For many people, visiting Santorini, Greece is on the top of their bucket list, and with good reason. This idyllic island is the subject of so many beautiful images, movies, and more. It is hard to imagine a bucket-list travel list that doesn’t include this beautiful spot. And this post will give you so many unique and must-do activities for your trip!
This post is all about all the things to do when visiting Santorini Greece!
1. explore Santorini’s villages
There are so many villages that make up the island of Santorini, but there are some that should be at the top of your list to visit and explore. To get around and see all of these places there are buses, cabs, and even ATV and scooter rentals.
The first and most well known (the one you see on the postcards) is Oia. This village is located at the top, with a gorgeous view of the curving caldera. It is also most famous for it’s primo sunset views (though if I’m being honest there really isn’t a bad place to view a sunset when you’re visiting Santorini). This is considered the village for lovers because it has such a romantic feel. But this also makes it a very popular place for tourists and can be crowded and expensive. But there is no doubt that it shouldn’t be missed.
The next village, and capital of Santorini is Thira (also seen as Fira). This is basically the center of Santorini, in more ways that one. It is located along the same coast, with views of Oia to the north and Akrotiri to the south. It is home to tons of shop, restaurants, and more. This is also the center of the buses on the island, all bus routes start and stop at the Thira bus station. So if you want to explore north or south of the city center by bus, you will start there. Some of our absolute favorite restaurants were in Thira, and it is important that I don’t undersell how absolutely stunning the views and sunsets are from here as well. This is where we stayed and it was a great spot and so convenient.
Kamari was one of the most surprising parts of visiting Santorini. Located on the west coastline of the island, this beach village in some ways feels like any beach town. There are shops, restaurants and it is even home to an open air cinema (more on this and Kamari below)!
There are so many other villages to explore too, some that are more populated with locals, and some that still draw a tourist crowd. These are just my top three must-visits. But there are always new things to explore as see!
2. Go for a swim at Kamari Beach
Like I mentioned above, Kamari beach was one of my favorite spots on the island. The beach is lined with shops carrying towels and floats and restaurants serving delicious seafood. There are also tons of beautiful boutique hotels that line the ocean walk. But by far, the most unique and wonderful thing about Kamari beach is the beach itself. Because the island is covered in volcanic rock, the beach and ocean floor are the same. Stones and pebbles replace sand on the shore, and when you walk into the sea, you realize the ocean floor is one large rock formation. The experience is so unique and surprising for traditional sandy beach goers.
Grab a couple of lounge chairs under an umbrella and enjoy the spectacular view and weather. When you feel like a bite to eat or stretching your legs, you can walk up and down the beach and stop at one of the beautiful restaurant patios. It is such an amazing place to spend the day.
3. Watch a Movie in an outdoor cinema
This may not be on every guide you see about visiting Santorini, but I think it should be. The Open Air Cinema Kamari (Cinekamari) was one of my absolute favorite experiences while we were on the island. The cinema runs movies for several days and then switches them up. And luckily for us, the day we arrived was the last showing of Mama Mia! for a while (though they seem to frequently add it to the rotation). Is watching Mama Mia! on a Greek island cliche, absolutely. But was it a truly unique and fun experience, 100%.
The cinema is located in Kamari and can be reached by bus, cab, or ATV/scooter. Make sure you have a way of getting back once the movie ends (we waited quite a while for the bus). Also, be sure to arrive early and get your place in line for tickets and the best seats! While you wait you can enjoy cocktails and food! This truly was an unforgettable experience.
4. Eat All the Sweets
While most would think immediately of baklava when they think of Greek sweets, there were so many delicious options for a sweet treat in Santorini. Now that being said, baklava truly should be at the top of your list. Whether you have had it before or not, this is a must try. Flaky pastry, nutty filling and all soaked in a syrup makes for one of the most stunning baked goods. If you find a bakery, be sure to pop in to explore the case.
But I admit I was most surprised by the gelato spots throughout Santorini. They were filled with traditional flavors as well as some of the most delicious and unique flavors. One parlor even had an olive flavor! Whatever your sweet treat of choice, there are tons of spectacular options, try them all!
5. Do a wine tasting at a Vineyard
One of the most unique things about Santorini is the vineyards, some of the oldest in the world! Because of the volcanic soil that puts stress on the vines, it creates incredibly high quality wines. Also unique to the area is the way they grow theirs vines. They use a basket method of training the branches to grow low and in a basket shape to protect the grapes. All of these things make visiting Santorini wineries a truly unique experience.
We went to one just outside of Oia called Domaine Sigalas but there are so many amazing wineries all around the island. We were able to enjoy the view of the vineyard on a gorgeous patio while sampling so many different wines. The wine tasting came with insight into the land, the grapes, and even the history of their wines. For the wine-lover, or even just someone who loves a good view and good weather, this is the activity for you! If you want to explore multiple vineyards, booking an experience like this Santorini Wine Adventure from Viator.
6. Wander through the winding streets
This may sound like a given, but when walking around Santorini it truly feels like around every bend there is something beautiful and new you haven’t seen before. The islands roads and paths are winding and narrow at times, serpentining down the side of the cliffs. Each cobblestone path reveals more idyllic bougainvillea on the backdrop of blue skies and white walls.
Wandering around was a huge part of our days visiting Santorini. It is an amazing way to get the lay of the land and find unique shops, hidden restaurants and beautiful sights. There is no such thing as wasted time when you are wandering around a place as beautiful as this.
7. Eat as much Greek food as you can
There is no shortage of absolutely delicious food in Santorini (or Greece in general). Whether you are looking for fine dining or quick eats, they have it all, these are just a few of our favorites!
If you’re wandering around Thira and want something to grab and go, there is nothing better than a gyro from Lucky’s Souvlaki. Located right by the bus station in the main drag of Thira, this was one of the best and most affordable bites we found. In there central square in Thira there are also many food stalls of all different cuisine varieties for quick bites!
If you’re looking for more of a sit down lunch or dinner, here are a few of my favorite options. Naoussa Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant that offers yummy traditional food, a great view for the sunset, and most fun of all, they give you a taste of Greek tradition when they celebrate by tossing and smashing plates in the restaurant! It’s truly a special experience! Argo is another exceptional spot for a delicious meal with a view. their cocktails are also exceptional. Even with all of these amazing options, I think my favorite spot was Sunset Ammoudi. Located right along the edge of the water in Ammoudi Bay (more on this below) this places offers a stunning waterfront view and light, fresh, delicious food.
No matter what you choose, there is no doubt you will enjoy the fresh local fare.
8. descend the stairs to Ammoudi Bay
From the peak of Oia you will see a bay at the bottom filled with boats and blue waters. While it is definitely worth the trip, the trek can be daunting for some (myself included). Though the descending isn’t so bad, it’s important to remember you also have to be able to make it back up! Climbing up and down is an event in and of itself. Beautiful views that change as you round new corners. And once you make it to the bottom you can hardly believe you made it! At the bottom you will see boats bobbing int he water, octopus hanging out to dry, and some waterfront restaurants. There’s even a place to swim and cliff jump (more on that next).
9. Cliff Jump at Ammoudi Beach
Once you descend the daunting stairs and your at the water, you will see a big rock formation island off to the left. believe it or not, around the corner there is a place for people to swim, and if you’re brave enough, even cliff jump! Here’s how to get there, what to bring and what to expect.
To get there, chances are there will probably be other people leaving or arriving along the same path as you, so in that case you can just follow along. In general, if you’re facing the bay you will head to the left, through the waterfront restaurants and then over some rough terrain. Keep walking closer to the the land directly in front of the rock formation. You will eventually reach a few wading pools and places to enter the water.
As far as what to bring: I would suggest wearing good walking shoes, both for conquering the steps, but also the rocky walk you will have to make to get to your destination. If you have tough feet, you should be able to do much of the water walk barefoot, but using waterproof shoes or sandals would also be helpful. Make sure you bring your towel, swimsuit and change of clothes if you need them. But remember, while you are swimming you will have to leave your bag, so don’t bring anything valuable. I was able to hide my stuff in some rocks, but I wouldn’t have wanted to leave anything too important.
For cliff jumping, again you may see others doing it already and can follow their lead. Once you get into the water you can swim to the left side of the rock formation and you will be a couple ways to ascend the rocks onto a platform where you can jump! Be warned, the footing up the rocks and surface of the platform are rough on your feet but manageable. And remember you are always jumping at your own risk! But I found it to be a bucket-list experience!
10. grab something to read at the Cutest bookstore
This almost hidden bookstore in Oia is absolutely adorable. Atlantis Books is exactly what you’d hope for with a bookstore in Santorini. There is a wonky staircase that leads down to the lower level. Once inside you will see rows and rows of beautiful books, wall murals and more. It is such a special space where you can get a unique souvenir. If you’re looking for something extra special, they even have a stunning collection of first editions like a first edition Madeline or To Kill a Mockingbird. It was definitely worth the stop in.
11. Enjoy Every sunset
Whether you are enjoying it from a restaurant, bar, or just simply walking around, I would strongly reccomend that you take the time to pause and watch the magic. It is not to be missed, and the good news is its free and available every night! I have definitely seen some beautiful sunsets in my life, but the ones I saw while visiting Santorini will stick with you forever.
Enjoy Santorini!!
This post was all about life-changing things to do while visiting Santorini, Greece!
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