in the evening.
For me, few things can beat the simple pleasure of sipping a morning coffee while looking out over the island’s cliffs and the sparkling Aegean Sea. While expensive, not all of Santorini’s caldera-facing hotels will necessarily break your budget, so explore the options.
A hotel on the caldera is worth the splurge, though. My personal favorite that I’ve stayed in multiple times is Smaro Studios. However, Remezzo Villas and Zoe Aegeas Traditional Houses are other excellent options with caldera views.
For more hotel ideas, see my full list of the best places to stay in Santorini.
Atlantis Books
Lose yourself or find the ideal present for your favorite bibliophile at this unique, atmospheric bookshop.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +30 2286 072346 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 8 pm daily
If you’re anything like me, you may enjoy checking out independent bookshops when you travel. This particular bookstore is one of my favorites anywhere. Atlantis Books carries titles in multiple languages, including English, French, Chinese, German, Spanish, Italian, and (of course) Greek. It’s the perfect place to buy a volume by Plato or Homer if you want a good souvenir. They also sell antiquarian and first edition volumes.
The shop’s cozy charm easily makes you want to spend a few hours sifting through titles along with the postcards and stationery for sale. Plus, the staff are lovely. Previously located in Oia, Atlantis Books has changed location to a larger, more spacious location in Fira, which faces the caldera.
Pyrgos Kallistis
A beautiful inland village with winding streets and gorgeous sea views.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book A Pyrgos Medieval Village Walking Tour on Airbnb Experiences
Pyrgos Kallistis is sometimes referred to as an alternative to popular and crowded Oia, but it really has its own unique charm. Here you’ll find the quintessential whitewashed buildings, stone pathways and blue-domed rooftops, but with a laid-back energy and slightly less touristy vibe.
It’s located inland on the top of a hill in the center of the island. You can easily wander its winding streets and catch sweeping views of the east and of the caldera if you visit Kasteli of Pyrgos, the old Venetian fortress at the top. The village is a great place for photos, too. Wandering around here, I observed more locals interacting with each other than with tourists, which is refreshing in Santorini.
Visit the various shops and galleries, or take a break at one of the cafes or restaurants. There are a number of pretty churches and chapels in the village to admire and the Kasteli offers a nice sunset spot, too.
Megalochori
One of Santorini’s most peaceful villages with lots of delights.
This intimate, authentic village captured my heart. I loved wandering Megalochori’s high-walled, narrow streets, interacting with its many resident cats, and relaxing in the main square, which is a perfect place to grab a drink or a meal. Tourists do come here, of course. No place in Santorini is undiscovered, but it feels much less overrun here than in Fira and Oia.
Don’t miss wandering by the beautiful Megalochori Bell Tower, which straddles one of the lanes off the main square. You can also visit a traditional cave house here if you catch the hand-drawn signs pointing the way along the main streets.
In addition, just outside the village and facing the caldera sits the Chapel of Agios Nikolaos, along the path from the village that leads to the caldera. There are also many vineyards to visit nearby, or you can do a tasting at Gavalas Winery in the village.
Santorini Sites & Attractions
Akrotiri Lighthouse
A beautiful, rocky spot on the southern tip of Santorini that provides great views and a serene spot for sunset.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book this Oia Walking Tour with Lighthouse Visit, Sunset, and Wine on GetYourGuide
The Akrotiri Lighthouse sits at the very southern tip of Santorini. Most tourists don’t venture this far south, but it’s a very nice spot. From the parking lot, you can hike all along the rocky point by following the path or climbing on and around the rocks. The lighthouse itself is small. Built in 1892, it still operates today.
The draw of visiting this place is not the lighthouse itself but its location. The open sea views from one side of the point are sure to give you that edge-of-the-world feeling, while the other side provides another lovely perspective of the caldera. Plus, it’s great for photos, and kids may especially enjoy exploring this spot.
If you want a quiet sunset alternative to Oia or Fira, this is a good option. It’s best to either get there by car or take a tour. Otherwise, take the bus to Akrotiri Village and taxi or walk about 45-minutes to the site.
Santorini Cable Car
Take a fun ride to move easily between sea and summit.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +30 22860 22977 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 10:40 pm daily | Entrance: 10 euro/one way, adults, 5 euros/one way, children (5 euro/one way, luggage)
Taking the cable car between Fira and the Ormos Firon down below (which is Santorini’s old harbor) is an enjoyable way to move between this port and the city above. Plus, you’ll get some more great views of the caldera from the comfort of your cable car seat. Cable cars run all day so you can just buy a ticket and hop on.
There are several little portside bars, restaurants, and shops in the old harbor, so you can easily do some shopping or grab something to eat while there. Many caldera boat tours or sunset cruises leave from here, too.
Alternatively, you can go by foot via the Old Harbor Trail or, in one of the most quintessential of Santorini’s tourist experiences, ride a donkey up or down. However, this method is controversial due to concerns over animal abuse so I recommend avoiding it.
Ancient Akrotiri
Discover an archeological site nearly 2,000 years older than Pompeii.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +30 2286 081939 | Website | Winter Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Monday & Wednesday – Sunday, Closed Tuesdays; Summer Hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Tuesday – Wednesday, Friday – Sunday; 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, Monday & Thursday | Entrance: € 20 | 👉 Book Santorini Day Tour of Akrotiri, Villages, Wine and Oia Sunset on Viator
Ancient Akrotiri is one of Santorini’s most famous places because this archeological site reveals parts of an ancient Minoan civilization nearly 2,000 years older than Pompeii. It was (and still is partially) buried under volcanic ash following an eruption in 1613 BC.
Today’s site reveals only about 5% of Akrotiri’s civilization, but excavation is still ongoing. It may sound small, but there is actually quite a bit to see at the site, including 15,000 pots, some of the world’s oldest working toilets, and remains of the city’s entrance. Plan on one to two hours for your visit.
Many of Akrotiri’s highlights have been moved off-site to Athens or the Archaeological Museum of Thira for their preservation and protection. And like many archaeological sites, it’s best to have a guide to help you make the most of your visit. You can typically hire one on site or sign up for a tour in advance.
It’s also good to call ahead to make sure the hours are correct, as they can have a tendency to change without notice.
Ammoudi Bay
Visiting this bay below Oia is an afternoon or evening well spent.
Ammoudi Bay sits 300 steps down the cliff from Oia’s castle and is well worth a visit. It’s charming with a simple, old-world kind of feel. You may even spot a fisherman bringing in freshly caught octopus or fish.
Lined with tavernas, it’s a great place to eat or (you guessed it) watch the sunset. Some recommended places to eat include Dimitris Ammoudi Tavern and Ammoudi Fish Tavern.
There’s a swimming area past the restaurants and cliffs to jump off. Certain small ferries come and go from here, too. These range from some small boats to those that go to Thirassia island during certain times of the year. If you can’t do all of the stairs, it is possible to get close via car or taxi and walk a shorter way.
Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni
Experience these islets at the heart of the caldera.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book A Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit on GetYourGuide
Nea Kameni (meaning “new burnt”) and Palia Kameni (“old burnt”) were formed over two millennia ago from ash and lava. Both of these uninhabited volcanic islets sit in the center of the caldera.
A protected scientific site and technically an active volcano, Nea Kameni is the larger of the two. Its last eruption was in 1950. Visitors come here to hike up its volcano via a path to the top before walking around the rim of the central crater. Most trips also include a swim in the mineral-rich water and hot springs around Palia Kameni.
Arranging a visit to these islands is a nice day or half-day trip. You can book this volcanic islands cruise to have all the details taken care of for you.
Find the Perfect Memento
Find a treasured, locally made souvenir to bring home with you.
📍 Google Maps (MATI Art Gallery)
If you enjoy shopping for artisanal items and, even better, if you have money to spend, there are some amazing options to find in Santorini. Yes, there is plenty of tourist tat to wade through as well, but there are just as many beautiful boutiques featuring hand-painted artwork, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, and leather goods by local and Greek artists.
Oia arguably has the best selection of beautiful shops and markets, but you can find handcrafted items all over Santorini. Some places to check out include Mati Art Gallery, Jeannette House of Art, and Epilekton.
Food & Drink in Santorini
Local Wines
Try Santorini’s delicious wines, which are cultivated in an unusual way.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +30 2286 021100 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Mondays, 11 am – 10 pm Tuesday – Sunday | 👉 Book A Wine Tasting with Dinner at Venetsanos Winery on Viator
Santorini’s mineral-rich, volcanic soil provides a hearty terroir for the island’s vineyards. This, coupled with the traditional “kouloura” method of weaving vines into a basket shape to further protect the grapes from the harsh elements, makes for some excellent wine.
Santorini is known for several varieties, the most famous of which is the crisp, white Assyrtiko. Others include Athiri, Aidani, and Nykteri. Be sure to also try Vinsanto, a sweet, deep amber-colored dessert wine. Even if you don’t like sweet wines, it’s worth trying at least once.
Dive deeper into Santorini’s wines with a vineyard tour and tasting at Venetsanos Winery or Gaia Winery. Or opt for a private wine tour where you can visit more than one vineyard in a day.
Metaxi Mas
Make a reservation for what will likely be your best meal in Santorini.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +30 2286 031323 | Website | Hours: 2:30 pm – 11 pm daily
If you only eat at one place in Santorini, let this be it. Metaxi Mas is located inland on a hill with sea and valley views from its terraces. Visit for a delightful dining experience of local Cretan and Santorini food.
The restaurant is homey and slightly rustic, and the food is fantastic. Be sure to order the feta cheese in a flaky phyllo crust drizzled in honey and sesame seeds. This is what brought me here, and it was well worth it.
The menu is rich with seafood, vegetable-based starters, and meat, including grilled beef in Vinsanto sauce. It fills up quickly, though. Be sure to book in advance.
Aktaion Restaurant
This family-owned restaurant serving authentic Santorini fare is more than 100 years old.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +30 2286 022336 | Website | Hours: 1 pm – 12 am Monday & Tuesday – Saturday, 6 pm – 12 pm Sundays
Perched on a particularly lovely spot along the caldera in Fira, Aktaion Restaurant is a gem in an area with many places of lesser quality. Come here to feast on traditional Santorini cuisine like classic salads with caper leaves and local cheeses, fave bean purée, smoked mackerel, and squid risotto.
The restaurant itself, family-owned and open for more than a century, is in a charmingly corner-curved whitewashed building with blue trim. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, including a section overlooking the caldera. I also recommend making a reservation here.
Santorini Museums & Culture
Lost Atlantis Experience
Explore Greek myths and travel back in time.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +30 2286 085076 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: €14, adults, €7 children, 7-12 years, free, 6 and under
The Lost Atlantis Experience is an interactive museum and a very fun stop if you want to learn more about the myth of the lost city of Atlantis and the catastrophic volcanic eruption that made Santorini the archipelago it is today.
The museum is made up of 3D exhibits, interactive holograms, videos, and games. It’s a particularly great stop for kids who can engage with a number of activities, such as jumping across “lava” floors and capturing photos of themselves in ancient Greek costume.
The big centerpiece of the museum is a 9D virtual reality experience, which recreates the cataclysmic event. It can either be a draw or a deterrent for visitors!
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
See even more of Akrotiri’s artifacts or soak up the beautiful frescoes at this small yet impactful museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +30 2286 023217 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm daily, Closed Tuesdays | Entrance: €10, adults, €5 reduced
Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera if you want to see more artifacts unearthed from Akrotiri’s ancient site or if you’re a history and archaeology buff. It’s a good complement to a visit to the ancient site but also interesting enough on its own if you don’t make it to Ancient Akrotiri.
This museum presents the span of life and culture of Thira’s Cycladic civilization starting from the Neolithic era. There are some vibrant murals and painted pottery on display and a particularly famous golden ibex from the 17th century B.C.
Archaeological Museum of Thera
A worthwhile stop for history and archeology buffs.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +30 2286 022217 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm daily, Closed Mondays; 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Saturdays, summer only | Entrance: €10, adults, €5, reduced
This tiny museum showcases further artifacts from around Santorini, including Akrotiri. While the museum itself is a bit shabby, there are some interesting ancient Hellenistic sculptures and pottery to see. If you love history and archaeology, this is a place for you.
Beaches in Santorini
Red Beach
Spend a day at this unique beach with a blazing red background.
Santorini isn’t exactly known for its beaches. If you are looking for a pure beach vacation, it’s best to go to another island. However, there are some decent options along the southern part of the island, one of which is Red Beach.
Its undulating, deep red cliffs make it a truly unique spot, especially when set against the azure blue sea and sky. There’s a short 5-10 minute walk along a path to get to it. Once there, you can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs. Snack bars are situated nearby, too, so you won’t go hungry.
Perissa & Perivolos Beaches
These black sand volcanic beaches make for an easy beach day.
These two black-sand beaches sit next to one another on the island’s southeast coast. Perissa & Perivolos Beaches are easily accessible, affordable, and you can rent practically everything you need for a good beach day on-site. Plus, easily grab a meal at some of the nearby tavernas and restaurants. Easy!
While at times it gets a bit raucous with loud music and crowds, it’s a good option if you want beach time in Santorini. Plus, the ruins of ancient Thera are also within hiking distance.
Take a Catamaran Trip or Sunset Cruise
Explore Santorini from the sea.
👉 Book A Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Open Bar on Viator
Santorini is all about the different ways one can see and experience its stunning and unique landscape. This includes from the sea itself.
Consider spending part of your day on a sailing tour like this half-day catamaran cruise. Even if you’re not on the beach, you’ll get some swimming time in the sapphire waters. You’ll also be able to admire the dramatic cliffs of the caldera from below and spot some key landmarks like Akrotiri Lighthouse, Red Beach, and more from the water.
You’ll enjoy lunch and drinks aboard while soaking up the sunshine. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the natural elements that make this island so special. Alternatively, book a sunset cruise to see the sun melt into the horizon from the water, far from the crowds.
Unusual & Offbeat Things to Do in Santorini
Therasia
Travel back in time and visit the island most tourists never venture to.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book this Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (including Therasia) on Viator
Therasia is the island that sits directly across the caldera from Santorini (or Thera). Most people never come here, but it’s a great off-the-beaten-path destination to explore if you have the time. There’s a community of between 250-300 people who live on this island, and the place feels like how I imagine Santorini was before it was impacted by overtourism.
There are restaurants and cafes to explore in the port of Ormos Korfou and Manolas, the largest village on the island, accessible via footpath from the shore. There are several churches here, too. You can hike the volcanic landscape or visit the beach in Korfos or Agia Irini on the northern point of the island.
While it’s most common to visit as a day or half-day trip, you should consider booking an Airbnb so you can spend the night. Ferries to Therasia leave from Athinios Port, Ammoudi, or the Old Port of Fira. Another option would be to book this caldera cruise that includes a stop in Therasia. Just keep in mind that you would have very limited time on the island if you go this route.
Be Charmed by the Cats
Easily make many furry friends on Santorini.
👉 Book this Santorini Cat Tour on Get Your Guide
One of the most ubiquitous things on Santorini is the cats. They are everywhere and, whether or not you are a cat person, it’s hard to deny that they add to the charm of the landscape.
The majority of the cats look healthy, and I have the impression that even street cats are looked after by the local community. As one Oia waiter on his lunch break told me while we played with a group of street kittens, “They belong to all of us so we take care of them.”
As an animal person, I always loved interacting with them. It’s even more fun if you travel with kids who love to play with animals, too.
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I hope you’ve found this guide helpful and know exactly what to do in Santorini now. Feel free to ask me a question in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to reply.
Traveling beyond Santorini? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Athens next!