Best things to do in Santorini

Set your clock back a few thousand years with a visit to Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement destroyed by a massive volcanic eruption around 1627 BCE. The volcanic ash buried the remains of many everyday objects used by the settlement's inhabitants, preserving for posterity the ancient way of life of a long-lost culture. Some historians suggest this archeological site, once an important port city on the Aegean, served as an inspiration for Plato's story of Atlantis, a supposedly fictional place mentioned in two of the philosopher's major works. To gain a better understanding of the lost community, take a guided tour around the excavation site.

Famous for its red rock formations, Red Beach sits just steps from the site of an ancient Minoan settlement destroyed by a volcanic eruption and buried in ash around 1627 BCE. Blue waters lapping this beach create a striking contrast with the all-red landscape of the surrounding steep cliffs, which offer unobstructed views of the sea and the curving coastline. The small beach attracts hundreds of visitors each day, creating a lively resort atmosphere well into the evening hours. Two small cafes, cut into the volcanic cliffs just a short walk from the beach, offer cold drinks and light snacks.

Soak up the island atmosphere at Kamari Beach, a popular spot to watch sunrises and sunsets. This beach, Santorini's longest, attracts water-lovers from around the world with its black volcanic pebbles and unobstructed views of the Mesa Vouno and Profitis Ilias mountain peaks, rising imposingly over the calm blue waters of the Aegean. The nearby village, from which the popular beach got its name, boasts a thriving tourist industry and offers a wide choice of hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. Be sure to visit the remains of an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the god Poseidon, located at the southern end of the beach.

Romance at sea is one way to describe what Santorini Sailing offers to tourists vacationing on the island. The first catamaran company on Santorini, the operator offers full-day cruises, as well as sunset trips, overnight excursions, and short 4-5 hour tours. You can choose between private and semi-private trips, both of which ensure plenty of chances to swim, snorkel, photograph towering sea cliffs, visit hot springs, and enjoy spectacular caldera views. Multi-day charters are also available for visitors looking for a memorable sailing vacation in the Aegean. Pick one of the proposed itineraries, or contact the operator with your preferences for a tailor-made tour that fits your budget and time constraints.

One of Santorini's black volcanic beaches, Perissa Black Sand Beach remains popular for its calm waters and abundance of sea life. Lined with rustic seafood taverns, the beach offers you a chance to snorkel or windsurf the turquoise sea during the day, and explore the island's popular dining and entertainment options at night. The site lies in the shadows of the Profitis Ilias, a 560 m (1,800 ft) high mountain that protects the coastline from the harsh Aegean winds. A rugged trail starts just above the beach and leads to the ruins of an ancient Christian church, which you can explore on foot or by riding a donkey.

Thousands of visitors come to Santorini just to experience the famed Sunset in Oia, one of the island's major attractions. A small town precariously perched on the crescent-shaped volcanic cliffs of the island, Oia has been a popular sunset-watching spot for centuries. A major stop for cruise ships touring the Aegean, the town gets quite crowded by mid-afternoon. It's best to arrive early in the day, leaving plenty of time to explore the town's narrow streets and find the best place for watching or photographing the setting sun. The western side of the town offers the finest views and attracts the majority of visitors, so claim your spot as early as you can.

A place of romantic sunsets and traditional taverns, Amoudi Bay sits just below the small port town of Oia. After a swim in the Aegean, scramble up the bay's red cliffs to take in sweeping views of the sea and the coastline, dotted by tiny beaches attracting water lovers from around the world. The bay gets extremely crowded by mid-afternoon, so try to arrive as early in the day as possible. It's best to spend the first part of the afternoon exploring the bay's many seafood restaurants, leaving plenty of time to find a good spot for watching the sunset near the water or up on the cliffs.

Taste exceptional Greek wines while enjoying a view of Santorini’s coast at Santo Winery. The vineyard produces a selection of whites, reds, sparkling wines, and dessert wines. Take part in a wine tasting on the upper terrace, which offers views of the islands and sea. Enjoy the small bites of Greek olives, cheese, and tomato paste with your wine.

To see the best of what Santorini has to offer relatively quickly, tackle Ekklisia Theoskepasti hiking trail. Hundreds of people hike the 9 km (5.5 mi) long trail every day, stopping along the way to discover the island's picturesque beaches, small villages, and ancient churches. The scenic trail covers a variety of terrains, including some rocky and steep pathways for which you should bring a pair of comfortable hiking shoes. The best time to start the hike is just after sunrise or late in the afternoon, during the coolest parts of the day. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, and bring lots of drinking water and a light snack.