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Boat sailing near the volcanic island in the Santorini caldera

Things to Do

Things to Do in Santorini: The Complete Guide

Last updated: March 2026

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Από τον Φάνη ΚαφούροΙδιοκτήτης Aroma Suites από το 2006

The best things to do in Santorini are a catamaran cruise around the caldera, the Fira to Oia cliff hike, wine tasting at volcanic-soil wineries, watching the sunset from a caldera viewpoint, and visiting the ancient Minoan ruins at Akrotiri.

The best things to do in Santorini are a catamaran cruise around the caldera, the Fira to Oia cliff hike, wine tasting at volcanic-soil wineries, watching the sunset from a caldera viewpoint, and visiting the ancient Minoan ruins at Akrotiri. Beyond these, the island offers boat tours, beach hopping, horse riding, cooking classes, village exploring, and dozens of free experiences that cost nothing but stay with you for years.

You know what Santorini looks like. The white villages on the cliff. The blue domes. That sunset that turns the Aegean into liquid gold. You've seen the photos hundreds of times. What the photos don't tell you is what it feels like to swim in hot springs heated by a live volcano, or to hike the caldera rim at dawn when the trail belongs to you and the wild thyme, or to sit in a 200-year-old winery carved into volcanic rock (see our 10 best wineries) and taste a wine that could not exist anywhere else on Earth.

This island is more than its sunsets. It rewards the people who go further, past the caldera viewpoints and the blue-dome photo spots to the layers underneath. Civilizations buried in ash. Beaches made of black lava and red pumice. Fishing villages clinging to cliffs you reach by descending 300 stone steps. Vineyards where grapes grow in basket-shaped nests because the wind would flatten them otherwise.

This guide covers every worthwhile thing to do in Santorini, from the must-do experiences that sell out weeks in advance to the quiet, free moments that cost nothing and stick with you. Written from Fira, centre of the caldera, by a team that lives here and arranges these Santorini activities and excursions for guests every single day.

Planning your first trip? Start with our complete Santorini travel guide for logistics, timing, and where to stay. If you already know you're coming and want to fill your days with the best the island has, keep going.

What's in this guide

Boat approaching the volcanic island of Nea Kameni in the Santorini caldera

Santorini activities at a glance

Quick reference for planning your days. Bookmark this table, you'll come back to it when building your itinerary.

ActivityTypeApproximate CostDurationBest For
Catamaran cruise (shared)Water / SailingEUR 100-180/person5 hoursEveryone, the #1 activity
Catamaran cruise (private)Water / SailingEUR 500-2,000+5 hoursCouples, celebrations
Fira to Oia hikeHiking / FreeFree3-4 hoursActive travelers, photographers
Sunset watchingScenic / FreeFree (or a cocktail)1-2 hoursEveryone
Volcano tour + hot springsBoat excursionEUR 25-50/person3-5 hoursFirst-time visitors
Wine tastingFood & DrinkEUR 10-25/person1-2 hours per wineryWine lovers, couples
Full wine tour (guided)Food & DrinkEUR 80-150/person4-5 hoursSerious wine lovers
Beach dayLeisureFree-EUR 15 (sunbeds)Half-full dayRelaxation
Akrotiri archaeological siteCulture / HistoryEUR 20 entry1-1.5 hoursHistory lovers
Horse ridingAdventureEUR 80-150/person1-2 hoursCouples, unique experiences
Cooking classFood & DrinkEUR 70-120/person3-4 hoursFoodies, couples
Photography tourAdventureEUR 100-200/person2-3 hoursInstagram lovers, couples
Day trip to ThirassiaIsland hoppingEUR 10-20 (ferry)Half-full dayAdventurous travelers
Village exploringCulture / FreeFree2-4 hoursEveryone
Nightlife in FiraEveningVariesEveningSocial couples, night owls

What is the best thing to do in Santorini?

A catamaran cruise around the caldera. No contest. It combines the island's best elements, the volcanic landscape, swimming in the Aegean, local food and wine, and a sunset finish, into a single five-hour experience. After that, the most recommended Santorini activities are the Fira to Oia hike (free, 3-4 hours, the best views on the island), wine tasting at a volcanic-soil winery, and watching the sunset from a caldera viewpoint in Fira, Imerovigli, or from a winery terrace.

Best Santorini activities by category

CategoryBest ActivityRunner-UpBudget Option
WaterCatamaran cruise (EUR 100-180)Sailing cruise (EUR 100-200)Glass-bottom boat (EUR 20-30)
HikingFira to Oia hike (free)Skaros Rock climb (free)Caldera path Fira-Imerovigli (free)
Wine & FoodWine tour with transport (EUR 80-150)Cooking class (EUR 70-120)Winery walk-in tasting (EUR 10-25)
CultureAkrotiri archaeological site (EUR 20)Museum of Prehistoric Thera (EUR 10)Church hopping (free)
RomancePrivate sunset catamaran (EUR 500+)Horse riding at sunset (EUR 80-150)Sunset from your terrace (free)
AdventureScuba diving (EUR 60-100)Helicopter tour (EUR 150-300)Volcano hike (EUR 25-50)
RelaxationBeach day at Perivolos (free-EUR 15)Caldera cocktail bar (varies)Village exploring (free)

Catamaran cruise around the caldera

A catamaran cruise is the number-one thing to do in Santorini. Shared cruises cost EUR 100-180 per person for a 5-hour trip around the caldera with swim stops, hot springs, a meal on board, and a sunset finish. Private charters for couples start at EUR 500. Book at least 3-5 days ahead in summer, sunset cruises sell out a week early.

If you do one thing on Santorini, this is it.

A catamaran cruise takes you off the island and onto the caldera itself, the enormous flooded volcanic crater that defines Santorini's geography. From the water you see the island from a perspective no cliffside viewpoint can match: the layered volcanic strata of the caldera wall, white villages clinging to the rim 300 metres above, the dark silhouette of Nea Kameni volcano rising from the centre of the bay.

Most cruises follow a similar route: along the caldera cliff past Oia and the lighthouse, a swim stop at Red Beach or White Beach (seen from the water, you can't reach White Beach on foot), a visit to the hot springs near the volcano, and a finish timed for sunset. Lunch or dinner is served on board, grilled fish, Greek salad, local wine. Some operators include open bar.

Day cruise vs. sunset cruise

Day cruises leave around 10:00-11:00 AM, back by 3:00-4:00 PM. The light is brighter, the swimming stops feel longer, and your afternoon is free. Best option if you want to combine a cruise with a winery visit or a caldera dinner in the evening.

Sunset cruises depart 2:00-3:00 PM, return after sunset, around 8:00-9:00 PM. That golden-hour light toward the end, the caldera turning colours you didn't know water could make, that's why people book these. They sell out faster than day cruises. Book early.

What to expect

Five hours on the water. The catamaran anchors at two or three swim spots, deep, clear, volcanic blue. Snorkeling gear usually provided. The hot springs stop is interesting but not glamorous: the water turns murky, sulfurous orange-brown near the volcanic vents. "Hot" is more like "lukewarm." And it will stain your swimwear if you're wearing white or pastels. Bring something you don't mind getting discoloured.

Shared vs. private

Shared catamarans carry 15-25 guests. EUR 100-180 per person. Social, well-run, popular. On reputable boats the crew is excellent, they know every cove and swim spot, cook on board, and time the route so you're in the perfect position when the sun goes down.

Private charters run EUR 500-2,000+ depending on the boat, season, and duration. For a honeymoon or anniversary, a private catamaran with just the two of you and a small crew is one of the most romantic experiences on this island. Some operators customize the route, add an extra swim spot, anchor in a quieter cove, set up a champagne moment.

Booking tips

  • Book at least 3-5 days ahead during June-September. Popular sunset cruises fill a week out.
  • Departure is from Vlychada marina (south) or Ammoudi Bay (below Oia). Vlychada departures are more common and easier to reach from Fira.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the evening breeze. Motion sickness medication if you're sensitive, caldera waters are usually calm, but the open-sea sections can have swells.
  • Tips for crew are appreciated. EUR 5-10 per person is standard.

Our team at Aroma Suites arranges catamaran cruises for guests daily, including private options. We know which operators are consistently good and which dates fill up fast. For the complete breakdown, see our Santorini Catamaran Cruise Guide.

The Fira to Oia hike

The Fira to Oia hike is the best free activity in Santorini. A 10 km (6.2 mile) trail along the caldera rim with unbroken views of the volcanic crater, the Aegean, and the cliff-side villages. Takes 3-4 hours at a moderate pace, costs nothing, and is best started by 7:30-8:00 AM in summer to beat the heat. Walk from Fira to Oia (not the reverse) for the best light and photos.

This might be the best thing to do on Santorini at any price. And it's free.

The trail follows the caldera rim for roughly 10 kilometres. From Fira through Firostefani and Imerovigli, then across a more rugged stretch to Oia at the island's northern tip. The whole walk traces the cliff edge, volcanic caldera dropping away to your left, dark cone of Nea Kameni in the centre of the bay. The views never stop.

Trail details

Distance: Approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) Duration: 3-4 hours at a comfortable pace with photo stops Difficulty: Moderate, some rocky, uneven sections, a few steep climbs, and exposed stretches with no shade Elevation: The path rolls between 200-350 metres above sea level. Highest point is near Imerovigli (the "Balcony of the Aegean").

The route section by section

Fira to Firostefani (15-20 minutes): Easiest stretch. Paved caldera walkway with cafes and hotels on your right, the cliff edge and caldera on your left. You pass the famous blue-domed church of the Three Bells of Fira, one of the most photographed spots on the island. People always think it's in Oia. It's not.

Firostefani to Imerovigli (20-30 minutes): Still easy. Path narrows, crowds thin, views open up. Skaros Rock, a dramatic promontory that was the island's medieval capital, juts into the caldera ahead. Worth the 20-minute detour to climb out to the rock for 360-degree views.

Imerovigli to Oia (2-2.5 hours): This is where it gets real. Paved path gives way to a rocky donkey trail. Loose scree, narrow passages, sections where you're scrambling over rocks. Almost no shade. This is the stretch where people who weren't expecting a real hike turn back. But the views here are the most dramatic on the entire route, you're walking along raw volcanic cliff, above sheer drops, with nobody around.

Timing tips

Start early. Leave Fira by 7:30-8:00 AM in summer. By 10:00 the sun is brutal and there's no hiding from it on the exposed sections. Morning light is also better for photography, the caldera catches low eastern sun beautifully.

Walk Fira to Oia, not the reverse. Oia to Fira is equally scenic, but going the Fira direction means the sun is behind you (better for photos), and you arrive in Oia where you can reward yourself with lunch at Amoudi Bay or a cold drink on the caldera. Take the bus back (EUR 2.20, about 25 minutes, frequent service).

Short option: If 4 hours is more than you want, walk the Fira to Imerovigli section only, about 45 minutes each way. Best caldera scenery with the least effort. The path is smooth enough for sandals. And the stretch past Skaros Rock is the most dramatic viewpoint on the island.

What to bring

  • Sturdy shoes (not flip-flops, the rocky sections will punish you)
  • At least 1 litre of water per person (1.5 in summer)
  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
  • Camera, the views shift with every turn
  • A light snack, no shops or cafes between Imerovigli and Oia

Start before 9 AM in summer. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water. We cannot stress this enough.

Sunset watching: the 10 best spots beyond Oia

The best sunset spots in Santorini include the caldera path in Fira, Santo Wines winery in Pyrgos, Venetsanos Winery, the Akrotiri lighthouse, and the Skaros Rock viewpoint in Imerovigli, all less crowded than Oia castle and with equally good views. Sunset is free from any caldera viewpoint; winery tastings run EUR 10-22.

Everyone knows Oia castle. Most famous sunset viewpoint in the world, the ancient fortress ruins at Oia's western tip where hundreds of people gather every evening to watch the sun drop into the Aegean. Beautiful? Yes. Also packed shoulder-to-shoulder in summer. You need to stake out a spot an hour early. You'll be surrounded by selfie sticks and elbows. And when the sun disappears, the crowd claps and starts pushing for the exit.

Here's what the locals know: the sunset looks the same from anywhere along the western caldera. Oia doesn't own it. You can watch the same sun, over the same sea, from a dozen other spots, most of them quieter, more intimate, and with a drink in your hand instead of someone's backpack in your face.

The best sunset spots in Santorini

  1. The caldera path in Fira, find a bench or a low wall along the walkway between the cable car station and the Megaro Gyzi museum. Full caldera view, volcano, sea, sky. Free, uncrowded most evenings, two minutes from your hotel.

  2. Your own terrace, if you're staying in a caldera-view hotel in Fira, Firostefani, or Imerovigli, the best sunset seat is the one you already have. Glass of Assyrtiko. No crowds. No rush. Done.

  3. Firostefani's caldera edge, the blue-domed church of the Three Bells of Fira against the sunset. One of those views that looks almost too perfect to be real.

  4. Imerovigli, near Skaros Rock, highest viewpoint on the caldera. The sunset from here has extra depth because you see the entire caldera curve stretching from Fira to Oia.

  5. Santo Wines winery, Pyrgos, sunset with the island's best Assyrtiko and a view over vineyards to the sea. The tasting terrace faces due west. Book ahead, sunset sessions fill up.

  6. Venetsanos Winery, built into the caldera cliff south of Fira. Fewer people than Santo Wines. Equally good views. Excellent wine.

  7. The Akrotiri lighthouse, the island's southern tip. Completely different perspective, wide-open sea views toward Crete, no buildings, no crowds. Bring your own wine and snacks.

  8. Pori viewpoint, Imerovigli, a short walk past Skaros Rock. This quiet platform overlooking the caldera often has nobody on it.

  9. A catamaran on the caldera, watching the sunset from the water, with the cliffs behind you turning gold, is arguably the finest sunset experience on the island. See our catamaran cruise section above.

  10. Any caldera-view restaurant in Fira, Aktaion (in Firostefani, walkable from Fira) and the terraces along Gold Street offer front-row sunset seats with food and wine service. Make a reservation, sit down by 7:00 PM, and let the light show come to you.

For the full guide, including secret spots most visitors never find, see Santorini Sunset: 10 Best Spots to Watch.

Volcano tour and hot springs

The Santorini volcano tour takes you by boat to Nea Kameni island to walk up to the active crater, then to the hot springs near Palea Kameni to swim in volcanically heated seawater. Tours cost EUR 25-50 per person and last 3-5 hours. Worth doing for the geology and the novelty, but if you have to choose between this and a catamaran cruise, choose the catamaran.

Santorini's caldera exists because a volcanic eruption, one of the largest in recorded history, blew the centre of the island into the sea roughly 3,600 years ago. The volcanic history of Santorini shaped every landscape you'll see here. The Minoan eruption wiped out the local civilization. The caldera flooded. And in the centre of the bay, the volcano kept building, creating Nea Kameni, that small dark island you can see from every caldera viewpoint.

A volcano tour takes you by boat to Nea Kameni to walk up to the crater, then to the hot springs near Palea Kameni. One of the most popular Santorini excursions. Also one of the most debated, some visitors love it, some find it underwhelming.

The honest review

The volcano hike: You land on Nea Kameni and walk 20-30 minutes up a barren, rocky path to the summit. The landscape is otherworldly, black lava rock, sulfur-yellow deposits around fumaroles, a desolate moonscape where nothing grows. The crater itself? Not the dramatic, lava-filled spectacle some expect. It's a wide depression with steam vents. But the views back toward the caldera villages from the summit, those are worth the climb.

What makes it interesting is the geology, not the drama. Standing on an active volcano, smelling the sulfur, understanding that the cliff villages you just left were created by this exact geological force, that's the experience. If you're expecting cinematic eruptions, you'll be disappointed.

The hot springs: After the volcano hike, the boat anchors near Palea Kameni and you swim 50-100 metres through cool water to reach the warm zone where submarine volcanic vents heat the sea. "Hot" is generous. "Warm" is more honest, especially outside of summer. The water is murky orange-brown from minerals. It will stain light-coloured swimwear. Swimming in volcanically heated seawater is novel, you don't get to do this everywhere. But it's not a spa soak.

Is it worth it?

Yes, if: You're visiting for the first time. You're interested in geology and natural history. You want to say you stood on an active volcano. Or you want an affordable half-day excursion.

No, if: You have limited time and must choose between this and a catamaran cruise (choose the catamaran, every single time). You expect lava and eruptions. Or you dislike rough boat rides and rocky hikes.

Practical details

  • Cost: EUR 25-50 per person for a basic tour (boat transfer, guided walk). Some include the hot springs, Thirassia island stop, and lunch for EUR 40-80.
  • Duration: 3-5 hours depending on itinerary.
  • What to bring: Sturdy shoes (the volcano path is loose rock), sunscreen, water, a dark swimsuit for the hot springs.
  • Departure: Most tours leave from Fira's old port (accessible by cable car, donkeys, or 580 steps) or from Athinios port.
  • Best time: Morning, before the midday heat.
  • Landing fee: EUR 5 per person at Nea Kameni (sometimes included in tour price, sometimes not).

Book through your hotel for the best operator recommendations and hassle-free logistics.

Boat trips and sailing

Beyond the catamaran cruise and the volcano tour, Santorini has several more ways to get on the water. The caldera is a natural harbour, one of the largest in the world, and seeing it from sea level changes your understanding of the island completely.

Types of boat experiences in Santorini

Sailing cruises, smaller sailboats (6-12 guests), more intimate than catamarans. Often include sailing instruction, swim stops, and a barbecue lunch on board. EUR 100-200 per person, or EUR 600-1,500 for a private charter.

Semi-private cruises, the middle ground. Boats carry 10-15 guests instead of 25+. Better food, more personal service. EUR 130-220 per person.

Fishing trips, join a local fisherman for a morning of traditional line fishing, then cook your catch on a quiet beach or the boat. One of the most authentic experiences on the island. EUR 80-150 per person. Ask at the old port or your hotel.

Speedboat tours, cover more ground in less time. Some include stops at the volcanic islands, hot springs, and beaches you can't reach by land. EUR 100-250 per person for 2-3 hours.

Glass-bottom boat, family-friendly. Shows you underwater volcanic formations without getting wet. Available from Vlychada and the old port. EUR 20-30 per person for about 30 minutes.

Shared vs. private: which is worth it?

For most visitors, a shared catamaran or sailing cruise is the best value. EUR 100-180 per person for five hours on the water with food, drinks, swim stops, and sunset. The crew handles everything. The route is tested. You get the full experience.

Private charters make sense if you're celebrating something special (honeymoon, anniversary, proposal), if you want control over route and timing, or if you just want the caldera to yourselves for a few hours. Our team at Aroma Suites arranges private boat experiences regularly and can match you with the right operator for your occasion and group size.

For more on the most popular option, see our Santorini Catamaran Cruise guide and Santorini Sunset Cruise guide.

Wine tasting and winery tours

Our complete food and wine guide covers traditional dishes, wine pairings, dining by area, and daily budget tips.

Santorini wine tasting is one of the island's essential experiences. The volcanic soil produces Assyrtiko, a crisp mineral white unlike anything else in the world. Individual tastings at wineries cost EUR 10-25 per person; guided wine tours with transport run EUR 80-150 per person for 4-5 hours visiting 3 wineries. Top picks: Santo Wines (best sunset terrace), Venetsanos (caldera cliff views), Estate Argyros (finest Vinsanto), and Sigalas (benchmark Assyrtiko).

This isn't a tourist gimmick. The wine here is exceptional, a product of volcanic soil, extreme wind, and winemaking traditions stretching back at least 3,500 years. If you care about wine at all, a tasting day on this island will shift what you think wine can be.

The grapes you need to know

Assyrtiko, Santorini's flagship white grape. The one that put this island on the global wine map. Grown in volcanic pumice and ash (no clay, no limestone), Assyrtiko develops an intense mineral character, crushed seashells, citrus, saline. Bone-dry. Pairs beautifully with seafood. Ages surprisingly well.

Nykteri, Assyrtiko's richer cousin. Grapes harvested at night ("nykteri" means "of the night") to preserve acidity, then barrel-aged. Fuller body, more complexity, honeyed notes, a longer finish.

Vinsanto, not to be confused with Italian Vin Santo. Santorini's version is a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried Assyrtiko grapes, aged in oak for years. Deep amber, intensely sweet, dried fruit and caramel and honey. A great bottle of Vinsanto is one of the finest dessert wines in the Mediterranean.

Mavrotragano, the island's best red. Nearly extinct a few decades ago, now making a comeback. Bold, dark-fruited, volcanic minerality. Hard to find outside Santorini.

The winemaking that makes it unique

The vines on Santorini grow in a way you won't see anywhere else. Instead of trellises, each vine is woven into a low, circular basket shape called a "kouloura." This protects the grapes from the Meltemi wind that tears across the island June through September. Some of these vines are over 200 years old, pre-phylloxera rootstock, among the oldest producing vines in Europe.

The soil is pure volcanic material. Pumice, tephra, lava fragments. No clay. Almost no organic matter. Very little water retention. The vines survive on morning dew and maritime humidity absorbed through porous rock. This stressed, mineral-rich environment is why Santorini wines taste like nowhere else.

Top wineries to visit

Santo Wines (Pyrgos), the cooperative winery with the most famous tasting terrace on the island. The sunset view alone is worth the trip, and the wines are consistently good. Great starting point if it's your first winery. Tasting EUR 10-22 for 4-6 wines. Book sunset sessions early.

Venetsanos Winery, built into the caldera cliff near Megalochori. Terrace that rivals Santo Wines for views but draws fewer people. Excellent wine, their Assyrtiko is particularly good. Tasting EUR 12-20.

Estate Argyros, family-run. Serious about the winemaking, less about the tourist side of things (in the best way). Their aged Assyrtiko and Vinsanto are among the island's finest. Great guided tastings. EUR 10-25.

Gavalas Winery, one of the oldest wineries on Santorini. Small-scale, intimate. Feels like dropping in on a family rather than going on a tour. EUR 10-15.

Sigalas Winery, many wine experts consider this the island's finest producer. Their single-vineyard Assyrtiko from Kavali is a benchmark wine. EUR 15-25.

Planning your wine day

DIY approach: rent a car or ATV, pick three wineries, spend a few hours moving between them. Start with Santo Wines or Venetsanos for the view. Move to a smaller producer like Gavalas or Argyros for depth. Finish with a sunset tasting.

Or book a guided wine tour (EUR 80-150 per person, about 4-5 hours) that handles transport and pairs you with a knowledgeable guide who can explain the volcanic terroir and winemaking techniques. Better option if you want to taste freely without thinking about driving.

We arrange wine tours from Aroma Suites for guests, including transport and visits to wineries that aren't always open to walk-ins. For the complete guide, see our Santorini Wine Tasting: The Complete Guide.

Beach hopping

Hot afternoon, nothing planned? Go to the beach. But set your expectations correctly, Santorini's beaches aren't white sand and turquoise water. They're volcanic. Black sand, red cliffs, grey pebbles, and rock formations so dramatic they make some of the most visually striking beaches in the Mediterranean. You don't come here for Caribbean-style lounging. You come for the theatre of the scenery.

the best beaches at a glance

Red Beach (Akrotiri), Santorini's most famous. Towering red volcanic cliff behind a narrow crescent of red-black sand. Dramatic, photogenic, crowded in summer. Short but rocky walk from the parking area. Go early morning or late afternoon.

Perissa, long stretch of black volcanic sand on the southeast coast. Beachfront bars, sunbed rentals (EUR 10-15 for two beds and an umbrella), clear water. Most developed beach on the island. Solid choice for a full beach day.

Kamari, next to Perissa, separated by the Mesa Vouno headland. Slightly more upscale, with a waterfront promenade and an open-air cinema showing English-language films on summer evenings. A lovely evening beach.

Vlychada, the strangest beach on Santorini. Tall, sculpted white cliffs carved by wind and water into shapes that look lunar. Quiet. Far fewer visitors than Red Beach. Otherworldly.

White Beach, boat access only, from Red Beach or Akrotiri. White pumice cliffs, clear water, almost nobody there. An adventure.

Perivolos, the continuation of Perissa's black sand heading south. Beach clubs, cocktail bars, more of a party atmosphere than Perissa proper.

Most beaches are 15-25 minutes from Fira by bus, or under 20 minutes by car.

Ancient Akrotiri: Santorini's Pompeii

Visitors enjoying outdoor activities along the Santorini coastline

Akrotiri is a 3,600-year-old Minoan city buried by the same volcanic eruption that created the Santorini caldera, preserved even better than Pompeii. Entry costs EUR 20, a visit takes 60-90 minutes, and a guided tour (EUR 40-60) is highly recommended to understand the multi-story buildings, frescoes, and advanced drainage systems.

One of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. And criminally undervisited.

This Minoan settlement was buried by the same eruption that created the caldera, roughly 3,600 years ago, about 1,500 years before Pompeii. The Greek National Tourism Organisation lists it among the country's most significant archaeological sites. The preservation is remarkable.

What you will see

A multi-street Bronze Age town under excavation: two- and three-story buildings with frescoes still visible on the walls. A sophisticated drainage system. Storage jars (pithoi) large enough to stand inside. Evidence of a trading civilization connected to Crete, Egypt, and the Levant.

The most famous artifacts, the magnificent frescoes depicting fishermen, boxers, a naval procession, and the Spring Fresco with its swallows and lilies, are now in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. But the site itself, under a modern protective roof that keeps you in shade, is still striking in its scale.

What hits most visitors: how advanced this civilization was 3,600 years ago. Indoor plumbing. Multi-story architecture. Art of startling sophistication. And then one afternoon, over. Buried under metres of pumice and ash.

Practical information

  • Location: Near the southern tip of the island, about 15 minutes from Fira by car or bus.
  • Hours: Open daily, but the schedule shifts by season and day, so check before you go. In summer it runs roughly 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with shorter hours on Mondays and Thursdays (around 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM) and closed on Tuesdays. Winter hours are 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
  • Entry: EUR 20 for adults, EUR 10 reduced. From November to March all visitors pay the reduced EUR 10 rate, and tickets are timed-entry through the official Hellenic Heritage store.
  • Duration: Allow 60-90 minutes.
  • Guided tour: Highly recommended (EUR 40-60 for a small group). The site is hard to interpret without context, a good guide makes the ruined streets come alive. Audio guides also available.
  • Combine with: The Akrotiri lighthouse (10 minutes by car, a beautiful sunset spot) and Red Beach (5 minutes by car).

Worth the visit for anyone with even a passing interest in ancient history.

Day trips from Santorini

Arriving by cruise ship? You'll have 4-6 hours to explore. Staying longer? Santorini sits central enough in the Cyclades for day trips and Santorini excursions to neighbouring islands. Though honestly, the island itself offers more than enough to fill a week. Five or more days here? A day trip adds nice variety.

Thirassia

The quietest day trip. The one we recommend most. Thirassia is the small island directly across the caldera, you can see it from any caldera viewpoint. A handful of tavernas, a hilltop village called Manolas, about 300 people. It feels like Santorini 40 years ago, before the tourism wave arrived.

A small ferry runs from Oia (Ammoudi Bay) to Thirassia in about 20 minutes. Many volcano tour boats stop there too. Spend a few hours in the quiet village, eat at one of the two or three tavernas (the grilled fish is excellent and far cheaper than Santorini prices), and take in the caldera from the other side.

Island hopping

Fast ferries from Santorini connect to several other Cycladic islands:

  • Ios, 35-50 minutes by fast ferry. Known for beaches and nightlife but also has a beautiful hilltop Chora and excellent hiking.
  • Naxos, 1.5-2 hours. Largest of the Cyclades. Mountain villages, ancient ruins, the best beaches in the island group.
  • Paros, 2-3 hours. Traditional Cycladic villages, marble-paved streets of Paroikia, relaxed atmosphere.
  • Mykonos, 2-3 hours. If you want the contrast between Santorini's volcanic calm and Mykonos's party energy, doable as a day trip, though an overnight is better.
  • Crete (Heraklion), 2 hours by high-speed ferry. The Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum make a full day of Minoan history.

Practical tip: Book fast ferry tickets a few days in advance in summer through Ferryscanner or Direct Ferries. Morning departures give you the most time on the other island.

Ask your hotel to help with ferry bookings and timing, we know the most reliable schedules.

Nightlife and evening experiences

Santorini isn't a party island. That's Mykonos. That's Ios. But Fira has a lively evening scene, caldera cocktail bars at one end, proper nightclubs that go until sunrise at the other.

Caldera cocktail bars

The caldera-view bars along Fira's Gold Street are where most evenings start. You sit on the cliff edge, the sunset paints the caldera, and cocktails appear while village lights flicker on one by one. Santorini at its most atmospheric.

PK Cocktail Bar, craft cocktails, excellent music, caldera views. One of the best cocktail bars in the Cyclades.

Tango, a Fira institution. Small terrace, fills up fast, but the cocktails are strong and the sunset view is unobstructed.

Boozery Bar, for something a little different. This take-away cocktail spot sits on the Fira to Firostefani caldera path, just opposite the cable car station, and turns out handcrafted drinks you can carry to your own quiet ledge above the volcano. Easy, lively, and perfectly placed for a sunset with a glass in hand.

Casablanca Soul, newer spot, bohemian-chic feel. Great music, creative drinks, more relaxed than the bigger places.

After dark

Koo Club, Fira's most popular nightclub. Open-air, on the caldera, DJ sets and dancing until late. The reliable option for a proper night out.

Enigma Club, Fira stalwart. Two rooms, different music, mix of locals and tourists.

Murphy's Bar, when you want something low-key. Friendly Irish pub, good beer, social atmosphere.

Caldera dining as an evening experience

Some of the best evenings on Santorini have nothing to do with bars or clubs. A meal at a caldera-view restaurant as the sun sets and the village lights come on, that's the kind of evening you remember years later.

Restaurant recommendations in our guide to the best restaurants in Fira.

Romantic activities for couples

Santorini is one of the most romantic islands in the world. And that's not something we say because we run a hotel. The caldera, the light, the wine, the sunsets, the island pushes you toward romance whether you planned for it or not. If you're here with your partner, you barely need to try. But if you want to make it count, these are the experiences couples remember most.

The most romantic things to do

Private sunset catamaran cruise, just the two of you, a small crew, champagne, the caldera turning gold. The single most requested romantic experience on Santorini. EUR 500-1,200 for a couple.

Sunset dinner at a caldera-view restaurant, a table for two on the cliff edge. Candlelight. Assyrtiko. The sun dropping into the sea. Reserve early, the best tables go fast. Fira's caldera restaurants, Selene for fine dining and Aktaion in neighbouring Firostefani for traditional, deliver this without the Oia premium.

Couples wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery, the caldera-cliff terrace, late afternoon light, and wines good enough to bring bottles home.

Horse riding at sunset, along the caldera ridge or on a volcanic beach, sunset ahead of you. Cinematic. More on this in unique experiences below.

Caldera-view photoshoot, hire a photographer for 60-90 minutes at golden hour. Walk the caldera, the blue-domed churches, the hidden lanes of Fira or Firostefani. You'll get photos you couldn't take yourselves. EUR 200-400 for 50-100 edited images.

In-suite experience at a cave hotel, if your suite has a private jacuzzi overlooking the caldera (like the villa suite or jacuzzi cave suite at Aroma Suites), sometimes the most romantic thing is to stay in. Wine. The view. The two of you. The volcano in the distance.

Cooking class for two, learn to make tomatokeftedes, fava, and other Santorini dishes together, then eat what you made with local wine. Several operators in Fira and Megalochori offer classes. EUR 70-120 per person, about 3 hours.

For the complete couples guide, honeymoon planning, proposal ideas, romantic itineraries, see Santorini for Couples: Romance, Honeymoons and Weddings.

Unique experiences you won't find everywhere

Beyond the headline Santorini activities, there are a handful of things that surprise visitors who thought they had the island figured out.

Horse riding

Several operators offer horseback rides along the caldera ridge, through the vineyards, or along black sand beaches. The sunset rides are something else, the light, the terrain, the rhythm of the horse. It feels more romantic and more cinematic than you'd expect.

Practical details: Most rides run 60-90 minutes. No experience necessary, the horses are calm, the guides walk you at a gentle pace. EUR 80-150 per person depending on route and operator. Book directly with the stable rather than through an aggregator for better communication and pricing.

Cooking classes

A Santorini cooking class teaches you to work with the island's volcanic produce, cherry tomatoes sweeter than candy, fava from the local split pea, white eggplant, capers grown wild on the hillsides. Classes happen in traditional homes or small taverna kitchens. You eat everything you make at the end, paired with local wine.

Expect: 3-4 hours, 4-6 dishes, EUR 70-120 per person. The hands-on, small-group format makes this one of the best activities for couples.

Photography tours

Professional photographers lead small groups or private tours through the island's most photogenic spots at the best times, golden hour in Oia, dawn light on the caldera from Fira, the blue-domed churches with nobody else around. If you're serious about photography or want Instagram-worthy shots, a guided tour puts you in the right place at the right time with someone who understands the light.

Expect: 2-3 hours, EUR 100-200 per person. Private sessions double as couples photoshoots.

For more off-the-beaten-path activities, see Santorini's Secret Spots: 12 Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss.

Scuba diving and snorkeling

Volcanic geology creates interesting underwater terrain, lava formations, underwater caverns, geothermal vents where you can feel warmth rising from the seabed. Visibility in the caldera is decent (not as clear as the open Aegean), and the diving works for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Expect: EUR 60-100 for a single dive, EUR 120-180 for a two-dive package, EUR 40-60 for a snorkeling tour.

Helicopter tour

The splurge option. A helicopter tour over the caldera shows you the full crescent shape of the island, the volcanic islands in the centre, and the underwater crater walls beneath the surface. A perspective nothing else on the island can match.

Expect: EUR 150-300 per person for a 15-20 minute flight. May through October.

Shopping in Santorini

Santorini isn't a shopping destination the way Mykonos or Athens are. But the island has a handful of things worth buying that you won't easily find anywhere else, and a lot of tourist trinkets identical to what you'd find on any Greek island.

What to buy

Santorini wine, the best souvenir from this island, hands down. Buy directly from wineries for the best selection and prices. Estate Argyros Vinsanto, Sigalas Assyrtiko, or a bottle of aged Nykteri will impress anyone who cares about wine. Most wineries ship internationally or will pack bottles safely for your luggage.

Volcanic jewelry, several artisans in Fira and Oia work with volcanic rock, lava stone, and black obsidian to create pieces unique to Santorini. Look for Kostas Antoniou in Fira and the goldsmith workshops in Oia.

Santorini tomato products, sun-dried paste, cherry tomato preserves, and tomatini (a concentrated tomato spread) made from the island's famously sweet volcanic tomatoes. Find them at the Tomato Industrial Museum shop in Vlychada or specialty shops in Fira.

Fava, capers, and local honey, traditional Santorini produce. Compact, giftable, actually good. Available at farm shops and the better food stores in Fira.

Art and ceramics, Fira and Oia both have galleries with work by island-based artists. Look for pieces that capture caldera light and volcanic scenery rather than mass-produced souvenirs.

Where to shop

Fira's Gold Street and surrounding lanes, widest selection. Mix of souvenir shops, jewelry stores, and boutiques. Better shops are on the side streets off the main caldera walkway.

Oia's main street, more gallery-focused. More expensive. More curated. Good for art and high-end jewelry. Higher prices than Fira for comparable items.

Fira's backstreets, one block inland from the caldera path. Less touristy. Better prices. Genuine finds, independent boutiques, bookshops, local produce stores.

What not to buy

Mass-produced "Greek" souvenirs made in China. Overpriced evil-eye keychains. Anything from a shop with someone standing outside trying to pull you in. These exist on every Greek island and have nothing to do with Santorini.

The real shopping is in Fira's backstreets. One block inland from the caldera path.

Free things to do in Santorini

Some of the best things to do in Santorini cost nothing. The caldera views. The hiking trails. The villages. This island's geography and architecture are free to anyone who shows up and pays attention.

Walking the caldera path

The walkway from Fira through Firostefani to Imerovigli is one of the great walks in Europe. Paved, well-maintained, and lined with views that would cost hundreds of euros if anyone figured out how to charge for them. The full extension to Oia, the Fira to Oia hike, is the island's best free activity.

Village exploring

The inland villages, Pyrgos, Emporio, Megalochori, Vothonas, Exo Gonia, are free to wander and almost tourist-free. Pyrgos is our favourite: climb to the ruined Venetian castle at the top for 360-degree views of the entire island. Emporio is a medieval fortress village with labyrinthine alleys designed to confuse pirate raiders. Walking through it feels like entering a maze.

Church hopping

Santorini has over 600 churches and chapels for a population of 15,000. Many are open (or at least visible from outside), and many sit in spectacular positions, clifftop, cave-carved, perched on rocky outcrops that look impossible. The blue-domed church of the Three Bells of Fira, between Fira and Firostefani. The Anastasi church in Fira with its bell tower framing the caldera. The tiny chapels dotting the Fira-to-Oia trail. All free.

Public viewpoints

  • Skaros Rock (Imerovigli), the old fortress promontory. 20-minute walk from the caldera path. The most dramatic viewpoint on the island.
  • The cable car station viewpoint (Fira), look down 220 metres to the old port and the caldera below.
  • Akrotiri Lighthouse, the island's southern tip. Wide views toward Crete and the open Aegean. Quiet, no crowds, especially beautiful at sunset.
  • Prophet Elias summit, highest point on Santorini (567 metres). Drive or hike to the monastery for panoramic views of the entire island, the caldera, and neighbouring islands.

Swimming at public beaches

All beaches in Santorini, all beaches in Greece, are public by law. You can lay your towel on the sand without paying a cent. Sunbed rentals are optional.

Sunset from anywhere on the western caldera

Said it before. Saying it again. You don't need Oia castle. Find a low wall, a bench, a quiet stretch of the caldera path. The sunset is free. Every single night.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Santorini

What should I not miss in Santorini?

Three things define a Santorini visit: a catamaran cruise around the caldera (the island's number-one activity), walking at least part of the Fira to Oia trail along the caldera rim, and wine tasting at one of the volcanic-soil wineries. After those, watching sunset from a caldera viewpoint and visiting the ancient ruins at Akrotiri round out the essentials. Three days? Do a catamaran cruise, the caldera walk, and one winery. That gives you the heart of the island.

How many days are enough to visit Santorini?

Three days covers the highlights, the caldera, a cruise, wine tasting, sunset watching. Five days adds beaches, village exploring, Akrotiri, and a more relaxed pace. Seven days lets you island-hop, take cooking classes, do multiple tastings, and settle into the island's rhythm. For most couples on their first visit, four to five days is the sweet spot. Detailed itineraries for every length in our Santorini travel guide.

What is a must buy in Santorini, Greece?

Wine. Specifically a bottle of Assyrtiko or Vinsanto from one of the estate wineries. It captures the volcanic terroir like nothing else, and a good bottle costs EUR 10-30 at the winery. Other worthwhile buys: Santorini tomato products (sun-dried paste, cherry preserves), locally made volcanic jewelry, wild capers, and Santorini honey. Skip the mass-produced souvenirs.

Is Santorini worth visiting for 2 days?

Tight, but doable if you prioritize. Day one: explore Fira and the caldera, sunset from a caldera bar. Day two: catamaran cruise (day or sunset) or split between a winery and a beach. You'll miss the Fira to Oia hike, Akrotiri, and the inland villages, so think of it as a taste rather than the full experience. If you can stretch to three days, that third day changes everything.

Can I drink the tap water in Santorini, Greece?

Santorini's tap water comes from desalination plants. Safe to drink, but not pleasant, it has a slightly brackish taste. Bottled water is cheap (EUR 0.50-1 for 500ml) and everywhere. Most restaurants serve bottled as standard. Refillable bottles are useful for hikes and beach days, many hotels offer filtered refills.

Is the volcano tour worth it in Santorini?

Depends on your expectations. Worth doing if you're interested in geology, want to walk on an active crater, and like the novelty of swimming in volcanically heated seawater. Less impressive if you expect a dramatic, lava-filled landscape, the crater is a wide depression with steam vents and sulfur deposits, not an eruption. If you must choose between the volcano tour and a catamaran cruise, choose the catamaran. If you have time for both, do both, the volcano adds geological context that deepens your understanding of why Santorini looks the way it does.

What is the best activity in Santorini for couples?

A private sunset catamaran cruise. Just the two of you on the caldera with champagne and sunset dinner, widely considered the most romantic activity on the island. Beyond that: horse riding at sunset along the caldera ridge, a golden-hour photoshoot in Fira or Firostefani, wine tasting at Venetsanos with the caldera cliff terrace, and a cooking class where you prepare a Santorini meal together. Full details in our romantic things to do in Santorini for couples guide.

Are there any free things to do in Santorini?

Many. Walking the caldera path from Fira to Imerovigli (or all the way to Oia) is free and offers the best views on the island. Exploring the inland villages of Pyrgos, Emporio, and Megalochori is free. All beaches in Greece are public. Watching sunset from the caldera is free. Visiting the 600+ churches is free. Climbing Skaros Rock in Imerovigli is free. The most memorable moments on Santorini often cost nothing at all.

Plan your Santorini experience

Santorini has a way of exceeding whatever you expected, and the things to do in Santorini have a way of surprising even well-traveled visitors. People arrive thinking it's about sunset photos. They leave having tasted wines grown in volcanic baskets, walked cliff trails above a flooded crater, explored ruins older than the Pyramids of Giza, and discovered villages where the loudest sound is a church bell.

But the island rewards planning. The catamaran cruises that sell out a week in advance. The winery terraces that need a reservation. The hikes that need to start at dawn. Knowing when and how makes the difference between seeing Santorini and actually experiencing it.

At Aroma Suites, arranging experiences for guests is part of what we do. We know which catamaran operators are excellent and which cut corners. We know which wineries welcome walk-ins and which need a booking. We know when the Fira to Oia trail is at its best and when the heat makes it miserable. We've been doing this from our cliff-side perch in central Fira long enough that our advice comes from repeated direct experience, not from a guidebook.

If you want a home base in the centre of the island, walking distance from everything, with caldera views from cave-style suites built into the volcanic cliff, let our team handle the rest.

Book your stay and we'll arrange your Santorini activities →

Questions about planning activities on Santorini? Get in touch, we're always happy to help with recommendations and bookings.

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Things to Do in Santorini: The Complete Guide | Aroma Suites