Things to do in
Santorini

Greece’s iconic island of love boasts towering cliffs, stunning sea views, and a dormant volcano in the midst.

Our most recommended things to do in Santorini

Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit

Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit

Sail from Athinios Port to small islands that are home to volcanos, hot springs, and traditional villages. Enjoy some free time on each island, enjoy the fantastic views and charming atmospheres of typical Greek countryside. Set sail from Athinios and enjoy live commentary on board throughout the journey. First stop at Nea Kameni where you can opt for hiking to the crater of the active volcano. Please note that the hiking is done on your own and there is no guide with you, so you must take care of your safety. Next, the boat heads to Palea Kameni, where you have some time to swim in the volcanic hot springs. Please note that the sulfur in the water might leave a stain on light-colored swimwear. Return to the boat for a short sail to Thirassia, where you’ll have free time to explore this charming village. There you can also visit Manolas, accessed by winding stairs, or by a donkey ride up the hill. This is optional of course. If you book the extension option the boat will also take you to a port where a comfortable bus will be waiting to transport you to the mesmerizing village of Oia. Immerse yourself in its unique charm as you enjoy 2-3 hours of free time to wander through the winding streets, soak up the breathtaking views, and witness the magical sunset that has made Oia world-famous. As your time in Oia comes to a close, hop back on the bus for a relaxed journey back to your original destination. Reflect on the incredible memories you’ve made, carrying the beauty of Santorini in your heart. Please meet your bus in Oia at the meeting point 15 minutes after sunset.

Santorini: Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music

Santorini: Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music

Climb aboard the 74-foot Ocean Voyager or the 80-foot Tahiti catamaran for a 5-hour cruise around Santorini in the Aegean Sea. Set off on a journey of discovery that will first take you to the hot springs, then the Red Beach, and finally the White Beach. Swim and snorkel and tuck into a delicious meal onboard. Start your adventure with a comfortable hotel pickup and set sail for the Hot Springs for your first dip in the sulfurous sea. Next stop will be at the beautiful Red Beach to swim and snorkel for 30 minutes. Third stop to the White Beach area, only accessible from the sea, for more swimming and snorkeling in the shadow of the towering white cliffs. Onboard the catamaran, savor a barbecue supper of salads and grilled meat and veggie options. Sail back inside the crescent-shaped Caldera. (Sunset option) Stay afloat and watch undisturbed the sun fading into the horizon. Disembark at the port.

Santorini: Luxury Catamaran Day Trip with Meal and Open Bar

Santorini: Luxury Catamaran Day Trip with Meal and Open Bar

Discover the beauty of the Santorini caldera on a luxury catamaran trip in the morning or at sunset. Savor a delicious traditional meal with refreshing drinks from the open bar, and enjoy some time for swimming at the hot springs. Start with pickup from your hotel and head to the port. Enjoy a half-hour stop off the coast of Red Beach, snorkel in the sea caves of White Beach followed by some time relaxing in the volcanic hot springs. Taste the flavors of Greece on board a menu of local Santorini delicacies for lunch or dinner, depending on the time of day you choose, with meat and vegetarian options. The menu includes barbecue skewers, dolmadakia (rice-stuffed vine leaves), Greek salad, and other local dishes. Sit back and unwind with a post-meal cocktail and music. Help yourself to unlimited drinks on board, including local white wine, Greek beer, and soft drinks. Continue past the two uninhabited volcano islands of Palia Kameni and Nea Kameni and take in other sights such as Aspronisi Island and the Akrotiri lighthouse. Later, pass the caldera below the town of Fira and past the old port. If you choose the late afternoon option, stop below the village of Oia and be wowed by the striking sunset lights adorning the skies with vibrant, pastel colors. At the end of your Santorini excursion, relax as your minibus driver conveniently drops you back at your hotel.

Santorini: Catamaran Caldera Cruise with Meal and Drinks

Santorini: Catamaran Caldera Cruise with Meal and Drinks

Our brand new tailor-made catamaran offers all the amenities for a perfect day out on the crystal-clear waters of Santorini, including a large deck for sunbathing and a dining area spacious enough for enjoying meals and drinks, and even a bar for relaxing. The Comfort Max cruise takes in the highlights of the island, including the stunning caldera and Thirassia island, so passengers aboard are sure to have an unforgettable experience. Start your sailing adventure from the traditional port of Ammoudi.Let us unravel for you the hidden treasures of Santorini. Explore the unmanned volcanic beaches or sunbathe on the deck. Feel the energy of the volcano while heading to the hot springs. We continue sailing in the Aegean blue waters, passing by Aspronisi and moving across to the Indian Rock & Venetian Lighthouse with cinematic landscapes ideal for photography and video.We then sail to Mesa Pigadia, White and Red Beach for approximately 60 minutes where you can relax, swim or snorkel. When we anchor, a delicious dinner prepared on board is served with traditional Greek appetizers and your choice of BBQ Skewers (Souvlaki). Return to Ammoudi Bay full of lifetime memories!.

Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar

Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar

Set sail on a luxurious catamaran cruise from Santorini's Vlychada Marina, welcomed with a glass of wine or soft drink. Explore the island's vivid coastlines while learning about its history and geology from an onboard local guide. Your journey begins at the stunning Red Beach for swimming and snorkeling among the red cliffs. Enjoy mezedes onboard as you sail to White Beach, capturing photos of the Indian Rocks and the Venetian Lighthouse at Akrotiri. The journey proceeds into the caldera, steering towards the volcanic hot springs known for their therapeutic properties. After soaking in these sulfur-rich waters, savor the iconic view of cliff-side villages. The final stop is Mesa Pigadia for more aquatic activities. During this time, savor a BBQ lunch with options like chicken, Neapolitan pasta, Greek salad, and Greek Ratatouille and a traditional greek dessert, complemented by an open bar offering wine and soft drinks.

Santorini Old Port: Boat Cruise to the Volcano & Hot Springs

Santorini Old Port: Boat Cruise to the Volcano & Hot Springs

Begin your Santorini adventure by booking a budget-friendly cruise to the volcano and hot springs. Depart daily from the old port of Fira, either in the morning or afternoon. Reach the port by taking the cable car from Fira station or walking down the old path's numerous stairs. Board the traditional wooden boat and get ready for a short cruise to the port of Erinia, the small bay of the active volcano. Spend 1 hour and 15 minutes exploring the active craters, taking photos, and experiencing the volcanic activity firsthand. Ensure to wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and sun protection for the hike. After returning to the boat, head to the island of Palaia Kameni, home to the famous hot springs and natural mud baths. Formed by volcanic eruptions, the island features a small bay, Agios Nikolaos, where visitors can swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters. The water temperature in the bay ranges from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, providing a unique and relaxing experience. Swim in the warm waters of the bay for 30 minutes before continuing the cruise in the caldera, eventually returning to the Old Harbor.

Santorini: One-Way Transfer to/from the Port or Airport

Santorini: One-Way Transfer to/from the Port or Airport

Experience a seamless transfer experience during your stay in Santorini with our shared shuttle service. Travel comfortably between Santorini National Airport, the port, and your accommodation in a spacious, well-maintained vehicle. Our fleet includes buses, mini buses, and vans, all equipped to handle both passengers and luggage with ease. Please note that while our service strives for convenience, it may not always provide door-to-door service; instead, you may be dropped off or picked up at your hotel or the nearest accessible stop. Arrival Transfer: Arrive stress-free as our shuttle picks you up from the airport or port and takes you to your accommodation. Departure Transfer: End your trip smoothly with a timely transfer from your hotel to the airport or port. Service Highlights: Vehicles are equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and worry-free journey. Expect a possible wait time of up to 60 minutes at the airport or port upon arrival, or up to 15 minutes at your departure pick-up point, as shuttles operate on a schedule. Please be aware that shared shuttle services may have specific operating hours in some locations. Book your transfer today and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience on the beautiful island of Santorini!

Santorini: Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset

Santorini: Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset

Explore Santorini on a full day sightseeing tour by bus. Learn about the island's history and visit traditional villages. Stop at volcanic beaches and experience an Oia sunset. Tour Itinerary • Akrotiri excavation site: guided tour in this Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried by volcanic ash in the 17th century BC • Emporio village: Explore this quaint village with hilltop windmills, fortified medieval castles and centuries-old churches • Perissa Beach: Enjoy free time for lunch and a swim at the island's most popular black sand beach • Take the opportunity to taste local Santorinian wine, one of the most famous products of the island. Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a private wine tasting session of 3 wines made of local grape varieties. • Profitis Ilias: Visit the island’s highest peak and admire views from the agricultural plains to the hilltop village of Oia • Oia sunset: Enjoy free time to experience a Santorini sunset at the most-photographed place in Greece

Santorini: Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset

Santorini: Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset

Embark on a full-day guided tour of Santorini's highlights. Visit the iconic blue-domed churches of Oia, admire the views from Profitis Ilias, and relax on the shores of Perissa Beach before some well-deserved wine tasting. After pickup from your hotel, board the luxury coach and drive to Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island. Take in an incredible panorama of the entire island of Santorini, and the stunning deep blue color of the Aegean Sea while learning about the island´s fascinating volcanic history. Wander around the courtyard of the 18th-century monastery that sits on top of the mountain. Then visit the Saint Nektarios chapel and enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings. Continue to the village of Pyrgos, a hidden gem of Santorini. Wander through its winding alleys and immerse yourself in its traditional atmosphere. See typical houses, blue-domed churches, and quaint shops. Walk up to its imposing castle for beautiful vistas of the surrounding area. The next stop is Emporio, where you will join a guided walk and visit the small Venetian fortress. Feel like you’re on the set of Mamma Mia as you discover the many doorways, windows, alleys, and arches of this picturesque medieval village. Continue to Perissa Beach, also known as Black Beach. Here, there will be plenty of free time to go swimming in the sea or have lunch at one of the Greek tavernas facing the beach. Take the opportunity to taste local Santorinian wine, one of the most famous products of the island. Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a private wine tasting session of 3 wines made of local grape varieties. In the early evening, arrive at the cliff-top village of Oia with its famous blue-domed churches. Once at the bustling castle area, enjoy some free time to take some photos, shop, or have a relaxing drink. Finally, watch an incredible sunset before meeting up with your coach at the parking lot. Board the bus for a relaxing evening journey with drop-off back at your hotel.

Santorini: Port Transfer to Hotels and Airport

Santorini: Port Transfer to Hotels and Airport

Experience hassle-free transfers in Santorini with this port pickup and drop-off service. Navigate between the port and your hotel using a well-kept bus, car, or van, ensuring ample space for both you and your belongings. Opt for either pickup or drop-off, from the port to your hotel or vice versa, for a direct and smooth transfer experience. Whatever your transfer needs are, our local team is here to address them. Benefit from a ride in a modern vehicle equipped with up-to-date technology, ensuring a seamless and stress-free transfer. If you're orchestrating events like weddings, conferences, or other special occasions, you can rely on this top-notch transportation to cater to all your guests efficiently.

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Frequently asked questions about Santorini

What are the best day trips and excursions from Santorini?

The best day trips and excursions from Santorini are:

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Insider tips: Explore Santorini like a local

Megan & Aram is a travel blog that focuses mostly on travel in the Nordics and Eastern Europe with the occasional trip beyond those regions. We love coffee, promoting small businesses, and sports.

What should I do on my first trip to Santorini?

One of the best things to do in Santorini is to watch the sunset from the gorgeous town of Oia and see the white buildings drenched in golden light. Santorini also has some great beaches, including Red Beach or the black sand Perissa Beach. Or you can dig into Ancient Greek history at the archeological site of Akrotiri, which gives a fascinating look at life on the island long, long ago.

What are some hidden gems to see in Santorini?

If you want a quieter vibe than Oia or Fira, head to Pyrgos, where you can wander the peaceful, charming streets. While there, check out the little wine bar Brusco where you can relax on the patio with a drink and a delicious local mezze plate. For a stunning 360-degree view of Santorini, hike the trail up to Skaros Rock, a ruined fortress in Imerovigli.

How much time should I spend in Santorini?

While seeing Santorini’s top sights is doable in a weekend, the ideal Santorini itinerary should be about three to five days. It’s long enough to enjoy several towns and archeological sites and still have chunks of time open for hiking and enjoying the beaches. Oia and Fira are the most visited towns on Santorini, but don’t skip some great smaller villages such as Emporio, Imerovigli, and Perissa.

What food is Santorini known for?

Santorini’s rocky, volcanic soil results in some amazing produce, including the grapes that go into its delicious wine. Santorini also has several breweries that make local craft beer. Try tomatokeftedes to sample the sweet tomatoes grown on the island. Santorini is also known for a unique type of fava bean blended into a yummy dip. Try it with another Santorini star dish, the amazingly fresh seafood. Octopus is particularly popular here.

What is the best way to get around Santorini?

Santorini is fairly small and easy to get around, but if you want the most freedom, definitely rent a car. With a car you can be on your own timetable as well as have the freedom to stop at any villages or interesting sites you suddenly see on the way to your destination. Another option is traveling around the island by public bus. The main bus station is in Fira, where all the buses depart from and return to. This is a great budget-friendly option for getting around the island.

What are the best months to visit Santorini?

While beautiful in every season, the best times to visit Santorini are the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October. The weather is warm and pleasant and there are fewer crowds. It's quietest in winter, though it can be chilly, and some restaurants and sights are closed for the season. Summer is hot and crowded, but if you don’t mind the people, it has the warmest days for laying out on the beach and the liveliest evenings for going out.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

Fira, the island’s capital, has the most shops, markets, and the Fabrica Shopping Center with clothes, jewelry, shoes, homeware, and much more. Oia also has quite a few shops, including boutiques and souvenir shops.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Santorini?

If you want relaxed beach vibes, stay in Perissa where there is a gorgeous black sand beach. If you want amazing views and luxury accommodation, Oia’s cliffside villas with private pools overlooking the caldera are for you. If you need a more budget-friendly option but still want to be by Oia, consider staying in the neighboring town of Finikia, a 25-minute walk from Oia. If you want to be somewhere that you can easily explore the island from, stay in the centrally-located Fira.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Santorini?

Make fantastic memories with your family on a caldera boat cruise, where you’ll get a chance to see the island from afar, visit the volcano up close, and swim in volcanic hot springs. Good swimming options in Santorini for families include jumping off low rocks near Ammoudi Bay or playing in the black sand and waves at beaches like Kamari or Perissa. If you visit in the summer, don’t miss out on the cool open-air cinema in Kamari, which shows films in English with Greek subtitles.

What is the best thing to do in Santorini for solo travelers?

Santorini is great for solo travelers whether you want to be alone or meet other travelers. There are plenty of great hiking paths you can take by yourself, or join a walking tour to meet other people. Another great way to spend the day is relaxing on the beach. The best ones include Red Beach, Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari. Treat yourself to a lovely sunset dinner with spectacular views at one of the terraced restaurants along the coast. If you want to check out Santorini’s nightlife, Fira is the liveliest town after dark.

What is the best thing to do in Santorini for couples?

Santorini is undoubtedly a famous couples’ destination with many romantic things to do. Book a private evening sailing trip to get spectacular views as the sun goes down to avoid the crowds waiting to watch the sunset. Just south of Órmos Athiniós is a heart-shaped hole in a rock (called the Heart of Santorini) that looks out on the caldera, which is a perfect place for a cute photo op with your partner. A nice dinner with sunset views or a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards are great ideas for ultimate romance.

What are the best annual events in Santorini?

In August, have fun at the Ifestia Festival (the Greek Volcano Festival), enjoying dance performances, concerts, and fireworks. In September, Fira hosts the International Music Festival of Santorini, which offers a variety of orchestral and operatic performances. If you’re in Santorini between May and October, don’t miss the fun open-air cinema in Kamari, which shows films in English with Greek subtitles.

What are the best things to do around Santorini?

Santorini has some fantastic outdoor activities to enjoy. Spend the day at the beach, where you can swim or snorkel. Hiking trails abound — an especially good one is the trail between Fira and Oia, which includes a path to Skaros Rock. You can discover the ancient archeological sites of Akrotiri and Ancient Thera. You can also explore some small islands in the caldera, such as Nea Kameni or Thirasia.

What are the best beaches around Santorini?

Santorini has a variety of interesting beaches you can choose from. Perissa and Perivolos are black sand beaches that are great for swimming. You can rent a beach lounger to relax the day away, and if you get hungry there are several beachside restaurants where you can grab a snack. Red Beach has a unique landscape and bright red sand. Kamari Beach, a pebbly, family-friendly beach, has crystal clear water with shops and restaurants nearby. While not a beach, Ammoudi Bay is a great spot for jumping off rocks and swimming in the water below.

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What people are saying about Santorini

Overall rating

4.6
(22,184 reviews)

This trip was by far the highlight of our trip! The whole team were so incredibly friendly, the food and drink were great and the transport was straight forward and organized. Our Captain George, and his crew Andrianna, and Nicolas were also a big help. The group size was perfect & not overly crowded. The drinks were either wine or beer, and when the water got a little choppy they would come around for refills to avoid us having to walk back and forth which was great. The music was a vibe and set the mood, and the energy of the staff created a really fun environment. Even down to the drivers, the whole tour was exceptional. The sunset you get to see from the boat, is pretty incredible. Depending on what the group wants they can let you swim longer, but it’s nice that it is flexible. I honestly can’t recommend this tour enough!

Amazing. Fun packed day. guide Jannis (sp?) was very engaging, informative and attentive. Driver Nikos kept us safe on the winding roads of Santorini. We also had lots of free time in Perissa. Almost 2 hours! Ample enough time for lunch and a swim. A+++ Only con was the organization for the bus ride back. Utter chaos with the pax line ups at the parking lot trying to figure out which bus to take as not everyone would take it back with the original driver. But after everyone was assigned, the buses still promptly left at the departure time. Overall a good experience.

So glad we booked last minute! Kosta was a fantastic guide very informative and fun too! It was a great tour seeing the sights of the island the sunset stop was amazing totally without crowds and we watched until the sun disappeared thank you for sharing Kosta! Highly recommend this private tour

Gesti was very easy to communicate with and made us feel relaxed immediately. He showed up on time and carried us to spots where we could take pics without waiting in any que’s. Would def recommend!

Great trip, perfect way to spend an afternoon and see sunset! The staff were great, the food was amazing and the boat was perfect for enjoying without being overcrowded.