Our most recommended things to do in Santorini

Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit

1. Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit

Sail from Athinios Port to small islands that are home to volcanos, hot springs, and traditional villages. Enjoy some free time on each island, enjoy the fantastic views and charming atmospheres of typical Greek countryside. Set sail from Athinios and enjoy live commentary on board throughout the journey. First stop at Nea Kameni where you can take the path to the crater of the active volcano as you enjoy free time to explore the island. Next, head to Palea Kameni, and swim in the volcanic hot springs. Return to the boat for a short sail to Thirassia, where you’ll have free time to explore this charming village. Then, visit Manolas, accessed by winding stairs, or by a donkey ride up to the village. There is the option of extending the tour in Oia to admire the panoramic views and a spectacular sunset. If this option is selected, after the end of the boat ride you will be transferred to Oia. Please meet your bus at the meeting point 15 minutes after the sunset.

Santorini: Premium Catamaran Cruise with Fresh BBQ & Drinks

2. Santorini: Premium Catamaran Cruise with Fresh BBQ & Drinks

Climb aboard the 74-foot Ocean Voyager or the 80-foot Tahiti catamaran for a 5-hour cruise around Santorini in the Aegean Sea. Set off on a journey of discovery that will first take you to the hot springs, then the Red Beach, and finally the White Beach. Swim and snorkel and tuck into a delicious meal onboard. Start your adventure with a comfortable hotel pickup and set sail for beautiful Red Beach to swim and snorkel for 30 minutes. Continue to a secluded White Beach, only accessible from the sea, for more swimming and snorkeling in the shadow of the towering white cliffs. Onboard the catamaran, savor a barbecue supper of salads and grilled meat and veggie options. Continue sailing inside the crescent-shaped Caldera, close to the volcano, and enjoy a final dip in the Hot Springs, before sailing back to Oia as the day ends with a spectacular sunset.

Santorini: Catamaran Caldera Cruise with Meal and Drinks

3. Santorini: Catamaran Caldera Cruise with Meal and Drinks

Our brand new tailor-made catamaran offers all the amenities for a perfect day out on the crystal-clear waters of Santorini, including a large deck for sunbathing and a dining area spacious enough for enjoying meals and drinks, and even a bar for relaxing. The Comfort Max cruise takes in the highlights of the island, including the stunning caldera and Thirassia island, so passengers aboard are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Open Bar

4. Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Open Bar

Cruise aboard a spacious and luxurious catamaran and experience views of Santorini’s landscape. Stop at the day at the famous Red Beach. Start with pickup and travel by minibus to the marina of Vlychada where the half-day cruise begins. Meet the crew and be welcomed on board with a glass of wine or a soft drink. Set sail towards the island's colorful beaches while the guide on board will share insights into the history of Santorini and the geological events that created Santorini’s rugged landscape and its surrounding islands. Your first stop of the day will be at the famous Red Beach. Enjoy time to swim, snorkel, and take pictures of its reddish hues and wild cliff formations. The first mezedes (finger food) are offered when you get back on board to continue your trip. Admire stunning views of the sandy shores of White Beach, surrounded by bright limestone cliffs, followed by a short stop for pictures of the caves and impressive rock formations of the Indian Rocks, which can only be reached by boat. Cruise past the 18th-century Venetian Lighthouse of Akrotiri, located on the southwestern tip of the island, and continue your sailing journey by entering the waters of Santorini’s caldera. Head towards the renowned volcano for the second stop of the day at the sulfur-rich hot springs. Take a relaxing dip into its healing and detoxifying waters. Back on board, enjoy the view of Santorini, a postcard-perfect portrait of the villages on the cliff. Set sail again towards the last stop for another swimming and snorkeling opportunity in the crystal-clear waters of Mesa Pigadia. Meanwhile, the crew will be setting the table for the delicious lunch for you to enjoy after your swim. The menu features BBQ chicken, Neapolitan pasta, Greek Salad, vegetarian meals, such as Greek Ratatouille, a traditional Greek dessert, and an open white wine bar that also serves unlimited soft drinks, and water. Then, sail back to Vlychada where your driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Santorini.

Santorini: Luxury Small Group Catamaran w/ Meal & Open Bar

5. Santorini: Luxury Small Group Catamaran w/ Meal & Open Bar

Drop anchor on a luxury catamaran tour around the Santorini caldera while enjoying a delicious traditional meal with refreshing drinks from the open bar. Sail in the morning or at sunset on a cruise with a maximum of 20 guests. After being picked up from your hotel, unwind as you’re taken straight to the port. Take advantage of the snorkeling opportunity with a half-hour stop off the coast of Red Beach, plus 1.5 hours to snorkel in the sea caves of White Beach. Bathe in the lagoon’s hot springs and snorkel in clear waters. Taste the flavors of Greece on board a menu of local Santorini delicacies for lunch or dinner, depending on the time of day you choose, with meat and vegetarian options. The menu includes barbecue skewers, dolmadakia (rice-stuffed vine leaves), Greek salad, and other local dishes. Sit back and unwind with a post-meal cocktail and music. Stay refreshed with unlimited drinks on board, including local white wine, Greek beer, and soft drinks. Continue past the two uninhabited volcano islands of Palia Kameni and Nea Kameni and take in other sights such as Aspronisi island and the Akrotiri lighthouse. Later the cruise sails in the caldera below the town of Fira and past the old port. If you chose the late afternoon option, stop below the village of Oia and be wowed by the striking sunset lights adorning the skies with vibrant, pastel colors. This is sure to be an unforgettable highlight to an already unforgettable cruise experience. At the end of your Santorini excursion, relax as your minibus driver conveniently drops you back at your hotel.

Santorini: Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset

6. Santorini: Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset

Explore Santorini on a full day sightseeing tour by bus. Learn about the island's history and visit traditional villages. Stop at volcanic beaches and experience an Oia sunset. Tour Itinerary • Akrotiri excavation site: guided tour in this Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried by volcanic ash in the 17th century BC • Emporio village: Explore this quaint village with hilltop windmills, fortified medieval castles and centuries-old churches • Perissa Beach: Enjoy free time for lunch and a swim at the island's most popular black sand beach • Santorini Winery: Tour a traditional winery and taste Santorini’s distinctive wines • Profitis Ilias: Visit the island’s highest peak and admire views from the agricultural plains to the hilltop village of Oia • Oia sunset: Enjoy free time to experience a Santorini sunset at the most-photographed place in Greece

Santorini: Tour of 3 Wineries with Wine Tasting and Dinner

7. Santorini: Tour of 3 Wineries with Wine Tasting and Dinner

Try the wines of Santorini on a guided tour of 3 wineries with a private wine expert sommelier. Walk to a volcanic vineyard and discover the unique viticulture of the region. Sample a selection of 10 different types of wine from the island. Discover 3 traditional wineries around Santorini. Join expert sommeliers on cellar tours to explore the process of wine production and bottling. Learn about the history of the island by locals and the impact of volcanic soil on its wines. Over the course of the tour, sample 10 different wines from Santorini such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and the sweet Vinsanto wine. Savor your dinner, a memorable culinary experience. Take a look into the ancient vineyard of Santorini and its age-old winemaking traditions. If you choose the sunset tour, soak in stunning views of the sun setting over the island as you sip on wine.

Santorini: Wine Tasting Tour to 3 Wineries with Transfer

8. Santorini: Wine Tasting Tour to 3 Wineries with Transfer

Learn about the history of winemaking in Santorini and what makes it so famous all over the world. Visit both traditional and modern wineries and have the chance to witness how Santorinian winemaking has grown over time. Taste unique signature wines at each location. Immerse yourself in Koutsoyannopoulos, which hosts important artwork by Greek and foreign artists in its old winery dating back to 1861. Discover the fascinating grounds, including a modern winery offering renowned products of high quality. Visit Roussos, one of the most traditional wineries in Santorini. Admire incredible views over the Caldera and volcanic islands from Venetsanos winery. First built in 1947, take the chance to discover the history and traditions as well as new winemaking techniques. Finally,

Santorini: Akrotiri Archaeological Site Ticket & Audio Tour

9. Santorini: Akrotiri Archaeological Site Ticket & Audio Tour

Experience the prehistoric site of Akrotiri at your own pace with a skip-the-line e-ticket and a captivating self-guided audio tour on your smartphone. Travel back in time to experience the curious, spine-chilling history of the site of Akrotiri, frozen in time by the eruption of the Santorini volcano. Put on your headphones and explore the layout of the prehistoric town, once buried under ashes, through the power of storytelling. Learn historical information about its affluent residences, known as Xeste, and little-known stories and anecdotes about the daily lives of its inhabitants. The content of the tour is the result of in-depth research, distilled into brief original stories that will make your visit both engaging and educational. The audio tour can be used repeatedly and at any time, before or after your visit. This is an unmissable opportunity to gain valuable insights into the archaeology of a prehistoric residential space that has been literally frozen in time, providing a snapshot of life just before its residents decided to flee the increasing fury of the neighboring volcano. As a result, you will relate to your surroundings in an entirely original way.

Santorini: The Greek Wedding Show Entry Tickets

10. Santorini: The Greek Wedding Show Entry Tickets

Enjoy a night of interactive theater, Greek culture, and appetizers in a 200-year-old home situated in the capital town of Fira. The performance is a mix of musical, traditions, culture, dance, and plates smashing all together in a wedding celebration of the '40s. Participate as a guest, meet a Greek family, listen to live music, smash plates, drink wine, and enjoy the best homemade appetizers as part of the package. The show is in English but they will dance to Greek songs and sing in Greek. The show consists of an interactive performance of approximately 2 hours, with singing, dancing, acting, and live Greek music. Your theater experience begins inside the home of a Greek family. Afterward, move out onto the patio where the guests are seated. After being brought to your table you’ll be served cold traditional meze, water, and local wine. 90% of the show is live Greek music and in the end, you get plates to break.

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Greece’s iconic island of love boasts towering cliffs, stunning sea views, and a dormant volcano in the midst.

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Insider tips: Explore Santorini like a local

Megan & Aram is a travel blog that focuses mostly on travel in the Nordics and Eastern Europe with the occasional trip beyond those regions. We love coffee, promoting small businesses, and sports.

What should I do on my first trip to Santorini?

One of the best things to do in Santorini is to watch the sunset from the gorgeous town of Oia and see the white buildings drenched in golden light. Santorini also has some great beaches, including Red Beach or the black sand Perissa Beach. Or you can dig into Ancient Greek history at the archeological site of Akrotiri, which gives a fascinating look at life on the island long, long ago.

What are some hidden gems to see in Santorini?

If you want a quieter vibe than Oia or Fira, head to Pyrgos, where you can wander the peaceful, charming streets. While there, check out the little wine bar Brusco where you can relax on the patio with a drink and a delicious local mezze plate. For a stunning 360-degree view of Santorini, hike the trail up to Skaros Rock, a ruined fortress in Imerovigli.

How much time should I spend in Santorini?

While seeing Santorini’s top sights is doable in a weekend, the ideal Santorini itinerary should be about three to five days. It’s long enough to enjoy several towns and archeological sites and still have chunks of time open for hiking and enjoying the beaches. Oia and Fira are the most visited towns on Santorini, but don’t skip some great smaller villages such as Emporio, Imerovigli, and Perissa.

What food is Santorini known for?

Santorini’s rocky, volcanic soil results in some amazing produce, including the grapes that go into its delicious wine. Santorini also has several breweries that make local craft beer. Try tomatokeftedes to sample the sweet tomatoes grown on the island. Santorini is also known for a unique type of fava bean blended into a yummy dip. Try it with another Santorini star dish, the amazingly fresh seafood. Octopus is particularly popular here.

What is the best way to get around Santorini?

Santorini is fairly small and easy to get around, but if you want the most freedom, definitely rent a car. With a car you can be on your own timetable as well as have the freedom to stop at any villages or interesting sites you suddenly see on the way to your destination. Another option is traveling around the island by public bus. The main bus station is in Fira, where all the buses depart from and return to. This is a great budget-friendly option for getting around the island.

What are the best months to visit Santorini?

While beautiful in every season, the best times to visit Santorini are the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October. The weather is warm and pleasant and there are fewer crowds. It's quietest in winter, though it can be chilly, and some restaurants and sights are closed for the season. Summer is hot and crowded, but if you don’t mind the people, it has the warmest days for laying out on the beach and the liveliest evenings for going out.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

Fira, the island’s capital, has the most shops, markets, and the Fabrica Shopping Center with clothes, jewelry, shoes, homeware, and much more. Oia also has quite a few shops, including boutiques and souvenir shops.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Santorini?

If you want relaxed beach vibes, stay in Perissa where there is a gorgeous black sand beach. If you want amazing views and luxury accommodation, Oia’s cliffside villas with private pools overlooking the caldera are for you. If you need a more budget-friendly option but still want to be by Oia, consider staying in the neighboring town of Finikia, a 25-minute walk from Oia. If you want to be somewhere that you can easily explore the island from, stay in the centrally-located Fira.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Santorini?

Make fantastic memories with your family on a caldera boat cruise, where you’ll get a chance to see the island from afar, visit the volcano up close, and swim in volcanic hot springs. Good swimming options in Santorini for families include jumping off low rocks near Ammoudi Bay or playing in the black sand and waves at beaches like Kamari or Perissa. If you visit in the summer, don’t miss out on the cool open-air cinema in Kamari, which shows films in English with Greek subtitles.

What is the best thing to do in Santorini for solo travelers?

Santorini is great for solo travelers whether you want to be alone or meet other travelers. There are plenty of great hiking paths you can take by yourself, or join a walking tour to meet other people. Another great way to spend the day is relaxing on the beach. The best ones include Red Beach, Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari. Treat yourself to a lovely sunset dinner with spectacular views at one of the terraced restaurants along the coast. If you want to check out Santorini’s nightlife, Fira is the liveliest town after dark.

What is the best thing to do in Santorini for couples?

Santorini is undoubtedly a famous couples’ destination with many romantic things to do. Book a private evening sailing trip to get spectacular views as the sun goes down to avoid the crowds waiting to watch the sunset. Just south of Órmos Athiniós is a heart-shaped hole in a rock (called the Heart of Santorini) that looks out on the caldera, which is a perfect place for a cute photo op with your partner. A nice dinner with sunset views or a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards are great ideas for ultimate romance.

What are the best annual events in Santorini?

In August, have fun at the Ifestia Festival (the Greek Volcano Festival), enjoying dance performances, concerts, and fireworks. In September, Fira hosts the International Music Festival of Santorini, which offers a variety of orchestral and operatic performances. If you’re in Santorini between May and October, don’t miss the fun open-air cinema in Kamari, which shows films in English with Greek subtitles.

What are the best things to do around Santorini?

Santorini has some fantastic outdoor activities to enjoy. Spend the day at the beach, where you can swim or snorkel. Hiking trails abound — an especially good one is the trail between Fira and Oia, which includes a path to Skaros Rock. You can discover the ancient archeological sites of Akrotiri and Ancient Thera. You can also explore some small islands in the caldera, such as Nea Kameni or Thirasia.

What are the best beaches around Santorini?

Santorini has a variety of interesting beaches you can choose from. Perissa and Perivolos are black sand beaches that are great for swimming. You can rent a beach lounger to relax the day away, and if you get hungry there are several beachside restaurants where you can grab a snack. Red Beach has a unique landscape and bright red sand. Kamari Beach, a pebbly, family-friendly beach, has crystal clear water with shops and restaurants nearby. While not a beach, Ammoudi Bay is a great spot for jumping off rocks and swimming in the water below.

Other Sightseeing Options in Santorini

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What people are saying about Santorini

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 22,184 reviews

This was absolutely amazing. The hotel pick up and drop off is great cause you don’t have to worry about extra transport. The staff on the boat were so nice, the food was great and the overall energy was perfect. There were plenty of opportunities to get in the water (I didn’t do that but watched others enjoy their time in the water). As a solo traveller, I really enjoyed being able to connect with others but also have plenty of space and time to enjoy the views and scenario alone. I highly recommend this experience. 10/10

I had a fantastic experience! The instructors were very helpful and kind. They were very patient and ensured that everyone felt comfortable during the dive. Definitely my favorite experience from my time in Santorini!

This was one of our favorite things about our whole vacation! The guide was so knowledgeable and the tour was outstanding. I recommend this to anyone! The history here is so amazing. We will definitely be back!

It was fantasctic. A very nice experice. We've seen places that otherwise we couldn't have seen. it was a great day.

amazing trip and the crew was super fun and made the experience worth every penny!