7 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

The unrivaled beauty of Santorini, Greece has remained a tourist magnet for decades. Some are drawn to the unique volcanic landscape, some to the one-of-a-kind beaches, and some to the spectacular contrast of the island’s bright whitewashed buildings against the deep blue Aegean Sea. No matter your reason for visiting, we’ve gathered a handful of the best things to do in Santorini to complete your stay.

Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

1. Enjoy the sunset in Oia

Oia is one of the most visited villages in Santorini and the subject of almost every sunset photograph of the island. Some popular vantage points can get incredibly busy. So, you’ll want to arrive early or scout out a different point of view.

2. Take a boat tour

One of the most incredible ways to explore Santorini is via a boat tour. And you can’t go wrong with whatever option you pick. Our personal favorite, however, would be a private catamaran tour of the caldera. Private tours are more expensive, but you’ll have more say over which spots you’d like to visit, the music choice, and more. A sunset cruise with a group is a close second. If you’re interested in a more immersive Greek experience, you may enjoy a fishing charter with a local.

3. Go wine tasting

Are you traveling with your spouse or partner? This one’s for you! One of the best things to do in Santorini for couples is to go wine tasting! And a wine tour is the best way to do it. Wineries do offer tastings apart from tours, but some wineries can be difficult to locate on your own. And, wine tours are more fun anyway! Most tours run from March to November and they fill up quickly – so, book it now!

4. Indulge in local cuisine

We don’t know about you, but we prefer to eat our way through vacation! And in Santorini, there are several must-try dishes to look for on the menu. The first of which is tomato fritters, or Domatokeftethes. Santorini is known for its great tomato varieties and the fritters are a popular appetizer choice across the island. Fried calamari, and seafood of any kind, are excellent choices, too. Thanks to Santorini’s location, fresh seafood is abundant and often doesn’t see a freezer before a plate.

5. Relax on Kamari Beach

Karami Beach is, without question, one of the best beaches in Santorini. The island’s volcanic past has created several geographical wonders, and the black sand beach at Kamari is certainly one of them. While incredibly beautiful, the pebbled dark sand can get very hot. Locals recommend wearing water shoes to protect your feet on the beach and in the water. Behind Kamari Beach is a charming resort town of the same name offering hotels, restaurants, shops, beach bars, and more.

6. Explore Amoudi Bay

Nestled below the white domes of Oia, it takes roughly 300 steps to reach the shores of Amoudi Bay. The Bay is encompassed by towering red cliffs from which many locals cliff dive! If you’re not feeling that adventurous, Amoudi Bay is a great spot for swimming, too. It is quite rocky, however, so you’ll want your water shoes here as well.

7. Hike from Oia to Fira

One of the best things to do in Santorini is to hike from Oia to Fira. The six-mile hike will take you around the rim of the caldera and typically takes anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to complete depending on your pace. The trail itself is made up of paved paths along with gravel and dirt sections through some of the island’s smaller villages. It is a relatively easy hike and affords some of the most stunning vistas and views of the island.

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