In this guide
Santorini is a place you've probably seen a thousand times in photos, and it's still breathtaking in real life. Whitewashed villages cling to the edge of a giant volcanic crater, and the sea below is so deep and blue it looks unreal.
It can get busy, especially when the cruise ships are in. The trick is knowing when and where to go. We drive visitors around the island every day, and these are the experiences we recommend most.
12 things we love in Santorini
Sunset in Oia
The most famous sunset in GreeceBlue domes, windmills and white houses glowing pink and gold as the sun sinks into the Aegean. Watching the sunset in Oia is a bucket-list moment, and the whole village applauds when the sun disappears.
Hike from Fira to Oia
The most beautiful walk in the CycladesA trail along the rim of the caldera through Firostefani and Imerovigli, past Skaros Rock, blue-domed churches and endless views, all the way to Oia. Mostly easy, with a few climbs.
Sail to the volcano & hot springs
Walk on a live volcanoTake 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.
Lunch in Ammoudi Bay
Fish tavernas below OiaWalk 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.
Volcanic wine tasting
Assyrtiko & VinsantoSantorini'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.
Ancient Akrotiri
The Pompeii of the AegeanA 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.
Fira & the old port
The lively capitalThe 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.
Imerovigli & Skaros Rock
The balcony of SantoriniThe 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.
The village of Pyrgos
Medieval lanes and a 360° viewA 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.
Black & red beaches
Volcanic sand and colorful cliffsSantorini's beaches are unlike any others: long black-sand beaches at Perissa and Kamari, and the famous Red Beach framed by red volcanic cliffs.
A catamaran cruise
The caldera from the seaSail around the caldera, swim in hidden coves and watch the cliffs from below. Sunset cruises are especially popular.
Megalochori & Emporio
Traditional villagesAway from the caldera, these traditional villages have bell towers, tiny squares and old mansions, a glimpse of everyday island life.
Santorini in 3 days
Fira in the morning, hike to Oia via Imerovigli, sunset in Oia.
Volcano and hot springs boat trip, afternoon on a black-sand beach, dinner in Pyrgos.
Akrotiri and Red Beach, winery tour in the afternoon, sunset at Imerovigli or the lighthouse.
Explore Santorini with a local driver
Airport and Athinios port transfers, winery tours or a driver for the day. No parking stress.
Key takeaways
- Don't miss: sunset in Oia and the Fira–Oia hike.
- Avoid crowds: visit the villages early or late.
- Taste: Assyrtiko and Vinsanto at a winery.
- Alternative sunsets: Imerovigli, Pyrgos, the lighthouse.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Santorini?
Watching the sunset in Oia is the most famous experience, followed by the Fira to Oia caldera hike and a boat trip to the volcano.
How many days do you need in Santorini?
Three to four days is ideal for the villages, a volcano trip, a winery, a beach day and a few sunsets without rushing.
How do I avoid the crowds in Santorini?
Visit Fira and Oia early in the morning or in the evening, check cruise ship schedules, and try alternative sunset spots like Imerovigli or Pyrgos.
Can you swim in Santorini?
Yes. The island has black-sand beaches like Perissa and Kamari, the Red Beach, and swimming spots like Ammoudi Bay and the volcano's hot springs.