Are you heading to the Cycladic Islands? Want to know the best things to do in Santorini, on and off the beaten path?
The island is more than just white villages on top of a cliff.
Below are my favorite spots with photos to help you plan you trip.
Before all my tips + photos, let me share my favorites to plan your Santorini trip:
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Santorini:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Santorini: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Full day catamaran along the cliffs
My favorite excursion: the Highlights Tour
My favorite places to stay:
- In Oia, the most famous area on the cliffs: Marizan Caves
- In Fira, the most central to explore by bus: Keti Hotel
- In Kamari for a stay by the beach: Hotel Sunshine
My Top 10 best things to do in Santorini
Let’s start with my own selection of the top 10 activities or places to see in Santorini. I am trying to not only list things that I love, but offer options for everyone’s taste.
1. Admire the island from a catamaran
- What
My absolute favorite day in Santorini was when I did the catamaran tour – check out the details and availability - Why I love it
This 6 to 8h excursion is one of the best ways to appreciate the landscapes of the caldera. You will head to the center of the volcano and the hot spring, as well as sail along the South coast and its colorful cliffs: black, red, white, striped… This is the best way to see the diversity and to get up close with the volcanic nature of the area. - Where is it?
The tour includes a pick up wherever you are staying. I was in Oia at the opposite end of the island compared to the marina. We join the catamaran at the Vlichada Marina - Tips
Bring socks as the wind can be cold on your feet.
Don’t wear a light color swimsuit (the waters of the hot springs may stain it)
More info on my article about the best boat tours in Santorini.
2. Enjoy the peace of Oia at sunrise
- What
Don’t do the same as everyone else. Choose to explore the village of Oia at sunrise. - Why I love it
Contrary to sunset, there is hardly anyone in the streets of Oia at sunrise. This is the best time to enjoy the architecture and photograph it.
And since Oia is quite spread out along the cliff, you can find several viewpoints to admire the sun rising. - Where is it?
Oia is the village at the North West tip of Santorini. You can reach it by bus from Fira. - Tips
Start before sunrise and appreciate the light slowly filling in the streets when the sun finally gets over South coast.
Don’t take a map, just explore and get lost in the area (you are never really lost as it is a narrow village, you can always find the central street).
Check out my article about the best things to do in Oia.
3. Or face the crowds to watch sunset from Oia
- What
One of the most famous things to do in Santorini: watch sunset from Oia - Why I love it
If you want to watch the sunset over the water, then don’t go to Oia, alignements can be better in Fira or Imerovigli. But you can see these kinds of sunset in many places. The interest of a sunset in Oia is that it is behind the typical architecture with domes and windmills (depending on your viewpoint). As you can see in the picture above (that I took) it cas be mesmerizing. - Where is it?
Oia is still at the North West end of Santorini… - Tips
If you absolutely want to photograph the most famous sunset shot, you will have to be at the castle. But you will have to arrive 2h early to get a good spot and keep it until sunset.
However explore and find other vantage point for interesting angles. I recommend staying in Oia so that you can easily walk and explore every night (see the best rated accommodations)
4. Enjoy the angles of Emporio
- What
The village of Emporio in the heart of Santorini - Why I love it
While all the tourists head to the white architecture of the cliff’s village, why not try something different? Emporio was a quite a wonderful surprise for me. The old center is a maze of very narrow streets creating a playground for photographers: the angles, the colors, the staircases, the arches… So much fun! - Where is it?
South half of the island, inland in the heart. Emporio is the largest village. - Tips
Plan at least 2h so you can feel free to explore every alley.
More photos on my article about Emporio
5. Take hundreds of pictures at Vlychada Beach
- What
The cliffs of Vlychada Beach - Why I love it
This is my favorite beach in Santorini (even over the famous Red Beach which is next). This is because I love rock formations. And the cliffs here have been carved and sculpted by the elements, it is fascinating. The only problem is that it is difficult to stop taking pictures. - Where is it?
South coast, at the East end, near the Vlychada Marina - Tips
Check out my article about Vlychada
6. Be amazed by the cliffs of Red Beach
- What
Red Beach, a.k.a Kokkini beach - Why I love it
This is the most famous beach in Santorini because the whole cliff is red volcanic rock. This is quite a rare sight on the Earth and I recommend the short walk to the viewpoint. - Where is it?
South coast of Santorini, South of the Akrotiri village - Tips
Note that, it is considered dangerous to get to the beach itself. The cliffs are not stable and there are frequent rock falls and rock slides.
More photos in my Red Beach article.
7. Walk down to Ammoudi Bay
- What
Ammoudi Bay (also written Amoudi Bay) - Why I love it
This is such a charming place with good tavernas. Plus it offers a completely different perspective on the cliffs! - Where is it?
North West tip of Santorini, under the village of Oia - Tips
There is access by a road but not many parking places at the bottom. The best option is to be courageous and walk down the 200 to 250 stairs (depending on when you start counting). Try not to climb back up during the hottest hours of the day.
8. Travel back in time at the Akrotiri Archeological site
- What
Akrotiri Archeological site - Why I love it
The excavation site is very well organised. You can clearly see the walls of the houses, the rooms when you are walking above ground level.
Plus it is a covered site, and not being in the direct sun is very enjoyable. - Where is it?
South Coast, near the Red Beach, South of Akrotiri village - Tips
Visit at opening times or later in the afternoon. Big tour buses are filling in the site.
If you enjoy ancient history, another alternative are the ruins of Ancient Thera. However they are under the harsh sun and require some hiking.
9. Do something different and visit to Tomato Industrial Museum
- What
The Tomato Industrial Museum - Why I love it
That is the last thing I was expecting to visit in Santorini, but it was a lot of fun and very informative. I had a great time learning about the tomato industry in Santorini, the different tools that were used, and tasting the famous sauce. Something to break to monotony of the blue sky, blue water and white houses… - Where is it?
Right next to the Vlychada beach (South East coast of Santorini)
10. Relax at Perissa Beach
- What
Perissa Beach, the “Black beach” - Why I love it
I am not someone who stays on the beach. I am bored after 5min. However I do understand that some people enjoy it.
The 2 main beaches in Santorini are Perissa and Kamari. They are both covered with a mix of black sand and small black pebbles. - Where is it?
Both beaches are on the East coast, Southern half - Tips
Make sure to wear shoes in Summer as the dark sand gets really really hot.
Check out my article comparing Perissa and Kamari, in order to choose the best option for you.
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
How to explore Santorini
Map of Santorini
Below is an introduction map to get you oriented. You can find the locations mentioned above: Oia, Perissa, Red Beach, Akrotiri, Emporio, Vlychada (a.k.a. Vlichada)…
The island of Santorini is not that big to explore.
For example: Oia to Vlychada = 45min drive
All my favorite locations are included in my eBook to help you plan an unforgettable trip:
Plan your dream trip in Santorini thanks to my guide
- 6 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 40+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- Planning tips
- 90+ original photos to help you choose
3 main options to explore Santorini:
- Use the bus system – all buses depart and come back to Fira. However you are depending on their schedule, they don’t go absolutely everywhere and they are full in Summer – see the network
- Join organized tours – if you have only 2 days or are staying at the beach and just want to see a few places, you can just book excursions – Check out the many options to choose from
- Drive – This is the best option to go off the beaten path and to be able to visit places early before the crowds – check out my article about driving in Santorini
You can find practical maps and all my favorite locations in my eBook to help you plan your Santorini itinerary:
Need to rent a car in Santorini?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t take a car too large, since village streets can be narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Best places to stay in Santorini
To help you choose where to stay in Santorini, you can go to my detailed article describing the different areas and options.
As a summary:
- My favorite white village to stay in: Oia – See the best rated accommodations in Oia
- For exploring the island by bus: Fira – See the best rated accommodations in Fira
- For enjoying the beach and nightlife: Kamari – See the best rated accommodations in Kamari
- For cheaper options: Emporio – See the best rated accommodations in Emporio
- For beach time away from the crowds: Vlychada – See the few accommodations in Vlychada
Best views in Santorini
Santorini is a great place to explore with your camera. The contrasting colors are a pleasure to admire and capture. The most famous view on the island is the following one. It is taken from the castle ruins in Oia overlooking Ammoudi Bay.
There you can see:
- the buildings and cave houses building on the cliffs,
- the windmills in the background,
- the dark volcanic rock,
- Ammoudi Bay at the bottom.
Find out more photo ideas in my article about the best views in Santorini
Best beaches in Santorini
Let’s be honest, Santorini is not really a beach destination. There is no fine white sand to enjoy… it is a volcanic island!
That being said you can still enjoy a few beaches if you want to:
- For the scenery: Vlychada Beach, White Beach and Red Beach
- For relaxing under the sun : Perissa beach, Kamari Beach or Monolithos beach
Learn more on my article about the best beaches in Santorini
Best villages in Santorini
All the villages in Santorini have something to offer: typical architecture, churches, bells, views…
In my opinion, the 3 best villages in Santorini are:
- Oia
- Emporio
- Imerovigli
But for less visited options you can also consider Pyrgos, Akrotiri, Megalochori…
All are listed and mapped in my eBook
Best boat tours in Santorini
A great way to learn more about the volcanic caldera around Santorini, it to join one of the boat tours. There are plenty of options depending on what you are looking for.
My Top 2 recommendations are:
- The Catamaran cruise for the views of the South Coast – check out program and book
- The Volcanic tour with the possibility to walk on the rim of the volcano – check out program and book
To learn more and see a video, head to my article about the best boat tours in Santorini.
Best hikes in Santorini
And finally, Santorini also offers hiking opportunities with trails around the island.
My suggestions are:
- The hike between Oia and Fira ( 10km – 3 to 4 hours)
- The short hike to Skaros Rock in Imerovigli (1h)
- The short hike on the rim of the volcano (see boat tours)
- Pyrgos to the highest point in Santorini (1h)
Want to see more of the best Santorini has to offer?
- 25 inspiring pictures of the best Santorini landscapes to capture – read article
- The best beaches in Santorini – read article
- My selection of the most amazing boat tours around Santorini – read article
- The best places to stay in Santorini – read article
- The best things to do in Oia – read article
- My tips on renting a car and driving around Santorini to see more – read article
- My Santorini itinerary suggestions for 1, 2, 3 days or more – read article
Plan your dream trip in Santorini thanks to my guide
- 6 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 40+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- Planning tips
- 90+ original photos to help you choose
Want to see more of GREECE?
PREVIOUS:
Things to do in Oia, Santorini
NEXT:
Best views in Santorini – Landscapes & photo locations
Inspired? Share it on your favorite platform!
