IslandGuideSantorini

What to see in Santorini

The sights mapped out — read through, then jump to any of them on the map.

★ Top sights 10
Imerovigli
1 Imerovigli
Historic site
The ruins of a medieval Venetian fortress on a rock outcrop near Imeroviglia with an impressive view of the caldera.

The ruins of a medieval Venetian fortress on a rock outcrop near Imeroviglia with an impressive view of the caldera.

Pyrgos Village
2 Pyrgos Village
Historic site
The highest village of Santorini with a Byzantine fortress, traditional streets and views of the whole island.

The highest village of Santorini with a Byzantine fortress, traditional streets and views of the whole island.

Megalochori Village
3 Megalochori Village
Historic site
A small authentic village near Akrotiri, away from the tourist crowds, with a beautiful view of the Red Beach.

A small authentic village near Akrotiri, away from the tourist crowds, with a beautiful view of the Red Beach.

Karterados Village
4 Karterados Village
Historic site
The largest village of inner Santorini with the Byzantine Goulas Tower, a labyrinth of alleys and traditional shops.

The largest village of inner Santorini with the Byzantine Goulas Tower, a labyrinth of alleys and traditional shops.

Exo Gonia – Agios Charalampos
5 Exo Gonia – Agios Charalampos
Historic site
A traditional white church with an impressive view of the southern part of the island and a beautiful iconostasis. Authentic setting.

A traditional white church with an impressive view of the southern part of the island and a beautiful iconostasis. Authentic setting.

Vothonas – skalní domy
6 Vothonas – skalní domy
Historic site
A village carved into the volcanic tuff with underground houses and greenhouses. Unique architecture, far from tourists.

A village carved into the volcanic tuff with underground houses and greenhouses. Unique architecture, far from tourists.

Kamari
7 Kamari
Historic site
The submerged ruins of the ancient port of Ancient Thera right under the mountains. Visible when snorkelling in low water.

The submerged ruins of the ancient port of Ancient Thera right under the mountains. Visible when snorkelling in low water.

Mesa Gonia – Episkopi Gonias
8 Mesa Gonia – Episkopi Gonias
Historic site
Byzantine church from the 11th century with the oldest preserved frescoes on Santorini. Hidden in the inner village.

Byzantine church from the 11th century with the oldest preserved frescoes on Santorini. Hidden in the inner village.

Agios Minas
9 Agios Minas
Historic site
An abandoned 18th century monastery complex in the south of the island with magnificent frescoes and views of the volcano.

An abandoned 18th century monastery complex in the south of the island with magnificent frescoes and views of the volcano.

Vlychada Beach
10 Vlychada Beach
Beach
A secluded beach in the south with dramatic white volcanic cliffs eroded by the wind - a lunar landscape. Peace and quiet.

A secluded beach in the south with dramatic white volcanic cliffs eroded by the wind - a lunar landscape. Peace and quiet.

Activities & local 19
Ascent to Profitis Ilias
Activity
Climb to the highest point of Santorini (567 m) to the Byzantine monastery. Panorama of the whole island and neighbouring islands.

Climb to the highest point of Santorini (567 m) to the Byzantine monastery. Panorama of the whole island and neighbouring islands.

Athinios Port
Athinios Port
Activity
One of the island's most prestigious wineries near Pyrgos. Organic Assyrtiko and Vinsanto from old bush vines.

One of the island's most prestigious wineries near Pyrgos. Organic Assyrtiko and Vinsanto from old bush vines.

Caldera Trek Fira–Oia
Activity
Route 10 km along the caldera through Firostefani and Imerovigli to Oia. The most beautiful scenic trek of the island, ideally in the morning.

Route 10 km along the caldera through Firostefani and Imerovigli to Oia. The most beautiful scenic trek of the island, ideally in the morning.

Cape Columbo Beach
Activity
Cooking lessons in Santorini cuisine - fava, tzatziki and tomatokeftedes made from local tomatoes. Includes a visit to the market.

Cooking lessons in Santorini cuisine - fava, tzatziki and tomatokeftedes made from local tomatoes. Includes a visit to the market.

Fira Skala – výchozí bod lodí
Fira Skala – výchozí bod lodí
Activity
The small port of Firou at the foot of the caldera, from where trips to Nea Kameni, Thirassia and the traditional cruise depart.

The small port of Firou at the foot of the caldera, from where trips to Nea Kameni, Thirassia and the traditional cruise depart.

Fira to Oia Cliff Walk
Activity
Traditional donkey ride along the winding 588 steps from Skala harbour to Firou. Alternative to the cable car.

Traditional donkey ride along the winding 588 steps from Skala harbour to Firou. Alternative to the cable car.

Gavalas Winery – Vinsanto
Local producer
Small family winery producing traditional Vinsanto — sweet sun-dried wine aged in oak barrels. Rare Assyrtiko-based dessert wine. Cellar visits.

Small family winery producing traditional Vinsanto — sweet sun-dried wine aged in oak barrels. Rare Assyrtiko-based dessert wine. Cellar visits.

Imerovigli – Caldera walk
Imerovigli – Caldera walk
Activity
Walk along the caldera rim from Fira to Oia (10 km, 3 h) with stunning views of the volcano and the Aegean Sea.

Walk along the caldera rim from Fira to Oia (10 km, 3 h) with stunning views of the volcano and the Aegean Sea.

Koufos Fava – Santorini Yellow Peas
Local producer
Santorini fava PDO — yellow split peas grown in volcanic soil since antiquity. Smooth puree served with olive oil. Direct sale from local producer.

Santorini fava PDO — yellow split peas grown in volcanic soil since antiquity. Smooth puree served with olive oil. Direct sale from local producer.

Mesa Vouno – trek Perissa–Kamari
Mesa Vouno – trek Perissa–Kamari
Activity
A lesser known hiking route via Mesa Vouno to Kamari with a stop at the ancient Thera. View of both beaches.

A lesser known hiking route via Mesa Vouno to Kamari with a stop at the ancient Thera. View of both beaches.

Perissa to Kamari Hike
Activity
Rent a quad bike or buggy to explore the whole island - vineyards, villages, cliffs and coves. A free experience.

Rent a quad bike or buggy to explore the whole island - vineyards, villages, cliffs and coves. A free experience.

Pyrgos–Akrotiri
Activity
Cycling route through vineyards and stone walls from Pyrgos south to Akrotiri and Red Beach. E-bike recommended.

Cycling route through vineyards and stone walls from Pyrgos south to Akrotiri and Red Beach. E-bike recommended.

Santo Wines Cooperative
Local producer
Largest wine cooperative on Santorini. Assyrtiko, Nykteri and Vinsanto wines from volcanic soil. Stunning caldera view terrace. Wine tasting with sunset.

Largest wine cooperative on Santorini. Assyrtiko, Nykteri and Vinsanto wines from volcanic soil. Stunning caldera view terrace. Wine tasting with sunset.

Santo Wines Winery
Activity
Swimming in the warm yellow-green waters of the volcanic springs at the islet of Palea Kameni. Boat trip from Firastefani.

Swimming in the warm yellow-green waters of the volcanic springs at the islet of Palea Kameni. Boat trip from Firastefani.

Sellada Beach
Sellada Beach
Activity
Hike or drive from Perissa to the top of Mesa Vouno to the ancient city. Panoramic drive with views of both coasts.

Hike or drive from Perissa to the top of Mesa Vouno to the ancient city. Panoramic drive with views of both coasts.

Sigalas Winery
Activity
Family-run winery with caldera views and excellent tasting of Santorini's Assyrtiko wines.

Family-run winery with caldera views and excellent tasting of Santorini's Assyrtiko wines.

Sunset Cruise – kaldera
Sunset Cruise – kaldera
Activity
Catamaran trip around the caldera with stops at Nea Kameni, hot springs and sunset views from the sea.

Catamaran trip around the caldera with stops at Nea Kameni, hot springs and sunset views from the sea.

Vinsanto
Activity
Watching the traditional process of Vinsanto production - drying the Assyrtiko grapes in the sun. A seasonal experience in August.

Watching the traditional process of Vinsanto production - drying the Assyrtiko grapes in the sun. A seasonal experience in August.

Volcano Boat Tour
Activity
A winery on the edge of the caldera with the famous Vinsanto and Assyrtiko tasting right above the sea. Sunset + wine.

A winery on the edge of the caldera with the famous Vinsanto and Assyrtiko tasting right above the sea. Sunset + wine.

Beaches & coast 13
Amoudi Bay
Amoudi Bay
Beach
A small harbour below Oia with fishing boats, taverns right by the sea and popular red rock jumps into the sea.

A small harbour below Oia with fishing boats, taverns right by the sea and popular red rock jumps into the sea.

Diving center – Kamari
Snorkel spot
Diving centres at Kamari with excursions to underwater lava formations and the rich marine fauna of the Aegean Sea.

Diving centres at Kamari with excursions to underwater lava formations and the rich marine fauna of the Aegean Sea.

Gialos
Gialos
Beach
A small quiet harbour below Oia with several fishing boats and a good restaurant. Almost no tourists.

A small quiet harbour below Oia with several fishing boats and a good restaurant. Almost no tourists.

Kamari Beach
Kamari Beach
Beach
Santorini's most popular beach with black pebbles, clear water and a promenade with tavernas and bars.

Santorini's most popular beach with black pebbles, clear water and a promenade with tavernas and bars.

Monolithos
Monolithos
Beach
Northeastern beach of the island with dark sand and calm conditions, very few tourists. Great for families.

Northeastern beach of the island with dark sand and calm conditions, very few tourists. Great for families.

Monolithos Beach
Monolithos Beach
Beach
Neighbouring red coast beach with white and grey cliffs, accessible only by boat from Akrotiri port.

Neighbouring red coast beach with white and grey cliffs, accessible only by boat from Akrotiri port.

Paradisos
Beach
Beach adjacent to Perissa with black volcanic sand and beach bars. A quieter alternative to the main Perissa beach.

Beach adjacent to Perissa with black volcanic sand and beach bars. A quieter alternative to the main Perissa beach.

Perissa Beach
Perissa Beach
Beach
A prominent black volcanic beach separated by the Mesa Vouno mountain from Kamari. A large promenade with taverns and beach bars.

A prominent black volcanic beach separated by the Mesa Vouno mountain from Kamari. A large promenade with taverns and beach bars.

Perivolos Beach
Perivolos Beach
Beach
A quieter continuation of the black beach of Perissa with more seating and a view of Akrotiri cape. Less crowded.

A quieter continuation of the black beach of Perissa with more seating and a view of Akrotiri cape. Less crowded.

Red Beach
Red Beach
Beach
Dramatic beach with dark red and black volcanic cliffs and pebbles near the village of Akrotiri. Unique views.

Dramatic beach with dark red and black volcanic cliffs and pebbles near the village of Akrotiri. Unique views.

Snorkeling – Amoudi Bay
Snorkel spot
Jumping off red volcanic reefs and snorkelling in the clear water of the bay below Oia. Fish, octopus and crabs.

Jumping off red volcanic reefs and snorkelling in the clear water of the bay below Oia. Fish, octopus and crabs.

Snorkeling – Perissa
Snorkel spot
Snorkeling on the southern edges of Perissa with underwater rocks, fish and clear water. Equipment rental.

Snorkeling on the southern edges of Perissa with underwater rocks, fish and clear water. Equipment rental.

White Beach
White Beach
Beach
A quiet beach on the north side of the island near Oia with black sand and minimal tourists. A great alternative.

A quiet beach on the north side of the island near Oia with black sand and minimal tourists. A great alternative.

Culture & history 11
Akrotiri
Akrotiri
Historic site
UNESCO. A buried Minoan city uncovered by volcanic ash from 1627 BC. The best preserved prehistoric city in the world.

UNESCO. A buried Minoan city uncovered by volcanic ash from 1627 BC. The best preserved prehistoric city in the world.

Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera
Historic site
Ancient town on the top of the Mesa Vouno (369 m) overlooking both coasts. Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins.

Ancient town on the top of the Mesa Vouno (369 m) overlooking both coasts. Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins.

Fira (Santorini Capital)
Fira (Santorini Capital)
Historic site
The dynamic capital of Santorini on the edge of the caldera overlooking the volcano. Museums, cafes, cable car to the harbor.

The dynamic capital of Santorini on the edge of the caldera overlooking the volcano. Museums, cafes, cable car to the harbor.

Kontochori
Historic site
The quiet neighbouring village of Firostefani with real locals, away from the tourist crowds. Authentic atmosphere.

The quiet neighbouring village of Firostefani with real locals, away from the tourist crowds. Authentic atmosphere.

Messaria
Historic site
Traditional inland village with vineyards and aristocratic residence towers. A true Santorinian setting.

Traditional inland village with vineyards and aristocratic residence towers. A true Santorinian setting.

Museum of Minerals & Fossils
Historic site
A small museum in Oia with an exhibition of volcanic minerals, fossils and stones from the Santorini area. Interesting for children.

A small museum in Oia with an exhibition of volcanic minerals, fossils and stones from the Santorini area. Interesting for children.

Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Historic site
An 18th century Byzantine monastery on the highest peak of Santorini with an icon museum and monastery collection.

An 18th century Byzantine monastery on the highest peak of Santorini with an icon museum and monastery collection.

Oia
Historic site
Santorini Maritime History Museum with model sailing ships, old charts and navigational instruments.

Santorini Maritime History Museum with model sailing ships, old charts and navigational instruments.

Oia Sunset
Historic site
The striking white and blue Orthodox cathedral in Fira with murals and views of the caldera.

The striking white and blue Orthodox cathedral in Fira with murals and views of the caldera.

Oia — Sunset
Oia — Sunset
Historic site
The most photographed sunset in the world from a white village on the northern edge of the caldera. Blue dome, white houses. Arrive 1 hour in advance.

The most photographed sunset in the world from a white village on the northern edge of the caldera. Blue dome, white houses. Arrive 1 hour in advance.

Skaros Rock
Skaros Rock
Historic site
Museum with finds from Akrotiri - unique Minoan frescoes, utensils and gold jewellery. The most important museum on the island.

Museum with finds from Akrotiri - unique Minoan frescoes, utensils and gold jewellery. The most important museum on the island.

Getting there 2
Airport Santorini (JTR)
Airport Santorini (JTR)
Transport
Půjčení auta a letenky · Porovnej ceny od ověřených půjčoven · Vyhledej nejlevnější lety na Santorini

Půjčení auta a letenky · Porovnej ceny od ověřených půjčoven · Vyhledej nejlevnější lety na Santorini

Port of Athinios ⚓
Transport
Trajektový přístav · Spojení s Piraeus, Crete, other Cyclades

Trajektový přístav · Spojení s Piraeus, Crete, other Cyclades

Nature 7
Domaine Sigalas Winery
Domaine Sigalas Winery
Nature
A boat trip to an active volcanic island in the caldera with a crater and fumaroles. View of the entire caldera.

A boat trip to an active volcanic island in the caldera with a crater and fumaroles. View of the entire caldera.

Exo Gonia
Exo Gonia
Nature
An abandoned lighthouse on the southwestern tip of Akrotiri with panoramic views of the caldera and sunset.

An abandoned lighthouse on the southwestern tip of Akrotiri with panoramic views of the caldera and sunset.

Faros Lighthouse
Nature
A dramatic black volcanic promontory in the southwest of the island overlooking Red Beach and the cliffs. Magical atmosphere.

A dramatic black volcanic promontory in the southwest of the island overlooking Red Beach and the cliffs. Magical atmosphere.

Pori Beach
Nature
The best photo angles of Oia on the blue domes and white houses of the caldera. The morning light (7-9am) without crowds is golden.

The best photo angles of Oia on the blue domes and white houses of the caldera. The morning light (7-9am) without crowds is golden.

Pori – severní mys
Nature
A remote northern tip of Santorini with wild nature, coastal cliffs and views of Thirassii. Quiet.

A remote northern tip of Santorini with wild nature, coastal cliffs and views of Thirassii. Quiet.

Thirassia – Forgotten Island
Thirassia – Forgotten Island
Nature
A small island on the other side of the caldera without mass tourism, with the traditional village of Manolas and a view of Santorini.

A small island on the other side of the caldera without mass tourism, with the traditional village of Manolas and a view of Santorini.

Vlychada
Vlychada
Nature
A fishing port surrounded by monumental white volcanic cliffs eroded into bizarre shapes. A surreal photo op.

A fishing port surrounded by monumental white volcanic cliffs eroded into bizarre shapes. A surreal photo op.