The 10 Best Things to Do and See in Santorini

Santorini, one of, if not the, most beautiful island in Greece, is sure to impress. Considered one of the ten best islands in the world to visit, Santorini has breathtaking views, unique architecture, authentic cuisine, delicious wines, and stunning sunsets. Geographically, Santorini is an island like no other. Santorini sits on the caldera of an erupted volcano, and its principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs on its coastline. Here, we give you a rundown of the ten best things to do on this wonderful island. 

 

1. Take a Boat Around Santorini’s Caldera

To really appreciate all of Santorini, one should take a bout around the entire island and see its enormous Caldera, which at its base is 16 kilometers long! View its steep slopes upon which its villages sit and admire the beautiful blue and white houses on its coastline.

 

2. Visit Fira

Built on the caldera, at 260 meters above sea level, Fira has magnificent views of the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea and the island of Nea Kameni. There is also plenty of shopping in Fira, where you can check out art galleries, and souvenir as well as jewelry shops. And if you’re more of a partier, Fira is also the center of nightlife on the island, with many bars and clubs open late nights for endless dancing.

 

3. Hike the Volcano 

Hike around the caldera of Santorini and dive into some of its natural warm waters. Santorini’s volcano is one of the larges underwater active volcanos in the world! But don’t worry though, it won’t erupt any time soon. According to scientists, the volcano is supposed to erupt only every 20,000 years, and the last eruption was only 3,600 years ago.

 

4. Visit Oia

A traditional settlement of Santorini famous for its sunsets, Oia has many homes built in caves, as the volcanic rock of the island made it perfect for cutting away spaces for homes.

 

 

5. Discover Finikia

Close to Oia lies Finikia, a beautiful countryside village. Take a walk around the settlement and experience beautiful traditional old homes painted in earthy colors and see pretty little gardens and courtyards. 

 

6. Visit Akrotiri

Known as the “Pompeii of the Aegean Sea,” Akrotiri was once a Minoan village before it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. The area of Akrotiri was first inhabited during the Late Neolithic period (around 4500 BC) and during the 18th century BC. Akrotiri’s remains still however somehow survived, and you can see what used to be warehouses, crafting tables, streets, and even a drainage system!

 

7. Discover Volcanic Beaches

Explore beaches with black, red, and white sand and enjoy the cool waters of the Aegean!

 


8. Honeymoon

Many couples honeymoon in Santorini, so it’s definitely a worthwhile destination to visit with your spouse!

 

9. Eat!

Grab a bite to eat from one of the wonderful seaside restaurants overlooking the Aegean Sea and enjoy authentic Mediterranean cuisine as well as the unique red and white wines of Santorini!

 

10. View a Sunset

Cou0ples flock to Santorini every year to enjoy a beautiful sunset from the Caldera. You should definitely see one too: it is quite a sight to behold. 

 

 

Enjoy Santorini!

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Benefits of Luxury Yacht charter

Most charters include a little bit of everything: relaxation on board, fun on land, excursions to places of interest, water sports, shopping and exploring the natural habitat of your destination. If you have any particular interest, be it cultural, gastronomic, sports, or history or nature for example, luxury yacht charter can adapt to your needs in order to offer you the best of what you like the most, but above all it is a unique opportunity to plan the most exceptional vacations you can imagine.

This type of yacht charter let the professionals make this dream come true. Whatever you want to see, any food you want to taste, the sports you want to practice on your own and what beaches, historic buildings and fantastic shops you want to visit, luxury yacht charter can provide everything you want.

Benefits of Luxury  Yacht Charter

If you have any other questions about renting a luxury yacht, we’re happy to help.

Top reasons why it is worth sailing in Santorini

Santorini is an island so unique and striking that for many it is the most picturesque in the Mediterranean. The famous editor of Lonely Planet guides includes Sailing in Santorini among the 20 places around the world that you must visit.

Conceived by many as the jewel of the Cyclades, it can be said that the island of Santorini is paradise. Let yourself go and enjoy the 5 places you should not miss on the island of Santorini.

sailing in santorini

Here are Top reasons why you should Sailing in Santorini:

Islands

Volcano

Tourism

History

Fira

Monuments

Sailing

Tell us when you are sailing in Santorini

Santorini day cruise – 7 top destinations

Santorini offers two distinct faces to the travellers of the Santorini day Cruise. Dreamy beaches and tranquillity by day and a nightlife full of parties, fun and joy.

The Greek islands are one of the most popular and best-assorted destinations in the world of cruises. Santorini, next to Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete are the most visited and best-communicated islands. Practically all the cruises that leave Athens, and all those that visit the Aegean Sea, stop at Santorini.

Top Destinations to see on Santorini Day Cruise:

1. Oia

You cannot miss one of the classified as “most beautiful villages in the world”, Oia.

2. Fira

Fira, the capital of the island, is also very beautiful, and for me, it is the best place to watch the sunset.

3. Excursion to the Caldera

As you already know, Santorini is a volcanic island, and the whole west coast, where the towns of Oia or Fira are located, that appear hanging to the abyss of a great cliff. Just ahead is the crater of the volcano, which is the famous caldera.

You will not get tired of taking pictures; it is what gives the island of Santorini that special attraction.

4. Visit a wine cellar

In Santorini, there are very good wines and several wineries to visit.

5.  Go to the Akrotiri lighthouse

It is located at the southern tip of the island, just opposite Oia.

6. Best Beaches

And of course, if you’re on an island in the middle of the Aegean Sea and its a little summer, then don’t forget to visit the best 3 beaches.

7. See amazing sunsets

Santorini has become the top destinations to view “Sunsets”.

What are you waiting for, plan your Santorini Day Cruise today!

10 things to do in Santorini

Santorini is not just romantic sunsets, donkey riding and cave suites. The island has much more to offer, especially for discerning travelers. Check what to do and see by visiting one of the most beautiful islands of Greece.

10. Enjoy the nightlife

From cozy cafes and original bars to extravagant clubs – Santorini offers a wide range of places where nightlife is vibrant. In Fira, you can have a drink at Franco’s Café Bar, Tropical and Tango Bar – each has a view of the caldera. Those wishing to go wild should visit the famous Koo Club and Mamounia Club.

9. Enjoy cultural attractions

In the summer there is a series of cultural and artistic events. Among the festivals, deserves Vedema (which means winemaking) taking place in the SantoWines winery on the first Saturday of August and a spectacular show of Ifestia fireworks referring to the volcano eruption in the second half of August. An interesting place is the Santorini Arts Factory (SAF) in Vlyhad, where there are, among others, concerts, dance performances, and educational programs for children are organized.

8. See the lost Atlantis

Akrotiri boasts a neighborhood with some of the most beautiful Santorini beaches, the beautiful La Ponta castle and the legendary Aegean settlement. The archeological site of Akrotiri is one of the most important discoveries of the Mediterranean basin, called the Lost Atlantis.

7. Visit the vineyards

There are over a dozen vineyards on the island, each of which has its own unique character. Five of them stand out particularly, including Koutsogiannopoulos Winery in Vothonas, where there is a very interesting Wine Museum. On the other hand, in Megalohori, I suggest a visit to Venetsanos Winery, where you can enjoy wine with a view of the Caldera. In the village there is also a traditional, old family vineyard Gavalas Winery, whose owner made sure that his Vinsanto was made in the old style.

6. Discover the charms of the underwater world

Holidays on Santorini is a great opportunity to dive – there are many interesting places worth exploring. These include around the Cape Tripiti near the islet of Thirassia, the wreck of a ship near Palea Kameni and the reef Adiavati near Akrotiri.

6. Choose Ammoudi for lunch

Near Oia there is a charming and colorful bay Ammoudi, which is known for its excellent fish taverns, including Dimitris Taverna and Katina Taverna.

4. See the sunset

This is one of the most popular places on the island, where crowds gather every day to admire the sunset. If you want to find a good place, you should be here well in advance.

3. Take a cruise to Nea Kameni

It is worth climbing to the highest point of Nea Kameni to enjoy the amazing view of the caldera. In a small bay around Palea Kameni you can immerse yourself in hot springs, which supposedly have healing properties.

2. Try the local cuisine

The flagship product is cherry tomatoes cultivated on the island for over 150 years. Capers are also excellent in taste, accompanied by the majority of local dishes and sweet white aubergine. The Santorinian cuisine is very diverse. Next to fish and seafood, it is worth trying a fava served with onions, tomatoes and capers (fava pantremeni), deep fried tomato fritters (ntomatokeftedes), grape leaves stuffed with minced meat, rice and onions (dolmadakia), baked omelette with potatoes and vegetables, most often zucchini (sfouggato) and deep fried white eggplant (melitzanes) – preferably when served with grated cheese or dip tzatziki.

1. Catamaran Day Cruise

An unquestionable attraction number one is a catamaran trip from Crete to Santorini. You have the option of also booking a private 5-hour catamaran cruise, thanks to which you will see the most beautiful landscapes and in the most pleasant way you will spend those few hours of your life.

Sightseeing Santorini – exploring in a private catamaran tour!

Sightseeing Santorini – exploring in a private catamaran tour!

Are you thinking about Santorini private tours? In this guide we will discover the best places to stay in Santorini, what to see, the best activities to do and much more.

Known as “the blue and white island” for its particular architecture, the island of Santorini is part of the Cyclades archipelago, in the center of the Aegean Sea. 

Santorini owes its peculiar beauty to a large volcanic explosion that occurred approximately 3500 years ago. Santorini is characterized by its picturesque houses, many of them painted white with blue windows and built on the rock itself.

Exploring in a private catamaran tour is the most recommended option to Santorini private tours.

Sightseeing Santorini 

Other nearby cities

Near Santorini is Athens, the capital of Greece and the cradle of democracy, justice and the great history philosopher. Take the opportunity to explore it and discover its wonders, which are not few. 

In our travel guide you find all the recommendations to organize your visit and make the most of your stay.

Top reasons why to choose Santorini cruise

If you close your eyes and imagine being in the typical Greek island, your imagination may take you on a Santorini cruise. White house’s interrupted by blue domes, the smell of gyro and souvlaki, infinite cliffs that are lost in the deep blue of the Mediterranean… yes, Santorini is so beautiful that it seems like a dream.

There are very few places in the world that have as much attraction as the Greek island of Santorini has. It is one of the islands that attracts the most visitors over the years. A perfect destination for beach lovers, tranquility, culture and good food.

Santorini will captivate your eyes and make you feel as if you really found yourself on the remains of a volcano.

So why Santorini Cruise:

So, I hope my tips helped you make the best of your time on the island if you are coming on a Santorini cruise.

TOP 5 occasions to rent a catamaran

We really like the idea that you have chosen to rent a catamaran for your holiday destination, it is certainly an experience that must be carried out at least once in a lifetime and we are sure that you will repeat in future occasions.

If your hobbies are the sea and sailing, then sailing on a yacht for rent is a perfect choice. Rent a luxury catamaran in the Caribbean. Enjoy exploring the most exclusive destinations with a catamaran and make the most of your holiday. Here are the top occasions why you should rent a catamaran

1. Parties

Catamarans are perfect for organizing your next birthday party. Sail away on a crystal clear water and enjoy the moment that you never experienced before. No more boring clubs or disco parties. 

2. Business Trips

There is no better way to seal a business deal than taking your business partner on your luxury catamaran to impress your people and organization that you think unique and you know how to enjoy life to the full. 

3. Wedding Receptions

Why not rent a catamaran for your wedding receptions. We know this is your special day, so why not choose catamaran and enjoy the special movements of your life. 

4. Sailing

Obviously, if you love sailing, then you must choose catamaran. They come in different shapes, budget and features. Quench your trust for sailing and sail away.  

5. Feel the luxury

LuxuryCatamaran has a large fleet of catamarans for rent at your disposal, of different lengths and capacities to fit your preferences. Without a doubt, sailing is synonymous with quiet and noise-free navigation, which will make you disconnect from your daily chores and enjoy a few days of vacation onboard.

The catamarans for rent that are included in our charter fleet are very stable boats with all the necessary amenities to spend the night in them and spend a few magnificent days onboard since they are perfectly reviewed catamarans and equipped with many amenities that you can rent with an employer or without an employer.

If your idea is to spend the night onboard a catamaran for rent, you can do it without problems, we offer you rentals for days or weeks and you can undoubtedly enjoy magnificent sunrises from your cabin, rich breakfasts while making your way the day, as well as fantastic sunsets with your loved ones around. All rental catamarans come fully equipped with cabins and lounge for rest, fully equipped kitchen to prepare rich meals and full bathroom inside. 

Top 10 best and less crowded Santorini Beaches

Santorini is the most meridional island of the Cyclades. It is actually an archipelago of six islands: Santorini and Therassia, and the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni, Aspronisi, and Christiana. It is a captivating remnant of a volcanic caldera, the geology of which gives character and diversity to its beaches. The peculiar architecture of Santorini in perfect harmony with the natural landscape gives it a beauty that has made it a bespoke destination worldwide. However, there are still amazing secret beaches where to find tranquillity away from the crowds.

The best Santorini Beaches

 


White Beach, Santorini

In the village of Akrotiri on the southwest coast of Santorini, just 14km away from the capital Fira, lies a spectacular cove known as White Beach or Aspri Paralia, as called by the locals. It can only be reached by boat.

Its beauty is impressive and the waters crystal-clear. The beach is covered with black, grey and white sand with large pebbles and surrounded by imposing white cliffs, which accentuate the sense of isolation. A must-see during your holidays in Santorini.

It is partially organised, with only some sunbeds with umbrellas and a small cave canteen for basic supplies, but there are no facilities.  The White Beach is also a great place for the snorkelling and, especially, scuba diving lovers, as there are caves and many underwater rock formations and fissures to explore.

Pori Beach, Santorini

This secluded beach belonging to the village of Imerovigli is just 10km away from Fira, on the northeast coast. Although there is no public transport nor sign that leads you there, it is easily reachable by car or motorbike if you follow the road that runs along the coast. It is located between Cape Kouloumbo and Vourvoulos Beach. There are some zigzag stairs to descend to the beach area. It is not organised, so there are no facilities.

It is a very beautiful and quiet beach, with black and white sand and reddish enveloping cliffs that provide partial shade. Locals prefer it because it remains quite undisturbed and waters are amazingly clear and rather shallow. Because of the geographical location it can become windy. Actually, some windmills can be seen on the hills of the area.

Expect to find peace and relax there, as the beach is isolated and it does not even get crowded during peak season.

Baxedes Beach, Santorini

The place means garden, and comes from the Turkish word Baxes. The inhabitants used to plant some vegetables and dry fruits in this area. The beach is located just 3km away from Oia. It stretches after Paradisos Beach and is easily reachable.

It is popular amongst locals because it is secluded, quite sandy, even the seabed after some meters of pebbles, and waters are shallower than in other areas. The landscape is outstanding, with beautiful, naturally sculptured cliffs surrounding the black beach sand contrasting the crystal-clear water. The beach is narrow on some parts and wider on some others, where just a small number of sunbeds are available. There is a small bar which offers drinks and snacks.

Beaches on the north of Santorini might not be the best option to go swimming when the Meltemi, the Aegean northern wind blows, especially for kids. Otherwise, Bexedes is definitely a must-see for those looking for clean and crystalline waters, tranquillity and amazing scenery. Sunsets from this cloistered beach are wonderful and just worth the visit.

Armenaki Beach, Santorini

This is a tiny overlooked spot between the popular Ammoudi and Armeni Bay, in the region of Oia on the north side of the island. The place is reachable on foot by descending a rather steep cliff, walking down a very narrow and sometimes intimidating path which starts in Monastiri. Not an easy task. The best option is to get there by renting a boat. The views are remarkable, especially while sailing.

On the small stretch of beach there are pebbles and black, grey and reddish sand but no facilities whatsoever. Waters here are crystal clear and deep, which makes it ideal for swimming. The scenery from the sea is mind-blowing. The blue colours of the water contrast with the red of the impressive cliffs, which then turn to brown and green for the vegetation and finally, the white of the houses of Oia at the top.

This secret beach is cloistered and will give a real sense of isolation. A nice, relaxing swim away from the crowds in a notable setting is granted here.


Cape Kouloumbo, Santorini

The beach at Cape Kouloumbo or Columbo is the northern hidden gem of the island. Belonging to Oia, this unspoilt beach is located just 12km away from Fira. There is no public transport to reach it, so it is only accessible by private vehicles and then following a narrow path on foot for about 300m.

The beach is a favourite spot for nudists. It is an isolated black stretch of sand with dramatic red cliffs which provide some shade when the sun starts to set. Because of its location, waves can be quite high. Be sure to bring all your essentials, as there are no facilities on the beach, nor sunbeds or umbrellas.

Waters are quite warm here. Under the sea, at about 500m depth, there is the active volcano of Kouloumbos, which last erupted more than 300 years ago. Adventurous swimmers and divers properly equipped can find it exciting to explore the Seal Cave in the area.

Kouloumbo Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the north coast.

Bella Bay, Santorini

This lovely spot is located on the west coast in the Akrotiri area, just about 5 km from the lighthouse. It is easily accessible, but the slope is quite pronounced and the road is not paved.

Bella Bay is also known as Caldera Beach, a quiet, secluded place of black sand overlooking the caldera. Waters are clean and quite deep, so it is a good spot for equipped divers. The beach is unorganised, so there is no lifeguard, sunbeds nor umbrellas, but if the sun is too strong, there is a small restaurant from where to enjoy the beautiful views. On clear days, the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni are perfectly visible.

On the edge of the beach, the daring ones find it appealing to climb a rock about 5 meters high and jump into the sea, given the conditions allow for it and safety is not threatened.

This gem on the west coast of the island is a truly amazing place to stop and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, far from the crowds, and particularly special to experience the renowned Santorini sunsets.

Thermes Beach, Santorini

Also known as Christos, it takes this name from the small chapel carved on the rock which is found along the way. It is a remarkable secluded beach with impressive views of the caldera.

The beach is only accessible by boat or on foot, following a path that begins at the award winning Boutari winery in the village of Megalochori, just 7km from Fira. The walk is rather long, about 25 minutes downhill and it can be hard on the way back, especially during the hottest hours of the day. This inconvenience, though, grants some privacy on the beach.  

Thermes beach is about 200 long, with black sand, large pebbles and pumice stone. The colourful environing cliffs are spectacular to watch from the sea. Like the neighbouring beach of Plakas, there are hot springs (hence the name Thermes), but there are no facilities.

This isolated beach is one of the most beautiful on the west coast, perfect for those seeking a place to relax overlooking the caldera.

Akra Mavro Vouno, Santorini

Between the Akrotiri Lighthouse and Mesa Pigadia Beach on the south of Santorini, you will find the Black Mountain. Below, to the west side, there is a small isolated cove. It is probably one of the remotest stretches of beach on the island, reachable only by boat. It might be difficult to set anchor there – as it is common in this area due to the depth of the waters and the rocky seabed. Once on the shore, you can enjoy the beach in exclusivity.

This hidden cove is truly unspoilt and beautiful, made of black and grey sand with some large pebbles and surrounded by reddish cliffs. The one to the east is impressive as you can see the layers of lava, and it provides some shade as well as protection from the winds.
This remote beach is ideal to escape the noise in the city and have a nice swim in the deep blue waters of Santorini, quite warm here as the lava absorbs the heat, so it gives water temperature a consistency. Because of its remarkable rock formation, it is also a great place for experi  enced divers, as there are interesting submarine caves to explore.

Agia Eirini, Thirassia

No trip to Santorini is complete without visiting its sister island, Thirassia. It is one of the two inhabited islands in the archipelago located north-west of Nea Kameni. It is part of the municipality of Oia, so it is reachable by boat from Ammoudi Port.

Agia Eirini is on the north of the island in the village of Riva, where there are only a few houses and a couple of tavernas. It is a quiet, unspoilt beach of black sand and pumice stone. There are no facilities on the beach and it can get really hot, so bring your essentials. Waters are clear and warm. It is just nice to lay on the beach and swim above the volcano.

If you want to escape the hustle of Oia and Fira, Agia Eirina and Thirassia in general is a wonderful place to spend the day, even visit the higher parts of the village for beautiful views and enjoy memorable sunsets. If you decide to do so, do not miss Trypiti Promontory on the south of the island, qualified by geologists as one of the most beautiful volcanic veins in the world.


The best way to calmly enjoy Santorini is by boat. Take day cruise or weekly charter to sail the archipelago at your ease and visit the island in exclusivity. Let its bespoke sun lights drench you in outstanding sceneries that will linger in your memory.