Volcanic vistas, cocktail in hand, chill-out music, you in a lounge chair…Sounds like a plan…? Santorini nightlife might not be as famous as Mykonos’, but a lot happens when the sun sets.
Santorini is famous for many things, such as the volcano, the caldera, and the sunset. Some might think that the nightlife in Santorini is not one of these things. But these people are wrong…There are many places on the island where you can enjoy your drink, with loud music or chillout vibes, busy or quiet, and, of course, super romantic ones (there are plenty of them, yes).
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But don’t think for a second that you will not find a place you like. After an extensive “3-year research project” on the bars and clubs of the island, I proudly present a comprehensive guide to the nightlife in Santorini.Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic place to drink, a group of friends wanting to party all night long, or a solo traveller hoping to meet new people while on holiday, I’ve got you covered…! There is a place for each one of you on the following list. In this article, you will find:
- Best Beach Barsin Santorini
- Best Cocktail Barsin Santorini
- Most Romantic Bars in Santorini
- Best Party Barsin Santorini
- Best Santorini Clubs
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
- Best Place to stay to enjoy the nightlife in Santorini:Fira
- Best Beach Barsin Santorini: Most of them in Perissa/Perivolos beach (aka “the black beach”) – Tranquilo, JOJO, WetStories, Chilli, Seaside By Notos, Theros Wave Bar, Night Flight
- Best Cocktail Barsin Santorini: MoMix and Casablanca (both in Fira town)
- Best Romantic Barsin Santorini:Lioyerma Pool Bar (Oia), Palia Kameni (PK Cocktail Bar), Kira Thira Jazz Bar, Crystal,Franco’s, Tango(in Fira), and Mylos (in Firostefani)
- Best Party Bars/Clubs/Pubs in Santorini are all in Fira: Two Brothers, Murphy’s, Highlander, andTropical
- Best Santorini Clubsare in Fira:EnignaandKoo Club, plusMamounia(if you want to party the “Greek” way)
- Where to eat after a night out in Fira:forget your usual junk food…try the 24/7 open Greek bakery “Svoronos”
- Walking around Fira.High heels? Avoid them!
- Closing times: bars around 3 am – clubs till 6,7,8am…
- Money: Always cash! (but this is changing over the last years)
- Safety: Santorini is super safe in general, but be careful with what you drink/order
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1. Best Beach Bars in Santorini
Drink in hand, toes in the sand! Whether it is about a relaxing cocktail on a sunbed or a party on the beach, these beach bars in Santorini do it better. Scroll down and find your favourite one.
Tranquilo Beach Bar
Tranquilo is a lovely chill-out bar right on the beach. Sunbeds are on one side, and the bar is just across the street. Tranquilo is famous for its cocktails.
I find their mojito to be the best one on the island. By far. They also have a great menu if you want something to go with your cocktail. Or if you don’t drink cocktails and just want something to eat.
As a bonus, there are many vegetarian choices. Traquilo hosts bands and live shows now and then.Do not miss their Latin parties if you fancy dancing some salsa. This is the type of bar where you can spend a whole day.
And the day after. It is just so.. tranquilo.
ON GOOGLE MAPSJOJO Beach Bar
Loud tunes, a big swimming pool, big crowds. If you are after a good party in the afternoon, this is just the right place for you. Keep in mind the parties usually end at around 23.00-24.00.
If you prefer a quiet place by the beach, you can also go to JOJO and get yourself into a lovely cabana on the beach. Cabana, cocktail in hand, the sea right in front of you… Enjoy your day!
ON GOOGLE MAPSWet Stories Beach Bar
You can also play beach volleyball or go to the bar across the street if you want to party. Wet Stories is also suitable for eating something on the beach. Gets louder in the afternoon, especially when there is a guest DJ or a live show.
The cocktails will not disappoint you. As a bonus, I quite like the fact that every umbrella has an electric charging point for mobile phones and a small safe to put your things inside when you go for a swim.
ON GOOGLE MAPSChilli Beach Bar
Chilli is right next to Wave Sports, so you could go for a drink after your jet ski ride. You will discover a very interesting cocktail list. It will surely intrigue you.
Try their own “Hot Chilli” cocktail. Refreshing and spicy. Love it!
ON GOOGLE MAPSSeaSide by Notos Beach Bar
Plus, you can enjoy it on a huge lounge chair by the sea. It’s the perfect place to start your night with something quiet. Also, it’s super romantic in the evening, which makes it ideal for a date away from all the crowds.
You can call in advance to book your sunbed or table. You can also arrange a private dinner right on the beach for the two of you.
ON GOOGLE MAPSTheros Wave Beach Bar
Theros Wave Bar is just so exotic and relaxing. You know you are on holiday when you get to this place It was designed for couples and super romantic occasions.
You can eat and drink there. You can even get married there! Try their “Honey Spirit” Cocktail. Got to love that…!
ON GOOGLE MAPSNight Flight Beach Cocktail Bar
It is situated close to the airport, and the concept is based around it. What is cool about the Night Flight is that planes pass just above your head. There is an open-air roof, so if you look up, you will see them.
On every landing, the lights go off and the music is turned down, so you can enjoy the… “night flight”. Apart from that, the bar is beautifully decorated, the cocktails are amazing, and everything has a relaxing feeling. Before you call it a night, have a walk on the beach; it is a very romantic setting.
ON GOOGLE MAPS2. Best Cocktail Bars in Santorini
So many cocktails, so little time…. Let’s “shake it” in the Best Cocktail Bars in Santorini:
MoMix Cocktail Bar
MoMix opened in Athens, and you can now find it in Santorini. They do Molecular Mixology, which will blow your mind… The last time I was there, I took shots on a spoon and in green jelly form.
I was impressed. Looking at George – the barman- cook up my cocktail made me feel like I was back at school, attending a chemistry lesson- without my lab coat.
I hated chemistry, but somehow I quite love these molecular cocktails. Besides the funky cocktails, MoMix is also big on electronic tunes, so if this is your thing, you are in for a great night out.Casablanca Lounge Cocktail Bar
The setting is relaxing, the balcony adds a bit of romance to the spice, and the focus is on the music. Here you will enjoy house, funk, and soul vibes.
They bring in very big names when it comes to DJs. If you don’t know this place, it is worth discovering and going for a drink.
The Guardian voted Casablanca Cocktail Bar as one of Europe’s Best Bars. You can read about it here.3. Most Romantic Bars in Santorini
This list is designed for you love birds looking for a romantic place to have a drink, and for you looking for a place to take your date. Trust me, Santorini is home to some of the most romantic spots, and these bars will not disappoint you.
Lioyerma Pool Bar
Lioyerma Pool Bar is on the northern tip of Oia, right after the windmills. “Lioyerma” means “sunset” in Greek. This place was named after sunset for a good reason: it is the best place to watch the sunset in Santorini.
In an idyllic setting, around the swimming pool, you can get a drink and enjoy the amazing views. One of my favourite places in Oia, Lioyerma, is so romantic and chilled. It’s a perfect ending to any good day or the best way to turn around a bad day.
ON GOOGLE MAPSPalia Kameni (PK Cocktail Bar)
PK Bar is ideal for a coffee throughout the day or a cocktail at sunset. With a chilled playlist, their signature cocktails, and impeccable service, this place will make your Santorini sunsets extra special and your date super romantic. You can book a table online to ensure you get front row seats!
Kira Thira Jazz Bar
Kira Thira Jazz Bar is a small, cozy bar right in the heart of Fira. It has been there since 1976, so it is the oldest one on the island and older than me! Kira Thira is a grown-up bar with style. This is a great place to bring a date.
There are only a few tables and bar stools, so you can sit and sip. The music is not just jazz; it is for all tastes and all ages. They have such a vast CD collection.
The DJ accepts requests as well…if you ask politely. As a bonus, you will find amazing homemade sangria in Kira Thira.
They know it is good and they brag about it. You should try it. It rocks!Crystal Lounge Bar
Bring your date or just come with your friends if you want a quiet night. The music is not too loud, so you can sit down and have a chat.
Get a “Volcano” cocktail and enjoy the actual volcano’s view right before you. Crystal is relaxing and romantic.
This is why I like it. Plus, it offers a great selection of drinks to choose from.Franco’s Bar
It is the only one in Santorini where you can enjoy the sunset while listening to Chopin, Vivaldi, or Maria Callas. There is also a “Maria Callas Champagne Cocktail” to accompany it.
In addition, Franco’s has comfy lounge chairs where you can lie back and enjoy your drinks. There is a great wine list and some small “meze” plates to accompany your drink.
ON GOOGLE MAPSTango Bar
Tango starts with lounge and chillout music, which perfectly matches the sunset in Santorini. After the sun goes down, the music gets louder and funkier with deep house tracks. The party keeps going all night long.
They do not serve food here, but you will enjoy amazing cocktails. There are only nine tables, so it would be wise to reserve one. Unless you plan on dancing all night long, which is perfectly fine, of course…
ON GOOGLE MAPSMylos Bar Restaurant
Upscale, a very classy bar with stunning views, Mylos is a great place to bring your date. You can also enjoy fine dining here and some special desserts. I usually go for the “Chocolate Painting” and then a foamy mojito (yes, I like my mojitos).
Katharos Lounge
Katharos Lounge is one of Santorini’s best-kept secrets. It is a lounge bar and an excellent vegan meze (tapas) place. It is located just above Katharos beach (just behind Oia) and has a fascinating story: it was a hospital treating patients with leprosy.
4. Best Party Bars in Santorini
Santorini is considered a romantic destination, but that does not mean you cannot have a good time if you are single, travelling alone, or with friends. There are some awesome party bars in Fira, just for you! So let’s talk about Fira nightlife… There are four great Party Bars in Fira, Santorini.
These are more casual – Perfect for you and your friends, for a big night out, and solo travellers. So, let’s see the Best Party Bars of Santorini one at a time:
Two Brothers Bar
There is no attitude, no posh front—just people having fun. Prices are good, there is a happy hour, and you can also do “headshots.”
Jack, the owner, invented head shots. It involves you wearing a helmet and someone from the staff (usually that someone is Fotis) hitting you on the head with a baseball bat! Then, you get a free shot. And possibly a headache…I haven’t tried that.
Yet. Dj Alex sure likes his R&B tunes, so be ready to drop it like it’s hot. You will probably see me somewhere in there as well.As a bonus, it is one of the few places on the island to get a shisha. Good times.
I almost forgot! You can also celebrate Halloween there. There is a legendary Halloween party every year!
ON GOOGLE MAPSMurphy’s & Saloon
I go there to enjoy my favourite Newcastle Brown Ale (I’m a huge fan!). Vaggelis is behind the bar, and he knows his drinks. If you are not sure what to get, he will help you.
The lower level is more of a rock bar, and they also do live shows once a week. Upstairs, you will find a mainstream bar, busy with people from all around the world. As a bonus, if you are a sports fan, you can visit Murphy’s to watch your team play.
As a bonus, you can also practice pole dancing skills on a night out here. This is a great party bar in Santorini.The Highlander
Highlander transforms into an international cool bar with great music and a party atmosphere at night. It is the perfect place to come, drink, dance,and meet fellow travellers.
Tropical Bar
Tropical is a lovely small bar in Fira that overlooks the caldera. Super friendly feel, cool people, and good cocktails make Tropical a great place.
The balcony offers fantastic views of the volcano and a romantic feel. The tunes inside will put you in a party mood, and the cocktails will perfectly top up the feeling. They also have happy hour here.
If you enjoy Latin music, this is the best place for you. There hasn’t been a time when I went to Tropical without salsa-ing a bit, which is precisely why I love it!
ON GOOGLE MAPS5. Best Santorini Clubs
If you are on a big night out, but you don’t like small crowded bars and would like something a bit more spacious and classy, then you can head a bit up the road and choose between Enigma Club and Koo Club: the two big nightclubs of Santorini that play pop hits and lots of Greek music that locals love. These are perfect for a group of friends or a couple looking to dance away the night.
You might need to dress up a bit for these two. Further up the same street, you will find the Greek club “Mamounia”.
Enigma Club
Enigma is all about electronic and house music, but they host events with guest DJs to spice things up, so there are some hip hop nights and some Greek ones. There is also a patio outside to enjoy your drink.
Enigma is one of the few places that stays open in the winter (low season) – weekends only. This is why it is a popular place for locals to hang out.
ON GOOGLE MAPSKoo Club
If you fancy a dance, go inside. If you are in a more romantic mood or prefer to party under the stars, the tropical setting on the patio outside will fascinate you.
You can move the party there, or just relax on a sofa under the palm trees and drink. The music varies from electronic to R&B to Greek at the end of the night (or early morning hours), so it will match your taste at some point.
I have never met a single person who did not like Koo Club. You will like it too!Mamounia Club
Do you know how to dance “Tsifteteli”? Come here and you will become an expert overnight.
If you plan on going, you must do it in Greek. So basically, don’t go before 1 am. If you do go, it will probably be empty.
The party doesn’t stop until the sun comes up. Next time I go, I should remember to bring my sunglasses!Where to eat after a night out in Fira, Santorini:
Here is Svoronos Bakery on Google Maps.
Sweets, pastries, handmade sourdough pizzas, savoury treats, sandwiches—you name it!Svoronos Bakery will have it, and it will be super tasty—you can’t find that at home!
General Information & Tips about Fira Nightlife
Closing times:
Bars usually close at around 2:30- 3:00 a.m. Beach bars close before that, at around midnight. Nightclubs stay open until early morning. However, all places adjust their closing times based on the crowds, so when busy, they tend to stay open later.
Walking around:
Ladies! The streets in Fira are all cobbled, with a few steps occasionally, making it very hard to walk in high heels. Unless you have a good balance, I haven’t tried any heels yet… but I would avoid wearing high heels or at least go for a wedge or a thicker heel. You must be very brave to wear stilettos in Santorini…
Money:
Some places tend to be quite expensive, so make sure to check the prices before ordering. Also, if you plan on paying by card, remember that some places only accept cash.
Safety:
Last but not least—and I hate to sound like your mom—you should always be careful with what you drink on a night out, especially if you are alone. Santorini is generally a safe place, but still.
I prefer drinks that I open myself, like a beer. This also works out cheaper. Win-win.
Where to stay to enjoy the nightlife in Santorini
If you visit Santorini for the nightlife, the best place to stay is Fira. Most of the nightlife is in Fira, and the best party bars and nightclubs are in Fira, saving you time and money when going back and forth to your hotel.
Read Also:The 20 Best Hotels at Fira town
Buses do not run at night, so you can only take a taxi (you will need cash for your taxi ride as well). There are only a few taxis in Santorini, so you usually have to wait to get one, especially in high season… If you stay in Fira, you can go out and walk back to your hotel. Win-win again!
Keep in Mind: Bar Hopping Is A Must in Santorini!
These four party bars are rather small and tend to be packed sometimes (especially during the High Season for Santorini). But that always changes throughout the night.
Walk around – these are all very close to each other, see what is happening inside, and choose the one you prefer depending on your mood and the crowds. The same bar that is empty/dead at 11-12 might be full an hour later.
And vice versa. See which one suits you the best!
CONCLUSION
So there you have it! That is all you will need to know about nightlife in Santorini. You now have more than enough choices to go out for a drink in Santorini.
In Fira, Oia, and/or on the black sand beach, you all have to decide what you are in the mood for. You can also try a few of these places while you are there.
Yamas!
This is how we say “Cheers” in Greek. Knowing this will come in handy when you get to Santorini.
Is there any place I’ve missed? Do you have any questions? I’m happy to help you plan a great night out in Santorini—ask anything you want! I hope this list will help you have a great night! Have fun.
FAQs
Does Santorini have good nightlife?
Where is the nightlife in Santorini?
The nightlife in Santorini is mostly located in Fira. The beach bars are located on the beaches of Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari, but all the bars and clubs are in Fira.
Are there parties in Santorini?
There are many parties with famous DJs in Santorini. Tango Bar usually schedules many parties throughout the summer, whereas beach bars such as Wet Stories and Jojo usually welcome international DJs for live sessions. It’s worth mentioning, though, that the parties in Santorini can be less crazy than the ones in Mykonos.
