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Few Things to Do in Santorini for an Ideal Greek Vacation

Few Things to Do in Santorini for an Ideal Greek Vacation

Few Things to Do in Santorini for an Ideal Greek Vacation. We can’t get enough of Santorini’s breathtaking sights. Imagine a volcanic island with blue houses and stunning cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea, and you’ve got Santorini. This famous resort, known for its stunning seascapes and sunsets, radiates a natural beauty that only nature could create. While there are plenty of fascinating things to do in Santorini, we’ve created a list of the greatest highlights for your fantasy Greek trip.

Best time to travel to Santorini

Oia, Santorini, Greece Image credit: Allard Schager

The climate on Santorini is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summertime, from June through September, is the greatest season to come for most tourists. However, keep in mind that August is typically the hottest month, with temperatures reaching 30°C.

We recommend visiting Santorini in May or October if you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying beautiful weather. During these hours, the weather is still pleasant, and the majority of the attractions are open. The waters, on the other hand, may not be warm enough for swimming during these months – especially for individuals who are used to the tropics!

Santorini’s Best Attractions

1. At Fira, stroll through lovely alleys.

Walking is one of the finest ways to see Fira, Santorini’s busy center and commercial centre, and Oia (pronounced “ee-ya”), the hilltop village with the iconic blue-domed churches, if you’re feeling energetic. Wildflowers blossoming along the caldera’s ridge, which you’ll pass on your way from Fira to Oia, are extremely prevalent in April.

Image credit: Michelle Sevidal Conde

As you follow a scenic footpath marked by signposts, you’ll come across all kinds of surprises!

Image credit (L-R): H Fall; Michelle Conde

Although the hike from Fira to Oia can be finished in around three hours, most people prefer to take their time when it comes to sightseeing. After all, who wouldn’t want to stop and stare at such breathtaking views? 

2. Try the Greek pastries at Svoronos Bakery

Drop by Svoronos Bakery for some of Santorini’s greatest Greek bread while hunting down all the photo-worthy landmarks in Fira. Do you know that this family-owned bakery has been serving baked goods since 1896? Naturally, you must put them to the test!

Take a piece of their sesame-crusted bread rings, which are a popular snack among the locals. Or the, which has a golden crisp under the teeth and flavors of honey and pistachio when eaten. This bakery is also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can satisfy your desires whenever you choose!

Also Read: Greece scrapped inflight & outdoor Mask requirement this Summer

3. Admire Oia’s blue-domed cathedrals.

The jewel-blue churches — the most famous of which is the Agioi Theodoroi — and immaculate white structures that come to mind when you think about Santorini may be seen in the charming village of Oia. These picture-perfect residences, villas, hotels, restaurants, and staircases are clustered along reddish cliffs and cry out to you with stunning panoramic views of the glistening sea. They may appear to be part of a dream, but Oia is truly breathtaking!

There are winding lanes of marble stone and hints of fuchsia bougainvillaea, along with boutique shops and hidden passageways at every turn. Halfway through your journey, you will be grasping for words — and for more space in your camera roll! 

4. Visit the Venetsanos Winery for world-class wines

How could anyone refuse the chance to try some of Greece’s finest wines? A wine-tasting excursion will more than whet your appetite if you’re looking for interesting excursions and things to do in Santorini.

We recommend that you visit Venetsanos Winery, which is one of the most well-known Santorini grape harvesters and wine producers in the area. This outstanding winery gives a guided tour of their thriving vineyards and distinctive wines in their cellar.

5. Find sensational reads at Atlantis Books

Atlantis Books, hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, is a magical haven for interested visitors. Colorful artwork and thought-provoking statements surround the entrance. If you’re lucky enough to find this treasure in Santorini, you’ll enter a cave-like tunnel filled with books piled high and as far as the eye can see.

Image credit: Michelle Sevidal Conde

This modest structure, however, was formerly the home of a sea captain. Isn’t that amazing? As a result, nautical touches can still be found throughout the bookstore.

Every area, like most of Santorini’s attractions, is postcard material. There’s even a rooftop deck with views of the Aegean!


Image credit (L-R): Atlantis Books Official Instagram Page; Michelle Sevidal Conde

This hidden treasure of a bookstore is without a doubt at the top of our Santorini bucket list. It’ll be difficult to walk away from here without something!

6. Catch a film at an open-air cinema

Image credit: Cinekamari Santorini Official Facebook Page

The Open Air Cinema Kamari, set in the middle of a verdant park, invites visitors to see films the way they were supposed to be seen — at least according to Greek custom.

You may recall from history lesson that the ancient Greeks used to perform their plays in large outdoor theaters. Today, this open-air theater in Kamari honors that legacy by showing Hollywood films (with Greek subtitles) to a crowd of roughly 100 people under the stars!

7. In a classic Greek restaurant, dine al fresco.

Image credit: Michelle Sevidal Conde

Anywhere you go, Greek food is packed with the freshest ingredients. Among the many delightful things to do in Santorini. Consider visiting the fishing port of Ammoudi Bay for grilled fish and calamari restaurants where you may dine with a view of the sea. Alternatively, stop by Lucky’s Souvlaki for some of the island’s best gyros and meat skewers. To elevate your dining experience, the proprietor will gladly accept your order and prepare it right in front of your eyes!

Image credit: Michelle Sevidal Conde

Alternatively, a garden restaurant like Pelican Kipos, which serves handcrafted local specialties under the soothing shadow of palm trees, will make you feel right at home. Enjoy a traditional Greek salad with juicy tomatoes, fresh olives, tasty feta cheese, lemon, and olive oil.

If you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, make a reservation as soon as possible. When you arrive in Santorini, you may discover that everyone wants a piece of heaven!

8. Witness the magnificent sunsets of Santorini.

Image credit: Vishal Jadav

As the sun sets into the Aegean Sea, the island is bathed in purple and orange, providing an unparalleled vista of Santorini. Take a catamaran tour to witness the sunset over the Oia slopes, passing by various Santorini highlights like Red Beach and Nea Kameni (more on these later).

Image credit: Michelle Sevidal Conde

This mesmerizing view is what draws so many people to Santorini (including you!). It appears that time has stopped for a little moment. This experience will undoubtedly leave your heart full, whether you are viewing the sunset from a boat or walking through the winding alleyways of the caldera.

9. Visit the Red Beach for a swim.

The Red Beach of Santorini would look like something out of a sci-fi film if it weren’t for the azure waves and white boats dotting its peculiar terrain. Even when it gets crowded during high season, this gorgeous cove near Akrotiri village is tucked away beneath a rock and offers travelers peaceful tranquility. The same cliff protects the beach from the wind, making it perfect for snorkeling even on stormy days.

Given its popularity as one of Santorini’s most popular sites, we recommend visiting early in the day to enjoy the peace. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire in limited quantities, and there are two snack and beverage booths near the entrance. Meanwhile, naturists hoping for a good time should head to the northern end.

10. Discover parts of the ancient city of Akrotiri

The Akrotiri archaeological site, essentially Greece’s Pompeii, is just a short walk from Red Beach. This one, on the other hand, is far older, dating from the Minoan Bronze Age. It’s housed in a large building with raised walkways that transport visitors around the perimeter to safeguard the millennia-old mud-brick homes. Take a closer look at the restored buildings that provide a picture of the vast civilization below.

According to scholars, Akrotiri was initially a quaint fishing and farming village, but eventually grew into a prosperous city.

11. Explore the centre of the Santorini caldera

Some of you may already be aware that Santorini’s main island is surrounded by a massive (and mostly submerged) caldera. The islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, located in the middle, are only a short boat trip away. Regular cruises depart from Fira’s Old Port, but if you want a more customized experience, make a reservation in advance!

Image credit: isabela66 via Canva Pro

Add these to your list of things to do in Santorini if you want a closer look at the volcanic activity that created the islands. A hiking tour to the peak, where the magnificent crater awaits, is available.

12. Climb to the highest point of Santorini

Image credit: Arian Zwegers

What about a stunning view of Santorini and the surrounding islands? Look no further than Mount Profitis Ilias, which runs between Pyrgos and Kamari settlements. Its top, at 567 meters above sea level, is the highest point on the island. Because the roads are generally paved, you can easily get to the summit by vehicle, bus, or ATV. You can also trek to the summit if you’re feeling very sporty!

Profitis Ilias Monastery, which has been in operation since 1711, is also located on the mountain. It is still home to numerous monks and is an outstanding (albeit underappreciated) example of Cycladic architecture. See the beautiful frescoes and Byzantine icons and sculptures in the neighboring Chapel of Saint Nektarios.

There are so many enchanting things to do in Santorini, yet not nearly enough time for all that we want to accomplish. Did we miss any of your favourite attractions? Tell us a story about your last vacation to this idyllic Greek island.

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