VIVESANTORINI
VIVESANTORINI
What to see and do in Santorini
Santorini is simply one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Its cliffs, white villages and views of the Aegean Sea will take your breath away. The island also boasts unique architecture and a rich history and culture that will leave you spellbound. If you are looking for a dream destination for your next holiday, Santorini is definitely the perfect place.
There is so much to see and do in Santorini, that’s why we have put together a collection of the top activities and attractions you can’t miss on your visit to this beautiful Greek island.
Guide to the best things to do on the island of Santorini
Santorini is a magical island and one of the jewels of Greece. With its stunning volcanic landscape, dreamy beaches and picturesque villages, it’s no wonder it’s a popular tourist destination. That’s why we wanted to show you a guide to the most essential things to see in Santorini. If your time on the island is short and you’re only here for a couple of days, check out our guide on what to do in 2 days.
Places to see and see Santorini
Below, we are going to share with you all the places you should visit to have the best holiday with your partner or family. We have selected the most tourist attractions so that you can see everything important on your trip to Santorini and make the most of its magic, history and culture.
Watching the magical sunset from the village of Oia
The sun dips below the horizon of the Aegean Sea and the sky is tinged with warm, vibrant hues, creating a breathtaking palette of colours. From the cliffs of Oia, you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and the sea. The calm and relaxed atmosphere in Oia, coupled with the spectacular sunset, make this the perfect place to enjoy a magical evening in Santorini.
Each and every tourist who visits the place, tries to find the perfect spot, and it is true that there is a privileged place, it is the ancient castle of Oia. Fortunately, it is accessible free of charge. However, to be sure of a good spot, it is necessary to get there well in advance as it tends to be very crowded.
Watching a film at the Open Air Cinema in Kamari
It offers visitors a unique cinema experience under the stars, with a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea and the volcano of Santorini. The cinema has a capacity of around 200 people, with comfortable cinema chairs and side tables for drinks and food.
The cinema has a large screen, approximately 7 metres wide, and a high quality surround sound system for a first class cinema experience. In addition, there is an on-site bar offering drinks and snacks, as well as a small souvenir shop.
The films shown at the cinema are mainly Hollywood blockbusters, although art films and cinema classics can also be seen. The open-air cinema season starts in May and runs until the end of September.
Visit and taste Greek gastronomy in the beautiful Ammoudi Bay.
Ammoudi Bay is a beautiful place in Santorini, it is the perfect combination of natural beauty and good food.
To get to Ammoudi Bay, you have to go down a stone staircase carved into the rock that offers spectacular views of the bay and the cliff, here is a good place to take pictures. Once down, you can enjoy a nice swim in the crystal clear waters of the sea, don’t forget to stroll along the pier and super important don’t miss out on a meal in one of the traditional restaurants.
Remember that just past the bars and a short walk along the rocks you will come to a place that is a luxury, natural pools with diving boards from the rocks that really make swimming and snorkelling a pleasure.
Visit Santorini's best beaches and discover its volcanic sands.
Santorini’s red beach is one of the most beautiful and unique on the island. With its famously irresistible volcanic sand and deep red cliffs, it is a true natural wonder. Book a Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with Meal Drinks and Transfers
White beach is ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some privacy. With its crystal clear waters and snow-white sand, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise.
Vlychada beach in Santorini is one of the most stunning beaches on the island, thanks to its landscape of volcanic rock cliffs and golden sand. Located on the southern side of the island, it is less crowded than other beaches, making it perfect for those seeking tranquillity and privacy.
Perissa beach is one of Santorini’s most popular beaches, known for its stunning black sand and crystal clear waters. It is one of the largest in Santorini and is a popular place for those looking to relax and enjoy the sun, sand and sea in a lively and fun atmosphere.
Create unforgettable memories of Santorini with this photo tour that will take you through the 8 most picturesque and privileged sites of the island. “Highly recommended”.
Exploring Santorini's capital, Fira
The capital of Santorini, Fira is known for its fascinating cobbled streets, which are lined with shops, bars and restaurants serving delicious Greek food and local wine. It is also a great place to shop for traditional handicrafts and handmade silver jewellery.
In addition, Fira is the ideal starting point for exploring other parts of the island, including its stunning black and red sand beaches, picturesque villages and impressive archaeological sites.
Knowing the history of the Akrotiri Lighthouse
Akrotiri Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the south coast of the Greek island of Santorini. It is also known as the Akrotiri Point Lighthouse or Akrotiri-Kambia Lighthouse.
The lighthouse was built in 1892 by the French lighthouse construction company “La Société Française des Phares de la Méditerranée”. At that time, the island of Santorini was a possession of the Ottoman crown, so the construction of the lighthouse was authorised by Sultan Abdul Hamid II.
The Akrotiri lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses in Greece, with a height of 11 metres. It is built in a strategic location on the coast at the tip of the Akrotiri peninsula, where its light can be seen from a great distance in the Aegean Sea. It was originally operated by oil lamps and reflectors, but in the 1980s it was electrified and automated.
Walking the streets of Imerovigli
Imerovigli is one of Santorini’s most charming and picturesque villages, famous for its breathtaking panoramic views and traditional architecture. Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Aegean Sea, Imerovigli is a popular destination for watching the sunset and admiring the island’s natural beauty. In addition to its breathtaking views, Imerovigli boasts a wide variety of luxury accommodation, restaurants and boutique shops.
A recommended place for breakfast is Cafe Galini.
Don’t forget to enjoy the panoramic views from the famous “balcony of Skaros”, an ancient Venetian fortress on top of a rock and discover the “Cave of the Sleeping God”, a small natural cave at the top of the cliff which according to Greek mythology was where the god of sleep, Hypnos, took refuge.
Take a tour of the vineyards and taste the famous Santorini wine.
Wine Tours are one of the most popular activities in Santorini. The island is famous for its excellent white wines, known as some of the best in Greece.
You can visit many vineyards (known to be the oldest in the world) on the island and taste the best wines.
Some of the most important wineries on the island are Santo Wines, Gaia Wines and Damaine Sigalas.
Experiences to do in Santorini for the more adventurous
Want to make the most of your stay in Santorini? The experiences and attractions you will find from here will make you discover the island in a different way.
Excursion to the volcano of Nea Kameni and its hot springs
The excursion to the volcano of Nea Kameni is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in Santorini. Located in the center of the caldera, this active volcano is one of the main tourist attractions of the island. During the tour, you will be able to hike the slopes of the volcano, see panoramic views of the island and learn about its history and geology. You will also have the opportunity to bathe in the hot springs of Palea Kameni and enjoy the view of the caldera from a unique perspective.
The volcano is one of the most incredible places to see in Santorini. Feeling the heat under your feet and seeing the smoke coming out of the crater is something incredible.
If you are looking for an exciting and unique adventure in Santorini, the Nea Kameni volcano tour is a must. Remember to book your excursion in advance to make sure you have a place on the tour.
We recommend these activities, choose the one that best suits your trip:
-Short 3 hours visit to the volcano with hot springs bath and guide included.
Horseback riding on volcanic sand
Horseback riding around Santorini is an exciting and romantic activity that allows you to explore nature and enjoy a special moment together. Santorini is a perfect place to do it, as it offers beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
Horseback riding with your loved one also allows you to enjoy a romantic moment together, enjoying the beauty of the island while sharing this exciting experience. You can stop at some scenic spots to take pictures and enjoy a romantic picnic in nature.
Fly over the beautiful island of Santorini by helicopter
For a unique and adventurous experience of Santorini’s beauty, a helicopter ride is the perfect option for you and your group. The island offers breathtaking views from the air, from its black sand beaches to its volcanic caldera and white houses with blue roofs.
A helicopter flight will allow you to see Santorini from a completely new and exciting perspective. You will be able to admire the panoramic view of the island and its jagged coastline, as well as its famous cliffs and caves. You will also be able to fly over the caldera and see the volcanic activity up close, an experience that cannot be enjoyed from land.
In addition to the panoramic view, a helicopter flight will allow you to enjoy the experience from a different perspective. You can enjoy a personalized and private flight, with a pilot who will guide you and take you to the most beautiful and emblematic places of the island.
Watch Santorini's sunset from the sea
If you want a romantic plan to do in Santorini, you can’t miss the opportunity to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world from the sea.
Imagine sailing on a private yacht or catamaran while the sun sets behind the mountains, providing a warm golden light over the sea. It is the perfect experience to celebrate an anniversary or a special occasion with your partner.
Sleeping in a hotel with a private pool in the room
Enjoy a unique experience by staying in a room in Santorini with private pool is a must do there you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea as you dive into the water.
Grace Hotel Santorini: The crown jewel of romantic Santorini accommodations, from the Grace Suite with in-room deep pool to the beautiful and incredible villa with private pool.
Andronis Luxury Suites: The infinity pool suite or the Honey Moon suite with cave-like pool are two room types you shouldn’t miss out on if you stay at this hotel.
Katikies: In Oia and with one of the best views of the caldera from the room and private pool.
Couples photo session with flying dress in blue domes
Couples photo shoots in Santorini are one of the most popular activities for couples visiting the island. With breathtaking views, unique landscapes and incredible natural light, Santorini is the perfect setting to create unforgettable memories with your partner.
There are many local companies and photographers in Santorini that offer couple photo shoots, making it easy to find the perfect option for you. Many of these photographers are experts in capturing the natural beauty of the island and will guide you to get the best photos possible.
Diving the volcanic reef of Santorini
Looking for the experience that will change your life? Diving in the middle of the volcanic reef is an exciting and romantic activity to do on your visit to Santorini, diving in the volcanic reef of the island is an excellent choice. The volcanic reef is one of the main attractions of the island and offers a unique diving experience.
The volcanic reef is located at the southern tip of the island and is the result of Santorini’s past and present volcanic activity. The area is full of caves, cliffs and a variety of marine life. During your dive, you will have the opportunity to see different species of fish, corals and other marine animals not found in other parts of the Aegean Sea.
Discover the sea caves of the South Sea by Kayak
Discovering the South Sea sea caves by kayak is an exciting experience not to be missed if you are a nature and adventure lover. Imagine paddling your kayak through crystal clear waters, surrounded by impressive rock formations and entering hidden and mysterious sea caves.
What to see and do in Santorini for history buffs
Are you a fan of history and culture? Would you like to know what life was like in ancient Greece? Check out the tourist attractions we have for you.
Visiting of the archaeological site of Akrotiri
A visit to the ruins of Akrotiri is a must for any traveler. It is a prehistoric Bronze Age settlement that was buried under volcanic ash in the eruption that gave rise to the Santorini caldera in the 17th century BC.
The importance of the ruins of Akrotiri lies in the fact that they offer a unique insight into the daily life of the island’s inhabitants at that time, as well as the advanced technology that was used to build their city. The ruins are impressive, with complete buildings and architectural details that can still be appreciated after so many centuries.
Prehistoric Museum of Thera
The Museum of Prehistory of Thera, also known as the Archaeological Museum of Santorini, is an archaeological museum located in the town of Fira. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and objects from the Minoan civilization dating from the third millennium BC to the 17th century BC.
Discovering the ruins of ancient Thera
Ancient Thera is an archaeological site located on top of a mountain Mesa Vouno just above Perissa. This ancient city was inhabited from the 9th century BC to the 4th century AD and has been excavated and restored in recent decades, allowing visitors to explore its fascinating ruins.
The ruins of Ancient Thera include a theater, temples, houses, public baths and cobblestone streets. Visitors can walk through the narrow streets connecting the buildings and see what life was like in the ancient Greek city. The buildings are made of volcanic stone and some have beautiful decorations and mosaics.
Essential things to meet Santorini
You can’t leave Santorini without doing the following things we suggest:
Tasting Greek Gastronomy
Greek food is a unique and authentic culinary experience that you can’t miss on your trip to Santorini. With fresh and tasty ingredients, traditional dishes such as gyro, moussaka, tzatziki and the famous Greek feta cheese are just some of the dishes you can enjoy. In addition, many restaurants on the island offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the local landscape while you enjoy your meal. Greek gastronomy is a combination of Mediterranean flavors, spice blends and unique preparations that will not leave you indifferent. Discover why Greek food is so famous and try it in Santorini!
Enjoy the lively nightlife in the villages and on the beaches of the island.
Enjoy the lively nightlife in the villages and on the beaches of the island.
Shopping in Santorini
If you’re looking for souvenirs and mementos from your trip to Santorini, be sure to visit the pottery and handicraft stores in the town of Fira. Here you can find a variety of products, from hand-painted mugs and plates to unique art pieces and jewelry.
The best THINGS to DO in santorini
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