Santorini (also known as Thira) has long been a sought-after destinations among tourists, and I assure you, the place is worth a visit. Albeit Santorini being a major tourist magnet, you will still find the island attractive.

I have visited Santorini on multiple occasions during my many visits to Greece with my parents. Most lately I visited Santorini in 2013 and 2021. On my most recent visit in 2021, I traveled to Santorini solo from Copenhagen on my way to visit my parents on the island of Amorgos, another island in the Cyclades island complex.

Why you should visit Santorini: Things to consider

Santorini is truly a stunner: majestic views can be taken in from the two largest cities on the island; Fira and Oia. Both cities are beautiful in their own way, they both have walking routes with panoramic views of the bay and the two volcanic islands.

In the high season from late June to the end of August, you may find that the place is flooded by tourists from all over the world. Luckily, it appears that cruise ships are not as abundant in recent times (post covid), but since Santorini has a large international airport, it is easy to reach the island even for shorter durations.

Therefore, Santorini is a hotspot for tourists – the reason why is a no-brainer. Simply look at the photos in this post 🙂

However, tourists visit Santorini for various reasons. People not only visit Santorini to enjoy the scenic views, but Santorini also has a vibrant party scene and busy beaches, filled with sunbeds and umbrellas.

As a consequence of the constant flow of tourists, there is not much local life left on Santorini, that is not circled around the tourism industry. The streets are crowded with tourist busses, taxis and quad bikes (also known as ATVs).

My recommendation on things to do while visiting Santorini in Greece

While there are many activities and attractions to consider visiting for your visit to Santorini, some places remain more famous than others. In the following sections I will take you through the places on Santorini I have visited, and that I would like to recommend.

The city of Fira

If you arrive by sea to Santorini and if you decide to take the public bus, you will be taken to Fira. Fira is the largest city on Santorini, and it was formerly also known for “the donkey trail”. Today, the donkeys are no longer carrying heavy cruise tourists, but you can still walk the ‘old donkey trail’ down to the old port.

In Fira you will find a busy scene with small shops, restaurants for all tastes and lovely little nooks and alleys for which you can explore. If you walk along the panoramic paths, you will be awarded with breathtaking views of the Caldera.

Dinner with a view: The Caldera sunset of Santorini

If you are looking for the perfect spot to enjoy the classical Caldera sunset, make your rounds during daylight and pick your choice. Make the reservation for a table and return later!

If you do not find a restaurant to your liking, it is also possible to enjoy the beautiful sunset from other spots along the panoramic walking path.

Oia – The charismatic white and blue city by the sea

Oia in Santorini is a must-see place, offering splendid panoramic views of the volcano islands. It is known for its exquisite beauty, charming architecture, and stunning sunset views.

The village offers various activities, including exploring narrow streets, shopping for unique crafts, and enjoying delicious Greek cuisine. Oia is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, with countless beautiful spots to capture memorable moments. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat, Oia’s tranquil ambiance will leave a lasting impression.

It is easy to reach Oia – the city is well connected with roads and public transport runs repeatedly throughout the day.

To conclude – If you have a couple of days on Santorini you should pay Oia a visit, as the city will deliver new angles for your panorama photography of the Santorini landscape.

A visit to one of the volcano islands: Thólos Naftilos

No matter if you arrive to Santorini by air or by ship, the entrance to this volcanic landscape is spectacular. The different ages of the lava and the layers visible from the craters give an insight into the history of Santorini.

If you came all the way to Santorini, you cannot leave without a visit to see the volcano! Jump on a ‘mini cruise’ with a company of your choosing (and depending on your economy), and go for a day-visit to the volcano.

Back in 2013 we went on this charming wooden boat and went exploring on our own, and we went for a swim in the volcanic hot springs. Pack your practical clothes, shoes and swimming gear and try it out! I suggest you don’t wear your favorite swim suit, as the organic material may cause discoloration of your swim suit (especially light colors may be discolored!).

Things to be aware of when you visit an active volcano

Santorini was in the 1600’s devastated by the destructive force of the eruptive volcano, causing the islands’ now well famous shape. But it also destroyed the Minoan civilization on Santorini, and caused international impacts as well.

Please bear in mind that the volcanoes are still active, and scientists are still debating whether an eruption could be near. The conclusion to this is at the moment, the eruption cannot be forecasted to precision as an exact date or year. But magma is for sure building up underneath the sea surface!

Visit the lava beaches of Santorini (red and black lava stone)

If you are more interested in geology, I suggest you visit the charismatic lava beaches of Santorini. While you may find lava scattered all over Santorini, these beaches are interesting due to their colors.

The black lava sand makes quite an interesting beach! The black beach reminds me of the trip I had to Iceland in high school where we also saw a black lava beach! On Santorini you may find both beaches with pebbles and beaches with sand. Head to the map below to see the location of these beaches.

Explore Santorini at you own pace: Rent an ATV!

If you would like to avoid the hassle of using the public transport on Santorini (read more below), you can also opt-in for self-driven transportation. While it depends on your spirit and how you like to drive in a busy environment (mostly around Oia, Fira, the new harbour and the airport), renting a quadbike (ATV) or a car on Santorini is a possibility worth considering.

Therefore, if you are unsure if you have the right temper for driving around Santorini, perhaps try to stay at least one day on the island before you book a vehicle. In that way, you can get a sense of the environment on the roads.

Suggestions for cultural activities on Santorini

The following list are suggestions for you to elevate your visit to Santorini with cultural experiences:

• Akrotiri – the ancient Minoan city (an archaeological site)
• Ancient Thera – another archaeological site (I’ve not visited this place yet!)
• Wine tasting on Santorini
• The Lost Atlantis Experience (interactive museum – sounds like fun, right?)

See all mentioned places on Santorini from this post here on my map:

How to get to Santorini, Greece

It is possible to reach Santorini both by sea and by air.

I have experienced different ways of traveling to Santorini. While flying is the easiest way to reach Santorini, and will provide you with a birds-eye view of the island, arriving to Santorini by the sea has it’s own charm. In the Thira Santorini Port (Athinios Port) you can travel with the larger (and usually slow) ferrys and smaller high-speed ferries as well. Most ferries have several stops while traveling to and from Santorini, and they operate on fixed schedules.

Use websites or the app ‘OpenFerry‘ (formerly NISEA) to plan your ferry departure.

Taking public transport on Santorini

Taking public transport around on Santorini is quite stressful. To be honest, it is almost not worth saving those Euro’s if you are looking for a calm vacation. Lining up for the public bus either from the port, the airport or Fira is quite a hassle. There is basically no queues and it feels like being on a goat market 🙂

Now you have been warned about the public bus on Santorini, but try to see it for yourself. Perhaps they have learned to treat people more respectfully since I left. I read this article once and was almost amused by how much I agree with the review of the public bus service.

Conclusion

Santorini is a beautiful island with captivating views and interesting geological features formed by volcanic activity. Its panoramic vistas, dramatic cliffs, and unique black and red sand beaches make it a truly enchanting destination. The white-washed villages, delicious cuisine, and legendary sunsets add to the island’s allure. Santorini is an idyllic getaway that promises unforgettable experiences.

I hope you have penciled in more time of your busy schedule to see some of the other Greek islands in the Cyclades islands complex.

I managed to spot a raven in Fira on my last trip in 2021. I was so thrilled about how my eyes had opened up more to birdwatching since last visiting the island. I wonder what other birds may be found there! It is always good to consult Ebird.org before traveling to a new location.

-Traveling Female Ornithologist

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© All photos are my own unless stated and may not be used without permission.