Santorini is one of the most striking islands in the Aegean. Around 1600 BC, a huge volcanic eruption collapsed the center of the island and left the crescent of cliffs you see today, wrapped around a flooded caldera. Whitewashed villages sit along the rim, up to about 300 metres above the sea, and the island draws around two million visitors a year for its sunsets, its volcanic beaches and its wine. These are the 15 most interesting places in Santorini, with tips on when to go and how to avoid the worst of the crowds.
1. Oia
Oia is Santorini’s most famous village, a tumble of white cave houses, blue-domed churches and boutique hotels on the island’s northern tip. Crowds gather at the castle ruins every evening for the sunset, and people often applaud when the sun disappears. For a calmer view, walk down to Amoudi Bay, watch from a caldera-view terrace, or visit Oia in the early morning, when the lanes are almost empty.
2. Fira
Fira is the island’s capital and its busiest town, with the same caldera views as Oia plus more restaurants, bars and bus connections. Take the cable car (or walk the 500-odd steps) down to the old port, visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera to see finds from Akrotiri, and look into the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral.
3. The Fira to Oia hike
The path along the caldera rim from Fira to Oia is about 10 km and takes 3 to 4 hours. It passes through Firostefani and Imerovigli before a rougher, quieter section to Oia, with the caldera in view almost the whole way. Start early, as there’s little shade, and carry plenty of water. You can take the bus back.
4. Imerovigli and Skaros Rock
Imerovigli sits at one of the highest points of the caldera rim and is quieter than both Fira and Oia. From the village, a path leads out to Skaros Rock, a headland that once held a Venetian fortress. The walk is short but steep in places, and the views back along the cliffs are among the best on the island.
5. Firostefani
Between Fira and Imerovigli, Firostefani has caldera views and a slower pace. It’s a good place to stay if you want to be within walking distance of Fira’s restaurants without being in the middle of them.
6. Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a Bronze Age town buried by the eruption of around 1600 BC and often compared to Pompeii. Under a protective roof, you can walk among multi-storey buildings and streets preserved in volcanic ash. Many of the frescoes found here are now in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira, so visit both.
7. Red Beach
Near Akrotiri, Red Beach is backed by cliffs of rust-red volcanic rock. It’s small and gets crowded, and the cliffs are unstable, so follow the signs about rockfall and swim from a boat if the path is closed.
8. Perissa and Perivolos
On the southeast coast, Perissa and Perivolos share a long black sand beach lined with tavernas and beach bars. It’s the easiest place on the island for a full beach day, and accommodation here is much cheaper than on the caldera. The dark sand gets very hot in summer, so bring beach shoes.
9. Kamari and Ancient Thera
Kamari is a relaxed resort town on another black sand beach, with an open-air cinema in summer. Above it, on the Mesa Vouno mountain, are the ruins of Ancient Thera, a town founded in the 9th century BC, with views over both coasts. Go in the morning, before the heat builds.
10. Pyrgos
Pyrgos is an inland hill village with a medieval castle (Kasteli), narrow lanes and wide views across the island. It has far fewer visitors than the caldera towns and is a lovely place for dinner at sunset.
11. The wineries
Santorini is known for its white wines made from the Assyrtiko grape. The vines are trained low into basket shapes to protect them from the wind. Santo Wines, Domaine Sigalas and Estate Argyros are among the best-known wineries for tastings, and a guided wine tour means no one has to drive.
12. A caldera boat trip
Boat trips cross the caldera to the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni, where you can hike up to the craters, then stop at the warm springs off neighboring Palea Kameni for a swim. Most also call at the small island of Thirassia. It’s the best way to understand the island’s volcanic history.
13. A sunset catamaran cruise
A catamaran cruise usually includes swimming stops, dinner on board and the sunset from the water, with the cliffs glowing above you. It’s a good alternative to the crowds in Oia.
14. Amoudi Bay
Below Oia, down a long flight of steps, is the tiny harbor of Amoudi Bay. Its waterside tavernas serve grilled octopus and fresh fish, and a short path leads to rocks where people swim in deep, clear water.
15. Megalochori
Megalochori is a small traditional village with old captains’ mansions, bell towers and a quiet central square. It’s a pleasant place to wander and eat, and close to several wineries.
When to visit Santorini
May, June, September and early October have warm weather and fewer people than July and August, when cruise ships and crowds peak. The sea is warmest in late summer. Many hotels and restaurants close from November to March.
Where to stay
Stay in Oia, Imerovigli or Firostefani for caldera views, Fira for convenience and nightlife, and Perissa, Perivolos or Kamari for beaches and lower prices. If you’re traveling as a couple, see our Santorini honeymoon guide, and for other islands, our Greek islands guide and where to stay in Naxos.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Santorini?
Three days is enough to see the main villages, do a boat trip and spend time on a beach. Four or five days lets you slow down and add the hike and a winery tour.
Is Oia or Fira better?
Oia is quieter at night and more romantic, while Fira has more restaurants, nightlife and transport links. Imerovigli is a good middle ground.
Can you swim in Santorini?
Yes. The black sand beaches at Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari are the easiest places to swim, and boat trips stop at warm springs and quiet coves.