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Santorini is perhaps Greece's most iconic island, with its whitewashed houses, volcanic beaches and enchanting sunsets. It is an incredibly fun destination for a nice sun vacation, but there is so much more to do than just relax on the beach. Think about a special catamaran cruise, a wine tasting with insane views of the island and renting a quad bike for a cool island tour. In this article we share the best things to do on Santorini, from the most beautiful sights to the best beaches and experiences that will make your vacation to Santorini extra special!
1. Explore the iconic beaches of Santorini
Red Beach is one of Santorini's most iconic beaches and one of the island's most popular attractions. You will find this particular beach in the south of Santorini near the village of Akrotiri. Red Beach is known for the red volcanic rocks that surround the beach. Therefore, that is where the beach's name comes from!
From Fira it is about a 12 kilometer drive. On the way to Red Beach, you can also stop at the archaeological site of Akrotiri where you can see ancient excavations. To reach Red Beach, you need to make a small climb. Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with an insane view of the steep red volcanic rocks.
Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of the beautiful scenery. This way you avoid the biggest crowds and the heat spike. Red Beach is naturally sheltered from wind, so temperatures can rise quite a bit in the afternoon. Also keep in mind that there are few amenities at Red Beach. Except for a small beach club, it is advisable to bring some food, drinks and an umbrella.
Also read: the most beautiful beaches of Santorini
These are the most beautiful beaches and coves on Santorini for a relaxing beach day!
2. Rent a quad bike and explore the island at your own pace
The island of Santorini is not too big, but its beauty lies in the remote spots that are not so easy to discover. The solution? Rent a quad bike! With a quad bike, you explore the island at your own pace and can easily get to Santorini's beautiful villages and lesser-known beaches. You have the freedom to stop wherever you want, such as at an impressive viewpoint along the coast.
Renting a quad bike on Santorini is generally safe, as long as you observe the precautions. Make sure you always wear a helmet (which is mandatory). If you have no experience with quads, take some time to master the vehicle. Most quads are 150CC and have an average speed of about 55 kilometers per hour. Also be aware of the narrow, steep roads and adjust your speed, especially on less well-maintained sections. Rent your quad from a reliable rental company that provides clear explanations. That way you can explore the island safely and at your leisure!
Tip: ask your hotel for a reliable rental company close to your accommodation. Then you can just walk there, easy with picking up and returning the quad.
We took off our helmets briefly when we were standing still for the photo, but of course wore our helmets neatly while riding to ensure safety!
3. Take a catamaran cruise along the caldera
The caldera of Santorini is famous worldwide and the view from the sea is undeniably beautiful. A catamaran cruise is the ideal way to see just how beautiful the island actually is. On a cruise, you will sail past the volcanic beaches, the famous blue caves and the iconic island of Thirasia. Don't forget to book a sunset cruise for a truly magical experience.
Through our hotel, we booked the Blue Sunset Cruise with Caldera Yachting. But be sure to check out GetYourGuide's various cruises on Santorini.
4. Visit the most beautiful villages of Santorini
Santorini, the island of iconic white houses and enchanting sunsets, attracts millions of visitors every year. Of course, Fira, Imerovigli and Oía are the most famous villages, but did you know there is even more beauty to discover off the beaten path? From charming, quiet Megalochori to medieval Pyrgos, there are so many hidden gems on the island that should not be missed!
We have discovered the nicest and quieter villages during our travels. Curious about our top 7 most beautiful villages on the island? Then check out our extensive article on the most beautiful villages on Santorini and discover why Megalochori, Pyrgos and other villages are well worth a visit.
5. Surprise yourself with a wine tasting at Santo Wines
After wandering through the charming villages, it's time to treat yourself, and what better way to do that than with a glass of Santorini wine in your hand? After all, Santorini is known not only for its impressive villages and enchanting views, but also for its unique wines. Especially the white Assyrtiko and the famous Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine, are popular among locals and vacationers alike.
If there is one place for wine lovers that we want to tip, it is Santo Wines! We came here twice already and would definitely come back again. Santo Wines is one of the most famous wineries on the island and offers not only delicious wines, but also panoramic views of the caldera.
As you sip a glass of wine, learn all about the island's ancient winemaking techniques, such as the special "kouloura" method. This system, where grapes grow in basket-shaped bushes low to the ground, protects the grapes from the strong sun and wind. Typical Santorini and super unique to see. Highly recommended: order a wine flight, where you can taste several types of wines!
6. Take the scenic hike from Fira to Oía
Fancy a hike that stimulates your senses and gets your camera working overtime? Then you may the hike from Fira to Oía on Santorini absolutely not to be missed. This route of about 10 kilometers crosses the crater rim of the caldera and treats you along the way to views that will leave you speechless. Just imagine: deep blue sea, white villages on cliffs and churches with bright blue domes.
You walk from lively Fira through Firostefani and Imerovigli to iconic Oía. Imerovigli in particular is a gem along the way, with its photogenic streets and viewpoints. Then it gets rougher: the path turns into a dusty trail over lava soil, with only the ocean and the volcano for company. This is the Santorini feeling at its purest.
Tip: Start early in the morning to get ahead of the heat and crowds. That way you have the route mostly to yourself and have the rest of the day to relax, for example at Ammoudi Bay. The hike takes about 3 hours on average, so wear good walking shoes and bring plenty of water.
Also read: all our tips for the hike from Fira to Oía
We share all our practical tips for the hike from Fira to Oía and which beautiful spots on the way you should really stop at.
7. Delve into the history of Santorini at Akrotiri
If you are interested in Santorini's history, a visit to the archaeological excavations of Akrotiri should not be missed. This ancient Minoan town was destroyed by a volcanic eruption around 1600 B.C. and has been well preserved ever since. You can walk through the ruins and learn more about life on Santorini in ancient times.
8. Enjoy local Greek cuisine
Santorini is not only famous for its wines, but also for its delicious Greek cuisine. You will find numerous taverns on the island where you can taste the authentic flavors of Greece. From freshly caught fish and grilled souvlaki to the famous tzatziki and moussaka, you are sure to spoil your taste buds. We recommend eating at the local taverns in the villages.
We share the best restaurants and bars we visited in our article on The best hotspots on Santorini!
9. Relax in style: discover Santorini's cutest beach clubs
After all the hikes, villages and viewpoints, it's time for the ultimate vacation vibe: chilling on the beach. And of course, on Santorini you don't just do that with a towel in the sand, but at one of the stylish beach clubs on the island. Cocktail in hand, feet in the black sand, and the sound of the sea as the soundtrack. Vacation mode: on.
Our absolute favorite? Theros Wave Bar on remote Eros Beach. You have to bump over a dirt road to get there, but what you get is an oasis of peace, style and nature. It is a beach bar hidden among the cliffs, with black volcanic sand and wooden lounge beds overlooking the rugged coastline. Here you will forget about time completely.
Could it be a little more colorful and lively? Then drive to Perissa Beach and find a spot at Tranquilo. This laid-back beach bar is full of boho vibes, happy pillows, vegetarian dishes and cocktails with a twist. The atmosphere is laid-back, the beach is black and vast and the water beckons. Great for an afternoon of napping and people-watching.
Practical tips for your vacation to Santorini
A dream trip to Santorini starts with good preparation. From the best travel time to transportation on the island and fine places to sleep, with these tips you will be all set to enjoy carefree.
When is the best time to visit Santorini?
The best time to visit Santorini is between April and October. The summer months (June through September) are the busiest, but also the hottest. For a quieter experience, consider April, May and October, when the island is slightly less crowded and the weather is still pleasant.
Transportation on Santorini
Renting scooters and quads is very popular on Santorini and a fun way to explore the island at your own pace. It is also possible to rent a car on Santorini. We recommend doing this through Sunnycars. With this rental company you are always All-inclusive insurance with your rental car on Santorini.
Keep in mind that almost all roads on Santorini are one-way during the summer period. Because of this, it sometimes takes a little longer to reach your destination. Especially in Fira it can be busy on the roads. This is partly due to the large touring cars that drive around here with the tourists coming from the cruise boats.
If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can also use public transportation and cabs. You can check the bus schedule on Santorini on the Santorini Secrets website.
The best accommodations Santorini
Santorini offers all kinds of accommodations, from luxury hotels in Oía and Imerovigli to more affordable options in Fira and Kamari. The island is suitable for both romantic getaways and family vacations, but it is also incredibly fun for a girlfriends' trip, for example.
During our trip to Santorini, we discovered some wonderful accommodations. Looking for inspiration for your vacation to Santorini? Here are some of the best addresses. But be sure to take a look at the offers from TUI and Sunweb for competitively priced trips to Santorini.
Discover more Greek pearls
Did you get a taste for Santorini? Understandably so! And believe us: Greece has many more crazy islands waiting to be discovered. How about trendy Mykonos, green Zakynthos or surprising Lefkas? And of course, classics like Crete and Kos should not be missing from your list.
Dive into our article on The best islands in Greece for a crazy vacation and get inspired for your next trip. And be sure to take a look at our page with all our tips for traveling in Greece. Καλή διασκέδαση! (have fun!)
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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