Though the complex is still an active volcano, it is most commonly known for it’s brilliant blue roofs, but there are so many more things to do in Santorini than marvel at the domed buildings. 

If it’s landscape wasn’t enough, the Greek food will make you never want to leave the island! Octopus are hung up like clothes during the day to dry in the sun, for the tastiest grilled octopus dish you’ve ever had.

There are 3 cities that make up the island of Santorini, each with its own unique atmosphere and vibe. This means that there’s a little something for everybody.

First is Oia, which is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in the entire world. Oia is also the place you can most easily view those white and blue homes that Greece is so well known for, so it’s worth stopping if only for the stunning architecture. There is no shortage bars and restaurants for you to visit, but it is important to keep in mind that most places close by midnight here.

Imerovigli is best known as Santorini’s #1 honeymoon spot. The town is extremely small (the smallest of Santorini’s 3 cities by far) and has significantly fewer tourists than the other two. Because of that, it is definitely geared towards couples looking for a bit of alone time. There are a few delicious restaurants and the occasional bar or two, but Imerovigli is best experienced poolside in your hotel. It’s also a very short walk to Fira.

There are a few delicious restaurants and the occasional bar or two, but Imerovigli is best experienced poolside in your hotel. It’s also a very short walk to Fira, which is Santorini’s hit nightlife city, so you can manage to transition from privacy to lively in just 15 minutes or so.

You just can’t possibly leave Santorini or any city in Greece without indulging in a meal at a classic taverna, a small restaurant serving Greek food. Try Taverna Aeolus which you will find by itself on the road to Akrotiri Red Beach and the lighthouse. Stop by Salt & Pepper in Fira for their fried tomato fritters and deliciously fresh Santorini salad.

If you are visiting Red Beach in the off-season though, you may be able to get the place almost to yourself. It has a stunning setting, with its red volcanic sands backed by imposing cliffs. If you like snorkelling, you will love it here.

The Akrotiri lighthouse is located on the Southern peninsula of Santorini island. The lighthouse itself is not as much of an attraction as the views from it. This is another beautiful spot to bring a bottle of wine and catch a perfect sunset.

Nea Kameni is the volcanic island in the center of the Santorini caldera that you can hike to the top of. Boat tours can easily be purchased at the old port in Fira. They will bring you to the crater and here you can take a steep, rocky climb to the top passing incredible lava formations, smoking craters and fantastic views.

At Windmill Villas in Imerovigli you can sleep in a newly-built luxury windmill equipped with a private pool, hydro-massage jets, terrace and a panoramic view to the Aegean Sea. Though each windmill can accommodate five people.

It is a completely walkable town, it takes roughly 30 minutes to walk from end to end and is great if you want to enjoy some once in a lifetime scenery while dining in a beautiful outdoor restaurant.

Not only is the Santo Winery one of the recommended spots to catch a stunning Santorini sunset, but you can also get a Greek wine education by doing an 18-wine tasting flight. That’s right, eighteen different wines served with cheese and a spectacular view. You will taste everything from a rich Crescendo to an aromatic Rose to a dry Assyrtiko, and so much more.

In many cafes and restaurants around the island you will find bottles of the locally brewed Donkey beer made by Santorini Brewing Company. Or you can go straight to the source by paying a visit to the brewery and tasting their three products: yellow donkey, red donkey and crazy donkey.

Where to Eat in Santorini

• 1800 in Oia: Come here for the rooftop views and a drink.
• Skizma in Oia: Come here to get some incredible baklava.
• Aktaion Taverna in Firostefani: A rustic and traditional Greek taverna in Firostefani.
• Rastoni in Fira: Head here for one heck of a view and incredible black ink pasta.
• Naoussa Restaurant in Fira: This place has one incredible view and the fresh seafood is always incredible.
• Katina’s Taverna in Ammoudi Bay: Always packed, it’s some of the freshest seafood and worth the wait.

Good to know before visiting Santorini

You can arrive by direct flights from Athens or island ferries. The island is very seasonal, for instance October is windy and hotels start to shut down for the season. If based in Oia or Fira, you can easily pass on a car. Parking is often limited in the main towns. 3-4 nights is a great amount of time to enjoy the island. It’s a very peaceful place to just hangout.