Greece › Santorini › Tours & Attractions
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
Updated: January 15, 2026
The Fira to Oia hike is my favorite thing to do in Santorini.
Santorini Things To Do: My Advice
- One or Two Days in Santorini: Hike the caldera path from Fira to Oia, take a boat tour of the caldera, and have dinner at The Athenian House or Metaxi Mas.
- Three Days in Santorini: Add a wine tour or food tour.
- Four Days or more in Santorini: Visit Ancient Akrotiri and Pyrgos. Do more walking; it is the best way to explore Santorini.
- Best shore excursion for cruise passengers: Fira: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings. Includes great food and a guided walk along a picturesque stretch of the caldera cliff. It ends in Fira, close to the cable car, which is where you need to be for departure.
- Best Day Trip from Santorini: A day trip to Mykonos, Crete, or other Greek islands is not practical. Nearby Thirassia (the small ferry boat departs from Oia) is the best option for a day trip.
- Most important tip: Do at least one tour. Even if you do not usually book tours, they are the best way to see the island and meet locals in a short amount of time. Santorini Boat Tours, Santorini Wine Tours, and Santorini Private Tours are all excellent. People spend thousands of dollars getting to Greece and then worry about a $200 wine tour. Just do it. You will remember it forever.
The Best Santorini Tours
My favorite structured activities are the caldera boat tours and winery tours. Every tour I’ve taken on Santorini has been great (or very good) – and I’ve never had a bad experience. From June to September the best tours can be fully booked months in advance.The Top Tours in Santorini
- Fira: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings
A fantastic tour and great introduction to Santorini. I recommend doing this on your first full day on the island.- Small Group Wine Tasting Tour
Santorini produces incredible wine (Assyrtiko is my favorite). This is an intimate semi-private tour that visits three wineries. For a romantic vibe, do the Santorini Sunset Wine Tour.- Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Sail through the caldera, stop at beaches for swimming, and visit the hot springs. The tour includes a meal and drinks. The morning version offers more swimming; the sunset version finishes below the Oia cliffs. Bring a change of clothes as the evening gets cold if you are in wet swimwear. There is also a private tour that is fantastic.- Best of Santorini (6 Hours)
The best private sightseeing tour in Santorini. It visits three of my favorite places: Akrotiri (ancient ruins), Pyrgos (historic town with twisting pathways), and Oia (the most beautiful village on Santorini). There are also stops at Red and Black beaches, a local winery, and Firostefani. Hotel pickup and drop-off make this an easy way to see the island in one day.
The Best Things To Do in Santorini
1. Caldera Hike from Fira to Oia
My two boys and some friends pointing at Oia in the distance as we did the caldera hike.
Hiking the caldera path from Fira to Oia is my favorite thing to do on Santorini. The views are breathtaking from start to finish. This 10 km (6 mile) trail takes between 2.5 and 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops for photos. I strongly recommend walking north from Fira to Oia. In this direction, the scenery unfolds in front of you, and the final descent into Oia is a spectacular finish.
The hike has two distinct parts. The section from Fira to Imerovigli is the easiest (though still has uphill sections). It is a wide, paved sidewalk winding through Firostefani. This part feels like a scenic stroll past hotels and cafes. After Imerovigli, the path becomes a true hiking trail. Pavement gives way to cobblestone, volcanic gravel, and dirt paths with hills to climb. Services disappear along this stretch, so be prepared before leaving Imerovigli. Navigation is intuitive; keep the water and caldera on your left. If the path seems to dead-end, you have likely turned into a private hotel entrance; backtrack a few steps to find the main trail.
Proper preparation is key. From June to September start early, no later than 9:00 AM, to avoid intense heat on the shade-less path. A sunset hike is also beautiful, but bring a flashlight for the last portion of the trail near Oia. Sturdy running shoes are recommended. Carry at least one liter of water per person. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a fully charged phone are critical.
When you finish the hike in Oia, the easiest and cheapest way to return is by the public KTEL bus, which runs frequently back to Fira and from there to other parts of the island. There’s a taxi kiosk at the main Oia bus station (but not always taxis) for a more expensive but direct trip back to your hotel. While it is very easy to do this hike on your own, hiring a guide is a great way to enrich the experience. A good local guide can share fascinating details about Santorini’s unique geology, the volcano’s history, and the origins of the ancient path you are walking.
2. Sunset, Caldera, and Volcano Boat Tour
A boat tour on the caldera is the essential Santorini experience. It is the best way to appreciate the scale of the cliffs, see the volcano, and watch the sunset. There are two very different types of tours available: modern catamaran cruises and classic volcano tours.
Catamaran cruises focus on luxury, relaxation, and scenery. These semi-private and private tours prioritize sailing and swimming over hiking. A typical itinerary sails the southern coast, stopping at Red Beach and White Beach for snorkeling. The cruise enters the caldera to sail past the Venetian Lighthouse and volcano. A full Greek barbecue meal and open bar (wine, beer, soft drinks) are included. The sunset cruise is the most popular option, finishing with a front-row seat to the sunset below Oia.
Classic volcano tours offer a budget-friendly adventure on larger, traditional boats. These trips are more crowded and focus on active exploration. Main stops include hiking Nea Kameni volcano and swimming in the Palea Kameni hot springs. Some tours also visit Thirassia Island. Food and drinks are usually not included. You must pay a small entrance fee (cash only) at the volcano and wear sturdy shoes for the rocky hike. For the hot springs, wear a dark swimsuit as the sulfurous water can stain.
What to pack: Towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a dark swimsuit. For classic tours, bring sturdy shoes and cash. For sunset cruises, bring a light jacket. Book your tour at least a month in advance, as they sell out quickly in summer. Confirm that your tour includes hotel pickup.
3. Santorini Winery Tour
There are over a dozen wineries to visit. Santo Wines and Venetsanos Winery offer the best caldera views. Domaine Sigalas near Oia offers world-class modern winemaking and food. Vassaltis Vineyards is sleek and modern. Gavalas Winery in Megalochori is intimate, authentic, and my personal favorite. Art Space Winery combines a winery and art gallery in 200-year-old caves.
The best and safest way to explore the vineyards is on a guided wine tour. This eliminates the worry of driving after drinking. A good guide provides insights into the history and winemaking process that you would otherwise miss. Most tours are half-day, visit three wineries, and include local cheese and snacks. Hotel pickup and drop-off is almost always included. My favorites are the Small Group Wine Tour and the Sunset Wine Tour.
Skaros Rock in Imerovigli is an interesting side trip along the Fira-Oia hike.
4. Fira: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings
This guided food tour is one of my favorite activities in Santorini and a fantastic way to begin your visit. It is the perfect introduction to Greek cuisine, local culture, and the towns of Fira and Firostefani. I have worked with the organizers of this tour personally; they are passionate locals who run a fun, delicious, and well-organized experience. The tour is essentially a 4-hour, small-group progressive meal on foot. You will start in the lovely, quieter village of Firostefani and eat your way along the scenic caldera path down into the bustling heart of Fira, visiting a great mix of famous spots with incredible views and hidden, family-run gems you would never find on your own.The most important advice I can give is to come very hungry, as you will be eating a lot of food. And do not feel obligated to finish any of the dishes. (I do a lot of food tours and it’s one thing I’ve learned, start slowly and leave most dishes unfinished – it will leave you hungry enough to enjoy all of the tastings.) You will sample a wide variety of local and national dishes, likely starting with traditional Greek coffee and a local pastry. The tastings continue with classic Santorini specialties like tomatokeftedes and fava, local cheeses, my favorite souvlaki on the island, and fresh seafood. The tour often includes a sample of local craft beer or crisp Assyrtiko wine before finishing with a classic Greek dessert like loukoumades. The friendly guides share stories about Santorinian food and culture throughout the walk, making it much more than just a food tour.
I strongly recommend doing this tour at the start of your trip. It serves as an excellent walking orientation of Fira and Firostefani, and you will leave with a list of fantastic, vetted restaurants to return to for full meals later.
5. Ancient Akrotiri
Ancient Akrotiri is the most significant historical site on Santorini. Often called the “Minoan Pompeii,” this preserved Bronze Age settlement was buried in volcanic ash around 1600 BC. The entire site is enclosed under a bioclimatic roof, making it comfortable to explore even on hot days. Wooden pathways lead through the ancient city, past paved streets, drainage systems, and multi-story buildings. Note that the frescoes on site are replicas; the originals are in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.Hire a guide for your visit. Signage is limited. Without a guide, you are looking at ancient walls with little context. A licensed guide brings the city to life, explains the history, and tells the story of the eruption. Kids and teenagers who ignore their parents will often listen intently to a guide. You can book a guide in advance or hire one near the entrance.
Akrotiri is located on the southern part of Santorini, very close to the famous Red Beach, and is easy to reach by public bus from Fira, with a rental car (there’s plenty of parking), or as part of a guided island tour. In the summer, the site is typically open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and a standard ticket costs €12. I recommend buying the combo ticket for €15, which is a great value as it also grants you access to the Archaeological Museum in Fira and the site of Ancient Thira. A visit to Akrotiri pairs perfectly with other sights in the south, so a great plan is to explore the ruins in the morning and then visit the nearby Red Beach and the black sand beach of Vlychada. The tour guide in advance is an easy drive away too.
6. Museum of Prehistoric Thera
To understand Santorini’s history, visit the museums in Fira. The most important is the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Visit this museum after seeing the Ancient Akrotiri archaeological site; first see the city, then see the treasures unearthed from it. This museum houses the original frescoes discovered at Akrotiri, including masterpieces like the “Blue Monkeys” and “The Fisherman.” It is located in Fira near the main bus station. Allow at least an hour to visit.For a look into the island’s more recent history, the Megaro Gyzi Museum offers an intimate and powerful experience. Housed in a beautiful 17th century Venetian mansion tucked behind the Catholic Cathedral, its most compelling exhibit is the collection of photographs showing Fira before and after the devastating 1956 earthquake. Another excellent option is the Santozeum Museum, a private museum located right on the caldera path. Its main attraction is a collection of full scale replicas of the Akrotiri frescoes, which help you visualize how they would have looked within their original rooms. It also hosts contemporary art exhibitions and offers fantastic views from its terrace.
7. Ancient Thera
Perched atop Messa Vouno mountain, Ancient Thera is an atmospheric ruin where the spectacular setting is the main attraction. It’s vital not to confuse this site with Akrotiri; while Akrotiri is a remarkably preserved prehistoric city protected indoors, Ancient Thera is its opposite: a rugged, open-air ruin layered with Greek, Roman, and Byzantine history. Visiting means walking the rocky paths of a city that was active for over a thousand years. You will need some imagination to picture it alive, but you can still trace the main street, stand in the ancient marketplace, and find a theater carved into the cliffside. The views alone are worth the effort, looking down to the black sand beaches of Kamari and Perissa on either side of the mountain.The easiest way to get here is the shuttle bus (€10) from Kamari. It navigates the steep road, leaving a short uphill walk to the entrance. You can drive a rental car, but the road is narrow with over 20 hairpin turns and is intimidating. For fit hikers, steep footpaths lead up from Kamari and Perissa. This is a challenging trek best attempted early in the morning. There are no facilities at the top – no bathrooms, cafes, or water. Visit first thing in the morning to avoid the heat. The site typically closes at 3:30 PM and is closed on Tuesdays.
8. Santorini Kayak Tours
Two excellent tours explore the spectacular south coast. The South Sea Kayaking Tour is great for sun and swimming. You paddle past Red Beach, White Beach, and into sea caves around Black Mountain. It includes snorkeling and a picnic lunch on a secluded beach.For a romantic experience, the Sunset Sea Kayak Tour is my top recommendation. It follows the same route but is timed for the “golden hour.” You pause on the water to watch the sunset sink into the Aegean Sea. Afterward, the guides serve dinner on a quiet beach. No prior kayaking experience is necessary for either tour.
Both tours are run by professional outfits and are suitable for all skill levels, as no prior kayaking experience is necessary. The guides provide excellent instruction, and the sit-on-top sea kayaks are very stable. Your tour price will include hotel pickup and drop-off, all kayaking and safety equipment, snorkeling gear, the meal (which is actually pretty darn tasty), and photos of your trip. You should arrive wearing your swimsuit, and also bring a hat, sunglasses with a strap, waterproof sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes for afterward. Because these are popular small-group tours, you must book at least a few weeks in advance, especially for the sunset tour, which often sells out quickly.
9. Walk the Volcano
The larger of the two islands in the caldera is called Nea Kameni (new burnt island), and it’s where you’ll find the island’s active volcano. The crater is 130 meters up and takes about 20 minutes to walk to from the boat pier. Sulfur vents are found along the way. The only way to get here is by doing a volcano boat tour.
10. Santorini Fishing Tour
For an authentic and memorable experience, I recommend Giorgaros Fishing Tours. This is not a typical tourist cruise; it is a hands-on fishing trip on a traditional Greek wooden boat. You can help pull in nets, check octopus pots, and fish with lines. No prior experience is needed.
The highlight is the meal. The crew cooks the day’s catch on board for a fresh sea-to-table feast. Grilled fish is served with tomato fritters, fava, Greek salad, and unlimited local wine. The daytime lunch tour is the most popular option. The sunset fishing tour is a great alternative to typical sunset cruises. Book as far in advance as possible; Giorgaros has only one boat and these tours sell out quickly.
Both tours (daytime and sunset) are perfect for families, food lovers, and anyone seeking an authentic Greek experience, not just serious anglers. It is critical, however, to book as far in advance as possible. Giorgaros has only one boat and these small-group tours are incredibly popular, often selling out weeks or even months ahead of time. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket as it can be cool on the water.
11. Santorini Photography Tour
A private photography tour is an excellent way to see and capture the best of Santorini, whether you are a serious photographer with professional equipment or simply want amazing photos from your vacation. The Santorini: Private Photography Tour is a good one, allowing you to discover unique viewpoints and hidden spots that you would likely never find on your own. This is a private, 4-hour tour for just your group, and it’s perfect even if only one person is interested in photography while the others just want to enjoy the incredible views from the best vantage points. The tour takes you to the most photogenic locations on the island efficiently and comfortably in a private vehicle. A typical itinerary includes the iconic village of Oia to capture its famous blue-domed churches, the highest point on the island at Prophet Elias Mountain for stunning panoramic vistas, and explorations of traditional villages and hidden viewpoints in the south, far from the main crowds. The key benefit is the local knowledge of your guide, who knows exactly where to go and when to be there for the best light, helping you avoid the worst of the crowds. It is a completely hassle-free way to explore, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. That said, it’s important to understand that this tour is not about photography lessons; it is about providing the transportation and expert guidance to get you to the absolute best locations so you can focus on taking incredible photos.12. Take a Private Tour of Santorini
A private island tour is the best way for a first-time visitor to see Santorini. The 6-Hour Best of Santorini Experience is an excellent choice. You get a dedicated local driver and a comfortable vehicle for six hours. The biggest advantage is flexibility; you can customize the itinerary to your interests.Popular stops include Oia, Firostefani (for the Three Bells church), and Imerovigli (best caldera views). You can visit the island’s highest point at Prophet Elias Monastery, traditional villages like Megalochori, and the unique Red and Black beaches. Since the itinerary is customizable, you decide what to include. It is perfect for families or anyone seeking a stress-free day. The price includes the vehicle and driver, but entrance fees and food are extra.
13. Visit Ftelos Brewery
An elevated craft beer experience like no other. You’ll find lagers and pale ales at this microbrewery, as well as curious brews like hibiscus saison and rosemary gose in limited runs, made from local and seasonal ingredients, sometimes barrel-aged. Awarded the “Most Innovative Brewery,” Ftelos offers tours, tastings, food pairings, cooking classes, and even a home-brewing master class. Art-filled facilities include two beer-themed gourmet restaurants, tapas bars, and beer cocktails served on the bioclimatic rooftop garden. Reservations are strongly recommended. They also offer an excellent Greek Cooking Class.14. Take the Dogs to the Beach at SAWA
Santorini Animal Welfare Association is a shelter and sanctuary for the island’s stray dogs, donkeys and mules rescued from grueling labor, and abandoned farm animals (a newer phenomenon as traditional farms are being converted into profitable vacation rentals). Visitors are always welcome to swing by and take a dog or two for a walk along a desert pathway south to remote Eros Beach for some fun in the waves. Bring your own picnic or pop in at Theros Wave Bar for beachfront refreshments. Volunteers are are also needed for full working days (usually from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) to help care for the animals. Tasks vary but including feeding the animals, cleaning the pens, or light maintenance on the property, depending on the season. If you happen to fall in love, all dogs are available for adoption.15. Explore the Paths, Alleys, and Stairwells of Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli
This is basically the hike from Fira to Oia but instead of continuing to Oia you can stop in Imerovigli, explore a little, and turn back around. All three towns have beautiful views and are worth a walk-through. You might get a little lost here and there, but that’s half the fun.16. Hike Skaros Rock
Descend the cliff to the path that leads to Skaros Rock, an unmistakable landmark shaped by eruptions, earthquakes, and erosion. Under Venetian rule, Skaros was one the first of Santorini’s five fortified settlements and formerly the island’s capital until the 18th century. You can still see some of the old ruins here today (though it’s barely recognizable as a castle), as well as a small monastery hidden on the far side of the outcrop. Climb to the top of the rock if you’re brave enough. Great views from all points. The path starts just south of Grace Santorini hotel.17. Swim at Ammoudi Bay
One of the best swimming spots on Santorini is down the cliff from Oia and a short hike south of the Ammoudi port. Walk the steps down from Oia (or drive/taxi to Ammoudi Bay), then take the path that leads south past the restaurants in the port – you can’t miss it, there’s only one way to go. It’s a 5-minute walk to Agios Nikolaos Islet (above) that you can swim out to. The deep water around the islet make it a popular spot for jumping from its rocky ledge into the sea.18. Visit Atlantis Books
Formerly nestled in Oia, our longtime favorite literary oasis has recently relocated to the ground floor of the Petros Nomikos Cultural Centre in Firostefani – just behind Volkan on the Rocks (a great scenic cafe with outdoor cinema). This unique bookstore offers a well-curated selection of new and used books ranging from classics to contemporary literature, celebrating both Greek and international authors. We love not only its extensive collection, but also its cozy atmosphere and funky vibe.19. Open Air Cinema in Kamari
Family-friendly fun – depending on what’s playing, of course. Watch a movie outside as the sun sets and the sky grows dark. The selections are usually popular English-language films. Wine, beer, and simple snacks are available for purchase. Movies start around 9:30pm, but I recommend getting here when the doors open at 8:30 to ensure a seat. Sundays and the first and last day of any movie run are the busiest days. There’s a bus stop directly across the street with buses to and from Fira. In summer the last bus should be after the movie is out but check the schedule to be sure.
20. Explore the Alleys, Paths, and Stairwells of Oia
Oia has even more hidden pathways than Fira. Be sure to get off the main path and explore the magical views you’ll stumble upon. A good place to start is to find the restaurant Lotza then take the path down the cliff directly to the right of the restaurant. The Venetian castle ruins are hard to miss as you wander around, and they offer fantastic views in almost every direction (no coincidence that the ruins are the most popular sunset viewpoint).21. Tomato Industrial Museum
For a surprisingly fun and fascinating look into a different side of Santorini’s history, I highly recommend a visit to the Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos”. This off the beaten path gem is located in a former canning factory right on Vlychada Beach and tells the story of the island’s most famous agricultural product. The museum is housed in the original factory that operated from 1922 until 1981, and a visit allows you to walk through the authentic production line machinery. The excellent audio guide, which features the memories of former workers, brings the factory’s history to life. The tour, which takes about an hour, concludes with a tasting of the delicious and intensely flavored tomato paste that is still produced today.The museum explains why the local cherry tomato, or Tomataki Santorinis, is so special. It is grown in the island’s volcanic soil with almost no water, a method called anhydrous cultivation, which results in a small, thick skinned tomato with a powerful, concentrated, and sweet flavor unlike any other. The museum’s location on Vlychada Beach, one of the island’s most visually stunning beaches with lunar-like cliffs, makes it easy to plan a perfect half day trip. I recommend visiting the museum first, then spending time on the unique beach before walking to the scenic Vlychada marina next door for a fantastic seafood lunch at one of the tavernas.
There is an excellent museum shop on site where you can buy the famous tomato paste and other local products to take home, and the complex also includes a cafe. The museum is typically open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but it is always best to check their official website for the most current hours. A ticket costs about €10 per person, and includes the audio guide and the product tasting. It is a perfect activity for families, foodies, or anyone seeking an authentic experience away from the main caldera towns.
22. Dinner with a View
The food is often better when you go to a restaurant without a view. However, you have to have dinner with a view of the caldera at least one night while in Santorini. The Athenian House (pictured above) in Imerovigli is a beautiful restaurant with a caldera and sunset view. (And these are my favorite restaurants on Santorini.)23. Santorini Helicopter Tour
This is pretty close to unforgettable. A wonderful tour above Santorini, the volcano, the caldera, and all the villages perched along the cliff (that’s Oia and Ammoudi Bay above, as seen from the helicopter). If you’re going to Mykonos you can also do a helicopter transfer between Santorini and Mykonos – which is fun, easy, and way faster than the ferry.
24. Visit Thirassia Island
Thirassia is Santorini’s quiet, authentic sister island. A day trip here is the best way to escape the crowds. Activities involve simple pleasures like eating fresh fish, hiking, and enjoying the views. The ferry arrives at the port of Korfos, which is lined with excellent fish tavernas. From there, a steep path leads up to Manolas, the island’s main village. Hikers can continue to the abandoned cave village of Agrilia or the Monastery of the Assumption. To explore on your own schedule, take the small public ferry from Ammoudi Bay.There are two very different ways to get to the island. To truly explore Thirassia on your own schedule, the best method is the small public ferry that runs from Ammoudi Bay below Oia. The ticket costs next to nothing, but the schedule is limited and changes seasonally. You must confirm the current times with your hotel on the day you plan to go and it is critical to know the time of the last boat back to avoid getting stranded. Always bring cash, as the small tavernas may not accept credit cards, and pack plenty of water and sun protection, as the hiking trails are very exposed. The other option is to visit as part of an organized catamaran or volcano boat tour. These tours usually only make a brief stop for a swim or a quick meal in Korfos port and do not allow enough time to explore the villages and hiking trails properly.
25. Kamari Beach
Good swimming, though it’s a pebble beach, not sandy. Many restaurants, beach clubs, and plenty of nice hotels line the main road facing the sea. The lively, pedestrian-only street along the beach is fun to walk at night when it gets quite busy.26. Swim in the Hot Springs
Jump from the boat into the cold water of the caldera, then swim towards the warm water of the volcanic hot springs. It never gets really hot, but it’s warm enough to never feel the need to get out. The only way to get to the hot springs is by doing a Santorini boat tour.27. Emporio
On the way to Perissa Beach in the south of Santorini, you’ll find this magical, traditional village. In Emporio (pronounced eh boh REE oh) you’ll find a smattering of chapels, a couple of traditional cafes (kafenion), and homes stacked on homes spreading out from the ruins of the 15th-century Venetian castle at the heart of the village. There are almost never any tourists here, and it’s a pleasure to get good and lost in the tangle of colorful alleyways. There is car parking and a bus stop at the main entrance, but the village itself is open to pedestrians only.28. Watch the Sunset in Oia
Bring a bottle of wine and hang out on the cliffs of Oia watching the sun set over the sea. The Venetian castle ruins are the most popular viewpoint. It’s always busy, so be prepared for crowds. Forget about finding a taxi back to Fira or Imerovigli, but there are extra buses waiting for the crowds after the sunset, and there’s often no wait for those. Elinikon is the best Oia restaurant with views of the sunset.29. The Seafood Restaurants of Ammoudi Bay
Walk down the stairs from Oia to Ammoudi Bay to find four restaurants serving incredibly fresh seafood. All of these restaurants are good, but Ammoudi Fish Tavern is my favorite. You can usually get in without a reservation. No need to climb the 200+ stairs back to the top – the restaurants will be happy to call you a taxi when you’ve finished your meal.30. Secret Kitchen
This traditional domed house near Oia hosts intimate culinary experiences that combine authentic recipes and techniques with homespun hospitality. During the day, Secret Kitchen offers lunch and cooking classes in their cozy, charming kitchen; evening familiy-style demonstration dinners (max. 10 guests) are held in their beautiful courtyard with a wood oven and grill – perfect for visitors seeking an informative introduction to Greek cuisine, but who don’t want to do the cooking themselves. Warm and wonderful hosts Mariella and Konstantinos not only provide amazing traditional food, but also a unique venue to create community with other travelers and and a connection to the island itself.31. Symposion Music and Mythology Cultural Center
Housed in a late 18th-century winery in the traditional village of Megalochori, Symposion immerses its guests in Greek mythology, music, and ancient instruments. Exhibits showcase Greek bagpipes (tsabouna), doubaki (Cycladic drum), rokana (a type of rattle, the lyre, and the lute. Interactive tours, hands-on workshops (build your own instruments), wine-tasting, and musical performances provide a unique educational and entertaining experience in a beautiful setting.32. Red Beach
Just down the road from the Akrotiri ruins, Red Beach is the most spectacular and picturesque of any Santorini beach. From the bus stop or car park it’s about a 15-minute walk to the beach. The trail is sometimes closed due to the risk from falling rock; proceed at your own risk. Many caldera boat tours stop here for a swim on the way to or from the caldera.33. Akrotiri Lighthouse
The lighthouse is the destination, but the draw is the incredible view looking north into the caldera – very different than the views from looking down from Fira or Oia because you can really see the circular nature of the caldera from this vantage point. Also popular for its excellent sunset views. Located on the very southern tip of Santorini, the only way to get there is by car.34. Santorini Wine Museum
The Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum, in the same family of winemakers for five generations, sits at the center of Santorini. Its super cool, 300-meter-long wine cave set eight meters below ground displays exhibits of the history and development of Santorinian wine over the last five centuries. Admission to the museum includes four wine tastings from the family’s winery.35. Art Space Winery
A unique and charming mix of contemporary art gallery, history museum, cave architecture, and great wine. Paintings and sculptures are displayed in the centuries-old wine cellars, raki distillery, and large central cave. It’s not visited by most wine tours, so you need to visit on your own.36. Santorini Scuba Diving
There are wonderful dive spots all around the Santorini volcanoes and caldera. Professional tours are offered that cater to all levels.37. Greek Cooking Class
The food in Santorini is amazing. Obviously, it’s easy to enjoy plenty of great food without doing a food tour or one of the cooking classes held in Oia, Fira, or the Artemis Karamolegos Winery, but the guides are so knowledgeable and the sessions so fun it’s really worth doing one. Like any Santorini tour the odds of doing a cooking class and then regretting it are almost zero.38. Perissa & Perivolos Beaches
Perissa is the best swimming beach on Santorini and has the nicest sand. (It’s black sand, so it does get hot in the summer.) Good restaurants are spread along the beach front. Tranquilo is the best beach bar on Perissa. Perissa is about a 30-minute drive from Fira and 45 minutes from Oia. Perivolos Beach is the southern part of the same stretch of sand, with some newer luxury hotels and great restaurants (try Seaside or Savvas Popeye). Other than the change in latitude, though, there’s little to distinguish one beach from the other.39. Cable Car from Old Port to Fira
Walk down the stairs to the Old Port, grab a drink, then take the cable car back up (though you can walk or cable car both ways if you want). From May to October the cable car runs every 20 minutes, 6:30 to 22:00 – a little longer hours in July and August, and a reduced schedule from November until April. It costs 6€ for adults and less for children.
40. Wood Carving Workshop at Xylo Wood Design
Learn the basics of wood carving at the workshop and gallery of artist Michael Arvanitis. The 90-minute course includes information on local traditions, an introduction to the tools of the trade, and demonstrations of different techniques, followed by hands-on practice, where students can put their newfound knowledge into practice. Be sure to take time to visit the gallery itself, filled with skillfully crafted, one-of-a-kind pieces.41. Explore the Santorini Countryside
This is one of the advantages of renting a car in Santorini – you can get away from the main towns and explore the beautiful Santorinian countryside. The island is small – you can almost always see the sea – but there’s lots of farmland (especially in the south) and you can’t drive far without stumbling across a winery or two and vineyards with grape vines trained into distinctive basket shapes. As with other off-the-beaten-path attractions, hiring a guide will ensure you don’t miss any of the highlights of rural Santorini.42. Best View of Santorini
Walk up the meandering lanes of traditional Pyrgos village (15 minutes south of Fira) to the top of the hill where you’ll find a castle, a church, and marvelous views of the entire island. The rooftop bar at Franco’s Cafe is a great place to enjoy the sunset. The 6-Hour Best of Santorini Tour is an easy way to visit the most interesting Santorini villages (Pyrgos, Oia, and others).43. Best Gyro In Santorini
Many of the gyro and souvlaki shops that target tourists make some pretty average food. Not Lucky’s. This is the real thing and just as good as anything you’ll find in Athens or mainland Greece. Lucky’s is on the main street of Fira and a 3-minute walk from the bus station. (Ask anyone and they’ll point you in the right direction.) Pito Gyros in Oia is also good.44. Greek Easter
If you happen to be in Santorini for Greek Easter (the date of which is usually different than western Easter) be prepared for something special. On the night of Good Friday, head to Pyrgos where the whole town is magically lit with candles. Saturday night be prepared for fireworks (Fira is the best spot to see them) when the fast ends at midnight. And on Easter Sunday many Greek restaurants will have a special menu with roasted pork and Greek dishes (be sure to reserve a table in advance).45. Lioyerma Public Swimming Pool
If you’re staying near Oia and your hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool, this is a good public option – but I don’t think it’s worth a trip from Fira or beyond. No fee, just buy a drink or some food and you can swim all day and enjoy the nice view. (It has a sunset view too.) This pool makes a refreshing finish to the Fira to Oia hike.46. Best Thing To Do On Final Night in Santorini
The Greek Wedding Show puts on an unbelievably fun performance about a Greek family wedding. There’s singing, dancing, and a simple storyline. Guests are made to feel part of the wedding party. There are light snacks and lots of wine. Even my 12 and 15 year-old boys thought this was fantastic. Great fun!47. Photo Shoot with Anna Sulte
Anna has lived on the island for 16 years and been a professional photographer for ten. She knows all the best shots, views, and intimate alleyways on the island. I’ve worked with Anna professionally and can recommend her work without reservation.
About Santorini Dave