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For many visitors, visiting Santorini stands out as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This crescent-shaped island is not just known for its whitewashed buildings but also the rust-hue volcanic caldera, especially when covered with the golden light of the sunset. The island is not just beautiful but also magical and enchanting. You will find pebbled beaches and cobblestone village streets along with some warm and friendly locals. However, if you’re looking for a unique experience, there are some great things to do in Santorini, which will let you make memories and also make your stay comfortable and satisfying.
Top 10 Things To Do In Santorini
Santorini certainly stands out as one of the leading holiday spots worldwide. If you’re visiting this place to take part in some unique activities, this island has many things to do.
1. Witness The Stunning Sunset From Oia
You might have witnessed countless sunsets, but the one you will see at Santorini will be a lot more magical. Here, on this island, the best spot to watch the sunset is from the Oia castle, as it will offer you a surreal experience. The view of the whitewashed structures and windmills that silently sit on the caldera’s edge and the evening sky, painted with pastel hues, makes this 15th-century castle appear heavenly. The sunset, on the other hand, looks glorious. You can also get the best views of the sunset once you ascend to the “panoramic viewpoint” located in the Oia castle.
Location: Oia Village
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
2. Visit The Amoudi Bay
Photo: Gotta Be Worth It / Pexels
Among all the other things, visiting Amoudi Bay is one of the best things to do in Santorini, and it’s located just 300 steps away from Oia. This bay is enveloped with red cliffs along with whitewashed buildings. At this bay, you will encounter many quiet tavernas that serve some of the freshest catches of the day. You can also go for a swim and since the beach is pretty rocky, be sure to wear proper shoes. Cliff jumping at Amoudi Bay is a popular activity, which you must take if you want to capture the world’s prettiest view.
Location: Below Oia Village
Timings: 24*7
3. Learn About The Ancient Akrotiri
Photo: Manousos Kampanellis / Pexels
This archaeological location was discovered way back during the late 1860s, but the buildings date back way earlier than the 17th century BC. This used to be a Minoan outpost, and the Greek Ministry of Culture has claimed this site to be a crucial prehistoric settlement in the Aegean Sea. The city used to be a thriving town and was destroyed due to a volcanic eruption. The people who resided here called Akrotiri, an ancient settlement from the Cycladic Bronze Age. When you visit this site, you will find ruins that are 3,500 years old, and the site is well preserved.
Location: Akrotiri Village
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
4. Discover The Out Ancient Thera
Located at the right top of Mesa Vouna sits Ancient Thera, which is another archaeological splendour that you must check out. The place was first settled by the ancient Greeks, known as Dorians, back in the 9th century and consists of ruins from the Hellenistic era, the ancient empire of Alexander the Great, as well as from the Byzantine and Roman eras. When you walk around the area, you will see the remains of ancient religious sites, a gym for military trainees, an old administrative building, and even a theatre. Some informational plaques will offer you insights into the area and its proud past.
Location: Mesa Vouna
Timings: 24 Hours
5. Inhale The Beauty Of The Village Of Pyrgos
Photo: Stéphane Tendon / Pexels
When it comes to some unique things to see in Santorini, head to the village of Pyrgos. This peaceful village is inhabited by the Greeks, and you will get to see how all the Santorinians lead their day-to-day life. You will find the residents doing grocery shopping, hear the church bells summoning all the families for Sunday masses, and watch small children run to school. While you’re in Pyrgos, don’t forget to visit Kasteli, which is one of the five well-preserved Venetian castles. Also, check out the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Margin.
Location: Pyrgos Village
Timings: 24*7
6. Explore The Inland Villages
Photo: AXP Photography / Pexels
Apart from the cliffside places located in Fira and Oia, Santorini has many other spots that are worth checking out. You should go inland and get to soak in all the villages of the island. About 20 villages are located across Santorini, and each of them has its own set of allure and personality. You might not encounter many big attractions, but if you like off-beat pathways and peaceful settings, these inland villages are perfect for you. Emporio stands out as the biggest and most loved inland village among the visitors.
Location: Inland Villages, such as Emporio, Megalochori, Vothonas, etc
Timings: 24*7
7. Pay A Visit To The Monastery Of Prophet Elias
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Although the island does not lack churches, the Monastery of Prophet Elias stands out the most. Situated in the southeastern section near Pyrgos, this monastery sits majestically on Mount Profitis Ilias, which is the highest point on this crescent-shaped island. Constructed during the 18th century, this monastery stands out as a primary illustration of the Cycladic Christian architecture, and you will find monks residing there. Apart from that, you will also find the St. Nektarios Chapel, which you can visit and also get to take in the stunning views of the lowland villages and the shimmering Aegean Sea.
Location: Mount Profitis Ilias (Pyrgos)
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
8. Learn About The Past At The Museum Of Prehistoric Thera
Photo: Norbert Nagel / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is an ideal way to complete your exploration of the ruins of the ancient cities of Santorini. This small museum consists of various archaeological gems that were uncovered during the excavation of the Ancient Akrotiri. You will also find many ancient pieces that go back several thousand years and encounter pottery that was created in 3000 BC. The museum has many things that will let you peek into the human life on the Greek Island, which makes it the best place to gain more insight into Santorini’s past in detail.
Location: Fira Town
Timings: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
9. Swim In The Hot Springs In Palea Kameni
Photo: Norbert Nagel / Wikimedia Commons
Found in an uninhabited and small islet of Palea Kameni, the Hot Springs consist of therapeutic warm waters, which are roughly 30 Degrees to 35 Degrees Celsius. The water from the hot springs is pretty soothing, and you can swim here with no hassle. Apart from that, the orange-hued and sulfuric spring water is said to be excellent for the joints and skin. You can easily swim several metres before the water meets the ocean. This is an ideal place for families and you can spend several hours having fun at these hot springs.
Location: Palea Kameni
Timings: 9 AM and 6 PM (timings on boat tours operation to reach the hot springs)
10. Visit Santo Wine
Photo: Wendell Shinn / Unsplash
When you’re thinking about what to do in Santorini, visiting the Santo Wines for some wine tasting is highly recommended. Santo Wines also organises many walking and wine-tasting tours for all its visitors. At this place, Assyrtiko stands out as one of the most dominating grape varieties used in Santorini wines. During the wine tours, you will get the opportunity to taste all the wine made from these grapes. Once the wine tasting comes to an end, you can visit the shop located on the winery premises and purchase your favourite wines before leaving.
Location: Pyrgos Village
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Santorini is not just about beaches and great views as this island has a lot of more things in store. From visiting ancient ruins to tasting the finest wines, there are many unique things to do in Santorini that will make unforgettable memories with your family or buddies. Pack your bags, plan your trip with TripXL, and set out to check out the land that is filled with beauty, history, and magic.
Cover Photo: jimmy teoh / Pexels
