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Activities to Do In Santorini
One of the exciting things to do in Santorini is to kayak around the caldera. While many people opt for a sunset cruise, kayaking offers a more adventurous experience. You can paddle past the famous Red and White beaches, snorkel through sea caves, and admire stunning lava formations closely. For a hands-on and sustainable adventure, you can also join a fishing trip on a traditional wooden kaiki called the Giorgaro.
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If you are a history buff, you can explore the ancient origins of Santorini. Once a powerful settlement, Akrotiri was buried by a volcanic eruption about 3,500 years ago. When it was excavated in 1967, its frescoed buildings and items were remarkably preserved under volcanic ash. You will learn about its vivid history with stories of Minoan life. On the other hand, you can take a private half-day tour of Akrotiri to visit the ancient Thira, which is a breathtaking site atop a steep mountain overlooking Kamari Beach.
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Taking a Santorini wine tour allows you to explore the unique terroir of the island that produces exceptional wines, like the award-winning Assyrtiko. It is one of those activities to do in Santorini that lets you choose among different wineries, such as Vassaltis, Venetsanos, and Sigalas, to relish your wine tours and tastings. Santo Wines is a popular choice that is known for its Assyrtiko wines. You can join group tours or book private ones to enjoy tasting various wines while soaking in stunning views of the Caldera and Aegean Sea.
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You should definitely visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site if you want to learn more about the history of Santorini. Destroyed by a volcanic eruption around 3,500 years ago, this ancient settlement offers a glimpse into the Cycladic Bronze Age. Known as the Pompeii of the Aegean, it is remarkably preserved under volcanic ash. You can see relics like wall paintings, furniture, and vessels dating back to ancient times on this site.
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Going on a walking tour is among the fantastic things to do in Santorini. You can hike along the rim of the flooded volcano from Fira to Oia and enjoy breathtaking views along the way. Another option is the trail around the live crater of Nea Kameni, surrounded by black lava rocks and sea. If you are looking for a more serene experience, you can follow the footpath from Skaros Rock to the hidden chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, which is perfect for sunset views.
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If you are travelling to Santorini with your partner, you can watch the sunset in Oia. You can visit the Oia Castle for the spectacular views of the sun setting on the horizon of the Aegean Sea. The windmills, white buildings, and colourful sky create a heavenly scenery altogether. For the best views, you can head to the Panoramic Viewpoint in the castle. Alternatively, the Akrotiri Lighthouse provides a quieter sunset experience.
Visiting Agios Theodori Church is a memorable addition to your Santorini photo collection. Located in Firostefani, it is one of the most popular blue dome churches on the island. While walking from Fira to Oia, you can easily make a detour to see and photograph this stunning church. It is one of the most wonderful activities to do in Santorini and cherish the memory forever
Exploring Imerovigli is a must-do activity in Santorini. Known as the balcony to the Aegean, this beautiful village sits on top of the caldera cliffs and offers stunning sunset views. You can visit Skaros in this village, which is a 13th-century Venetian castle fortress that provides the best view of the skies. There are also some of the finest hotels and restaurants in this village, with private hot tubs overlooking the caldera.
You should visit the Red Beach about 12 kilometres southwest of Fira. It is one of the best things to do in Santorini as it allows you to see the unique striking rusty red colour of the beach. Surrounded by steep red hills, the shore is also covered in red pebbles and sand. While it is famous for its unique beauty, you should enjoy the view from a safe distance. You can also join a catamaran cruise to swim in the clear waters of Red Beach.
FAQ's
What are the best things to do in Santorini?
Some of the best things to do in Santorini are watching the sunset in Oia and exploring the Lighthouse of Akrotiri. You can enjoy an ATV ride, visit Kamari Beach, sail around the island, and see Ancient Thira. Walking to Skaros Rock, scuba diving, and cliff jumping are great activities if you are looking for some adventure in Santorini. Couples can go on luxurious cruise tours and spend some quality time with each other at the Caldera restaurants.
Why is the Akrotiri Archeological Site so famous?
The Akrotiri Archaeological Site in Santorini is famous because it is an ancient city that was buried by a volcanic eruption around 1600 BC. This site is very well-preserved with buildings, streets, and beautiful wall paintings. Visiting the site is one of the fantastic things to do in Santorini for history lovers as it lets you see the artefacts that were found during the excavations in 1967.
What is the best time to visit Red Beach?
Red Beach is an all-year-round tourist destination, but the best time to visit the attraction is from mid-April to June and September to mid-October. During this time, the place enjoys the spring and fall seasons, respectively, with pleasant weather conditions. It is an ideal time to admire the stunning red cliffs and rocks around the beach at sunset. Swimming and snorkelling are some of the wonderful things to do in Santorini at this time on this beach.
How to reach Santorini?
By Air- To reach Santorini, you can fly to Thira Airport (JTR) in Kamari. Direct flights are available to this airport from Athens and many other European countries. In summer, you can also take a direct flight from Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Thessaloniki.
By Water- You can take a ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens to visit and enjoy the things to do in Santorini. The journey takes about 4.5 hours with a high-speed ferry or up to 8 hours with a normal ferry. During the high season, there are daily ferries from Crete as well.
What is Santorini best known for?
Santorini is best known for its sunsets and iconic blue-domed churches. One of the top things to do in Santorini is hiking along Fira to Oia Trail for breathtaking views of the Candera. Savor local wines like Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, and explore Pyrgos Village’s streets like Kato Pyrgos.
How many days are needed in Santorini?
To fully enjoy Santorini, 3 to 4 days is recommended. This allows you to experience top activities to do in Santorini, such as visiting the hot springs of Nea Kameni and exploring the village of Megalochori. Wandering through the art galleries and boutiques of Fira can also be done within this duration.
Where can I go hiking in Santorini?
You can trek the Fira to Oia Trail for enjoying views of caldera and the cliffside villages. The Skaros Rock Trail features historic ruins and panoramic vistas. For a shorter hike, try the Pyrgos to Perissa Trail, offering access to unique black sand beaches. The Thera Trail and the Profitis Ilias Trail also highlight the top activities to do in Santorini.
What are some family-friendly activities in Santorini?
Santorini has great options for family-friendly fun like the Santorini Waterpark. A boat tour around the caldera offers a chance to explore the volcanic landscape. Additionally, visiting a traditional farm is also among the best things to do in Santorini, Greece, with the whole family.
What are the best places to enjoy Santorini’s nightlife?
To enjoy Santorini’s nightlife, one of the top things to do in Santorini, you can start at Koo Club in Fira. Check out the Astra Lounge Bar in Oia for sunset views and sophisticated cocktails. For a relaxed vibe, visit the Enigma Cafe Bar in Fira, famous for its cozy setting.
Is 3 days enough in Santorini?
3 days in Santorini can offer a fulfilling experience of major things to do in Santorini, Greece. You can enjoy a tour of the volcanic hot springs, visit the artistic Santorini Art Factory, and explore the historic village of Megalochori. You can relax at Kamari Beach’s black sands and take in views from Profitis Ilias Mountain.
Is 2 days in Santorini enough?
2 days in Santorini can offer a glimpse of the island’s highlights. You might start by exploring the Santorini Lava Tubes, followed by lunch in the village of Megalochori. You may also enjoy a scenic boat tour to the volcanic islands and cap it off with a sunset view from Imerovigli.
What are some unique boat tours to take in Santorini?
Consider exploring the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni to hike craters like Stefanos, one of the top things to do in Santorini, Greece. Visit Palea Kameni to relax in the hot springs of Agios Nikolaos. Also, a sunset cruise around the caldera offers stops at scenic spots like Red Beach.