15 Most Interesting Places in Santorini, Greece (2026 Travel Guide)

Santorini is the most dramatically beautiful island in the Aegean — a volcanic caldera whose explosion around 1600 BC created the crescent-shaped island group that now draws more than 2 million visitors a year. The combination of whitewashed Cycladic architecture perched on volcanic cliffs 300 metres above the caldera, the most famous sunsets in the Mediterranean, extraordinary wine produced from vines grown in volcanic soil, and the best views in Greece makes it unlike any other island in Europe. These are its 15 most interesting places.

1. Oia

Oia is Santorini’s most famous village — a cascade of white cubic houses, blue-domed churches, and boutique hotels descending the northern tip of the caldera cliff. The sunset from Oia’s castle ruins is the most famous sunset view in the Mediterranean; hundreds of visitors gather each evening, and applause at the moment of the sun’s disappearance below the horizon is a genuine and slightly surreal tradition. For the sunset without the crowds, watch from the Amoudi Bay path below the village or from a caldera-view terrace at your accommodation.

2. Fira

Fira is Santorini’s capital — a larger, more commercial version of Oia with the same caldera views, more restaurants and nightlife, and better access to the rest of the island. The cable car descending to the old port (Skala), the Museum of Prehistoric Thera (housing finds from the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri), and the Orthodox Cathedral are the main sights. The caldera walk from Fira to Oia (10km, 3-4 hours) is one of the Mediterranean’s finest coastal walks, with continuous views over the caldera and sea.

3-15. The Complete Santorini

Akrotiri (a Bronze Age Minoan settlement buried by the volcanic eruption of 1600 BC — the Pompeii of the Aegean, with multi-storey buildings and remarkable frescoes preserved under the ash). The Wine Route (Santorini produces extraordinary white wines from Assyrtiko grapes grown in volcanic soil — Santo Wines, Domaine Sigalas, and Estate Argyros offer the best tastings). The Red and Black Beaches (volcanic beaches of red and black basalt on the south coast — dramatically different from any other Mediterranean beach). Pyrgos (the highest village on the island, with a Venetian castle and the best 360-degree views — far fewer visitors than Oia). Imerovigli (the highest point on the caldera rim — the Skaros Rock walk and the most dramatic caldera views, with fewer crowds than Oia). Perissa and Perivolos (the black sand beach villages on the east coast — long beach strips, beach clubs, and the most accessible swimming on the island). The Caldera Boat Tour (visiting the active volcanic island of Nea Kameni, the hot springs, and the islet of Thirassia — the most complete experience of the caldera). Firostefani (the village between Fira and Imerovigli — caldera views without Oia’s crowds, and some of the island’s most atmospheric accommodation). Kamari (a black sand beach resort town on the east coast — cinema on the beach, Archaeological Museum, and the ancient site of Mesa Vouno above). Amoudi Bay (the tiny port below Oia — fresh octopus grilled at waterside tavernas, swimming off the rocks, and the most authentic eating experience on the island). Sunset from a sailing catamaran (the caldera at sunset from the water, with the cliffs lit amber above you — the definitive Santorini experience).