Santorini Tours & Activities

Plan your trip to Santorini, Greece — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.

Top things to do in Santorini

• Oia Sunset at the Castle Ruins. The remnants of Oia's 15th-century Venetian castle watchtower offer Santorini's most celebrated sunset panorama, with caldera waters turning gold and crimson below the white-washed clifftops. Arrive at least an hour early in peak season to claim a perch — or slip below the main viewpoint along the old castle walls…
• Akrotiri Archaeological Site. A Minoan Bronze Age city buried by a catastrophic volcanic eruption around 1627 BC, Akrotiri is Santorini's answer to Pompeii — multi-story buildings, frescoes, and drainage systems preserved under meters of ash. The excavation is covered by a protective roof, making it one of the few Greek sites that can be visited…
• Volcano and Hot Springs Boat Tour (Nea Kameni). Boats depart from Fira's Old Port to the active volcanic islet of Nea Kameni, where guided walks reach the steaming crater rim, followed by a swim in the iron-rich thermal waters of Palea Kameni's natural hot springs. The half-day cruise gives visitors the clearest perspective on the caldera's raw geological scale.
• Fira to Oia Caldera Hike. The 10.5 km cliff-edge trail connects Santorini's capital with its most photogenic village, threading through Firostefani and Imerovigli with caldera views the entire way. The moderate 2.5–5 hour walk is one of the finest coastal hikes in the Aegean, rewarding early starters with cool air and quiet lanes before the…
• Santorini Wine Tasting — Assyrtiko and the Kouloura Vines. Santorini's volcanic soil and ungrafted vines — some of the oldest in Europe, trained into low basket shapes called kouloura to survive fierce Aegean winds — produce the mineral-driven white wine Assyrtiko that has made the island famous among sommeliers worldwide. Wineries such as Domaine Sigalas and Santo Wines…
• Domaine Sigalas Winery Tour. One of Santorini's most respected estate wineries, Domaine Sigalas near Oia leads visitors through its vineyard and cellars before tasting up to 10 wines, including rare bottlings of indigenous varieties like Aidani and Mavrotragano alongside the flagship Assyrtiko. Advance booking is required; the Vineyard, Wine,…
• Skaros Rock Hike (Imerovigli). A dramatic volcanic promontory plunging into the caldera below Imerovigli, Skaros was the site of a Byzantine and Venetian fortress city of 200 homes that was never conquered in 600 years, then abandoned after earthquakes. A 45–60 minute hike from the village reaches the ruins and the secluded chapel of Theoskepasti…
• Red Beach. Santorini's most visually striking shore, where soaring crimson-and-rust volcanic cliffs drop directly to vivid turquoise water — a scene unlike any other Aegean beach. The beach itself is narrow and pebbly; most visitors come for the photography and a quick swim rather than a long lounge, and should note that…

Best time to visit Santorini

Late May–June or mid-September–October (shoulder seasons). The shoulder seasons offer the best balance for most visitors: warm sunshine (57–77°F / 14–25°C), comfortable sea temperatures, significantly fewer crowds than peak summer, and lower hotel prices. May–June sees the island in full bloom before the July–August crush; September–October retains summer warmth while the frenetic peak crowds have thinned. Those specifically seeking the maximum beach and swimming experience should choose July–August despite the crowds and heat. Winter (December–February) is serene but most businesses close

Santorini weather by month

Getting to Santorini

Public buses are cheap (€1.80–€3) and serve the main caldera villages and beaches regularly in high season, but they become very crowded near sunset. Renting a car gives the most flexibility for exploring the island's villages, beaches, and wineries. ATV/quad bikes are popular but Santorini's roads are narrow and steep — the island's accident statistics for ATV riders are sobering, and helmets are legally required. Do not drive to Oia for sunset; take the bus or pre-book a taxi.

• JTR Santorini (Thira) National Airport — 10 min drive
• HER Heraklion International Airport Nikos Kazantzakis — 0 min drive
• ATH Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos — 0 min drive

Where to stay in Santorini

Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.

• Oia. The island's most photogenic village sits at Santorini's northwestern tip, a labyrinth of whitewashed cave houses, blue-domed churches, and high-end cave hotels carved into the caldera cliff. It is the most beautiful and most expensive place to stay —… Good for: Couples, honeymooners, luxury travelers, photographers.
• Fira. Santorini's capital is the most practical base on the island — home to the main bus station, the widest selection of restaurants, shops, nightlife, banks, and pharmacies, with caldera-view hotels at multiple price points. It is busier and less polished than… Good for: First-time visitors, families, budget travelers, nightlife seekers.
• Imerovigli. Perched at the highest point on the caldera rim, Imerovigli is quieter and more exclusive than either Fira or Oia, with arguably the finest unobstructed caldera views on the island. The village is smaller with fewer restaurants and shops, making it best for… Good for: Honeymooners, luxury travelers seeking quiet, view-focused stays.
• Firostefani. The ideal compromise for many travelers — a quieter caldera-edge village just a 10-minute walk north of Fira along the cliff path, with excellent caldera views and easy access to Fira's restaurants, buses, and nightlife. Hotels here often offer better value… Good for: Couples and solo travelers wanting calm without isolation, value-conscious caldera-view seekers.
• Perissa and Perivolos. The black-sand beach villages on Santorini's south-east coast are a world apart from the caldera villages — more relaxed, better value, and directly on the water. A good base for travelers who prioritise beach time, water sports, and a younger social scene… Good for: Beach-focused travelers, younger visitors, budget travelers, water-sports enthusiasts.

Where to eat in Santorini

A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.

Local favorites & classics

• Metaxi Mas. Exo Gonia · Cretan and Santorinian — Widely regarded as the best overall food on the island — generous portions of slow-cooked lamb, kataifi cheese rolls, and deeply traditional Cretan-leaning…
• Ammoudi Fish Tavern. Ammoudi Bay, below Oia · Fresh Seafood — Perched at the water's edge at the bottom of Oia's 300-step descent, this long-running waterfront taverna serves the morning's catch grilled simply over…
• Candouni. Oia · Traditional Greek — A hidden garden restaurant off Oia's main lane serving warm, family-recipe dishes with live music most evenings. One of the most genuinely atmospheric tables in Oia without…
• Roka. Oia · Traditional Greek — A small, quietly excellent restaurant set away from the main Oia crowds. Consistently praised for authentic cooking, an unpretentious vibe, and fair prices in a village…
• Naoussa. Fira · Traditional Greek — Occupying a terrace at the north end of Fira's pedestrian strip with broad caldera views, Naoussa is the island's liveliest traditional taverna — known for big plates,…
• Aktaion. Firostefani · Traditional Greek — Operating since 1922, Aktaion is the oldest restaurant on Santorini — a classic sidewalk taverna with charming old-fashioned character and dependable home-style…
• Ouzeri. Fira · Greek Meze — The best place on the island for traditional small plates — classic meze served in a no-frills, family-friendly setting. No caldera view, but consistently good food at honest…
• Cava Alta. Pyrgos · Creative Mediterranean — Rooftop dining in the medieval hilltop village of Pyrgos, with panoramic views across the island. Creative Mediterranean menu in a setting well off the main tourist…

Cafés, bakeries & casual

• Lucky's Souvlaki. Fira · Greek Street Food — Santorini's best-known gyros counter — cheap, honest, and delicious. The ideal quick lunch before or after a caldera walk, and a reminder that the island's best eating is…
• Iriana. Ipapantis · 4.8★ (3,181 reviews)
• Ilios Bakery. Ημεροβίγλι 25 · 4.7★ (2,511 reviews)
• LukuMum. Danezi M · 4.9★ (1,525 reviews)
• Erotokritos Cretan Bakery. Karterádos 847 00 · 4.6★ (2,171 reviews)
• Galini Cafe Santorini. Firostefani · 4.5★ (1,718 reviews)
• The Family Bakery. Επαρχ. Οδ. Φηρων - Ορμου Περισσης · 4.5★ (1,694 reviews)
• Santa Irini Bakery & Pastry -Central. Perissa · 4.7★ (1,070 reviews)

Fine dining & Michelin

• Selene. Fira (Katikies Garden) · Fine Dining Mediterranean — Santorini's flagship fine-dining address, set in a converted monastery and led by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini. Ingredients are rooted in…
• Athenian House. Imerovigli · Contemporary Greek — A caldera-view restaurant praised for Michelin-level technique applied to Greek cuisine, with notably strong plant-based options alongside the standard seafood and…
• Tholoto Brunch & Restaurant. 25is Martiou Φηρά · 4.9★ (6,692 reviews)
• Seaside Santorini. Agios Georgios 847 03 · 4.7★ (3,192 reviews)
• Veranda Restaurant. Erithrou Stavrou · 4.9★ (1,880 reviews)
• Basalt Restaurant | Ammoudi Bay Santorini. Ammoudi Bay · 4.7★ (1,209 reviews)
• Kanzen Santorini. Faros · 4.9★ (795 reviews)
• Roka Santorini. Imerovigli 847 00 · 4.7★ (936 reviews)

A 7-Day Santorini Plan

1. Day 1 — Arrival & Fira Discovery. Settle into your hotel in Fira, Santorini's bustling capital, and get your bearings along the caldera-edge walkway with views of the volcanic islands below. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera on the main square, where artifacts from the Minoan-era Akrotiri eruption — including the…
2. Day 2 — Ancient Ruins & Red Sands. Head south to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, the remarkably preserved Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried by volcanic ash — comparable to Pompeii and covered by a modern roof. A short drive from Akrotiri brings you to Red Beach, a dramatic cove of rust-red lava cliffs and dark…
3. Day 3 — Volcano, Lava & Hot Springs. Board a boat from Fira's port (Athinios or the Old Port) for the Volcano and Hot Springs Boat Tour — hike the crater of Nea Kameni, an active volcanic island rising from the caldera. The tour continues to the natural hot spring pools off Palea Kameni, where you swim to warm…
4. Day 4 — Caldera Hike to Iconic Oia. Set out early from Fira on the famous Fira to Oia Caldera Hike — a 10 km trail north along the cliff edge past the village of Firostefani and the striking rock of Imerovigli, with continuous caldera panoramas. Pause in Imerovigli for a coffee stop, then tackle the short detour up…
5. Day 5 — Oia Morning & Wine Country. Spend a leisurely morning exploring Oia's blue-domed churches, art galleries, and boutiques before the day-trip crowds arrive; breakfast at one of the cliffside cafes with caldera views. Drive to Domaine Sigalas Winery in Oia for a guided tour of their iconic kouloura…
6. Day 6 — Black Sands & Medieval Heights. Drive south to Perissa and Kamari, twin black-sand beach resorts separated by the ancient mesa of Mesa Vouno; swim and relax on the striking dark volcanic shore at Perissa. Climb or drive to Pyrgos Medieval Village, the highest settlement on the island — wander its Venetian…
7. Day 7 — Sunset Catamaran Farewell. Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed final breakfast; use the morning for last-minute shopping in Fira's market streets for local saffron, sun-dried tomatoes, and ceramic art. Board a Sunset Catamaran Cruise departing from Vlychada or the Old Port — sail around the caldera, stop for…

Events & festivals in Santorini

• Easter (Pascha) Celebrations in Pyrgos (Holy Week (variable; March–April, per Greek Orthodox calendar)). Santorini's Easter celebrations center on Pyrgos village, renowned for its Good Friday lantern procession. The entire village is illuminated with thousands of lanterns and tin cans placed on rooftops and ignited, as…
• Megaro Gyzi Festival (Early-to-mid August (approximately August 3–13; established 1981, reorganized 2007)). Free annual cultural festival at the 17th-century Megaro Gyzi mansion in Fira, organized by the Catholic Diocese of Thera. Features chamber music concerts, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances. The 2026 edition…
• Vedema Festival (Grape Harvest Festival) (Early August (annually; 2026: August 2)). Annual grape harvest celebration organized by the Union of Santorini Cooperatives at Santo Wines Winery in Pyrgos. Marks the official launch of the island's Assyrtiko grape harvest. Features traditional grape treading,…
• Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Dekapentavgoustos) (August 15 (annually)). The most significant Greek Orthodox religious festival, celebrated with liturgies and feasts across multiple Santorini villages simultaneously. A major cultural and religious date across the island.
• Ifestia Festival (Volcano Festival) (Third Saturday of September annually; 2025: September 20–21 (moved due to winds); 2026: September 19). Annual pyrotechnic spectacle over the caldera commemorating Santorini's volcanic heritage. Named after Hephaestus (Greek god of fire), the festival has been held annually since 1991 and features a fireworks display…
• International Music Festival of Santorini (First three weeks of September (annually since 1979)). Long-running classical music festival held at the Petros M. Nomikos Conference Centre in Fira. Features solo recitals, chamber music, opera, piano duets, tango, and jazz, drawing international artists. Founded by…

Top-rated tours & activities in Santorini

• Private Overview of Santorini: Full-Day Customizable Experience! — 5.0★ (226 reviews)
• Best of Santorini Sightseeing Guided Tour 5h — 5.0★ (184 reviews)
• Santorini Wine Stories: Daytime Tour with Tasting & Lunch — 5.0★ (161 reviews)
• 5-hour My Santorini Private Guided Tour — 5.0★ (147 reviews)
• 1-Hour Flying Dress Photoshoot, Instagram spots — 5.0★ (89 reviews)
• Smooth and Fun Taste of Santorini Private Tour — 5.0★ (49 reviews)
• Santorini Sunset Wine Abundance: 4 Wineries & Local Meze — 5.0★ (36 reviews)
• Best Of Santorini Private Tailor Made Tour — 5.0★ (226 reviews)

Santorini travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Santorini?

Late May–June or mid-September–October (shoulder seasons).

What are the top things to do in Santorini?

Top experiences include Oia Sunset at the Castle Ruins, Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Volcano and Hot Springs Boat Tour (Nea Kameni), Fira to Oia Caldera Hike, Santorini Wine Tasting — Assyrtiko and the Kouloura Vines.

Which airport is closest to Santorini?

Heraklion International Airport Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) is the nearest, about 0 minutes away.

Where should I stay in Santorini?

Popular areas to base yourself include Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, Firostefani.

How do I get around Santorini?

Public buses are cheap (€1.80–€3) and serve the main caldera villages and beaches regularly in high season, but they become very crowded near sunset.