What should I not miss in Santorini?

The three experiences that define a Santorini visit are: 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 island's volcanic-soil wineries. Beyond those, watching the sunset from a caldera viewpoint and visiting the ancient ruins at Akrotiri round out the essential experiences. If you only have three days, a catamaran cruise, the caldera walk, and one winery visit will giv

How many days are enough to visit Santorini?

Three days is enough for the highlights -the caldera, a cruise, wine tasting, and sunset watching. Five days allows you to add beaches, village exploring, Akrotiri, and a more relaxed pace. Seven days lets you island-hop, take cooking classes, do multiple wine tastings, and truly settle into the rhythm of the island. For most couples visiting for the first time, four to five days is the sweet spot. See our [Santorini travel guide](/discover/santorini-travel-guide) for detailed itineraries at eve

What is a must buy in Santorini, Greece?

Wine -specifically a bottle of Assyrtiko or Vinsanto from one of the island's estate wineries -is the best thing to buy on Santorini. It captures the volcanic terroir like nothing else, and a good bottle costs EUR 10-30 at the winery. Other worthwhile purchases include Santorini tomato products (sun-dried paste, cherry preserves), locally made volcanic jewelry, wild capers, and Santorini honey. Avoid mass-produced souvenirs sold in tourist shops.

Is Santorini worth visiting for 2 days?

Two days is tight but doable if you prioritize. Day one: explore Fira and the caldera, sunset from a caldera bar. Day two: catamaran cruise (day trip or sunset cruise) or split the day between a winery visit and a beach. You'll miss the Fira to Oia hike, Akrotiri, and the inland villages, so consider it a taste of the island rather than a complete experience. If you can extend to three days, the third day changes the trip entirely.

Can I drink the tap water in Santorini, Greece?

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

Is the volcano tour worth it in Santorini?

It depends on your expectations. The volcano tour is worth doing if you are interested in geology, want to walk on an active volcanic crater, and enjoy the novelty of swimming in volcanically heated seawater. It's less impressive if you expect a dramatic, lava-filled landscape -the crater is a wide depression with steam vents and sulfur deposits, not an erupting spectacle. If you must choose between the volcano tour and a catamaran cruise, choose the catamaran. If you have time for both, do both

What is the best activity in Santorini for couples?

A private sunset catamaran cruise is widely considered the most romantic activity on the island -just the two of you on the caldera with champagne and a sunset dinner. Beyond that, couples love horse riding at sunset along the caldera ridge, a photoshoot at golden hour in Fira or Firostefani, wine tasting at a caldera-view winery like Venetsanos, and a cooking class where you prepare a Santorini meal together. See our complete guide to [romantic things to do in Santorini for couples](/discover/s

Are there any free things to do in Santorini?

Yes, many. Walking the caldera path from Fira to Imerovigli (or all the way to Oia) is free and offers the island's best views. Exploring the inland villages of Pyrgos, Emporio, and Megalochori is free. All beaches in Greece are public. Watching the sunset from the caldera is free. Visiting the 600+ churches scattered across the island is free. Climbing to the Skaros Rock viewpoint in Imerovigli is free. Santorini's most memorable moments often cost nothing at all. --- <a id="plan-your-experienc

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