Who wouldn’t want to vacation on Santorini island? The white churches with blue domes, the cliffside houses, and the sunsets all enchant Santorini, rightfully placing it among the best Greek islands.
Santorini is a circular volcanic island group in the Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of Athens. It’s the southernmost member of the Cyclades island group.
The island’s classic name is Thera, but it’s also known as Thira.
Santorini is essentially the remains of a massive volcanic eruption that destroyed settlements on the originally single island. This shaped the current caldera, mostly filled with water.
Its stunning beauty and vibrant nightlife have made these islands one of Europe’s most attractive tourist destinations.
You can read my travelogue here!
Table of Contents
Santorini attractions
Fira
The capital of Santorini, and the base for most tourists. Built on a large cliff, it offers fantastic views of the sea.
Those arriving by boat can climb 600 steps from the port, ride a donkey, or take the cable car to reach the city.
The city’s architecture follows the classic Greek pattern. The characteristic houses, with whitewashed walls and blue domes, doors, and window frames, are all built of volcanic rock.
The capital is teeming with great restaurants and hotels, from budget to luxury. Along the city’s sea-facing arc, numerous Greek restaurants and taverns line up.
The Thira Museum in Fira lets you dive into Santorini’s past. Exhibits include finds from the Mesavouno excavation, the ancient city of Thera, the fortress at Sellada, and other archaeological sites around the island.
Imerovigli
Located 2 km north of Fira, Imerovigli also offers stunning views of the caldera islands surrounding Santorini. Often referred to as the „Balcony of the Aegean Sea.”
The Ekklisia Theoskepasti hiking trail passes by the 13th-century Skaros Castle, leading up to the Skaros Rock viewpoint and the blue-domed Theoskepasti church built on a rock outcrop.
Pyrgos
Situated on one of the slopes of Profitis Ilias mountain, this was once the capital of Santorini. The village was built around a Venetian castle, whose ruins can be visited. The panoramic view here is also beautiful.
The surrounding vineyards produce the renowned Assyrtiko white wine.
Nearby, the island’s highest point offers fantastic views of the island and the sea.
Oia
Located at the northern tip of the island, accessible even by hiking from Fira.
Often considered the most beautiful town on Santorini, it’s almost mandatory to watch a sunset here. Hence, expect large crowds during the peak season.
Oia’s symbol is a windmill, often seen in pictures of Santorini.
Ruins of a Byzantine castle stand on the edge of the town, offering an even more beautiful sunset view. However, it also attracts large crowds.
Kamari
The center of the island’s eastern part. The town was designed and created after the 1956 earthquake for the inhabitants who fled from the town of Messa Gonia.
Its 2 km long, black sandy beach is the island’s most popular.
Kamari has everything a true resort town needs: a long beach, restaurants, bars, hotels, apartments, a cinema, shopping opportunities, ATMs, a bakery, a playground. Every year, a jazz festival is held.
Ancient Thira
A ruin city uncovered in the early 20th century, located between Kamari and Perissa. It can be approached via a serpentine road from Kamari, even by car.
The site features ruins of temples, buildings, ceramics, coins, and other artifacts that showcase the former Minoan culture.
Akrotiri
Often referred to as the Greek Pompeii, this city was also destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC.
It was a developed Minoan trade center with an ideal location and a network of canals.
Discovered in the 19th century, it remains one of the best-preserved ancient memories, thanks to volcanic ash.
Faros Lighthouse
Located at the southwestern tip, the lighthouse offers great views of the sea. Worth visiting if in the area.
Nea Kameni
This island and its smaller ‘sibling,’ Palea Kameni, were formed due to volcanic eruption.
The barren island is undeveloped, but you can take a tour around the crater.
As it’s still an active volcano, there’s a warm water beach, the Hot Springs, on the island. A similar beach is found on Palea Kameni.
Therasia
The island west of Santorini offers a similar experience but with less crowd.
There are regular boat trips from Santorini. There are two small villages on the island, Manolas has a great view. From the shore, a steep slope leads up to the village.
Beaches
Kamari Beach
The most developed and popular beach on the island, bordered by hotels, bars, and nightclubs, with black sandy and pebbly shores.
Red Beach
Near Akrotiri, difficult to access by land, best reached by boat.
The small pebble beach is famous for the large red rocks behind it, attracting many visitors in peak season.
Perissa Beach
Similar to Kamari Beach with black sand and pebbles but less developed. Its long shore is a good choice for those preferring a peaceful setting.
Eros Beach
Between Vlichada and Akrotiri, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Santorini. Its beauty comes from the massive, variously shaped white rocks surrounding the long, pebbly shore.
Vlichada Beach
Located in the southernmost part of the island. About 800 meters of black pebbly shore, backed by white rock walls. A major advantage is that it’s usually not crowded.
Have you heard of these Greek islands?
I’ll introduce 16 lesser-known Greek islands that are worth visiting!