Things to do in Santorini: The Ultimate Guide

Known for its incredible volcanic scenery, fascinating ruins and the most famous sunsets in the world, a visit to the Greek island of Santorini does not disappoint. Here’s our ultimate guide on the best things to do in Santorini.

Where is Santorini?

The Greek island of Santorini is one of the southernmost of Greece’s islands, found in the Aegean Sea. One of the Cyclades islands, Santorini’s uniquely curved western coastline is a clear reminder of the fact the island was left behind as a remnant of a massive volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, leaving behind a collapsed caldera that is now largely under the sea. Santorini covers an area of just 28 square miles, making it the perfect size to explore properly while on holiday there.

This blog is a comprehensive guide on which fascinating places to visit whilst on your luxury holiday to Santorini, to find the information that’s relevant to you, use the handy content links below:

• Best things to do in Santorini
• Things to do in Kamari
• Things to do in Fira
• Santorini Beaches
• Romantic things to do in Santorini
• Places to eat in Santorini
• Shopping in Santorini
• Non touristy things to do in Santorini

Best things to do in Santorini

Oia

This enchanting clifftop village exudes the postcard-perfect charm that makes the Greek islands so beloved. Narrow winding roads, whitewashed houses with vibrant blue roofs and glimpses of the twinkling sea greet you at every turn.

This is a place to shop for souvenirs and traditional crafts, then have a coffee, lunch or dinner. However, Oia is best known for its sunset, said to be the best sunset in the world. Gather together with others at the castle to watch it, or book a table with a sunset view at one of Oia’s restaurants.

The Fira to Oia hike is also a popular activity in Santorini, and takes between two and five hours depending on which route you take. Ammoudi Bay below Oia is also a picturesque spot to go for a meal.

Akrotiri

History fans cannot fail to visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri – one of the most fascinating places to visit in Santorini. This former town was a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that was buried by the historic volcanic explosion in the 16th century BC. Incredibly well-preserved, the volcanic ash even protected detailed frescoes and other works of art. Akrotiri is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 08:00 to 18:00, and Thursdays from 08:00 to 15:00. Tickets cost €5.

Volcano visit and hot springs

The two uninhabited islands in the middle of Santorini’s caldera – Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni (meaning ‘new’ and ‘old burnt islands’) – were formed 450 years ago and 2,000 years ago respectively.

Get a closer glimpse of the heart of Santorini’s former volcanic activity by embarking on a boat trip to see these islands, widely hailed as being some of the best things to see in Santorini. On Nea Kameni, it’s even possible to walk to the top of the 130-metre high crater.

Palea Kameni is home to hot springs where you can soak and swim in the healing waters. Take a boat tour to the islands later in the day to take in Santorini’s sunset too. Sunset tours including visits to Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni start from €35 per person and last up to five hours.

Profitis Ilias

The top of this mountain marks the highest spot in Santorini, worth visiting for the immense views of the island and the surrounding deep blue sea. The mountain is also home to the Profitis Ilias Monastery, a pretty 18th century sanctuary, where you can visit the small chapel and buy goods made by the monks themselves.

Pyrgos

This small hilltop village is a little further off the beaten track compared to some other Santorini spots, making it the perfect place for a stroll and some quiet reflection. In particular, enjoy the tiny churches and cafés offering sumptuous views.

Megalochori

This 17th century village has a prominent history of wine and trade, which is still reflected in the architecture today, characterised by small wineries and merchants’ houses with high walls and elegant courtyards. Wander around to soak up the feeling of past times and to have a coffee at a pavement café in the square.

Things to do in Kamari

Ancient Thera

The ruins of this ancient city are found on a hilltop accessible from Kamari. Drive there, join a small tour to the top of the hill, or hike along one of several footpaths if you’re feeling more adventurous! Wander along the ancient streets – which date as far back as the 9th century BC – and take in the ruins of houses, temples and a theatre.

Open air cinema Kamari

Watch a film under the stars in a delightful garden setting at Kamari’s open-air cinema. Running for more than 30 years, this is a fine spot to spend an evening, complete with comfortable deckchairs or director’s chairs and cocktails. Open Air Cinema Kamari is open daily from May until September, with film screenings starting at 21:30. Tickets cost €8.

Promenade

Strolling along Kamari’s seaside promenade is possibly one of the best things to do in Santorini. Enjoy the sweeping views, the peaceful feeling and the numerous cafés to choose from for coffee, lunch or ice cream.

Things to do in Fira

Cable car

Reach the Old Port by embarking on a cable car journey from Fira. The ride takes just three minutes but offers glorious views of the sea and surrounding islands. The Old Port is a lovely place to spend some time, particularly to buy some souvenirs and to stop for a coffee. The cable car runs from around 06:30 until 23:00, with shorter operating hours over the winter. Tickets cost €6 one-way.

The Greek Wedding Show

This show at The White Door Theatre has captured the hearts and minds of audiences for a number of years. A musical about a 1940s Greek wedding, it offers an insight into Greek culture, and has a true feelgood factor. The White Door Theatre has daily evening performances from May to October. Tickets cost €49 per person, which includes wine and mezze dishes.

Archaeological Museum of Thera

This museum showcases some fascinating artefacts that have been found on Santorini. The collection includes well-preserved vases from the 5th century BC, Hellenistic frescoes, Byzantine artworks and more. There are also some prehistoric vases from Akrotiri. The Archaeological Museum of Thera is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 15:00. Entry costs €4.

Mykonos Multi Centre

Explore more of the Greek Islands by splitting your time between two or more enchanting locations. Just a two and a half hour ferry ride away, pair your Santorini holiday with the vibrant island of Mykonos. Increasingly popular, multi centre holidays let you enjoy a much richer holiday experience.

Romantic things to do in Santorini

Sunset cruise

Since Santorini is so famed for its sunsets, a perfectly romantic excursion from the island is to go on a sunset cruise. There are numerous tour operators offering a sunset experience aboard all types of boats, with food and drinks included. A five-hour sunset catamaran cruise with food and drink costs around €85.

Helicopter tour

See Santorini from a whole new perspective by embarking on a romantic helicopter tour, taking in the volcano and the plentiful whitewashed villages clinging to the island’s clifftops. Choose from 20 or 30 minute helicopter experiences, a sunset helicopter journey or an island hopping adventure to see the surrounding Greek islands too. There are multiple helicopter tour providers in Santorini, with tours starting from approximately €190 per person.

Places to eat in Santorini

Assyrtico

There is no shortage of places to eat in Fira. For a tucked-away restaurant located in an enchanting garden setting, Assyrtico is a great option. The menu is filled with traditional Greek cuisines, cooked with modern flair using ingredients sourced from Santorini. There is also an extensive wine list showcasing the best wines from Greece. Assyrtico is open daily from morning until late into the evening.

Selene

For a high-end meal, Selene is widely hailed as being the classiest dining option in Santorini. Located in Pyrgos, the upstairs restaurant offers a modern twist on local cuisines and is perfect for special occasions. The bistro downstairs also offers a selection of mezze dishes. Selene’s upstairs restaurant is open daily from 19:00 to 23:00, while the bistro downstairs is open from 12:00 every day.

SantoWines

This union of wineries in Santorini works with vineyards from across the island to source the best wines. Visit SantoWines to enjoy wine tasting and lunch, with the option of up to 16 flights of wine paired with cheese, seafood platters or four-course menus. This is also a fantastic spot to enjoy fantastic views over Santorini’s caldera. SantoWines is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00.

Panorama Balcony

For a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Santorini, book a table at Panorama Balcony at the Canaves Oia Suites. With just one dining table on a balcony offering glorious views of the sea and Santorini’s cliffs, this is an extraordinary and exclusive experience. The cuisine is gourmet Mediterranean and a true delight for the taste buds. Panorama Balcony is open daily from 20:00 to 23:00 – book a table well in advance.

Shopping in Santorini

Fira

The island’s capital is also the best place to shop in Santorini. Ypapantis Street is particularly well-known for its history of gold, and is nowadays the perfect place to go shopping for high-end and artisan-crafted jewellery. Elsewhere in Fira, find original fashions and plenty of hand-crafted souvenirs.

Santorini Arts Factory

This tomato factory museum and arts centre is actually one of the most unusual but best places to go shopping in Santorini! Learn more about Santorini’s amazing history of cherry tomatoes, take in art exhibitions and musical performances, then buy original pieces by Greek designers, such as one-of-a-kind canvas bags.

Art Space Winery

Another original shopping experience in Santorini, visit Art Space Winery to view art displayed in caves, before enjoying a wine tasting session of wines produced by the family-run winery in the same location. Buy art, wine or both at the end of your visit as a memento of the experience! Art Space Winery is open daily from 11:00 until sunset.

Non touristy things to do in Santorini

Akrotiri lighthouse