25 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

Headed to Santorini? Here are 25 of the best things to do in Santorini, Greece to make the most of your time on this beautiful island.

A trip to Santorini is a dream come true. You’ll find delicious Mediterranean food, idyllic white washed buildings with stunning blue domes, and some of the prettiest sunsets in the world. In addition to being a feast for your tastebuds, you’ll find many ways to relax, explore, and adventure around the island. Plan your trip with these awesome Santorini activities.

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Free Things to Do in Santorini

If you’re traveling Santorini on a budget, you’re in luck. While the island may not be a budget travel destination, there are a lot of free activities to explore on the island. Let’s take a look at free things to do in Santorini to help save your hard earned money for some of that delicious food you’re going to soon be eating!

1. Be Awed by Sunset in Oia

No trip to Santorini is complete without catching sunset in Oia, at least one, two, or three times! I highly recommend you get there early to find a prime sunset location. From there, you’ll get to watch the gorgeous glowing orange ball drop lower and lower in the sky just before it disappears into the ocean. It is a can’t miss experience in Santorini.

However, if you are visiting Santorini in peak season and get to Oia late, you will not be able to find somewhere to sit for sunset. In fact, only one night, when we got there early, were we able to get a great seat for the sunset. It just so happened that this seat was up on a tall doorway that was about two feet thick – don’t fall! Fortunately our balance did not fail us and the sunset was as beautiful as expected.

No matter how you navigate it, watching sunset in Santorini is one of the most famous things to do on this Greek isle.

2. Get Lost in the Picturesque Alleys of Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos

The streets of many of the villages in Santorini are a perfect place to spend an afternoon. They are narrow and winding creating the perfect storm for getting turned around, but with everything as picturesque as it is, who cares!

Spend the afternoons lost in the beauty of the island and its villages. You’ll find hidden boutiques, tasty restaurants featuring happy hour specials, and endless photo ops. Meandering through the villages is one of the best ways to explore Santorini and really get to know the island.

3. Hike from Fira to Oia

One of the most popular hikes in Santorini is the 11km trail from Fira to Oia (or Oia to Fira if you reverse it). In this 2 – 3 hour hike, you’ll be rewarded with excellent views and the opportunity to cross through a few of the most stunning Greek villages.

Before setting out to hike Fira to Oia, remember to pack plenty of water and sunscreen as you won’t find much shade along the way!

4. See the Views from Akrotiri Lighthouse

The Akrotiri Lighthouse is located at the southern tip of Santorini. While the lighthouse is not very impressive on its own, the views in all directions are amazing! This is what makes it one of the best things to do in Santorini.

Head out to the Akrotiri Lighthouse to spend some time relaxing and taking in the view. Or, consider taking a bottle of wine and enjoying stunning sunset views.

5. Cool Down at the Lioyerma Public Swimming Pool

If you’re visiting Santorini in summer, you’ll find relentless heat and a need to escape it. To beat the heat, swim at the beaches, stay in a hotel with a pool, or head to the Lioyerma public pool in Oia near the famous (and hard to miss) windmill.

While it is free to enter the Lioyerma swimming pool, you are expected to purchase food or drink while you are there.

6. Swim at Red Sand Beach

Santorini’s Red Sand Beach is stunning with its bright red sand and the surrounding red cliffs above. You’ll also find that the water here is quite amazing and perfect for a swim. Spend an hour or spend the day here. It’s a great place to stop by and relax – not to mention not everyone has seen a red sand beach before!

7. Cliff Jump in Ammoudi Bay

One of the more adventurous activities in Santorini is cliff jumping. The best place to do this is Ammoudi Bay. To find the right spot to safely do this, head down the 350 steps from Oia to the port of Ammoudi Bay.

This tiny village offers a small walkway along the cliff-side that will wind you between some rocks and to a small sandy platform. From here, you can take a swim, or you can climb the tall rock right across the way and jump into the clear blue waters below.

8. Relax on a Black Sand Beach in Perissa

There are many beautiful black sand beaches in Santorini, but Perissa would rank near the top of them. It offers 7km of beachfront with plenty of beach bars, lounge chairs, restaurants, and more.

Whether you stay for an hour or use one of the many hotels in Perissa as your home base, your time in Perissa will be memorable. Grab a lounge chair and order some drinks while enjoying these beautiful Santorini views.

9. Make the Trek to Profitis Ilias, the Highest Point on the Island

Whether it’s to watch the sunset or to simply take in the amazing views, visiting the highest point on Santorini is a must do. Unfortunately, you’ll need a car or to rent an ATV to get there. At the top, you’ll find Profitis Ilias Monastery.

From the Profitis Ilias Monastery you can see most of the island. This unique view is one of the best views in Santorini as you can’t find it anywhere else!

10. Hike Up Skaros Rock

Skaros Rock sits out a bit from the mainland and used to be a fortress. While now it just looks like a rock, hiking up it will provide you great views of Imerovigli. It’s an easy hike that starts in Imerovigli, goes past Agios Georgios Chapel, and ends with 300 stairs up Skaros Rock.

If you are really into hiking, this is the second best hike in Santorini after the trek from Fira to Oia. If you only have time for one – go for the one from Fira to Oia.

11. Check Out the Nightlife in Fira

While Santorini is not renowned for their nightlife like Mykonos, they do have a number of bars and clubs in town. Most bars are free to enter, just buy a drink or two and make a night of it! If you’re young and fun, plan for a night or two out on the town. You’ll have a blast, and it may be one of your favorite Santorini experiences.

Other Amazing Things to Do in Santorini

As your budget and interests permit, sprinkle in some of these other top things to do in Santorini. They range from just a few euros to some expensive, once-in-a-lifetime activities. Just remember you are on vacation and splurge on the experiences you care most about – whether that’s one of these Santorini activities, a luxury hotel or fancy meals.

12. Go Wine Tasting at Santo Winery

Santorini is well known for its wine. The volcanic soil makes the grapes extra flavorful and the wine truly unique. Stop by Santo Winery for wine tasting on Santorini and fantastic views. Their flights start right around 30 euros, or if you really want to treat yourself, reserve a table during sunset. Besides, are you even on vacation if you don’t drink all the wine??

Don’t want to drive yourself? Take a wine tour of Santorini. Here are some of the most popular options.

13. Try the Local Donkey Beer

The island doesn’t only make wine, you’ll also find a brewery on Santorini! Donkey Brewery is located on the main road between Fira and Kamari and offers a wide selection of beer. Try the Donkeys and even the Lazy Ass beers. It’s a great way to support local while enjoying a few drinks.

14. Stop by Art Space Winery & Gallery

This family owned winery features not just tasty wine, but also art from around the world. You’ll be able to take a tour with the owner, followed by wine tasting at Art Space Winery and Gallery. It’s a unique opportunity and great for a romantic Santorini outing.

15. Seek Out Eros Beach and Theros Wave Beach Bar

One of the best kept secrets of Santorini, Theros Wave Beach Bar is located on the secluded Eros Beach. Here you’ll find some lounge chairs for rent along a white rock beach as well as Theros Wave Beach Bar for some food, snacks, or drinks. To get there, just follow signs to Vlychada Beach and turn right at the sign for Eros Beach.

16. Visit the Ancient Thera Ruins

The historic ruins of Ancient Thera are an interesting piece of Santorini history. You can get there on foot by hiking about an hour up from the main parking lot of Kamari, or you can drive to the top. It will cost you just 5 euros to explore these ancient ruins.

17. See More Ancient Ruins at Ancient Akrotiri

Visit the prehistoric city of Akrotiri on Santorini. It’s a well preserved remnant of the Bronze Age that was covered in ash in 1500 BC. Once the home of 30,000 people, this site offers remnants of 4,000 year old buildings and lots of unique and well preserved artwork.

Some people claim Akrotiri is the inspiration for the lost city of Atlantis. Visiting it will only cost you 12 euros and is an awesome way to learn about the history of Santorini.

18. Try Kite Surfing at Monolithos Beach

On most Greek Isles you’ll find a decent wind. Take advantage of it by trying your hand at kite surfing, surfing, SUP, and more on Monolithos Beach. There’s the option of taking lessons or renting gear and having a go yourself. Find the latest prices on the Santorini Kite website.

19. Take in a Movie at the Kamari Open Air Cinema

Visit the open air cinema in Kamari for a unique Santorini experience. Movies are shown in English with Greek subtitles. The doors open at 8:30pm and the movie starts at 9:30pm. Find the latest movie schedule on the cinema’s website. Entrance is only 8 euros.

20. Rent an ATV to Explore Santorini

Be adventurous and travel around Santorini by quad bike or ATV. You’ll have the freedom to stop anywhere you’d like, while also enjoying the thrill of the ride as you wind up and down the narrow roads across the island. If you want a unique way to explore Santorini – this is it!

21. Take a Sunset Cruise

Sunset cruises are one of the most typical adventures travelers will find in Santorini. This is because of how beautiful the sunsets in Santorini are. Whether you’re looking for a sailboat or a catamaran, there are lots of options available. It also comes in as one of the most romantic things to do in Santorini.

Here are some amazing sunset cruises in Santorini to try:

22. Ride a Horse in the Surf

Start your horseback riding adventure at Caldera Beach then get fantastic views of the canyons of Vlichada, and continue on to Eros Beach, all on horse back. This is a once-in-a-lifetime type of adventure in Santorini. Check the availability now.

23. Go on a Kayaking Adventure

Another awesome way to see Santorini is to kayak around the beautiful island. You’ll start at Mesa Pigadia and kayak around the coastline admiring beautiful rock formations and cave houses built into the cliffs. You’ll also pass black sand beaches, White Beach, and visit Red Sand Beach. Check the availability now.

24. Stay in a Windmill

Take the Greek experience one step further and stay in a windmill! The Windmill Villas in Imerovigli offer luxury windmills with a private pool and a panoramic view. This amazing windmill hotel on Santorini fills up early, so make sure to book early if you want to stay in this unique accommodation. Check their availability now.

25. Sail to Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni

Sail through Santorini’s caldera region to nearby islands. Not only will you have the opportunity to explore additional Greek Islands , but you’ll hike around volcanoes, swim in hot springs, and wander through traditional villages. Check the availability now.

Planning a Trip to Greece?

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, there are a lot of details to work out. Now that you know the top things to do in Santorini, let’s take a look at some other resources that can help in your planning.

• Where to Stay in Santorini: Oia, Fira, Imerovigli or Perissa?
• Santorini vs. Mykonos: Which Greek Island Is Actually Worth It?
• One Week in Greece: The Best 7-Day Itinerary for First-Timers
• One Day in Athens: The Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary
• What is Mykonos Really Like? Guide for First-Timers Who aren’t Sure
• 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Oia, Santorini: Where to Stay
• 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Santorini: Travel Guide for First Timers
• 25 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece
• 16 Money Saving Tips for Santorini: Visiting Santorini on a Budget
• 6 Best Day Trips from Athens, Greece: Ruins, Islands, History, & More!

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