Santorini, one of the most enchanting islands in the Cyclades, is not just a popular summer destination—it’s a place that feels like it leapt out of a postcard.
With its whitewashed houses clinging to the cliffs of the caldera, the deep blue of the Aegean, and breathtaking sunsets, this island has managed to steal the hearts of millions of visitors from around the world.
Whether you’re planning your first visit to Santorini or returning again, there are some experiences that you simply must have.
From romantic strolls through the alleys of Oia, to wine tasting at local wineries and swimming at volcanic beaches, Santorini offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, culture, and gastronomy.
What you should do in Santorini
Watch the sunset in Oia
Let’s start the list with the most basic—but essential—thing to do if it’s your first time in Santorini: enjoy the sunset in Oia.
The most famous spot to watch the sunset is the castle, so make sure to go early, as hundreds of tourists gather there every afternoon to see the sun dip into the sea.
Try the local cuisine
While visiting Santorini, beyond the traditional Greek dishes, you must also try the local specialties.
The island is known for its Santorini fava (yellow split peas), cherry tomatoes, and local beers. Of course, Santorini is also famous for its wines, so don’t miss the opportunity to not only taste them but also book a wine tour for a full wine tasting experience.
Go fishing in Santorini
Fishing was something I never expected to do on a trip to Santorini. On my third visit to the island, I booked a Fishing Tour to try something different—and it ended up being my favorite memory from the trip.
A van picked me up from my hotel in Fira, and we headed down to Vlychada, where a traditional boat was waiting for us. After boarding, we set off on our journey.
Our first stop was at a location where the nets had been laid the previous day. We pulled them up to see what we had caught. We threw the small fish back into the sea and kept the larger ones to cook onboard.
After a tour of the sea, we stopped at another lovely spot to fish with rods and lines. If you don’t feel like fishing, you can just go for a swim—given how hot it was, we all took a dip!
After swimming, a delicious meal was served on the boat, including salads, grilled vegetables, and the fresh fish we had caught.
What I appreciated most about the tour was that the crew only fished what was needed for the meal—no overfishing, which has done significant harm to our marine ecosystems. Above all, we must respect our planet.
Catamaran cruise
Another great sea activity in Santorini is a catamaran cruise.
Most companies offer both morning and afternoon cruises, and I recommend the afternoon cruise that starts around 3 PM—it gives you the chance to see the stunning sunset from the sea.
The cruise I chose lasted about five hours, included three swimming stops, and came with a BBQ meal.
Visit the volcano
If you’re in Santorini, visiting the volcano is a fascinating activity.
Technically, the actual volcano is underwater, but you can visit an active crater on the islet of Nea Kameni.
Once you arrive at Nea Kameni, there’s a €5 entrance fee. You can get there on your own boat or as part of an organized tour.
Most tours to Nea Kameni also stop for swimming in the nearby hot springs. The water there is warm enough for swimming, though it’s advised not to go in if you have skin allergies or if you’re pregnant.
Sunset at Akrotiri
Santorini is famous for the sunset in Oia, but personally, I loved the sunset at Akrotiri.
It’s much quieter than the castle in Oia, which is packed with tourists every evening, and from Akrotiri, you still get to see the sun disappearing into the sea. Don’t miss it!
Stroll through Fira
A walk through Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a must for any visitor wanting to experience the pulse of the island.
Built on the edge of the caldera, Fira offers stunning views of the volcano and the endless blue Aegean Sea. Its picturesque alleys are filled with shops, cafés, tavernas, and bars that stay lively from morning until late at night.
Here, tradition blends beautifully with modern tourism, creating a vibrant, romantic, and energetic setting.
Beyond shopping and strolling, be sure to visit Fira’s museums, such as the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum, to learn more about the island’s history and culture.
And of course, when the sun starts to set, find a spot with a view of the caldera to enjoy the moment.
Explore the villages
Beyond cosmopolitan Oia, Imerovigli, and the photogenic alleys of Fira, Santorini hides small villages full of authenticity and Cycladic charm.
Pyrgos, the island’s former capital, enchants with its medieval atmosphere, narrow streets, and panoramic views from its castle. Also impressive is Emporio, with its well-preserved alleys and traditional towers, taking you back in time.
For a quieter, more genuine experience, visit Megalochori—a village that retains its island character away from the crowds. You’ll find stone-built houses, cozy squares, and welcoming locals.
Don’t miss Kamari either, which combines scenic beauty with modern amenities for a more comfortable stay. Each village in Santorini has its own story and personality—worth discovering.
Santorini’s beaches
The beaches of Santorini are truly unique, thanks to the volcanic terrain and the island’s special landscape.
The most famous is the Red Beach, near the archaeological site of Akrotiri, with its striking red cliffs and black-red sand creating an almost surreal setting.
Nearby is the White Beach, accessible by boat, offering a quieter and more secluded experience for those seeking solitude.
Kamari and Perissa are two of the most organized and popular beaches on the island, with black volcanic sand, beach bars, restaurants, and water sports—ideal for families and groups who want comfort and activities by the sea.
For more peaceful moments, head to Monolithos or Vlychada, the latter known for its wind-carved cliffs that resemble a natural artwork.
No matter which beach you choose, Santorini offers a seaside experience that’s unlike anything else in the Aegean.
Excursion to Therasia
Therasia or Thirasia is a small island that was once connected to Santorini (then called Strongyli) and separated from Strongyli during the catastrophic volcanic eruption in 1600 BC.
There are daily boats from Santorini that take you on an excursion to Thirasia. I visited it when I booked a one-day excursion to the volcano, which included about three hours of free time in Thirasia.
It’s a beautiful place where you can swim in the crystal clear waters and eat at one of the taverns by the sea.
