Summary
The remarkable island of Santorini, located in the Southern Aegean, rests on the eastern section of a collapsed caldera.
The island’s villages are characterized by whitewashed cave houses featuring blue doors, arranged in terraced formations atop imposing dark cliffs.
These westward-facing settlements such as Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli offer unobstructed views of one of the world’s most stunning sunsets. During the summer months, the local tavernas are often filled well in advance as the sun descends behind Nea Kameni and Therasia in the caldera.
Historical significance can be found at Akrotiri, which was deserted in the 2nd millennium BC before the devastating eruption that fragmented the ancient island.
Let us examine the most significant attractions in Santorini:
1. Oia
Located at the northern edge of the caldera, the village of Oia is arguably the most picturesque spot on Santorini and an ideal location to witness the sunset.
Oia features Santorini’s distinctive cave houses, carved out of the rock and arranged in a stunning amphitheater format on steep tiers.
In the 19th century, Oia prospered due to a fleet of merchant vessels that traveled as far as St. Petersburg.
The captains of these vessels constructed some of the finest homes in the village, inspired by Venetian architecture and affording splendid views of the caldera.
In addition to its array of restaurant terraces with breathtaking vistas, Oia boasts art galleries, a maritime museum, and the remnants of a Byzantine castle at its highest vantage point.
Much of the village is pedestrian-friendly, contributing to its charm.
2. Akrotiri
The ancient site of Akrotiri was encased in volcanic debris by the eruption 3,600 years ago, preserving many houses above a single story and maintaining frescoes in exceptional condition.
A treasure trove of artifacts, including cooking and dining tools, vases, bathtubs, flower pots, and beehives, has provided historians valuable insight into Minoan civilization.
The residences are now protected under a roof system completed in 2012, while most artifacts, except one fresco, have been relocated to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Visitors can walk along metal footbridges and view ceramics in situ, where they were left 3,600 years prior.
Only one piece of gold and no human remains were found at Akrotiri, indicating that the city was evacuated in an orderly manner.
3. Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Numerous treasures from Akrotiri have been housed in this exceptional museum in Fira.
The museum is divided into four sections, exploring the geology and volcanic activity of Thera, the history of archaeological excavations at Akrotiri, the island’s story up to the late Bronze Age, and the flourishing period of Akrotiri around the 17th century BC. The latter is the focus of the exhibition, showcasing vivid frescoes created with mineral-based paints, which are compared to equally skilled pottery painting.
The Blue Monkeys fresco is remarkably sophisticated, considering it was created as long as 36 centuries ago.
Visitors can explore the evolution of the city’s urban planning, its bureaucratic structure, and examine figurines, jewelry, and pottery dating back to the Neolithic period.
4. Ancient Thera
This settlement was established in the 9th century BC on a ridge of Mesa Vouno Mountain, well after the catastrophic eruption and was inhabited for the next 800 years.
At this elevation, you will certainly feel closer to the Greek deities.
The ruins were initially explored in 1896 by the German archaeologist Friedrich Hiller von Gaertringen, and further excavations occurred in the latter half of the 20th century.
Visitors can hike along the winding paths from the coastal villages of Kamari or Perissa (or take a taxi) to view the remnants of ancient houses, the agora (main square), the stoa featuring rows of Doric columns, and the Roman-era theatre from the 2nd century AD. Notably, grand public structures were constructed with limestone blocks, while private homes utilized smaller, displaced stones.
5. Perissa Beach
Images of Santorini often feature this black volcanic sandy beach located along the island’s southern coast.
The beach and its surrounding village nestle at the base of the colossal Mesa Vouno, the site of Ancient Thera.
From this point, the beach gently stretches for seven kilometers and is adorned with palm sunshades and loungers.
On sunny days, the waters are crystal clear, and the mild surf and gradual slope allow non-swimmers to navigate comfortably.
Along the coastal road that parallels the beach, you will find cafes, restaurants, tavernas, and watersport centers that come alive from May to October, with many establishments on the northern side offering seating right by the sand.
6. Caldera Boat Tour
Engaging in popular tourist activities can enhance your experience in any destination, and this is true for cruises around the stunning caldera of Santorini.
Departing from the port located south of Fira, these vessels will transport you to Nea Kameni, which will be discussed further.
At the adjacent Palea Kameni, you can enjoy a unique experience bathing in the green, sulphurous hot springs beneath the volcanic rock formations.
It’s fascinating to note that Therasia, situated on the caldera’s western rim, was once part of the same island as Thera (Ancient Santorini). Here you can enjoy a meal and hike up the ridge for a panoramic view of Santorini.
7. Nea Kameni
Most tourist vessels will anchor at this island in the center of the caldera, allowing you to come ashore.
Nea Kameni was formed by repeated ash and dacite lava eruptions, and the Roman historian Cassius Dio made an early reference to it.
It has gradually expanded following four eruptions in the last 400 years, including two in the 20th century.
The island features a central crater rising to 130 meters, with steaming vents along the slopes and a distinct sulfur aroma in the air. You will traverse a path through this otherworldly landscape, adorned with red succulent plants in the summer, to hike around the crater’s edge and capture photographs of Fira and Imerovigli’s whitewashed buildings on Santorini’s dark cliffs.
8. Imerovigli
Located along the route from Thera to Oia, Imerovigli is designated as a “Traditional Settlement,” which enforces strict regulations regarding new developments.
The charming, whitewashed Cycladic houses are strategically located in a bowl along the caldera’s highest point.
Many cave dwellings are carved into the cliffs.
While this may seem rustic, these properties are often exquisitely decorated boutique hotels.
The name Imerovigli translates to “Day Lookout” and originated during a period when Santorini faced threats from pirates.
The experience is particularly enchanting at sunset when the views over the caldera are renowned worldwide.
9. Skaros Rock
At Imerovigli, you can access a walking trail leading to this conical headland in the caldera.
Skaros Rock was once the most significant of medieval Santorini’s five Venetian fortified settlements, formerly housing hundreds of residences.
In its time, Skaros was nearly unassailable, surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs.
Its decline began in the 17th century when it was abandoned due to a series of earthquakes linked to the underwater eruption of the Kolumbo volcano.
The stone from the settlement has been repurposed for other buildings, although you can still find remnants scattered along the path.
For the more adventurous, continuing along the stairway provides a descent of roughly 200 steps to capture a photograph of the Theoskepasti church, recognized for its bright blue dome and doors.
10. Fira to Oia Hike
With careful preparation, one can embark on a journey of a lifetime along what feels like the edge of the world.
The path leading north from Fira to Oia runs along the protected rim of the caldera, offering scenery that is almost beyond description.
During the sun-drenched July or August months, this hike can take up to half a day, and it is wise to equip yourself with a hat, suitable walking shoes, snacks, and plenty of water.
You can take breaks in Imerovigli and Finikia, but for the majority of the hike, you will find yourself immersed in the solitude of an alien landscape, hundreds of meters above the remnants of a volcanic caldera.
If you find yourself fatigued at any point, a glance to your left at the archipelago or the cliff-top village of Akrotiri is sure to revitalize your spirit.
11. Wine Tourism
In addition to its caldera, ancient ruins, and quintessential Cycladic houses, Santorini is also celebrated for its wine, with a variety of wineries to explore throughout the island.
The Thera Eruption in the middle of the 2nd millennium BC enriched Santorini’s soils with mineral-rich volcanic ash, solidified lava, and pumice stone, creating ideal conditions for viticulture despite the island’s limited rainfall.
This scarcity of rainfall is compensated for by high nighttime humidity instigated by sea mists.
Santorini is particularly renowned for its native white grapes—Aidani, Athiri, and Assyrtiko—cultivated on low-lying vines to reduce wind damage.
A signature Santorini white wine typically exhibits a crisp, extremely dry profile with high mineral content, making it an excellent pair with seafood and grilled meats.
Conversely, Vinsanto is a sweet dessert wine made from grapes sun-dried post-harvest.
12. Megalochori
Situated away from the caldera’s edge, the picturesque village of Megalochori is less frequented by tourists while still claiming status as Santorini’s wine capital.
Surrounded by vineyards, the village features a couple of wineries in close proximity.
The heart of Megalochori consists of a labyrinth of cobblestone pathways bordered by traditional whitewashed houses with blue doors and vibrant bougainvillea.
A cozy square at the center of the village hosts a few inviting tavernas.
13. Pyrgos
As the highest village on Santorini, Pyrgos offers panoramic views in all directions.
Atop the settlement stands the Kasteli, one of the island’s five Venetian castles.
This fortification served as an inland refuge from pirate attacks, and the narrow alleys below were intentionally constructed to confuse intruders.
Although the castle is now in ruins, this enhances its historic charm, with a memorial at the entrance honoring the island’s residents who perished during World War II.
The surrounding area near the Church of St. Nicholas and the Zannos Melathron Hotel features stunning scenery, while the elevated cafes offer terraces to watch the sunset.
14. Profitis Ilias Monastery
Located not far south of Pyrgos and above Ancient Thera lies the highest point on the island, which stands 565 meters above sea level.
This peak is crowned by the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, consecrated in 1712 and constructed with robust buttresses.
For seasoned hikers, reaching the summit on foot offers a rewarding experience, but the exposed slopes should be approached with caution, particularly during the peak summer months.
In the 18th century, the monastery thrived, owning a vessel that traded across the Aegean, and it served as a school for Greek language and literature in the early 19th century.
Visitors can explore the chapel and a small gift shop, where occasional workshops in shoemaking, beekeeping, winemaking, printing, and candle-making are held by the monks.
15. Amoudi Bay
In Oia, a staircase with 350 steps descends to the waters of the small port known as Amoudi Bay.
This rugged route is one way to access Amoudi Bay, but there is also a winding road available.
At the base is a cluster of whitewashed buildings.
Visitors are attracted to this location for its unique perspectives of the caldera and the village of Oia from below, as well as for the island’s finest fish and seafood tavernas, where the waves lap at your feet.
Due to high demand, securing a table in advance during the summer is advisable, and because of its west coast positioning, the sunsets are particularly alluring.
If you find the thought of climbing those 350 steps back up to Oia daunting, donkeys are available to assist you.
