
You can do hundreds of activities, attractions, tours, and excursions in Santorini. Here is the ultimate list of what to do in Santorini to make this the best trip of your life.
I have handpicked the ultimate list of things to do in Santorini on the list below, but depending on your situation, this might differ for you (and that’s why I have categorised those depending on that), and you might be interested in different attractions in Santorini.Where To Stay in Santorini
Best Beaches in Santorini
Best Santorini Boat Tours
Best Santorini Flying Dress Photoshoots
Best Things to Do in Pyrgos
The good news is that Santorini has the most things to do of any Greek island (definitely a larger variety of tours and attractions than Mykonos, for example).
In my honest opinion, the absolute best things you can do in Santorini are:- Sunset Cruise with Meals and Drinks
- Hike the path between Fira and Oia
- Take a Winery Tour or visit a winery by yourself
- Wander the picturesque streets of Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos towns
- Watch the sunset from Oia (though you won’t be alone..)
- Swim at one of the best beaches of Santorini (Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos)
- Enjoy the nightlife of the island
- Eat at a restaurant with a view
- Watch a movie at the Open Air Cinema of Kamari
- Visit the Ancient Akrotiri (alone or with a highly recommended guide)
- Have seafood and fresh fish at Ammoudi Bay
- Visit and shop at the Atlantis bookshop
- Book a flying dress photoshoot in Imerovigli or Oia
- Visit the unique Santorini Wine Museum
However, the list of amazing things to do and attractions to see on the island is endless, and I have included them at the bottom of this article.
The bad news is that you probably won’t have the time to do all of them (especially if you are on the island for 3-4 days), so you have to choose wisely and make the most of your time there.
Watch Our Full Video Guide
Jump in quickly:
- Best Things for Couples & Honeymooners
- Best Things for Families with Kids
- Best Things for Solo Travellers
- Best Things For Wedding Guests
- Best Things To Do In The Winter (Nov-April)
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
- If you are visiting the island for less than 4 days, the best thing is to book a Santorini Tourwith a guide that will show you the best of the island in a limited time
- Best Website To Book Any Tour in Santorini: GetYourGuide
- If you are coming on a cruise and you only have a few hours in Santorini, take a guided tour like this one
- You should visit at least one winery, and if you don’t have the time to visit a second one, visit Santowines Winery. You can also book a winery tour, where a guide will take you around a few wineries, and you don’t have to worry about transportation while…winetasting.
- You don’t have to pre-book every tour online, but if you are visiting during the summer months of June-September, things get sold out, and it’s a good idea to have everything booked well in advance.
Let’s dive in and see the best things you can do while in Santorini:
1. Go on a Sunset Cruise
Best Sunset Cruises you can take in Santorini (and I do recommend booking online as during the high season these sell out quickly):
2. Visit a Santorini Winery for wine tasting
Santorini is famous for its vineyards, and in all of the available wine tours of the island, you will walk around the vineyards themselves and be given a detailed history of how wine has been produced on the island since 1500 BC.
If you only have time to visit one winery, ensure it is the SantoWines Winery close to Pyrgos town. But if you are more in a rush and want something easy, then it’s an excellent idea to book a wine tour that will take you by van to different wineries (wine trail). Most of the winery tours on the island also include the impressive Santorini Wine Museum, which deserves a visit by itself. These are the Best Santorini Winery Tours:
3. Visit The Famous Red Beach
A visit to the Red Beach is a must for every visitor to Santorini. While it might be incredibly busy during the high season, a selfie as you go down the rough path to the beach is always a perfect photo for your Instagram feed!
Be careful, though, as it is highly recommended that you wear proper shoes (flip flops or sandals are a no-go!) as the path that leads to the beach is quite rough (not a long one, though). The Red Beach is also very close to the Ancient Akrotiri prehistoric ruins, so you can combine those two and visit both on the same day. A few canteens and pop-up shops at the start of the path lead to the beach so that you can buy water or drinks.
There is also a small parking space, and if you are visiting in any month other than June, July, or August, you shouldn’t have any issues parking your car or ATV there. While on the beach, you will notice that there is a barricaded area, which is basically to protect people from falling stones and rocks (yes, that can happen, so be careful!).Though not the best beach in Greece, Red Beach in Santorini is one of the most famous and impressive ones. You will not be alone on the beach because it’s such a tourist spot, but the scenery and uniqueness of the landscape will reward you.
- How to Get to the Red Beach: If you have your own car or ATV, just follow the signs from the road from Fira to Perissa (the same turn as Akrotiri). Alternatively, you can take the Santorini local bus, which also goes to Akrotiri town.
- Red Beach on Google Maps
4. Visit The Unique Town of Oia

The idyllic town of Oia, with its whitewashed houses and blue shutters, is one of the most photographed places in Greece (and probably on earth!). It is situated on an impressive cliff and boasts spectacular views over the volcano of the Palia and Nea Kameni islands. You can read more about Oia’s history here. You should wander among the maze of narrow streets with its blue domed churches and numerous art galleries and tavernas.
Watching the sunset from Oia is considered one of the most magical moments you can have in your life… (even though in July and August it might be super crowded). I won’t lie to you: Oia is a very touristic place, and it might feel extremely crowded during sunset (any time of the year). No matter how touristic or crowded it might feel sometimes, Oia is a fantastic place, and you have to be there to understand its beauty.
Pictures don’t do enough justice… Not to mention obviously that Oia is still the place with some of the most impressive and luxurious hotels in the world (like Andronis Suites): If you live in a hotel near the sunset of Oia, then you are one of the lucky ones as you could enjoy it from your terrace or balcony in most of the cases. But if not…you can still stay at a cheaper hotel in Santorini (like these) and visit Oia whenever you want.
- How to Get to Oia: If you have your means of transportation, like a car, ATV, or a motorbike, it’s a 25-minute drive from Fira (just before Oia, you will be diverted because now the main road of Oia is only one exit way just to accommodate the crowds). There are several parking lots where you can leave your vehicle (though not free; expect to pay around 3-5 euros for 5 hrs or so). You can always take the local bus of Santorini that departs from Fira regularly, and it costs around 2 euros (one way)
- Oia on Google Maps
5. Watch the sunset from Profitis Ilias hilltop (yes…not from Oia)
However, my favourite spot is not one of the famous ones. I prefer to watch the sunset in Santorini from a different place. This spot is on the top of a hill where a monastery exists. It is called Profitis Ilias Monastery, the highest point on the island. The view from there is s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g! On the way up, you will find the sign for the monastery of Prophet Elias, where a Greek Air Force radar also exists(it’s on the other side…nothing to worry about).
- How to Get to Profitis Ilias Hill: Unfortunately, there is no local bus that can take you there, so you have to take your car or ATV to go. Just follow the signs from Pyrgos Village. The road to the top of the hill is narrow, so be careful driving there:
- Profitis Ilias Monastery on Google Maps
6. Visit Eros Beach

Eros Beach and Theros Beach Bar are among the island’s best-kept secrets. The bar is amazing and incredibly relaxing, situated at the edge of a beautiful white rock beach with crystal clear blue waters. Apart from being incredibly romantic and secluded, Eros Beach is also ideal for escaping the tourist madness of other spots on Santorini.
- How to Get to Eros Beach: Unfortunately, no local bus can take you to Eros Beach, which means you have to drive there by yourself. Just follow the signs to Vlychada Beach, and then you will find a sign for a right turn to Eros Beach and Theros Beach Bar. Be careful, though, because the road that leads to Eros Beach is not paved with asphalt. You don’t need a 4×4, but just be prepared for that.
- Eros Beach on Google Maps
7. Try (by any means…) local fava beans

This is the Greek version of hummus, and you have to try it, by all means! The stunning local pureed fava beans are usually drizzled with fresh or caramelised red onions and olive oil (sometimes capers are added too).
It is considered one of the best delicacies in Greece, and you will find it in all of the restaurants of Santorini. Of course, there are many other amazing local products of Santorini you should try while on the island!
8. Visit the picturesque towns of Pyrgos and Megalohori

Pyrgos is a lovely village (but less touristic), with myriads of churches, small white-paved streets, and historic architecture galore. It also offers some amazing but different views of the island and some stunning sunset views on top of its glorious hill. In my opinion, Pyrgos is equally beautiful as Oia, and it’s less touristic…so you have to visit it!
If you happen to be in Santorini during the Greek Orthodox Easter (99% of the times it’s in April, every year) make sure to visit Pyrgos by all means on Good Friday, as the whole village is lit by small fires on the rooftops, giving the impression of a burning town. Pyrgos village is on Google Maps.
9. Visit the Akrotiri Prehistoric City Archaeological Site

The ancient Akrotiri prehistoric town is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Greece, and for many, it is considered the Pompeii of Greece. It’s a whole town that was once inhabited by about 30,000 people. A massive (relatively new) impressive rooftop protects the entire site, while archaeologists are still working on the area.
This is one of the most important ancient Greek civilisations, and it is impressive how the whole city vanished overnight in the 16th century BC due to the volcanic eruption of Santorini.
Many people consider this town to be the inspiration for Plato’s famous story of Atlantis. The ticket costs 12 euros, and I recommend hiring a guide to take you around and explain in detail what you are actually seeing (it’s not very clear, to be honest…so a guide is totally worth it, in my opinion).
READ MORE: Akrotiri Prehistoric City – All You Need to Know- How to Get to Akrotiri Prehistoric Town: A local bus can take you there from Fira (the capital). If you have your vehicle, you can take the road to Perissa from Fira and follow the sign on the right leading you to the Red Beach. In total, it is about a 25-minute drive from Fira.
- Akrotiri Prehistoric Town on Google Maps
10. Hike to Skaros Rock
The ideal location of the rock was used to protect the houses of the Venetian aristocracy from pirate ships in the 16th century. Hiking up there will allow you to see Imerovigli (as it sits in front of Imerovigli town) from a different perspective. You will also see some of the most impressive Santorini hotels while there.
The hike is not tough, with the 300 stairs being the most challenging part. Though not as impressive as a castle in Scotland or elsewhere in Europe, Skaros Rock is worth your hike, as the views of the volcano and the caldera are stunning!
- How to Get to Skaros Rock: First, go to Imerovigli, and then go down to find the chapel/church of Agios Georgios (you can also follow the signs to Grace Santorini Hotel), where the path to Skaros Rock starts. From there, you will see other people hiking up the rock and the stairs, so follow the crowds!
- Skaros Rock on Google Maps
11. Swim at the Black Beaches of Perissa and Perivolos

Perissa and Perivolos are the same long beach with tens of restaurants and beach bar options for you to spend the whole day there. Perissa is the famous black beach of Santorini. There are many beach bars, tavernas, pizzerias, and cafes along the main beach road of Perissa, and there are many sea activities, too (diving school, jet ski rental places, beach volleyball courts).
These black beaches in Santorini are ideal for kids and families. It’s the best spot for the children to play around and have an awesome day by the water. It’s a safe and awesome environment where the whole family can have fun and spend a beautiful day out.
However, I should say that Perissa and Perivolos beach (aka “the black beach”) are not worth your visit during the winter in Santorini. Even though the amazing black beach and the sea are still there, most of the businesses, restaurants, and hotels are closed between November and April every year, so it’d be good to have that in mind if you are not visiting Santorini during the high season (May-October).
The weather is quite cold between November and April, and you won’t be able to swim in the sea (although you can definitely try!!). You can certainly visit the beach, but do not expect to spend any time there.- How toGet To The Black Beach: There are many regular buses from Fira to Perissa, and many bus stations close to and on the beach road. If you have your own car or ATV, it is a 20-minute drive from Fira to Perissa.
- Black Beach (Perissa) on Google Maps
12. Hike the trail between Oia and Fira
The Caldera Guided Hike is the best walking tour from Fira to Oia. Make sure you do the hiking early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as in the summer, it could be super hot, and the sun may easily exhaust you.
Take plenty of water and sun cream with you, and…off you go! You can also just hike early in the morning (especially if it’s summer). This link provides all the details about the path itself, including the starting and ending points and other info along the way.
13. Visit the amazing Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay is a small, picturesque bay just below Oia. This is where you will probably see some of your life’s most transparent crystal sea waters! In Ammoudi, you will find a few very good seafood restaurants like Katina Fish Tavern, Sunset Tavern, and Dimitris Taverna, where you will literally be seated next to the water. From Ammoudi, you can take the long staircase path up to Oia. Taking the steps is tiring, but please do not take a donkey up to Oia…This has been a major issue over the last years, and the good news is that there is some movement to stop this cruelty.
- How to Get to Ammoudi Bay: You can go to Ammoudi by going down the stairs from Oia or by driving on the road and parking a few meters before the bay (or behind it). No local bus can take you to Ammoudi, and if you don’t have your own means of transportation, you can just take a taxi from Oia or walk down the stairs. You can then call a cab from one of the restaurants at Ammoudi.
- Ammoudi on Google Maps
14. Visit the white Vlychada Beach

Apart from the famous black beach and the unique Red Beach, Santorini beaches cover one more colour: white! This is Vlychada beach, and it is super impressive. The geological formations of the rocks are very dramatic, and the long beach unfolds in front of your eyes.
Vlychada beach is also one of the quietest and peaceful places on the island and probably ideal for beach reading. Apart from having an impressive beach, Vlychada is also a small fishing village with some excellent fish tavernas and restaurants:
- How to Get to Vlychada Beach: There are 3 local buses a day from Fira to Vlychada, so…your options are pretty limited if you don’t have your own vehicle. If you have your own car or ATV, you can take the road from Fira to Perissa, and you will find a right turn to Vlychada Beach and Eros Beach, too. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Fira in total.
- Vlychada on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/wQ3wzGriz9k
15. Visit the family-friendly Kamari Beach

Apart from Perissa, Perivolos, Vlychada, and the Red Beach, there is one more really famous and totally worth your visit, Santorini beach: Kamari Beach. Kamari is a long beach with black pebbles and sand. It is well organised and has amenities, including restaurants, sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. Kamari and Perissa are the most family-friendly places/areas of Santorini. A day at the beach is always perfect for a kid, and Kamari can offer many good options for adults and kids. You can even dive from the rock on the right of the beach, and…diving is always super cool, right?
- How to Get to Kamari: There are regular local buses from Fira to Kamari throughout the day, and it’s about a 15-minute journey. If you drive, just follow the road to Kamari/Airport (there are many signs).
- Kamari on Google Maps
16. Get On The Cable Car
Just to be clear, this is not an attraction ride but a 3-minute ride from the Old Port of Santorini to Fira. It offers amazing views of the island and is a fun way to go up and down the hill. Please do not choose to ride the donkeys (especially if you just came down from a cruise ship). The whole world is boycotting this cruelty.
The cable car ticket costs 10 euros, and you cannot book a return ticket. You have to book each ride individually. Normally, there shouldn’t be long queues or crowds (apart from when a cruise ship has just arrived, obviously, when you have to wait for more than 45 minutes to get in). Each cable car can fit six people, and the views are stunning.
- How To Get the cable car: You can take the cable car down the hill from Fira or the old port.
- Cable Car on Google Maps
17. Witness a Greek Wedding
This is seriously fun, and it is a true representation of a traditional Greek wedding (I know because I have been in quite a lot of weddings in Greece!).
This is an interactive play/show where you will be taught how to dance traditional Greek dances, eat yummy Greek nibbles, drink lots of Santorini wine, and most importantly, have lots of fun, like Greeks and locals do in their private lives. You will see all the traditional things Greeks do (or sometimes used to do…) in their weddings, like smashing plates, dancing like crazy, and drinking excellent wine!
This is one of the newest things to do in Santorini, and it has become a viral sensation among visitors to the island!18. Relax at Katharos Lounge
Now, it’s a super relaxing lounge bar with mesmerising sunset views of Katharos Bay. The couple that refurbished the whole building from the ground up also has a lovely story and loves cool music.
Unfortunately, Katharos Lounge on Katharos Beach is closed between November and April. It is open only from May to October.
- How to Get to Katharos Lounge: Unfortunately, there is no local bus that can take you there. You have to drive yourself or take a taxi. If you drive yourself, just follow the signs from Oia to Ammoudi, and you will see a sign for Katharos on the right.
- Katharos Lounge on Google Maps
19. Wander the streets of Imerovigli town

Imerovigli is a cute little neighbourhood (not a town, really) next to Fira. It is the place where the most luxurious hotels are in Santorini, and you will suddenly find yourself walking next to someone’s plunge pool! So be careful of that… Imerovigli is the ultimate destination for taking amazing photos of the caldera and the volcano.
Alternatively, you can always take the Photography Tour of Santorini and be guided by a professional photographer who will show you the best spots on the island (some of them are indeed at Imerovigli). Imerovigli is also the home of the best hotel in Santorini, the Grace Hotel Santorini. Imerovigli is also opposite the famous Skaros Rock, and you can combine that walk with your hike to the famous rock.
- How to Get to Imerovigli: Imerovigli is only 2km away from Fira, and a local bus can quickly take you there. Alternatively, you can just take the main road from Fira to Oia and park at the main square of Imerovigli. It’s about a 5-minute drive from Fira, but to be honest, you can even walk from Fira. It’s about a 25-minute walk.
- Imerovigli on Google Maps
20. Buy books from Atlantis Bookshop in Oia
People started seeing it more like a Santorini attraction rather than an actual bookstore, and that is hurting their business, which needs Santorini visitors to survive in Greece’s harsh economic environment. So, if you visit the bookstore, don’t just take pictures and leave. Buy your beach books from their amazing collections, and you won’t regret it…
- How to Get to Atlantis Bookstore: The bookstore is to your left as you go to the main sunset location of Oia (just follow the crowds on the main street of Oia… you won’t miss it!).
- Atlantis Bookstore on Google Maps
21. Rent an ATV or quad in Santorini

Riding on an ATV or quad in Santorini is undoubtedly a fun thing to do. This has recently become the most common means of transportation on the island, and there are hundreds of places from which you can now rent a quad bike on Santorini.
However, you should be careful about driving those as they are NOT the most stable vehicles in the world, and Santorini’s streets are not the best.
- Where toRent an ATV (quad) in Santorini: The best thing to do is to rent it online through Bikesbooking
22. Visit the Santorini Tomato Industrial Museum
It has then been converted into a museum and an art exhibition center, which attracts many visitors from around the world. The factory is on Vlychada beach, so you can either take the local bus or drive there.
READ MORE:Santorini Tomato Museum – All You Need to Know
24. Visit the unique Art Space Winery & Gallery

Art Space Winery in Santorini is a unique place that combines a family winery and its owner’s love for art. When you visit the winery, you will be guided by the owner himself (Mr. Antonis Argyros), who will give you a tour and let you wander in the beautiful cave rooms filled with art pieces, paintings, and sculptures from artists worldwide.
It is one of the best attractions in Santorini! At the end, you will have a wine tasting session with the owner himself, who will explain his family’s traditions of wine making. You can buy both art pieces and wine.
It’s a fact that only good things can happen when you combine excellent wine and art…so, this is worth your visit! (Also, do not forget to try the amazing Vinsanto wine of the winery; one of the best on the island!)
- How to Get to The Art Space Winery: The Art Space Winery is close to Pyrgos town on your way to Kamari. You can either take a local bus and get off the main road that goes to Kamari and then walk, or just drive there by following the signs on your right-hand side from the main road from Fira to Kamari. Google Maps is always your friend!
- Art Space Winery on Google Maps
25. Try the local “Donkey” beer

Santorini has its own local brewery with its own beer brand called “Donkey.” You will find the Donkey beer in all restaurants and tavernas of the island, and it comes in three different types: Yellow Donkey (lagered ale), Red Donkey (lagered ale), and Crazy Donkey (IPA). Here are all the beers that the brewery is producing.
You can also visit the brewery and even buy Donkey merchandise, which is pretty cool, anyway. The brewery itself is not super impressive, but you can definitely stop by for a few minutes as you drive to Kamari Beach and grab your beers.
- How to Get to Santorini Donkey Brewery: The brewery is on the main road from Fira to Kamari, and you will see it on your right hand as you go towards Kamari. There is a small parking lot outside of the brewer,y but there is also a local bus stop that stops in front of the brewery. This is the bus from Fira to Kamari.
- Santorini Donkey Brewery on Google Maps
26. Hike on the active Volcano of Santorini and swim at the hot springs
The Best Volcano Cruises of Santorini are the following:
Almost all of the sunset cruises of the island depart from the port of Athinios (the port where the big ferries from Athens also stop). Your cruise operators will give you instructions on where to meet, and they may offer transport from your hotel. Hiking the volcano is a really cool experience, but you need to bring proper shoes for hiking as the terrain is rugged and flip-flops won’t do the job unfortunately… You would need about 30 minutes to reach the top of the volcano, where the views are stunning.
The other cool thing you can experience while on the volcano cruise is swimming at the hot sulphur springs. Τhis can be fun, and depending on the cruise itself, you have about 30 minutes to 1 hr in the springs themselves. If you book a more private (and more expensive cruise like this one, you can pretty much organize the schedule with your crew and even stay longer at the places where you feel you want more time!27. Go for kitesurfing, surfing, and SUP at Monolithos Beach
Dimitris and Manolis own and run the famous Santorini Kitesurfing Lessons and Rentals. They offer various options for lessons, rentals, or both. You can rent kitesurfing equipment for 50 euros for one hour. If you want a kitesurfing lesson, this will cost you 80 euros for one hour. (Obviously, check their website for the updated price list.)
- How to Get to Monolithos Beach: Monolithos Beach is behind the Santorini Airport, so no matter where you are, just follow the airport signs. There is also a local bus that can take you to Monolithos. It will cost you about 2 euros and take about 15 minutes from Fira.
- Monolithos Beach on Google Maps
28. Experience the nightlife in Fira town
They all close at the end of October and open in late April or early May, so do check out their social media and websites. While the big clubs like Koo and Enigma focus mostly on Greek pop music, Murphy’s focuses on mainstream international pop and hip hop music. These are the best options for solo travellers, but Tango Bar is considered a posh option for a night out (with amazing cocktails and views).
Read More on my detailed guide: Nightlife in Santorini
29. Relax at Franco’s Lounge Cocktail Bar at Fira or Pyrgos

Franco’s Bar at Fira has been on the island since the 90s, and it is, in my opinion, the single best spot for a cocktail, listening to the most relaxing lounge and classical music you could ever imagine, overlooking the famous caldera views. But Franco’s has a second location in Santorini, at the top of Pyrgos town. This is an even better and less-known spot to watch the fantastic sunset from a different and less touristic spot:
- How to Get to Franco’s Bar: Franco’s Bar is at Fira on the main road of Fira, as you go down the street on your left-hand side. It is tough to miss it. Franco’s Bar at Pyrgos is at the top of the village, which means you have to walk up there, next to the church on top. You can go to Pyrgos village by a local Santorini bus from Fira or by taxi. It’s a 10-minute drive, and you have to walk to the top.
- Franco’s Bar at Fira on Google Maps
- Franco’s Bar at Pyrgos on Google Maps
30. Watch a movie at the Open Air Cinema at Kamari

If you are not from Greece, you don’t know that open-air cinemas exist. It’s a big thing! We call them “Summer Cinemas” in Greek because they operate from May to September. This is where I have spent most of my Saturday nights in the summer as a kid growing up in Greece…
The Open Air Cinema at Kamari is one of Greece’s best and most famous, and it is a great night out. There is even a bar inside the cinema where you can get a glass of Santorini wine and drink it with some nibbles under the stars while watching a movie! Happy Days! Movies are always in English original audio with Greek subtitles. The doors open at 20:30 and the movie starts at 21:30.
BE CAREFUL, THOUGH: Kamari Open Air Cinema is only open in June, July, August, and September. It then shuts down for the winter.- How to Get to Kamari Open Air Cinema: The cinema is on the main road from Fira to Kamari. You can either take the local bus (there is a bus stop outside the cinema) or drive there. It’s a 15-minute drive from Fira on your right-hand side as you go towards Kamari.
- Kamari Open Air Cinema on Google Maps
31. Eat at the Mezzo Restaurant in Imerovigli
- How to Get to Mezzo Restaurant: First, you need to get to Imerovigli village (2km from Fira), and then you need to get onto the small alley of Imerovigli. Then go down the alleys of Imerovigli and follow the signs you will see (close to Spiliotica Suites).
- Mezzo Restaurant on Google Maps
32. Hike to Ancient Thera ruins

Ancient Thera is basically on the top of the mountain/big rock that separates Perissa and Kamari beaches, and it is an old city that was inhabited between the 9th century BC and 726 AD. It was the old capital of the island!
The easiest way to reach the ancient Thera site is either by walking the path behind the main parking lot of Kamari up to the top or driving to the entrance of the site and then walking inside the town. It’s about a one-hour hike through a pretty easy path (but obviously, proper shoes, a bottle of water, and sunscreen are necessary !).
You can also hike from Perissa, but this is going to be tiring, and the path is not good (especially during the hot summer months). Once up there, you have to pay a small admission fee, which is 4 euros. Bear also in mind that the site is open from 08:30 to 14:30 every day except Mondays, when it is closed.But honestly, the best thing up there is not the ruins themselves. Compared to other archaeological sites in Greece or Athens, there is nothing really impressive. The best thing up there is the stunning views of Perissa, Kamari, and the sea.
- How to Get to Ancient Thera: See the instructions above! The best way is to go through the parking lot at Kamari. There are no local buses that can take you there, but these guys have tours you can take.
- Ancient Thera ruins on Google Maps
33. Flying Dress Photoshoot
These are usually 1-hour photo sessions with a full crew of professional photographers and assistants (who usually hold the dresses to look “flying”). You will get the final photos a few weeks later. These guys are probably the best on the island, and they can make you feel like a celebrity during the session.
But depending on your situation, the things you might be interested in doing while in Santorini may differ, so I categorised the best things to do per case:
Best Things For Couples & Honeymooners

Santorini is ideal for honeymooners and couples, as there are many romantic things to do together. These are the best things you can do while on Santorini:
- Go on a Sunset Cruise
- Visit and wander the streets of Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, and Pyrgostowns
- Go for a Winery Tour
- Have a seafood dinner at Ammoudi (Katina’s is the best restaurant at Ammoudi Bay)
- Eat at Mezzo Restaurant at Imerovigli
- Relax at Eros Beach and Theros Beach Bar
- Have a cocktail at Franco’s Bar at Fira and Franco’s in Pyrgos
- Watch the sunset from Oia and Profitis Ilias hilltop
- Watch a movie under the stars at the Open Air Cinema at Kamari
- Book a flying dress photoshoot
- Visit the Santorini Wine Museum
Best Things For Families With Kids

Santorini is ideal for families and kids as there are many attractions and things to do. Many family-friendly hotels (such as Tsitouras Collection or Tamarix Del Mar) also exist.
These are the best things to do with kids in Santorini:
- Go on a Sunset and Volcano Cruise
- Visit and wander the streets of Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, and Pyrgostowns
- Hike the path from Fira to Oia
- Have a seafood dinner at Ammoudi (Katina’s is the best restaurant at Ammoudi Bay)
- Swim at Perissa Black Beach (you can spend a whole day there)
- Swim at Kamari Beach (you can also spend an entire day there)
- Visit the famous Red Beach
- Visit the prehistoric Akrotiri town
- Visit the Tomato Museum
- Visit the Wine Museum (they don’t have to taste the wine, but it’s great for them to know about the history of wine making)
- Visit the Akrotiri Lighthouse
- Try Water Sports in Perissa
Best Things For Solo Travellers

Travelling solo in Santorini can be great because there are so many things to do and places to meet other people that you will never feel alone on this island.
If you are visiting in the summer, the best thing is to stay close to the beachside areas, where all the beach bars will be buzzing all day long with endless parties, or stay closer to Fira to explore the island’s great nightlife.
These are the Best Things for solo travellers in Santorini:
- Go on a Sunset and Volcano Cruise and hike the volcano
- Visit and wander the streets of Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, and Pyrgostowns
- Hike the path from Fira to Oia
- Explore the amazing beach bars of Perissa and the nightlife of Fira
- Go on a Winery Tour
- Go for Kitesurfing at Monolithos Beach
- Visit the Akrotiri Prehistoric Ruins
- Visit the Santorini Wine Museum
Best Things for Wedding Guests
- Go on a Sunset and Volcano Cruise
- Visit and wander the streets of Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, and Pyrgostowns
- Hike the path from Fira to Oia and take hundreds of photos
- Go on a Group Winery Tour
- Swim at Perissa Black Beach and have lunch or dinner there
- Try Water Sports in Perissa
- Have a cocktail at Franco’s Bar at Fira and Franco’s in Pyrgos
- Visit the Santorini Wine Museum
Best Things to Do In The Winter (Nov-April)
The best thing you can do is stay as close as possible to Fira, the liveliest town of Santorini in the winter. There won’t be any nightclubs or beach bars open…
But there are still plenty of things you can do in the winter in Santorini:
- Visit and wander the streets of Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, and Pyrgostowns
- Hike the path from Fira to Oia
- Visit the prehistoric Akrotiri town
- Visit the Santorini Wine Museum
- Visit the Akrotiri Lighthouse
- Hike to Ancient Thira
- Visit Ammoudi Bay by taking the steps from Oia
CONCLUSION
So, there you have them! However, the best things to do in Santorini depend on your situation (couple, solo, with kids, senior, etc.). Santorini has more attractions than any other Greek island, so you can use that to your benefit when deciding how long to stay there.
If you don’t have enough time for all those things and only have 1 or 2 days on the island, then you should do a sunset cruise, visit Oia, and visit a winery (Santowines is the best). But…no matter what you do…or where you stay… There is one thing for sure: Santorini will be in the top 3 places you will ever be in your lifetime!