Blue-domed churches and whitewashed buidling perched on the caldera of Santorini, Greece
Santorini Greece

Explore the island’s gems and fascinating things to do!

Welcome to Santorini Greece, one of the most photogenic islands that really encapsulates the true beauty of the Aegean. Located in the southernmost part of the Cyclades, between Ios and Anafi, it is universally acknowledged for its unbeatable views, golden sunsets, and magnificent landmarks.

Known since ancient times as Thira, it has evolved throughout the centuries, as its current state is the outcome of intense volcanic activity. The fact that you can sit in front of the caldera and enjoy the local cuisine, a coffee, or a drink while taking in the remarkable beauty of an active volcano is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Explore Santorini’s rich cultural significance through its unique architecture and sightseeing. Visit its seaside gems with crystal-clear waters surrounded by black sand and pebbles, fantastic rock formations, and breathtaking lunar landscapes.

Airplane view of Santorini Greece
The most common and comfortable way of travel is through Athens, the capital of Greece. From Athens, you can easily catch a direct flight or ferry to Santorini. The flight is the quickest, easiest way as it lasts no more than 40 minutes.
The ferry is the more affordable option, and you can catch it from the port of Piraeus. Santorini is a 4.5 to 6-hour ferry ride from Athens by the fastest high-speed ferry.
During the peak summer season, charters from various European cities have direct flights to Santorini. However, these flights are not available every day.
The Caldera villages (Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, Firostefani, Akrotiri, and Megalochori) are where the majority of hotels with infinity pools are based, making them perfect for a lavish getaway. While all the best hotels are located in these locations, they also offer more affordable accommodation options.
Santorini’s city, Fira, is known for its outstanding shopping centers and nightclubs. On the other hand, Oia is well known for its upscale lodgings, malls, and charming town atmosphere with picturesque blue and white houses and marbled paths. It is also close to Ammoudi, where you can enjoy gourmet dinners.
In other words, Imerovigli is the place to go if you’re seeking a more tranquil setting. Near the beaches of Perissa and Perivolos, in the island’s middle, lies another peaceful settlement called Megalochori. Akrotiri is also a nice option to stay if you have your own transportation because it is close to Red Beach.
Santorini alley
Getting around Santorini Greece
Even though it’s relatively small, Santorini offers many ways to get around and uncover its alluring gems.
From reliable bus routes serving the whole island to car rentals, taxis and private transfers, there are many available options to go from one location to another.
One thing it’s important to remember, though, is that you should consider booking your transportation in advance if you wish to avoid frustration and delays during the high season.

Best time to visit Santorini

Kids with their hands open in the air overlooking the Santorini caldera
Woman watching the sunset while sailing in Santorini

Noteworthy things to do in Santorini, Greece

Kids with their hands open in the air overlooking the Santorini caldera

The renowned Santorini routes

The best beaches in Santorini, Greece

Kamari Beach, Santorini

Kamari beach

This expansive, five-kilometer-long black-sand beach features stunning natural beauty and first-rate amenities. Public WC facilities and equipment rentals for the beach are provided. Spend time doing water activities, such as windsurfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The resort of Kamari nestles right behind it, where lively restaurants, cafes, and shops reside for your utmost convenience.

Perissa Beach, Santorini

Perissa beach

Neighboring Kamari, this gorgeous beach stretches for many kilometers and features a black lava-sand shoreline and crystal-clear seas with a cobalt hue. Perissa Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety and makes for a fantastic location for swimming and other fun water sports.

Red Beach, Santorini

Red beach

This tiny strip of dark-sand shoreline, surrounded by breathtaking red volcanic rock cliffs, is like no other plage in the world. Its spectacular natural location lends it a wild, untamed feel, but it is quite difficult to access through a relatively challenging rocky path.

Vlychada Beach, Santorini

Vlychada beach

This beach on Santorini’s southern coast is framed by volcanic rock cliffs, giving it a distinctive and rugged appearance. With a lengthy shoreline of pebbles and gray sand, it offers a calm atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and taking in the sun. A café that provides umbrellas, lounge chairs, refreshments, and snacks is located directly right on the beach.

Perivolos Beach, Santorini

Perivolos Beach

Perivolos is Santorini’s longest black sand beach and is located only a few kilometers south of Perissa Beach, on the island’s southern shore. Sit back, admire Perivolos Beach’s picture-perfect natural surroundings, and dive into sparkling turquoise waves.
Despite its tranquil environment, it is also full of life with shops, restaurants, and fun amenities.

Monolithos Beach, Santorini

Monolithos Beach

Located in a serene natural setting, this beach is popular among residents due to its relaxing atmosphere. The gentle waves, shallow waters, and dedicated playground make this beach a staple among families with young children. Black sand extends for miles along Monolithos Beach’s beachfront, and there is also a shaded area. Lifeguards are stationed in one area of the beach, and sun lounger and umbrella rentals are also available.

Pori Beach, Santorini

Pori Beach

In a picture-perfect area of rural terrain, rosy-hued cliffs surround this charming little beach and provide protection. The beach is halfway between Oia, a picture-perfect hillside village with adorable whitewashed cubic cottages, and Imerovigli, a stunning cliff-top village surrounded by classic windmills and slopes covered in vines.

Mesa Pigadia Beach, Santorini

Mesa Pigadia Beach

Mesa Pigadia offers the serenity of a pristine, natural setting. An unpaved country road leads to this undiscovered pebbly beach. Mesa Pigadia is the perfect place to unwind because of its tranquil, remote position. Due to its location in a narrow cove and the wind-blocking volcanic rock cliffs, there are calm waves, which is ideal for family fun.

Katharos Beach, Santorini

Katharos Beach

This peaceful beach is especially appreciated by nature enthusiasts. Visitors are left in awe by the remote location and its breathtaking sea views. Wonderful panoramas of the island’s dazzling turquoise waters reaching into the horizon may be seen from the hillside vantage point on the northwest shore.

Cape Colombo Beach, Santorini

Cape Colombo Beach

The most untamed of Santorini’s beaches, this one is protected by towering cliffs and has a pebble and dark gray sand beachfront. Because of the remote position and arid surroundings, it feels like you are on a desert island. A drawback of visiting with your partner or family is the lack of facilities around.

Woman watching the sunset while sailing in Santorini

The appealing Santorini attractions

Architecture, sightseeing and all-around experiences

Santorini island is definitely not all about its magnificent sunsets and unique beaches. There is a piece of history wherever you look. From the picturesque alleys to the characteristic blue and white architecture and the active volcano that has left its mark throughout the years. It is, without a doubt, an ideal destination for curious travelers!

Excavations of Akrotiri, Santorini

Santorini Akrotiri Minoan Site

Visit one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations, which is situated on the southern side of the island. See history and multiple influences unfolding with your own eyes as, according to searches, the village was founded around 4,500 B.C. and completely destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century B.C. After the old town was eradicated by a volcanic eruption a century later, a new town was constructed over its ruins.

Akrotiri lighthouse, Santorini

Santorini Akrotiri Lighthouse

Endure breathtaking views at one of Santorini’s most picturesque locations, including the majestic volcano, at the southwestmost point of the island, while sitting on the outer wall or on nearby rocks of the location. It’s the perfect setting to admire with your significant other.

Castle of Oia in Santorini

Santorini Castle of Oia (St. Nikolas)

This is one of the highest spots of the caldera, offering magnificent views of Santorini’s cliffs and the sea, cave dwellings, and other traditional buildings. The ruins of the castle are made up of outer walls that were primarily built out of lava bricks and stones with a volcanic origin. Make sure you visit the tiny church that was built in 1450 and dedicated to St. Nikolaos. It is the most famous sunset-viewing spot, which has been sculpted out of volcanic rock.

Skaros Rock in Santorini

Santorini Skaros Rock

Enjoy the beautiful view of the Aegean from a rocky headland in front of Imerovigli village. Up until the start of the 1800s, the location was home to a grand castle that served as the main gathering place for the Christian community in Santorini. Unfortunately, a 19th-century earthquake caused the castle to be totally destroyed, leaving just remnants behind and available to see.

Emporio castle in Santorini

Santorini Emporio Castle

Visit the Castle of Emporio, a medieval fortress nearby the impressively preserved Venetian Tower. The Tower of Nimborio, often referred to as Goulas, is a Venetian tower with a square shape that is located in Emporio Village in Santorini. Due to their distinctive designs, the Castle and the Tower are both must-see sights in Santorini.

Blue-domed churches in Oia, Santorini

Santorini Oia Blue Dome Churches

The blue-domed churches of Oia are prominently displayed as one of the town’s most endearing attractions, standing side by side on the magnificent caldera cliffside and overlooking the Aegean Sea. They are most likely the Cyclades’ most picturesque churches, providing even more beauty to the postcard-like setting!

Archaeological museum of Santorini

Santorini Archaeological Museum

In the heart of Fira is where you’ll find the Archaeological Museum of Santorini. The museum was first built in 1902, but it was destroyed by the earthquake that struck in 1956, and it was rebuilt in 1960. Unique collections of sculptures and inscriptions from the Archaic to the Roman era are displayed in the museum’s rooms.

Get a map, rent a car, and embark on Santorini activities

Discover the unique experiences that the cosmopolitan island of Santorini, Greece, has to offer. Explore our variety of tours and make them yours by referring to our expert team for a tailor-made package.

Wine barrels in a Santorini winery

Vineyards

The cultivation of wine in Santorini goes back to prehistoric times. The dry climate and the volcanic soil in which the unique Santorini grapes grow are responsible for the distinctive wines. Taste wines from the indigenous white grape varieties Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani and the reds Mavrotragano and Mandilaria.

Wine tasting food pairings

Flavors of Santorini, Greece

Similarly, the local produce of the island is characterized by the volcano’s influence on the land. Visit the island’s gourmet restaurants and tavernas and savor local dishes as well as experimental and fusion cuisines that will really captivate you.

Our thoughtfully-crafted tours, just for you

Santorini is definitely an island with many options; let us make your itinerary a bit easier. Feel the warmth of the Greek sun and gaze at the views of the Aegean Sea. Dive into the Cycladic culture and taste the local delicacies and wines. Santorini Experts is by your side for any questions or concerns along the way.