Santorini is one of those special Greek Islands that really has to be seen to be believed, the striking images are one thing but walking along the caldera and beautiful-cliff edge villages is another and beyond iconic Oia and golden sunsets, there are many more incredible things to do in Santorini that will make you want to stay longer and explore a little further!
I have visited this beautiful island several times and the views still blow me away, Santorini may be small but it certainly has a lot to keep you there from sipping wine in the vineyards to wandering around the authentic hill top towns, hiking the volcano trail to dining in the most exquisite restaurants with insane panoramas, one of my favourite things to do in Santorini!
Most recently I cruised around the island’s black sand beaches and viewed the caldera villages from the sea, for a totally unique island perspective, alongside returning to a few top highlights and uncovering the sort of hidden gems that many visitors would walk straight past – all the while staying in one of the best hotels in Santorini with a Caldera view!
Santorini is an island that always wows, whether you have a few days before island-hopping or a week-long stay, these are the very best things to do in Santorini Greece, including it’s iconic landmarks, secret spots and the insider tips that will make your visit even more memorable!
Top Hotel Picks In Santorini:
Planning your trip? Here’s my top hotel picks!
- Canaves Ena – best overall boutique, picturesque setting in Oia!
- Andronis Luxury Suites – luxury boutique – stunning Oia caldera view!
- Grace Hotel – iconic 5-star hotel in romantic Imerovigli!
Read my full guide on where to stay in Santorini Greece
BEST THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI GREECE
1. EXPLORE THE STUNNING LANES OF OIA (Best things to do in Santorini)
Oia is the most recognisable and sort after village across the island, known for its polished and beautiful white washed houses perched on the edge of the caldera and it really does live up to photos featured in those glossy magazines – or in this post and one of the most incredible things to do in Santorini is wander the picturesque lanes – a must for first-time visitors!
I have explored Oia at various times of the day and even in ‘quieter’ May it still sees daily cruise ships passengers clogging the narrow lanes, especially between 10am and 4pm, but you can have a wonderful experience if you start earlier in the morning! I’ve been able to wander the pretty stone streets completely crowd free and capture the blue domes from all angles – there are many picturesque viewpoints to find!
Visitors often stay at the very top of the caldera balcony, leaving the cascading steps and smaller, furthest away areas empty. Even across lunchtime and towards the west, Charisma Suites and the surrounding boutiques and windmills are lovely and peaceful, I’ve often spent a morning in this ‘traditional sunset’ spot alone with a coffee!
For more iconic Oia inspiration, see my best things to do in Oia, what to see, eat and do! (coming soon)
Beautiful Oia in Santorini Greece
2. WATCH THE INCREDIBLE SANTORINI SUNSETS
Santorini is famous for its sunsets and most visitors will want to head straight over to the castle in Oia facing west and while it’s spectacular and atmospheric, it’s also crowded and seems a little touristic with hundreds of people jostling hours ahead for a good view – which is why I prefer the quieter alternatives – and there are many!
Truthfully, the sunsets are just as incredible from many points along the caldera including alternative villages, restaurant terraces and secret clifftops – I especially like romantic Imerovigli with views across to Oia from the caldera, the evenings are incredible! I’ve especially love Grace Hotel’s 363 champagne bar for sophisticated sunsets and cocktails and a five minute walk away, gorgeous Five Senses restaurant is well worth booking ahead for!
And my favourite sunset of all? Was right from my personal hot tub at Halcyon Day Suites in Pyrgos, the village with the biggest views across the island, from my private veranda I enjoyed a direct sunset view across to Oia with my own music, snacks and wine this really was an evening to remember!
Thinking of booking a hotel with a sunset view? Check out my top caldera view hotels in Santorini, where you can enjoy private sunsets!
Sunsets in Santorini Greece (Immergovigli)
3. GO ON A SCENIC CALDERA CATAMARAN CRUISE (Top things to do in Santorini Greece!)
There’s no question that the dramatic caldera and cliff top villages are the main attraction and one of the best things to do in Santorini other then walk along the balconies and lounge on the terraces is to jump on a scenic boat trip viewing the volcano-shaped cliffs from the water, nothing else really compares to this experience in the Cyclades!
A luxury catamaran excursion gives you a completely different perspective, accessing swim spots, hot springs and spectacular shoreline views only reachable from the sea – even the old town Thira. I highly recommend this five hour catamaran trip in the morning sunshine, enjoying the onboard loungers and a delicious lunch with flowing drinks onboard!
I prefer the tours that depart earlier as the sea is much calmer and I especially love gliding past Imerovigli – looking up at the highest caldera face is spectacular and its even more enjoyable when your catamaran provides upscale amenities and space, some of the small group boat tours often set sail with just seven or eight – if you’re lucky!
Take a look at the full details and availability of this luxury Santorini catamaran boat trip here!
4. EAT LUNCH AT THE GORGEOUS GRACE HOTEL
Santorini is over-flowing with excellent restaurants and superb views, but there is one really stand out lunch spot that I’ve dropped by more than once and that’s at the fabulous Varoulko at Grace Hotel! If you’re staying or visiting Imerovigli and you want to be wowed on your first afternoon, I highly recommend this spot, the terrace view is unbelievable!
This well located restaurant sits directly opposite Skaros Rock, you’ll easily see the landmark and infinity pool from above, it’s probably the best caldera hotel in Santorini with a pool and beside it is the terrace, only available to guests of the five star property – or restaurant customers, which is not wildly known about so remains quiet throughout the daytime with uninterrupted views!
Most recently in May I enjoyed a well presented Santorini summer salad, Greek dips and signature grace cocktail over looking the untouched pool and caldera view beyond from my private enclave – and most surprisingly of all there was not another sole, the hostess informed me everyone explores the island in the day time – returning much later in the afternoon, their loss!
5. SIP SANTORINI WINE IN THE VINEYARDS (Best activities in Santorini)
Santorini is most known for it’s incredible boutique hotels, cliff-edge pools and restaurants, but one of the island’s unmissable activities is visiting the vineyards for wine tasting experiences with their fantastic 3000 year old history and beautiful settings. My favourite is Estate Argyros situated in the most scenic valley below Pyrgos village with mountain and sea views!
Argyros is state of the art with modern architecture, yet the vineyard is one of the oldest and largest estates in Santorini, a fourth generation family producing quality Assyrtiko mineral and aromatic based white wine – it’s fantastic. I tasted four in the afternoon sunshine this Spring with a tasting board for around €25 after a quick tour of the impressive grounds!
I was truly amazed by this vineyard, it’s unlike any other I’ve come across and while you can organise a self guided trip with a regular taxi or hire car, I would actually recommend this wine tour, visiting three vineyards, they are all so unique, Venetsanos and Santos wineries are set along the caldera!
Tip! If you’re planning on going to Estate Argyros independently, I recommend the quieter afternoons around 4.30pm for the best experience, but an afternoon’s wine tour seeing three wineries is more cost effective and your transport is effortless!
Check availability on this wonderfully scenic Santorini wine tour visiting three best Santorini vineyards including tastings among the rugged landscape and charming wineries!
Wine tasting in the vineyard – best things to do in Santorini!
6. VISIT AUTHENTIC PYRGOS VILLAGE
Pyrgos is authentic and a lovely place to spend time in and one of best things to do in Santorini is visit in the afternoon or better still spend a night or two exploring the old town, charming winding lanes, nearby vineyards and secret culinary scene, it has a different feel from everywhere else on the island!
I first discovered Pyrgos six years ago and have stayed three times since, both luxury Halcyon Day Suites and five star Elessa with is magnificent infinity pool views are incredible places – take a peak at Elessa’s terrace, even if you’re only visiting Pyrgos. It really is a hidden gem in Santorini, the setting is just as spectacular as the Caldera in my opinion!
I adore the relaxed vibe and beautifully rustic centre of Pyrgos with its quaint cafes like Penelopes (featured below) and Kastelana and the quality of some of the restaurants are really very impressive with genuine customer care. Do not miss the delicious food at Ritas Bar housed within the village’s most attractive building!
Pyrgos sunsets are also worth staying for and are a breath of fresh air – if you head up to the castle ruins, the views stretch across the entire island. I was lucky enough to have the same view from my hot tub at the Halcyon 360 suite an experience I’ll never forget!
For more inspiration and Pyrgos tips, see my full guide to Pygros, Santorini’s most authentically beautiful village! Coming soon!
Exploring Pyrgos – best things to do in Santorini Greece!
7. STAY IN A BEAUTIFUL CALDERA VIEW BOUTIQUE (My favourite things to do in Santorini)
If there’s one thing that Santorini does well and that’s boutique hotels and staying in a caldera view hotel with private plunge pools and hot tubs is by far one of the best things to do in Santorini, it’s the quintessential experience and reason that visitors come to the island, drawn in by the spectacular and unique views some of these hotel offer.
I have previously stayed in Fira, Oia and Imerovigli along the cliff edge’s of the caldera and without a doubt my favourite is experience is Imerovigli, specifically Atoles Retreat, a beautiful and private hotel with stylish rooms, verandas and plunge pools directly overlooking the volcano, a boutique hotel in Santorini doesn’t get any better that this!
Imerovigli is quieter, has a long cliff walk and a romantic atmosphere, whereas Oia is more polished, compact and iconic, both are the best options for dining out and enjoying luxurious stays on the island, truly, waking up on your first morning to stunning views and private breakfasts is absolutely worth it – a spectacular place to relax in-between sightseeing!
If you want to explore the best hotels in Santorini, here’s my full guide on the best caldera view hotels in Santorini, perfect if you want exceptional views and convenience!
8. HIKE FIRA TO OIA CLIFF-EDGE TRAIL (Memorable things to do in Santorini)
If you enjoy scenic walks and hikes I highly recommend the trail from Fira to Oia, it’s one of the best things to do in Santorini, that’s totally free and filled with iconic landscapes and even though 10km sounds like a lot of effort, it really isn’t!
I walked the section from Imerovigli to Oia in less than three hours, starting from my boutique hotel, which is the best part in my opinion, passing through lovely white-washed villas with tranquil surroundings and jaw-dropping vistas, you can see the volcanic caldera, deep blue sea and polished Oia village in the distance – the best place to finish!
Most people begin the hike from Fira, where it’s only 25 minutes to Firostefani and Imerovigli, this is the classic route and if you start early around 9am you will miss the Fira crowds (dreadful hawkers) and hot afternoon temperatures, even in May and October the Santorini sun burns brightly and the path offers no respite whatsoever!
I would consider adding this hike into your plans, it’s totally flat, fool-proof and you’ll be mesmerised by the scenery most of the way, plus in Imerovigli, which is stretches further than you think, there are lots of excellent places for lunch or drinks with truly outstanding views!
Tip! Start at Volkan On The Rocks at the top of Fira or skip to 180 Bar in Imerovigli!
Cliff top walks – best activities in Santorini
9. DISCOVER THE VIEWS AT SKAROS ROCK
Skaros Rock is a striking rock formation that you can easily walk to from just below Imerovigli village, it was once the home to Santorini’s most prominent castle, but earthquakes and more is what has shaped it today, mainly a huge pyramid shaped rock that you can climb!
I discovered it by chance the first time I stayed in romantic Imerovigli and walked along the cliff-edge of the caldera, Skaros rock is perfectly situated opposite five star Grace hotel and it’s exceptional infinity pool, where I’ve since enjoyed fantastic lunches with an incredible view of the rock – it really is the ideal spot for first-time visitors to Santorini!
Skaros rock juts out into the sea and only takes up to 30 minutes of your time to walk around, I’ve only stepped on Skaros rock once, the views looking back at the white-washed villages scattered on the high cliff tops are amazing, even if it feels completely rugged and a little sketchy in places – it’s worth it!
This area is a wonderful spot and perfect base in my opinion, see the full guide for where to stay in Santorini!
10. TRY FRESH SEAFOOD IN LOVELY AMMOUDI BAY (Authentic things to do in Santorini)
Ammoudi Bay is situated at the bottom of the iconic steps from Oia Castle and if you’re staying in Oia or visiting for the day, I would make a point in stopping by! The vibe feels completely different from Oia’s polished village just a 15 minute walk away, Ammoudi is rustic, local and boasts traditional tavernas in place of wine bars and highly-styled restaurant terraces!
I’ve previously visited for lunch, which is by far the most popular time – it will be the freshest fish you’ll taste on the island and served right along the sparkling water’s edge, between the red cliffs of Oia! I was fortunate to get a table at Sunset Ammoudi next to the sea where I recommend sharing a Greek salad and bread with your fresh fish, for two!
Along the way, you will see the octopus hanging in the sun to dry, an iconic image of Ammoudi Bay, while nearby there are beaches that you can sometimes walk to beyond the rocks – currently closed for 2026. I preferred to make this a lunch stop and visit the caldera beaches and more with a much more exciting and elevated catamaran as described above!
Lunch in Ammoudi – best activities in Santorini
11. ENJOY THE VIEWS FROM FANTASTIC 180 BAR
Santorini’s caldera views between Oia and Fira are plentiful and one of my favourite things to do in Santorini is simply relax in a beautiful venue and enjoy the atmosphere and volcano view from every angle and none is more special than 180 bar jutting out into the sea in Imerovigli!
I’ve stayed in the area three times and regularly visit this bar, in the day time you can sit on the cushions for breakfast or coffees, but in the evening the vibe changes adding in sophistication, well-dressed hostesses with clipboards, top class service and a menu where you can order Greek tapas to go with an sunset cocktails or Santorini wine!
180 Bar opens at 6pm for very special sunsets and live music, I’ve caught a couple of acts and the solo artists are fabulous, belting out classic songs like Sade; no ordinary love, alongside the white piano, which is a feature on the terrace, if your hotel is situated in or near Imerovigli you can easily visit this spot!
Tip! I often like to pair this beautiful sunset evening after a fabulous morning spent on a Santorini boat trip around the caldera swimming and enjoying a wonderful fresh lunch onboard the catamaran, this is my ideal way to spend the day!
12. STROLL AROUND MEGALOCHORI VILLAGE
Megalochori is another authentic village in the centre of Santorini filled with narrow winding lanes and famously the two extremely photogenic churches with bells, an idyllic Santorini setting! You could easily spend an hour walking around this small but lovely village, which is surprisingly quiet given its beauty!
I’ve walked through the village once – on my first visit to Santorini and took the obligatory picture below, but there is more to this village, it’s set in the heart of the winelands and produces Vinsanto, which you can sample at Venetsanos winery nearby and in the town square you can visit Alisachni for wine, cocktails and art – a unique experience!
Megalochori is often compared to Pyrgos, as Santorini’s two most authentic villages, and you can absolutely visit both in a morning or afternoon and even combine with a vineyard like my favourite Estate Argyros. I recommend wandering around the smallest of the two Megalochori first then spend the rest of the afternoon in Pyrgos where there’s a lot more to see and do!
For more tips on what to see, do and where to eat see my full guide to Pyrgos here! Coming soon!
13. SPEND AN EVENING IN IMERGOVIGLI (Lovely things to do in Santorini!)
I’ve already mentioned once or twice, Imerovigli is a stunning caldera village on the island, my personal favourite and the highest point with a long walkway passing through many beautiful boutique hotels with caldera views, upscale restaurants and terraces, some of which are discreetly hidden, which makes this spot incredibly romantic!
I love walking through Imerovigli at all times of the day, admiring the tumbling white houses and volcano cliffs, but the evening is especially lovely with orange sunsets, Skaros rock landmark on the horizon and twinkle lights and best of all the atmosphere is serene and more sophisticated in comparison to some of the busier villages such as Oia and Fira!
Five Senses restaurant is one of the most beautiful spots with uninterrupted sea views, Kapari Wine Restaurant and Fly Away Creative are perfect for intimate settings and quite possibly the flashiest of all; Blu a brand new luxury hotel and upscale restaurant with the dreamiest décor! I confess when I first walked through the doors, I was a little overwhelmed by the fuss and OTT service, but they may have found the balance over the course of the summer!
If you’re planning to spend a few nights here, I’ve rounded up the best boutique hotels and places to stay in Santorini Greece! in my complete accommodation guide.
Caldera view restaurant Blu – best things to do in Santorini Greece!
14. WALK ALONG THE BLACK SAND BEACHES
While Santorini’s beaches are not as well known as the caldera and dramatic cliff-top villages it does feature a handful of unique volcanic black sand beaches surrounded by high cliffs and mountains that are work beach-hopping for, but I wouldn’t prioritise as there are better beaches on the neighbouring Cyclades islands such as Ios, Naxos and even Mykonos!
Perissa and upscale Perivolos are two of the best black sand beaches to explore, you can easily navigate between them and stop by for a drink, swim in the clear waters or even sunbathe in one of Perivolos luxury beach clubs, of which there are many, such as 41 and Seaside the two most aesthetically pleasing spots with plush loungers and attractive bar areas!
Other beaches such as Vylchada, Red Beach and White beach are best explored by catamaran due to the remoteness, rocks and tricky access, I much prefer sailing along the shorelines taking in the incredible changing landscapes and swimming to the beaches!
Explore the best catamaran cruise for swimming, beaches and dramatic caldera landscapes from the sea!
15. WATCH A FILM AT KAMARI OPEN AIR CINEMA!
If you’re staying near Kamari and would to do something a little different, I highly recommend watching a film at the very cool Kamari open air cinema. It’s the most loveliest looking cinema, old school vibes and there’s a cute bar with lots of nooks to sit and enjoy a cocktail before the film starts – and they do air more films than Mama Mia!
This wonderful venue is nestled at the beginning of Kamari, in the middle of a forest, which makes for an incredible atmosphere, I’ve been to many open air cinemas around the world and this is one of my favourites! The seats are unreserved and in general the films start 8.30pm, so arriving 45 minutes beforehand would be ideal – and don’t forget to bring cash!
Is Santorini Worth Visiting on an Island-Hopping Trip?
Yes absolutely, Santorini is one of the most iconic islands in the Cyclades, a stunning place with unique cliffs and caldera views featuring picturesque white top villages. A stay here at the beginning or end of a island-hopping trip is a must, from viewpoints to wine tasting and relaxing in beautiful cave boutique hotels there is no-where like Santorini!
WHERE TO STAY IN SANTORINI
For first-time visitors to Santorini, the most convenient and beautiful areas to stay are along the caldera cliff edge villages – the most sort-after spots on the island and the reason that most people choose to come to Santorini! You’ll be within walking distances to the most incredible attractions, best restaurants and wine bars! I’ve personally stayed in Imerovigli more times than anywhere on the Island, the cave suites, infinity pools and verandas with epic views really are mind-blowing, here’s my favourites!
Canaves Ena – A lovely, stylish boutique hotel situated in a particularly picturesque caldera location in Oia – Cycladic-style and best for luxury and calm stays!
Andronis Luxury Suites – One of the most beautiful luxury boutique hotels and restaurant in stunning Oia with a caldera view – a hideaway with character and five star quality!
Grace Hotel – An iconic 5-star hotel in romantic Imerovigli with the most amazing infinity pool facing Skaros Rock and the volcano, perfect for a luxury and sophisticated stay!
For a full breakdown of boutique and luxury hotels, apartments and best areas, see my complete Where to Stay in Santorini guide.
TIPS FOR VISITING SANTORINI GREECE!
When To Visit Santorini
Santorini’s main season runs from May to September, but the best time to travel to Santorini is within the shoulder months May or late-September to early October for warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices compared to the peak summer months of July and August (which are bursting with tourists and best avoided for a better exploring experience). Personally, I prefer the end of September for settled weather with fewer crowds.
How Long To Stay In Santorini
I recommend staying in Santorini for a minimum of four full days to cover the best things to do in Santorini – including a half-day boat trip, you’ll also want to enjoy your hotel pool views and relax with a glass of wine over the caldera, But it’s so stunning you might want to stay for at least a week and divide your time between two spots, which is my favourite way to experience the island!
How To Get Around Santorini
Santorini’s villages are compact, pedestrianised and easily walkable, each main village; Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, Pyrgos and Kamari Beach are well connected by local bus, alternatively taxis are readily available (if you get a good price take their card details for future trips). There’s ATV’s to rent, which are popular! Along the caldera there is a famous cliff-edge scenic coastal path that links Fira to Oia (Imerovigli and Fira are only 20 minutes apart) – don’t miss it!
Book Your Hotel In Advance
Santorini’s is one of the most popular places in Greece and the best boutique hotels can book out months in advance. If you’re travelling between June and September, it’s worth planning earlier than you normally would, especially for Oia and Imerovigli stays with those special caldera views and balconies!
See my full guide on where to stay in Santorini!
Reserve Boat Tours And Restaurants
For stays across summer, you should be reserving those sort after cliff-top restaurants two weeks ahead, early evenings especially and same goes for premier boat tours (with small numbers) in particular, which is one of the most popular things to do in Santorini!
Take a peak at the best Santorini boat tours!
Visit Oia Early Morning
Santorini’s main towns such as Oia and Fira are best explored in the morning – around 9am, before the cruise ship passengers descend and it’s not too hot for walking along the cliff tops, it’s also a nice time to begin the Fira to Oia walk – or vice-versa!
Respect The Village Dress Codes!
Santorini is classy, most evenings will be dressy in restaurants and wine bars (bring a shawl or jacket for windy evenings along the caldera!), while in the day time cover ups are required, swim wear is not permitted outside of hotels and boat trips, this will earn you a fine!
For more practical tips, check out my complete travel guide to Santorini for first-time visitors here!
Planning More Greece Island Hopping?
Santorini pairs perfectly with some of the other beautiful Cycladic islands, whether you’re looking for nightlife and beaches in Mykonos (2-3 hour ferry), quieter luxury escapes like Paros (2 hours) or slower traditional villages with a visit to Folgrandos – only an hour away!
Plan your travel to Santorini!
If you’re building your itinerary next, these in-depth guides from things to do in Oia to the best boutique hotels and day trips will help you plan the perfect stay:
- Where to Stay in Santorini – best areas & boutique hotels
- Best Santorini Hotels With Caldera Views – boutique & luxury stays!
- Santorini Travel Guide For First Time Visitors – tips & know before you go!
- Best Boat Tours from Santorini – best beaches, caldera & scenic excursions!
- Best Things to do in Oia – from sunset viewpoints to restaurants!
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!