Friendly disclaimer! We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.
Rising out of the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea, Santorini’s otherworldly landscape is a descendant of Greece’s classical past. Dotted with black and red-sand beaches, and the quintessential Greek white-washed houses, the island basks in the glory of unspoiled nature and postcard-like views. Together with the inhabited Therania and five other smaller islands, Thera (Santorini’s Greek name) will greet you to antiquity.
Oia Village
The village of Oia is the island’s most iconic destination. 150 metres above sea level and situated on the downward slope of a volcanic caldera, this postcard-perfect village is dotted with white and blue cave houses. Enjoy sweeping views of the volcano, the surrounding vineyards, and majestic sunsets each day.
Useful Info:
- Location: Oia village, 847 02, Santorini
- How to reach: Reachable by bus from the central bus station in Fira.
Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia)
The unique colour of the sand and the breathtaking volcanic landscape make this beach a must-see destination. Its particular rock formations treat travellers to stunning views, and the smooth, mirror-like sea creates a contrast with the bold red of the shore. The beach is pebbly and not ideal for lying, though its rock formations make it perfect for snorkelling.
Useful Info:
- Location: Red Beach, Akrotiri, Santorini
- How to reach: A bus service connects Kira with Akrotiri, from where you can either hike for 15 minutes or take a boat to the beach. Alternatively, boats from Perissa or Kamari to Red Beach are quite frequent.
Fira
Fira is the cultural and commercial centre of Santorini, with an ample assortment of galleries, shops, and restaurants. The most iconic museums of the island, such as the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, are located in the city, displaying stunning and well-preserved artefacts that date back to Ancient Greece. Fira is also the heart of Santorini’s network of buses that connects the capital with Oia, Kamari, Akrotiri, and many other important sights of the island.
Useful Info:
- Location: Fira, Santorini
Hiking from Fira to Oia
This 9 km hiking trail that leads from Fira to Oia runs alongside the caldera cliff. The trip takes approximately 4 hours, beginning in Fira, and passing by numerous churches and stunning architecture before concluding in the iconic Oia Village. Here, you can choose to treat yourself to a seafood dinner and a glass of wine at one of the restaurants with a unique view over the caldera.
Useful Info:
- Location: Fira – Imerovigli – Oia, Santorini
Perissa Beach
Perissa Beach stretches for 7 km along Santorini’s Southeastern coast, charming the traveller with its peculiar shades of black. Perfect for snorkelling, the beach also features a volleyball court and numerous options for water-sport activities. The picturesque Perissa village offers an assortment of restaurants and bars and its close proximity to the ruins of Ancient Thira makes it a magnet for tourists.
Useful Info:
- Location: Perissa, Santorini
- How to reach: Situated 15 km Southeast of Fira, it is reachable by bus from Fira and Oia.
Ancient Thera
Perched on the high rock formation Mesa Vouna, the ruins of Ancient Thera dominate Kamari and Perissa beach, dating back to the Hellenistic Era. The vantage location offers spectacular views of the island, and the cliff-top can be reached from Perissa on foot in approximately 4 hours. The historical site is characterised by the main street running through two agoras and the ruins of temples, houses, and Roman baths.
Useful Info:
- Location: Ancient Thera, Santorini
Wine Tour – Fira
A trip to Santorini wouldn’t be complete without a wine-tasting tour. The island’s volcanic wine is particularly renowned for its crispy flavour. Santorini Wine Adventures is based in Fira and offers tours to explore local wine, food, and culture as well as the picturesque countryside.
Useful Info:
- Location: Marinatou Road, Fira, Santorini
- Website: www.winetoursantorini.com
Akrotiri Excavations
Akrotiri is the island’s most important archaeological site, home to Minoan ruins dating to the 4th century BC. When the volcano erupted, the entire population was forced to flee from Akrotiri, which was swept away by the lava flow. However, preserved buildings and utensils remain, a freezeframe on the lifestyle of these Ancient people.
Useful Info:
- Location: Akrotiri, Santorini
- How to reach: Akrotiri excavations can be reached by bus from Fira.
Venetian Castles
Venetian rule in Santorini extended from 1207 to 1580 and the last vestiges of this historical period live in the castles that dot the entire island. Five fortresses can be found in Santorini in Oia, Pyrgos, Emporio, Akrotiri, and Skaros, which have been partly demolished by the earthquakes that shook the island in the 15th and 16th centuries. Skaros is probably the most important and well-preserved among the five castles, built on the peak of the namesake rock to protect the village from pirate attacks.
Useful Info:
- Location: Imerovigli, Santorini
- How to reach: The ruins of the once magnificent fortress can be reached on foot from Agios Georgios church in Imerovigli, connected to Skaros by a 0.5 km walking trail and a long stairway.
Pyrgos Kallistis
Pyrgos Kallistis is a medieval fortress surrounded by cobbled streets that twist and turn down the hill towards the village. With its 600 residents, Pyrgos keeps hold of the allure of an old Greek village that is starting to open up to the increasing flow of tourism. Taverns, restaurants, and traditional Greek cafes find their home along the village streets, blessed by a scent of grapes released by the vineyards that surround Pyrgos.
Useful Info:
- Location: Pyrgos Kallistis, Santorini. Located 7.5 km East of Fira
Nea Kameni – Boat trip
Take a boat trip to Nea Kameni, an inhabited island that is part of the volcano’s caldera. Given the frequent eruptions in the last centuries, the island is defined by scenery created by the lava flow and sulphuric waters which are said to have therapeutic benefits. Cruises leave daily from any village, making Nea Kameni a perfect day/half-day trip.
Useful Info:
- Location: Nea Kameni, Santorini
Therasia (Thirasia)
Therasia is one of Santorini’s volcanic islands. With its 300 residents, Therasia is a living fragment of the old, unspoiled Santorini village life.
Useful Info:
- Location: Therasia, Santorini
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is located in Fira and showcases a great number of artefacts discovered in Santorini. The excavations started in the second half of the 17th century, and the museum today is home to a wide array of objects from the Late Neolithic to the Late Cycladic periods.
Useful Info:
- Location: Mitropoleos Street, Fira, Santorini
- Timings: Wednesday – Monday 8.30 am to 3 pm
Archaeological Museum of Thera
The Archaeological Museum of Thera features exhibitions of ancient vases, amphorae, and pottery from a wide span of eras.
Useful Info:
- Location: Erithrou Stavrou, Fira, Santorini
- Timings: Tuesday – Sunday 8 am to 3 pm
Amoudi Bay
A picturesque bay tucked among precipitous cliffs, Amoudi Bay is an old fishing port that can be reached from Oia. Wonderfully decorated taverns are squeezed on the seafront, and there is a great number of traditional eateries to choose from. Amoudi Bay is also blessed with a peaceful beach, far from the hustle and bustle of the holiday resorts.
Useful Info:
- Location: Amoudi Bay, Santorini
admin
