Things to do in  Santorini

Santorini is famous for its cliff-top villages, with white houses and blue-domed churches clinging to the edge of a volcanic caldera. Island sunsets can be spectacular, while Santorini beaches come in three colors: black, white, and red. Santorini wines, grown in volcanic soil on ancient stock, are unique in the world.

Many travelers visit Santorini as one stop on an island-hopping adventure by ferry (which is cleaner and greener than flying). You can see the essentials in three days or spend a week or even a fortnight enjoying the beaches, the nightlife, the restaurant scene—and those fantastic views.

Those dramatic caldera cliffs are the focal point of any Santorini visit: savor a sunset and stroll some of the Fira-Oia hike. Don’t miss a sailing cruise, with stops at hot springs and a gently smoldering volcano. Wine tastings are a must for foodies, while history buffs will adore the Akrotiri ruins.

Nestled into the edge of the volcanic caldera, the cliff-top villages are the most famous parts of Santorini. Oia is the best known village, thanks to glorious sunsets, gorgeous hotels, villas, and restaurants, and striking historic windmills. But bustling, lively Fira also has a claim to fame: it’s the island’s capital.

Santorini nightlife varies depending on location. On the cliff-top west coast, Oia offers stylish restaurants and elite lounge bars, while the capital Fira boasts some lively bars and clubs. The seafront resorts of Perissa and Kamari on the east coast have beach bars, beach clubs, and restaurants.

No. It’s possible to live a very luxe lifestyle in Santorini, but the island does not have to be expensive. Staying in the stunning cliff-top village of Oia will cost top dollar, but Perissa and Kamari, on Santorini’s beach side, are popular vacation destinations for ordinary European travelers.