A guide to things to do in Santorini

Soak in the views

One of the first things that might come to mind when thinking of Santorini is the famous blue domes and picture perfect views – so of course, soaking up the views from every angle possible is a must.

Head out on a boat trip and gaze back to the dramatic natural landscape, jagged cliff edges, and hidden treasures of the island. Snap the most post-card worthy pictures, enjoy a sun set, or race across the waves at speed, either way, it’s a must.

There’s also a tonne of hiking trails allowing you to venture to the perfect viewpoints. In particular, the 10 km trail from Fira to Oia is thought to be one of the best, and with good reason. as well as having a gorgeous view across the ocean the entire time, you’ll pass by several famous historic sights and charming villages until you reach the picturesque Oia, where you can then enjoy the rest of your day.

Visit Ancient Thera

The archaeological site of Ancient Thera is another must-see. it’s one of the most important historic sights across Greece showing what was once a a great ancient civilisation. These ruins are located on a rocky headland at the top of Mount Mesa Vouno, 369 metres high. They date back to the Hellenistic era when King Thera settled here and built his town – hence the name Thera! It’s thought that Thera was the relgiious and cultural centre of Santorini as many cemeteries, theatres, market and Christian Churches were found in the years later.

Due to its height, Ancient Thera also offers a seriously great vantage point for views across the Aegean Sea.

Soak up Santorini's history

Being an island with such historic significance, there’s plenty of museums to learn all about it and let you step back in time to soak it all in.

At the heart of Thira is its Archaeological Museum, and it’s here you can expect to enjoy a real delve into the city’s past, as well as Santorini as a whole. Sculptures and scripts dating back to the Roman era, and even beyond, make up many of the exhibits here, as well as marble figurines and pottery dating back to the Hellenistic era.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is another great pick since its doors opened in 2000. The display here is from a series of excavations across the island, including the settlements of Akrioti and Potamos, dating all the way back to the Minoan Bronze Age.

Bathe in volcanic hot springs

A great way to spend time together on holiday in Santorini is at the volcanic hot springs. Nea Kameni was formed after several volcanic eruptions around 1570, and in the centre is where you’ll find the hot springs. Due to the magma that lies beneath the surface of the island, the water heats up and can reach up to 35℃ making it the perfect place to take a dip.

The hot springs are rich in minerals like iron, sulfur and manganese which are thought to have many therapeutic benefits and healing properties. From healing eczema and other skin conditions, to reducing stress levels, surely it’s worth a trip?

It’s super simple to hop on a boat ride across to enjoy – it’s just a ten minute journey from the port in Thira.

Explore Akrotiri

One of the most well-known and important archaeological sites in Santorini is Akrotiri. This indoor archaeological site is known as the Greek Pompeii – it was once a significant Minoan city and after being covered in ash after a huge volcanic explosion tens of thousands of years ago, it’s preservation has been immaculate. There’s walkways that enable tourists to venture through the excavated sections making it like a living museum. It’s seriously impressive and allows you to really appreciate a very important part of Greek history.

The standard entrance fee is 12 Euros, but between November and March, it’s half the price, and children are eligible for free entry.

Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum

The Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum located in Vothonas is a great place to visit to mix up your holiday itinerary. Built in a natural cave 8 metres under the ground and 300 metres long, it’s one of the most unique places in the world.

Developed and ran by the Koutsogiannopoulos family you can find out everything there is to know about wine in Santorini and its history. With a wine museum giving you a glimpse into the life of a wine maker through historical exhibits, and of course plenty of wine tasting, it makes a great day out for the two of you to have some fun and learn something new.

Hit the beach

One of the best things to do in Santorini – and a way to keep the budget in check – is to hit the beaches! Check out the one-of-a-kind volcanic beaches, where the coastlines aren’t the usual white-sand-and-blue-water affairs, instead you’ll find vibrant red sands and towering cliffs. Some of the beaches require a short hike to get to, but once you reach the coastline you won’t be disappointed.

Red Beach is one of the most stunning beaches on the island and gets its name from the sand’s unique dark-red tinge and its surrounding steep red cliffs. This beach is just a 20-minute drive from Thira, and only a short walk away from the famous Akrotiri archaeological site. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent, and there’s a beach cantina for when hunger strikes.

Appreciate the famous architecture

The Church of Panagia Episkopi is a popular tourist spot and history-lovers will be enthralled as they walk through the church founded by the Byzantine Emperor in the 11th century. This church has survived invasions by the Venetians, French, Russians and Turks – but it was defeated by an earthquake in 1956. It’s now been restored to its full glory, complete with beautiful Byzantine paintings and icons.

Showcasing Cycladian architecture at its finest, with broad arches and proud domes, together with vibrant white walls that always look as clean as the day they were built, it’s a seriously impressive site letting you admire the incredible architecture of historic Santorini.

If you happen to be on holiday in Santorini around the 15th August, you;re in luck! This is the day you can witness the church’s feast-day and islanders gathering for traditional food and dancing.