Santorini Spectacular: From Ancient Ruins to Volcanic Beaches, Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Santorini’s houses are instantly recognizable around the world: white buildings featuring blue domes and doors, set on the colorful cliffs. That’s the scene that appears most often when you Google Santorini, a beautiful island in the Cyclades.

Thousands of years ago, the powerful volcanic eruption separated the one big island of Thera into several smaller ones, such as Santorini, Nea Kameni and Thirassia.

These islands are also in the center of the Southern Aegean Volcanic Arc. Despite being dormant for quite a while, the Volcano of Santorini is still considered an active volcano. 

Today, these volcanic islands, surrounded by the Aegean Sea, are among the most popular Greek islands and the most desirable honeymoon destination in Europe.

Getting to Santorini

From the Greek capital, Athens, you can get to Santorini by plane or ferryboat. Many European airports also have direct flights to Santorini’s airport during the summer season.

In addition to characteristic white houses, in Santorini, you can find luxury hotels with pools, pretty villages, stunning beaches and multiple vineyards.

There is more to Santorini than relaxing and enjoying the stunning views, although that alone is reason enough to visit. We recommend going on wine tasting and sailing tours. Also, an excellent way to learn more about Santorini is by exploring the ancient archaeological sites of Akrotiri and Thera.

To get you started, here is our list of the top 10 things to do in Santorini.

1. Explore Ancient Thera

Did you know that “Thera” is the ancient name of Santorini and it wasn’t changed until the Middle Ages, courtesy of the Venetians.

Ancient Thera is an archaeological site where you can see the Agora, an ancient theatre, a gymnasium and temples. This ancient village was founded in the 9th Century BC, so there are relics from the Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine periods.

You can reach the Ancient Thera by bus or car from Kamari. The site is open from 8 AM to 3 PM, every day except Monday, and the ticket will only cost you 4 euros per person.

Breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea are a bonus as you stroll this archeological site.

2. Enjoy Amoudi Bay

Amoudi Bay is a tiny fishing village situated 300 steps below Oia. That amazing place is surrounded by red volcanic rocks and the Aegean Sea. It is well-known for tavernas and restaurants with fresh food.

We recommend you to visit Amoudi Bay in the late afternoon and partake in delicious Mediterranean cuisine at sunset. You will enjoy the chilling ambiance, great food and spectacular views. Ammoudi Bay is also an excellent spot for cliff diving.

3. Visit Volcanic Kamari Beach

Kamari beach is one of the most popular spots on the island, featured in almost every travel guide about this island. It sits on Santorini’s east coast and is well-known for its clear blue waters.

Thanks to its volcanic history, Kamari beach has one of the longest stretches of black sand in Santorini. There are also lounge chairs and umbrellas, so pick an available one and enjoy the view. 

Near Kamari Beach, you can find some of the best hotels and apartments, as well as restaurants, bars and shops. Also, you can visit the Open Air Cinema Kamari, located just 1 kilometer away.

The outdoor movie theater is situated in the middle of the forest, and you can watch movies there every night from May to October.

4. Hike on the Edge of the Caldera From Fira to Oia

If you want to experience Santorini’s natural beauty, we recommend a 3-hour hiking tour from Fira to Oia. The 9-km-long trail on the caldera’s edge passes through Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia. 

During this unforgettable journey, you will come upon several photogenic stops, such as Skaros Rock, a popular place for sunset views and the St Gerasimos Church with a blue dome. 

The Profitis Ilia Monastery is also along the way. At over 550 meters above sea level, it’s the highest point in Santorini and boasts the most magnificent views of the whole island and the azure Aegean Sea.

You can start this adventure early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and arrive in Oia at sunset. Take enough water, comfortable footwear and enjoy outstanding views.

5. Meet Santorini’s Wine-makers 

Did you know that Santorini has some of the world’s oldest vineyards?

Thanks to its volcanic origin, Santorini has ideal conditions for viticulture, so diseases rarely attack the vineyards. That is why Santorini is one of the most famous European wine regions, primarily known for white wines.

The majority of wineries are located in the central part of the island, and the most popular are Venetanos Winery in Megalochori and Santo Wines in Pyrgos. Vinsanto and Nykteri are the most popular wines from Santorini.

We recommend visiting the Wine Museum in Fira. It is located in a cave, 8 meters underground. There, you can learn more about the history of winemaking in Santorini and see the machines and tools that Santorini wine-makers used in production. Also, you can enjoy local wines. 

You can go to the Santorini wine tours independently or book a wine tour for a small group of people, with an arranged pick up and drop off from the hotel to the vineyards.

6. Discover Santorini’s Sister Island Thirassia

Thirassia is an island separated from Santorini due to an intense volcanic eruption in 1500 B.C. This catastrophic eruption caused the tsunami, which reached even Crete. 

You can get to Thirassia by boat from the Gialos Port, connected with Oia by cable car. Another option is a day trip boat tour from Amoudi Bay.

While there, you can visit the scenic village of Manolas with its colored houses or spend the day at lovely beaches or hot springs. There are also excellent trekking trails.

Thirassia is a small island with only 300 inhabitants. There are no major tourist attractions or nightlife, but you can sit on the tavern terrace in the evening and enjoy the silence and the splendid views of Santorini.

Read More: Affordable, Luxury, or Family-Friendly: 10 Best Hotels in Santorini, Greece

7. Visit the Ancient Akrotiri and the Museum of Ancient Thera

Akrotiri is an archaeological site on the southern end of the island of Santorini. It is one of the most significant prehistoric settlements around the Aegean Sea. 

A massive volcanic eruption destroyed the Minoan town, but Akrotiri has allowed tourists to visit after years of excavation. If you want to learn more about this place, a local guide will undoubtedly make this sightseeing memorable.

The ticket price is 12 euros per person, but with a surcharge of 2-3 euros, you can also visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. There, you can see frescoes and other items found at Ancient Akrotiri.

8. Explore the Most Vibrant Villages in Santorini

Perissa is a coastal village with hotels, apartments and campsites located in the southeastern part of Santorini. It is one of the most popular spots on Santorini, thanks to the fantastic Perissa beach with black lava sand, beach bars, umbrellas, sunbeds and lifeguards. 

Perissa also has many water sports facilities, beach volleyball courts, and a water park. Or you can rent an ATV or scooter and explore the whole area on wheels.  

The Museum of the Minerals and Fossils of Thera is a popular tourist spot to learn more about the prehistoric era and human evolution. Nearby is Perivolos, a village with shops, cafes, restaurants, many beach bars, and nightclubs with live music and DJs.  

9. Enjoy the Outstanding Red Beach

Near Akrotiri village, in Santorini’s southern region, you can find a unique Red Beach. Yes, it’s really red. This beach is surrounded by steep volcanic rocks, from which the red color comes. 

You will not find any beach bar on Red Beach, so take everything you need for a full-day adventure with you. Exciting marine life also makes this spot an excellent site for snorkeling.

Nearby, you can visit two other attractive beaches: Kambia Beach and White Beach. We also recommend visiting Akrotiri Lighthouse in the outer southwest of Santorini. You will enjoy the fantastic sunset views.

10. Book a Sailing Tour

A cruise on the Aegean Sea will complete your vacation in Santorini as an unforgettable experience. 

Catamaran cruises and boat tours are very popular activities in Santorini because you can swim in the crystal-clear waters and go to the most popular beaches on the island. It’s also a fabulous way to enjoy amazing views of the island’s caldera and villages with white houses.

Some boat tours include an onboard meal followed by quality Santorinian wine.

If you want a romantic getaway, we recommend you book a sunset cruise and enjoy the most beautiful sunset in the world.

Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.

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Author Bio: Based in Serbia in Europe, Marija Stojanovic Petkovski worked as a journalist but realized writing about the most beautiful places in the world is something that inspires her. She is sure that a pint of good craft beer perfectly accompanies a tasty home-made lasagne. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her children and spending time outdoors with her family. 

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