If you’re looking for the best things to do in Santorini, there’s much more to explore than the famous blue-domed churches and whitewashed buildings overlooking the caldera.
And yes, Santorini really IS that beautiful! But after spending six days exploring the island, I can tell you there’s so much more to do than photograph the famous blue domes in Oia.
We explored traditional villages, ancient ruins, volcanic beaches, and some incredible restaurants. We also rented our own boat, which turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.
We stayed at Radisson Blu Zaffron in Kamari for five nights and rented a car, giving us the freedom to explore different parts of the island.
Here are all the places and experiences to consider, including what we loved, what surprised us, and a few things I’d do differently.
For help organizing your trip, my The Perfect 5 Days in Santorini Greece: A Complete Itinerary covers our full day-by-day plan.
Let’s start with the obvious one. Oia is absolutely worth visiting on your first trip to Santorini.
Yes, it’s crowded. But you’ll find the famous blue-domed churches, Oia Castle, windmills, Kastro Oia Houses, beautiful pedestrian streets, little galleries, and some of the most recognizable views in Greece.
WENDY’S TIP: Arrive early and make the blue domes your first stop. The popular viewpoints get increasingly busy throughout the morning, and some have long lines.
We spent several hours exploring Oia, and I actually enjoyed the little streets and galleries more than some of the “famous” stops. I’d still recommend get the iconic pictures, but I wouldn’t spend too much time waiting at every famous photography location.
If photography is a priority, my Best Photo Spots in Oia Santorini: Exact Locations and Tips guide has the specific locations to help you plan your route, and some hidden gems.
Fira is Santorini’s capital and one of the busiest towns on the island. It’s more commercial than the smaller villages, with plenty of restaurants, shops, churches, and viewpoints overlooking the caldera.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a caldera is a large volcanic depression formed after a major eruption. In Santorini, it’s now largely filled with seawater, creating the dramatic cliffs and views the island is famous for.
Fira is also Santorini’s main public bus hub, making it convenient if you’re exploring without a rental car.
We spent a few hours wandering through town. Personally, I preferred nearby Firostefani and Imerovigli for the atmosphere, but Fira is still a great place to explore, grab a meal, and do some shopping.
Firostefani is just north of Fira, approximately a 10–15-minute walk along the caldera path. It feels noticeably calmer than Fira, but you still get whitewashed buildings, restaurants, churches, and those huge caldera views.
The main attraction is the Three Bells of Fira, officially part of the Catholic Church of the Dormition.
If you want that famous photograph of the blue dome, three bells, and caldera, make sure you find the elevated viewpoint ABOVE the church. Standing directly in front of the building won’t give you the same view.
Firostefani is easy to combine with Fira and Imerovigli, so you don’t need to dedicate a separate outing to it.
If I had to choose one of my favorite areas in Santorini, Imerovigli would be VERY high on the list.
The views are incredible, especially around Skaros Rock and Anastasi Church. You’re surrounded by whitewashed buildings overlooking the caldera, but the atmosphere feels considerably quieter than Oia.
I also loved this area around sunset. You can find beautiful viewpoints without joining the crowds gathering at Oia Castle. If you’re deciding where to stay in Santorini and want those famous caldera views in a calmer setting, I’d seriously consider Imerovigli.
Pyrgos was such a pleasant surprise in Santorini.
It’s a traditional hilltop village filled with winding cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, churches, little restaurants, and panoramic viewpoints. The historic center climbs toward Kasteli, the old fortified settlement.
Rather than following a strict route, we explored whichever little streets looked interesting, stopped for pictures, and enjoyed discovering the village.
We also ate at Occasus Solis, where we shared tzatziki, feta loukoumas, and a Santorinian salad.
I’d allow approximately 1–1.5 hours to explore Pyrgos, longer if you plan to eat. If you’re interested in traditional Greek villages, I’d absolutely include it.
Megalochori ended up being one of my favorite villages in Santorini. I loved its quaint little streets, traditional whitewashed buildings, and beautiful six-bell tower. It also felt much easier to explore than Pyrgos because the village isn’t built entirely on a steep hillside.
The little village square is especially cute, with traditional tavernas and outdoor seating surrounded by charming old buildings. We spent time wandering through the narrow streets, and one of my favorite photos was taken along a random little alley.
Another bonus is that the Heart of Santorini, a natural heart-shaped opening in the volcanic rock overlooking the caldera, is just a short drive away. I’ll share more about that spot below.
You can explore Megalochori in about 1–1.5 hours, although we spent closer to four hours exploring the surrounding area. I really enjoyed Pyrgos too, but if I had to choose between the two, Megalochori would be my pick.
This was one of the most memorable things we did in Greece. We rented a small boat from Santorini SeaBreeze at Vlychada Marina and explored the southern coastline without needing a boating license.
We stopped at Red Beach, White Beach, and several other spots along the way. I loved being able to explore at our own pace, swim wherever we wanted, and even SWIM to our lunch reservation at Cave of Nikolas. Ha!
If you enjoy a little adventure and want the freedom to explore without a group, I LOVED this experience.
My How to Rent a Boat in Santorini: Everything You Need to Know guide covers the rental process, costs, route, and everything I’d recommend knowing before booking.
We also did a catamaran cruise, which gave us a completely different experience on the water.
Instead of navigating ourselves, we could relax while the crew handled everything. Our route included the volcanic hot springs, Thirassia, and views near Ammoudi.
One important thing to note is that not every Santorini boat tour follows the same route. Some cruises focus on the southern beaches, while others explore the caldera and volcanic islands. Swimming stops, meals, and cruise lengths also vary, so check the itinerary carefully before booking.
If I had to choose between the two experiences, I’d pick the self-drive boat for adventure and flexibility and the catamaran for a relaxing day where someone else does the work.
We enjoyed both, but you certainly don’t need to book two different boat excursions.
Ammoudi Bay sits directly beneath Oia’s cliffs, with red volcanic rock, fishing boats, blue water, and waterfront restaurants. You can see the bay beautifully from around Oia Castle or walk down the long staircase from the village.
Just remember that going down those stairs is MUCH more appealing than coming back up them. 😆 There are roughly 200–300 steps, depending on where you’re counting from, and the climb back can be challenging in the heat.
I wouldn’t squeeze Ammoudi into a rushed Oia visit, but if you have several hours and want to spend time down by the water, it’s a fun addition.
Santorini isn’t really a soft-white-sand beach destination. Instead, you’ll find black pebbles, volcanic cliffs, and some pretty unusual coastal landscapes.
And that’s exactly what makes the beaches interesting.
We stayed in Kamari, and I LOOOOOVED this area. Kamari has a long black-pebble beach, pedestrian promenade, restaurants, shopping, and a much more relaxed atmosphere than Oia or Fira.
It was especially convenient being able to return to the area after a day of sightseeing and walk to dinner or spend some time along the beach.
TRAVEL PRODUCT: I’d definitely recommend bringing water shoes to Kamari Beach. Those black pebbles are not particularly concerned about your comfort, and they can get REALLY hot in the sun. Ha!
Perissa and Perivolos are other good options if you want a longer beach day. Both have black volcanic sand, restaurants, beach clubs, and organized sections with loungers and umbrellas.
Perissa is located near the base of Mesa Vouno, while Perivolos continues farther along the same coastline.
If you’re already spending plenty of time in Kamari, I don’t think you NEED to visit all three beaches. Unless beach hopping is your thing.
Red Beach is one of Santorini’s most recognizable beaches, and it’s easy to see why! The enormous red volcanic cliffs against the turquoise water make it look completely different from the other beaches on the island.
We saw it during our self-drive boat day, and I loved seeing those dramatic cliffs from the water. You can also visit the Red Beach area by car and walk to viewpoints overlooking the coastline. Whether you’re exploring by land or sea, it’s definitely a sight I’d include in your Santorini itinerary.
White Beach was my favorite of the smaller beaches we reached during our boat day. And despite the name… It isn’t white sand. Instead, you’ll find pale volcanic cliffs surrounding darker pebbles and beautifully clear water.
White Beach is only accessed by boat, making it a natural stop if you’re exploring the southern coastline. We also visited Black Beach near Mesa Pigadia, which has its own dramatic volcanic scenery.
I’d include both as part of a boat excursion rather than planning separate road trips to each location.
I’m not really a history person, so I wasn’t expecting Ancient Thera to be one of my favorite stops in Santorini. But WOW, those views!
The ruins sit high on Mesa Vouno, overlooking Kamari, the coastline, and the Aegean Sea. I enjoyed exploring the remains of the ancient city, but honestly, the panoramic views alone made the visit worthwhile for me.
And getting up there is an adventure of its own. Ha!
For everything you need to know about visiting, including the drive, parking, and what to expect, check out my Ancient Thera Santorini: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit guide.
If you enjoy ancient history, you may also want to visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site.
The prehistoric settlement was buried beneath volcanic material following Santorini’s ancient eruption. Excavations have revealed buildings, streets, and other remains that offer a look at life on the island thousands of years ago.
Much of the archaeological site is protected beneath a large roof, making it a different sightseeing experience from Ancient Thera.
We didn’t personally visit Akrotiri, so I can’t give you a firsthand review. But if archaeology is one of your main interests, this is an attraction I’d research alongside Ancient Thera.
Akrotiri Lighthouse sits near the southwestern tip of Santorini, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and beautiful views of the Aegean Sea.
We saw it from the water during our self-drive boat day, but I can only imagine how incredible the views would be from the lighthouse itself! It would also be a fantastic spot to watch the sunset, especially if you’re looking for an alternative to the crowds in Oia.
If you’re exploring southern Santorini, I’d definitely add this stop to your itinerary.
The Heart of Santorini is a unique little photo spot near Megalochori. It’s a natural opening in the volcanic rock overlooking the caldera that’s supposedly shaped like a heart. Although, I’ll admit, you REALLY have to use your imagination to see the heart. Ha!
Regardless of the shape, I loved finding a unique photo spot overlooking the ocean. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the nearby parking area, with some stairs leading down to the viewpoint. There’s also a cute little whitewashed church, Agios Nikolaos, tucked into the cliffs just below it. Don’t miss that while you’re there!
Walking along the caldera between these three villages was one of my favorite easy ways to explore Santorini.
We actually walked the route in reverse: Imerovigli → Firostefani → Fira
Along the way, you’ll pass Skaros Rock viewpoints, blue-domed churches, the Three Bells of Fira, whitewashed buildings, and plenty of places to photograph the caldera.
The walk is approximately 3 kilometers (about 2 miles), depending on your starting and ending points. It’s manageable for most reasonably active visitors, but there are stairs, slopes, and uneven sections.
Oia Castle is one of the most famous places to watch the sunset in Santorini, and I definitely think it’s worth experiencing! Just know that the crowds can be intense, and it’s not your only option. There are plenty of other incredible sunset spots around the island where you won’t have to fight for six inches of wall.
During our trip, we watched the sunset from several different locations, including Kamari, the water near Vlychada, and a cliffside restaurant in Oia.
My two favorites were our boat experience and dinner at Lycabettus. Watching the sun go down from the water was completely different from seeing it over the caldera, and both were memorable.
Santorini is famous for Assyrtiko wine and its unusual vineyards.
Because of the island’s strong winds and dry conditions, grapevines are traditionally trained close to the ground in basket-like formations called kouloura. This helps protect the grapes from the weather.
Several wineries offer tastings and opportunities to learn about the island’s winemaking traditions. We didn’t do a winery tasting during our trip, so this isn’t something I can personally review.
But if you enjoy wine, food, or learning about local agriculture, it’s an experience worth considering.
You KNOW food was making this list.
Santorini has several traditional dishes and local ingredients worth trying, particularly if you enjoy Greek food.
A few to look for include:
And ask your waiter what THEY recommend. That’s how we ended up with one of my favorite bites of our entire Greece trip.
If you’re planning where to eat, my Where to Eat in Santorini Greece: Restaurants We Actually Tried guide covers the seven restaurants we visited, what we ordered, and which meals I’d recommend.
You don’t need every meal in Santorini to have an expensive caldera view. But ONE? I’d absolutely consider it.
We had dinner at Lycabettus in Oia, sitting in the Cliff Area overlooking the caldera. The food was excellent, and we really enjoyed the tasting menu. Everything was beautifully presented, and I loved that there were options for someone like me who doesn’t eat seafood.
But the real highlight was the view. Sitting on the edge of the caldera, watching the sunset while enjoying such a wonderful dinner, was easily one of our most memorable evenings in Santorini.
It’s definitely a splurge, but between the food, the setting, and THAT VIEW, I’d absolutely recommend it!
I loved shopping in Oia! One of my favorite finds was Kalimera Oia, a little art gallery filled with beautiful handmade pieces. Locally made, that is my kind of souvenir!
You’ll also find artwork, ceramics, jewelry, and handmade gifts throughout the village. One of the best times to shop in Oia is actually after sunset.
A lot of people leave once the sun goes down, but many shops stay open later. When we visited, plenty were still open into the evening, with many beginning to close around 10:30–11:00 PM. Hours vary depending on the season, but if you’re staying in Oia for dinner or sunset, don’t assume your shopping time is over.
The streets can actually be much nicer once some of those daytime crowds disappear.
We rented a car because we wanted to explore independently, but it’s not necessary for every trip.
Public buses are a budget-friendly option for reaching major destinations, with Fira serving as the main hub. Private drivers are another option if you want to visit multiple locations without navigating or parking.
Walking works well within individual villages and along connected portions of the caldera, although distances and elevation changes can make some routes more demanding than they appear on a map.
If you’re staying primarily in Fira, Firostefani, or Imerovigli, you may find that you don’t need a rental car for your entire visit.
A few things I’d recommend packing:
Santorini absolutely lived up to the hype for me, but not entirely for the reasons I expected.
Before our trip, I was most excited about Oia and the famous caldera views. Those were incredible, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed discovering the quieter villages and parts of the island I hadn’t heard nearly as much about.
If I went back, I wouldn’t change much about our trip. I’d still rent a car, spend time exploring beyond the famous towns, and make room for at least one day on the water.
If you end up booking anything for your trip, using my affiliate links helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. I spend a lot of time researching and writing these guides, so I really appreciate the support.
For help choosing between Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, Kamari, and the other villages, see my Where to Stay in Santorini: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors guide.
You can also compare Santorini hotels on Booking.com or browse hotels on Hotels.com.
If you’re visiting from a cruise ship, my One Day in Santorini From a Cruise Ship: The Best Itinerary explains how I’d organize a shorter visit.
You can also browse Santorini tours and excursions on GetYourGuide.
My Driving in Santorini Greece: Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car guide covers parking, road conditions, and what driving around the island was actually like.
For transportation, you can compare rental car prices with Discover Cars or search flights to Santorini with Skyscanner.
If you’re deciding which beaches to visit, my Best Beaches in Santorini Greece: Red Beach White Beach Kamari and More guide compares the different beach areas and what to expect.
I don’t even like seafood but @sunsethydra surprised me!
The panko-crusted feta with prickly pear chutney and pistachios was one of my favorites, and the Sunset Salad with fresh oranges and homemade orange-ginger dressing was so good. Even the bread and olive oil stood out!
Brad ordered the fresh catch of the day, sea bass, and loved it. And yes, even I enjoyed a bite!
Comment whether or not you’re a big seafood fan! 👇
Taking a day trip from Athens to Hydra? Here are 3 things to know before you book!
Book a high-speed ferry from Piraeus. Our ride took just 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, giving us almost 7 hours to explore.
Check your ferry options. We took Alpha Lines to Hydra and Magic Sea Ferries back. I personally preferred Alpha Lines for its open outdoor deck!
Plan to explore on foot. Hydra is car-free, and the ferry drops you right at the heart of town, making it easy to explore the harbor, shops, and waterfront restaurants as soon as you arrive.
Hydra ended up being one of my favorite days in Greece! Head to the blog for my full ferry guide, booking tips, and everything I wish I’d known before going.
I had less than 7 hours to spend in Hydra, Greece, and here is how I made the most of it.
From waterfront lunch to swimming at two beautiful beaches, this day trip was one of my favorite parts of Greece.
Read my full Hydra itinerary on the blog and save this for your trip!
This is what I mean by lunch with a view. 🇬🇷
Sunset Restaurant on one side, the Aegean Sea on the other.
And even as someone who doesn’t usually go for seafood, this spot in Hydra surprised me. Between the fresh sea bass, panko-crusted feta, and waterfront setting, it was a meal worth remembering.
Save this for your next trip to Greece!
Flying out of Frankfurt at the crack of dawn? Stay at the airport, not in the city!
The Hilton Frankfurt Airport is connected to Terminal 1 and the long-distance train station, so the walk to your gate takes a few minutes and no taxi. The rooms are soundproofed so well you barely hear the planes, some have runway views, there’s a sauna, and the bread and butter at Rise are dangerously good. It costs more than hotels farther out. On a budget, the Hilton Garden Inn next door gets you the same walk for less.
Save this for your next Frankfurt layover ✈️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
