Santorini is an incredibly beautiful volcanic island, characterized by high cliffs rising hundreds of meters (328 feet) above the Aegean Sea. At the top of these cliffs, picturesque villages are built with white houses and churches with blue domes, reminiscent of postcard views. As almost all the villages on Santorini are located a few hundred meters (328 feet) above sea level, you have fantastic views all over the island. The sunrises and sunsets are particularly magical here. Besides the charming villages and breathtaking vistas, Santorini has much more to offer. Whether you prefer an active vacation or just want to relax, this versatile Greek island caters to all preferences! Check out our tips for the most beautiful spots on the island.

How to Get to Santorini?

Whether you want to visit Santorini directly from your homecountry or during your trip around Greece, below you can read about the various possibilities, also from Athens and Milos. Santorini is also easily accessible from other Greek islands in the region. Tip: At Bookaway, you can book ferry tickets between different islands in Greece.

Recommendations for Transport on Santorini

Despite Santorini not being a large island, the attractions are quite far apart, making private transportation very convenient. If you are on a tight budget, taking the bus is also an option. Buses run all over the island, and you can check the current departure times and routes online. Taxis are extremely expensive in Santorini, with a 7-minute ride costing around $30. Therefore, renting a car is the most cost-effective and enjoyable option. You can pick up your rental car directly at the airport, saving you from expensive taxi fares. Once you have your car, you can relax and explore the island with the freedom to go wherever you please. In the low season, you can rent a car from $30 per day, including good insurance coverage. In the high season, the price is around $60 per day. We recommend booking your car well in advance with Rentalcars, because here, a comprehensive insurance is always included in the price. A quad is also a fun option but often a bit more expensive than a rental car and less comfortable.

What to Do on Santorini?

Here are the tips for activities and sights that, in our opinion, you should not miss on Santorini:

Walking from Fira to Oia 

Between the villages of Fira and Oia, you can embark on an amazing 10-kilometer (6-mile) hike. This trail runs along the caldera (crater rim), treating you to stunning views of the white villages and the sea. Start the hike early in the morning to enjoy the tranquility and pleasant temperatures. It is recommended to begin in Fira and walk to Oia, as you will end up in the most beautiful village.

The entire hike takes about 3 hours. Wear good shoes and make sure to carry enough water with you, as there are few shops along the way. The walking route (number 9) is marked with signs along the path, but it’s almost impossible to get lost. There’s only one trail that runs along the caldera to Oia. The starting point is in Fira, near the lovely Atlantis Hotel.

Explore the Iconic Town Oia

When you Google Santorini, you’ll find thousands of photos of Oia. This village is indeed the iconic image of Santorini. Oia is built on the edge of a high cliff and boasts numerous picturesque spots. In its narrow alleys, you’ll discover whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and vibrant flowers hanging from pots. It can get quite crowded here during the day, so it’s best to set out early to explore all the beauty of Oia at your own pace. Treat yourself to a delicious ice cream at Lolita’s Gelato after strolling through Oia.

Recommended: Download the app Maps.me because it shows you exactly where the beautiful photo spots in Oia are. These locations are marked on the map as viewpoints.

Visit the Fisherstown Amoudi Bay 

Another great tip is to visit the fishing village of Amoudi Bay. Walk down the 300 steps from Oia and you’ll find yourself in this tiny fishing village. You can also drive there, but be aware that parking spaces are limited, so it’s better to walk. Amoudi Bay is a bay with crystal clear water, and you’ll find some excellent seafood restaurants there. If you prefer ice cream, you should head to Cool Cave. Tip: Be sure to take a short walk around the corner to Armonia Beach. It’s a great spot for swimming and cliff jumping in the beautiful blue water. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear when you visit Amoudi Bay.

Important:In Santorini, rides on donkeys to Amoudi Bay are offered. We strongly discourage this practice and encourage you to walk down and up yourself. Not only is it healthier for you, but you also avoid contributing to animal mistreatment. Animal welfare organizations advise that donkeys should not carry more than 50 kilograms, as carrying heavier loads can cause them significant pain and even lead to broken backs. Several incidents have already occurred with donkeys in Santorini, as they are forced to carry heavy loads up and down all day long. Additionally, these animals are not treated well, often standing in the scorching sun without sufficient water.

Watch the sunset in Oia (Without the Crowds)

Oia is world-famous for its breathtaking sunset. The view is phenomenal, with many claiming it to be the most beautiful sunset they’ve ever seen. However, it does get incredibly crowded. The most popular spot to watch the sunset is at the Castle of Oia. The view is stunning with a 360-degree panorama. However, it’s extremely crowded, and you may find yourself tightly squeezed among people. Make sure to find a spot at least 1.5 hours before sunset, as all the prime spots get taken quickly.

The alternative without the crowds: If you prefer not to be packed like sardines, we have a great tip for you! The ruins below the Castle of Oia consist of the old castle walls. Walk down the stairs towards Amoudi Bay and climb up the wall on the left side. Keep going up and find a nice spot. Be careful as the stones are loose, and watch out for anyone above you to avoid dislodging stones. The view here is almost the same as from the Castle of Oia, but you’ll likely be all alone! Buy a bottle of wine from the mini-market and bring some snacks, and you’ll have an amazing time here.

Recommendation : Another way to avoid the extreme crowds is by choosing to witness the sunrise in Oia. During this time, you’ll have almost the entire town to yourself, allowing you to capture the most beautiful photos. We’ve experienced both the sunset and the sunrise in Oia and found them equally spectacular.

Make a Boat Trip around Santorini

The waters around Santorini invite you to a delightful day on the water. During a boat trip, you’ll sail along the high cliffs of Santorini, enjoy fresh fish, go snorkeling, and visit beautiful beaches that are only accessible by boat. There are two different boats we can recommend. If you choose to join this boat trip, you’ll be on a large boat with music playing, a lively atmosphere, and drinks and a BBQ included. There are large nets to relax and catch some sun while sailing. If you prefer a quieter boat, then this boat trip is perfect. Only a maximum of 20 people are on board, providing plenty of space to sit or lie down in the hammocks. This boat also includes a delicious fresh meal and all drinks, such as wine, beer, and soft drinks. Both boat trips are available in the morning and in the late afternoon with a sunset option, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is handy in case the weather forecast is not as favorable as hoped.

Walk to Skaros Rock

Santorini is not only known for its charming villages but also for its rugged landscapes. If you ask us, we found Skaros Rock to be one of the most beautiful spots on Santorini. From the village of Imerovigli, you can walk via a staircase to the rock, and very quickly, the view becomes magnificent. The hike to Skaros Rock and back takes about 45 minutes in total. The trail is not difficult, but we do recommend wearing good shoes as a part of it is on an unpaved path.

Santorini’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Santorini is indeed not a typical beach destination with white beaches and blue water. If you’re looking for that kind of experience, you can combine Santorini with the paradise island of Milos. Due to its volcanic origin, most of Santorini’s beaches have gray or black sand. However, some of these beaches are still worth visiting due to their unique characteristics.

Red Beach: One of the most famous beaches in Santorini, located in the south next to a high red-colored rock. This beach is popular for swimming and sunbathing as it is situated in a bay, which often results in calm waters.

Vlychada Beach: This is a long sandy beach with peculiar rocks at the back. These rocks have acquired their unique shape through erosion caused by rain, wind, and the sea’s waves. A part of Vlychada is a nudist beach.

Kamari Beach: If you want to spend a relaxing day on a sunbed with a cold drink in hand, Kamari Beach is the perfect spot.

Fira: The Capital of Santorini

The capital, Fira, is located at almost 400 meters (1312 feet) above sea level and is built on the edge of the caldera. Fira is one of the most charming villages on Santorini, alongside Oia, with a labyrinth of beautiful alleys, delightful shops, excellent restaurants, and cozy terraces. From Fira, you can take the cable car down to Skala Firon, the old port of Santorini, which will take you through the steep cliffs. Another must-see attraction in Fira is the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

In Fira, you will find many good restaurants and bars. If you’re in the mood to enjoy the sunset with a cocktail in hand, you should visit Iriana. It’s not a budget-friendly bar, but the drinks are delicious, and the view is incredibly beautiful.

Visit the Authentic Villages Pygros & Megalochori

Pyrgos and Megalochori are two traditional villages that are both worth a visit. There isn’t a lot to do, so you don’t need to spend hours there, but it’s definitely nice to take a stroll through them. Pyrgos is located in the middle of Santorini, at an altitude of 350 meters (1148 feet). Walk all the way to the top of the village, to Callisti’s Castle. This is a Venetian fortress, and from here, you have a beautiful view over Santorini. Afterwards, have a bite to eat or enjoy some drinks at Penelope’s Ouzeri. This small restaurant offers a wonderful setting, and their menu includes many delicious items.

Just 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) from Pyrgos is the village of Megalochori. Here, you’ll find white churches, narrow alleys, and cozy small restaurants. Take a walk to the Bell Tower and treat yourself to some ice cream at Mr. Scoop. Then, drive to this beautiful viewpoint over the caldera.

Best Restaurants on Santorini

• Stolen Fruit – For delicious and healthy smoothie bowls, you should visit Stolen Fruit in Fira.
• Falafeland – In this tiny place in Fira, they serve incredibly tasty falafel at a friendly price.
• Jaipur Palace – Love Indian cuisine? Then a visit to Jaipur Palace in Fira is a must. We have eaten here multiple times, and it was incredibly delicious each time.
• Pelican Kipos Cafe Wine Restaurant – This is a charming restaurant in Fira. The tables are set in a beautiful garden, and they serve delightful food. Are you a wine lover? They produce their own wine here, and you can order a wine tasting.
• PitoGyros Traditional Grill House – For a delicious gyro sandwich, you should visit the small restaurant PitoGyros in Oia. Also suitable for vegetarians.
• Karma Greek Restaurant – Karma is a recommended spot for a cozy dining experience in Oia. You’ll be seated in a charming garden, and they serve delicious dishes with plenty of vegetables. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
• Il Forno Pizza & Pasta – If you’re not in the mood for Greek cuisine, you can enjoy tasty pizzas and pastas at this Italian restaurant in the village of Kamari.
• The Finch – This is the go-to place for breakfast in Kamari. A trendy and hip spot with an extensive menu.

Our Favorite Places to Stay on Santorini

Hotels on Santorini can be quite pricey. Most people choose to stay in the charming capital, Fira, as the hotels here are more affordable compared to Oia. Lemon Suites is one of the best choices for a lovely hotel in Fira. The rooms are stylishly decorated and come with nice extras like a Nespresso machine and a small fridge. If you want to indulge yourself or someone else, book a room with a jacuzzi on the balcony! It will give you the ultimate vacation feeling. If you prefer to stay near the beach, Hotel Sunshine in Kamari is a great option. Take a dip in the pool or step out the door and find yourself in the midst of a cozy seaside village. If you prefer Oia and are looking for a luxurious stay, then Caldera Premium Villas is a fantastic place. Here, you can enjoy all the luxury while admiring breathtaking views, and some rooms even have a private jacuzzi with sea view! It doesn’t get more romantic than this on Santorini.

Recommendation: Are you curious about the differences between the villages of Oia, Fira, and Kamari? Then read our article about the most charming villages to stay in Santorini.

Lemon Suites More information

Hotel Sunshine More information

Caldera Premium Villas More information