Things to Visit in Santorini: Caldera Views and Villages
Experience Santorini beyond the Instagram spots. Covers Oia sunsets, volcanic beaches, caldera hikes, wine tastings, ancient ruins, and where to eat without paying tourist markup.
The world's most famous sunset spot draws hundreds of people nightly. Arrive at the castle ruins 1-2 hours before sunset to claim a spot. The crowds are intense June to September. For a less-packed sunset, try the Oia windmill area or walk toward Ammoudi Bay instead of the main viewpoint.
Walk the Oia village streets
White-washed buildings with blue domes, cave houses, and bougainvillea-draped walls. The main path is narrow and crowded midday; explore the side alleys for quieter spots and better photos. Early morning (before 9 AM) has the best light and fewest people. Many shops open at 10 AM.
Walk down to Ammoudi Bay
214 steps descend from Oia to this tiny fishing harbor with waterfront seafood tavernas. Fresh fish is priced by weight (expect 40-60 EUR per kg). Swimming off the rocks is possible. The walk back up is a workout, especially in the heat. Donkey rides are available but controversial.
Hike the Fira to Oia caldera trail
A 10-km trail along the caldera rim connecting Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia. Takes 3-4 hours with stops. Start in Fira and end in Oia for the sunset. The path is well-marked but exposed with no shade; carry water and wear sun protection. Views of the volcano and Aegean are constant and stunning.
Fira and Central Santorini
Explore Fira town
Santorini's capital sits on the caldera edge with bars, restaurants, shops, and the cable car to the old port. More lively and affordable than Oia. The caldera walkway from Fira to Firostefani (15 minutes) has excellent views without Oia's crowds.
Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Displays artifacts from the Akrotiri excavation including 3,600-year-old frescoes, pottery, and gold figurines from the Minoan civilization. Small but fascinating. Located in central Fira, entry about 6 EUR. Pairs well with a visit to Akrotiri itself.
Walk through Imerovigli village
The highest point on the caldera, quieter and more upscale than Fira. Skaros Rock (a former Venetian fortress promontory) is a short hike from the village with 360-degree views. The path is steep and rocky in spots but manageable. Often called the balcony to the Aegean.
Take the cable car or donkey path to Fira's old port
The cable car descends from Fira to the old port where cruise tenders dock (6 EUR one way). The alternative is 588 zigzagging steps or a donkey ride. Walking down is easier than up. The old port has a few seafood tavernas at the water's edge.
Beaches and Outdoors
Visit Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia)
A dramatic beach backed by red volcanic cliffs, 10 minutes walk from Akrotiri. The access path involves a short scramble along a cliff (sturdy shoes recommended). Sunbeds available for rent. The red and black sand is volcanic and gets extremely hot under direct sun. Go early to avoid the worst crowds and heat.
Swim at Perissa or Perivolos black sand beach
Long stretches of volcanic black sand on the southeast coast with beach bars, lounger rentals, and water sports. Perissa is livelier; Perivolos is slightly quieter. The sand absorbs heat and gets scorching by midday; water shoes or a towel path help. Free sections exist between the paid beach club areas.
Visit White Beach (Aspri Paralia)
Accessible only by boat from Red Beach or Akrotiri port (5-minute water taxi, about 5 EUR). White pumice cliffs meet turquoise water. Bring your own shade and water; facilities are minimal. The boat runs regularly in summer but stops in rough weather.
Take a boat tour to the volcano and hot springs
Half-day boat tours (25-40 EUR) sail from the old port to Nea Kameni (the active volcanic island) for a crater hike, then to Palea Kameni for swimming in volcanic hot springs (the warm, sulfurous water is orange-brown). Wear dark swimwear as the mineral water stains. Tours also often include a stop in Thirassia island.
Wine and Food
Do a Santorini wine tasting
Santorini produces distinctive wines from Assyrtiko grapes grown in basket-shaped vines (kouloura) that protect against the wind. Multiple wineries offer tastings for 15-30 EUR. The volcanic soil and dry climate create crisp, mineral-driven whites. Vinsanto (a sweet dessert wine) is the island's specialty.
Try tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters)
Santorini's cherry tomatoes are intensely sweet due to the volcanic soil and minimal rainfall. Tomatokeftedes are fritters made from these tomatoes with herbs, fried until crispy. Found on nearly every taverna menu for 8-12 EUR. The island's fava (yellow split pea puree) is the other must-try local dish.
Eat fresh seafood at a caldera-view restaurant
Caldera-facing restaurants in Fira and Oia charge a premium (expect 30-50 EUR per person) but the views justify it for one special meal. For better value with the same quality seafood, eat in Perivolos, Kamari, or the villages inland. Grilled octopus and fresh catch of the day are staples.
Visit a traditional taverna in Pyrgos village
Pyrgos is Santorini's highest village with a Venetian castle ruin at the summit and traditional tavernas on the slopes. Less touristy than Fira or Oia. The village has a more authentic island atmosphere with local families dining alongside visitors. Climb to the castle ruin for 360-degree views.
History and Culture
Explore the Akrotiri archaeological site
A Bronze Age Minoan city preserved under volcanic ash since the eruption of 1600 BC (often compared to Pompeii but 1,500 years older). Multi-story buildings, frescoes, and drainage systems show an advanced civilization. Covered by a modern roof structure. Entry about 12 EUR. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Visit Ancient Thera on Mesa Vouno
Ruins of a Hellenistic and Roman city on a mountain ridge between Kamari and Perissa. The access road is a steep, winding drive (or a 1-hour hike from Kamari). The ruins include temples, an agora, and a theater with views of both coasts. Free entry. Bring water and sun protection.
Explore Emporio village
A fortified medieval village in the south of the island with a maze of streets designed to confuse pirates. The village is lived-in and largely untouristy, with narrow passages, hidden chapels, and a central castle tower. One of the most authentic experiences on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Santorini?
3-4 days covers Oia, the caldera hike, beaches, a wine tasting, and Akrotiri. With 5 days, add a boat trip to the volcano, more beach time, and unhurried village exploration. Day trips from Athens are possible (by ferry or flight) but too rushed to appreciate the island.
When is the best time to visit Santorini?
May-June and September-October have warm weather (25-30C), swimmable seas, and manageable crowds. July-August is peak season with packed villages, highest prices, and 35C+ heat. April and late October are shoulder months with good weather but some restaurants and hotels closed. Winter (November-March) is quiet, with many businesses shuttered.
Is Santorini worth the hype?
The caldera views and Oia at sunset genuinely live up to the photos. The volcanic landscape, wine, and Akrotiri ruins add depth beyond Instagram scenery. The downsides: extreme summer crowds, high prices (Santorini is Greece's most expensive island), and pebble/volcanic beaches rather than white sand. Visit in shoulder season to get the best experience.
How do you get to Santorini from Athens?
Two options: ferry (5-8 hours on a regular ferry for about 40 EUR, or 2-2.5 hours on a high-speed ferry for 60-80 EUR) or a 45-minute flight (50-150 EUR depending on season). Ferries depart from Piraeus port. In peak season, book ferry tickets and flights at least 2 weeks ahead.