Right at the edge of Naxos town, this wide, sandy bay has very shallow, calm water that stays knee-deep for meters. Cafés, tavernas and hotels are a few steps away.

A small fishing harbor with a lovely beach on either side, fish tavernas and a chapel on the rocks. It's the gateway to the long beaches further south.

A series of small sandy coves between low rocks, with clear water that's great for snorkeling. A favorite of kitesurfers too, on windy days.

A rocky headland separating two beaches: one side catches the wind and is one of the best kitesurf spots in the Cyclades, the other is calmer for swimming.

A long, open beach with few buildings and plenty of room to find your own spot. Simple beach bars and an unhurried atmosphere.

A protected peninsula with a cedar forest, sand dunes and several small coves. You'll also find an abandoned hotel building covered in colorful street art.

A small fishing village with a pebbly beach and tavernas by the water, at the far northern tip of the island. Nearby lies a giant unfinished ancient kouros statue.

Take a boat across the caldera to Nea Kameni, the volcanic islet in the middle, and walk up to the craters. Then swim to the warm, mineral-rich hot springs of Palea Kameni.

Walk down the steps from Oia to this tiny harbor, where octopus dries in the sun and tavernas serve fresh fish right by the deep, clear water. Brave swimmers jump from the rocks nearby.

Santorini's vines grow in low, basket-shaped coils on the ground to protect the grapes from the wind. Taste the crisp, mineral Assyrtiko and the sweet, sun-dried Vinsanto at wineries with caldera or vineyard views.

A Bronze Age town buried by the great eruption around 3,600 years ago and preserved under volcanic ash, with multi-story houses, streets and drainage systems, all under a protective roof.

The island's capital, perched on the cliff edge, with shops, cafés and bars facing the caldera. Below it, the old port is reached by cable car or by a long stairway of hundreds of steps.

The highest village on the caldera, with stunning views and fewer crowds than Oia. A path leads out to Skaros Rock, the site of a medieval castle, for one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the island.

A hilltop village with winding lanes, chapels and the ruins of a Venetian castle at the top. From here you can see almost the whole island.

Santorini's beaches are unlike any others: long black-sand beaches at Perissa and Kamari, and the famous Red Beach framed by red volcanic cliffs.

Sail around the caldera, swim in hidden coves and watch the cliffs from below. Sunset cruises are especially popular.

Away from the caldera, these traditional villages have bell towers, tiny squares and old mansions, a glimpse of everyday island life.