Santorini is best known for its charming cliffside towns, rocks of all colours, magical rock formations and equally incredible bays and beaches. With so many pointers on our list, where do we even begin? Today, we’ll go over 9 spots we think are most worthy of a visit on Santorini.
Santorini
Introduction
Santorini, officially called Thira, is not a very large island. You can either get here by ferry or by plane – as for getting around the island, you can either use KTEL buses, taxis or hire a car. Though Santorini has plenty to see already, you may also be interested in other islands which belong to the same area as Santorini – Therasia, Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi and Christiana.
Most of the best towns to visit in Santorini are located by the coast and they tend to be compact enough that you can explore all on foot (though be prepared for LOTS of stairs). The town you’re most likely already acquainted with from postcards is Oia, though it’s hardly the only notable town on the island. Santorini is also a good island for sunbathing – though you won’t find many smooth sandy beaches like on Crete or Rhodes, what you get here is much more unique. You can check out a couple of Santorini beaches on our best-of list here.
Oia
The jewel of Santorini
Oia is located on the north-western tip of the island – it’s built upon a cliff, more than 70 metres above the sea level. Though it does not offer a direct access to the sea, it more than compensates for it with the insane views you get from the town, especially of sunsets. It’s one of the reasons why it’s a place which attracts artistic souls so much. And it’s not just sunsets and views of the sea, as Oia is most well known for its unique architecture – the bright blue-domed white little houses separated by charming narrow streets.
Fira
The capital of Santorini
Fira is the capital of the island, located on the west coast about 250 metres above the sea level. When viewed from afar, Fira looks like a white extension of the cliffside, like someone just smeared cream on top of a mountain. As you can imagine, the restaurants and pubs offer tables with some of the most incredible views in all of Greece. It’s also just a lovely town in and of itself, with equally charming narrow streets, pubs and cafes.
There is also a cable car that will take you down to the old port. Or you can just descend 600 steps. You’ll find lots of cruise ships in the harbour, offering trips.
Kokkini Paralia
Red beach
Though beaches are not the primary focus of Santorini, you’ll still find some really special ones here. The first of these is the Kokkini Paralia, mostly just known as the Red Beach. It’s located about 7 miles from Fira, just below the village Akrotiri. The beach was formed by the rocks sliding off the cliff – the colour of the rocks, meanwhile, results from the volcanic lava mixing with red clay. Some sand here looks straight up blood-red which, combined with the black pebbles and the blue water, makes for an incredible combination. What is most awe-inspiring and kind of frightening at the same time are the cliffs hanging above the beach – sections of it are actually closed off due to landslides.
We would not recommend it for families with children as, apart from just being pebbly, it also has a very sharp descent.
Kamari
Black beach
Speaking of coloured beaches, here’s another one. About 5 miles away from the capital, in the south-eastern part of the island, you have Kamari Beach. It’s a beach covered in practically black sand, shielded from the wind by the massive Mesa Vouno mountain to the right. On the other side of the mountain, you have the neighbouring Perissa beach. Both places are very popular as just great beaches – clean (Kamari is a Blue Flag beach), large and with great infrastructure.
Imerovigli
Another cliffside town
This town is only about 1.2 miles north of the capital, so you can just walk here – unless it’s August and it’s like 30+ degrees, then you can spare yourself and use a car. Imerovigli is situated right at the edge of the cliff, offering an insane view of the caldera. If you have good enough footwear, you can also climb Skaros Rock, the ruins of a castle several centuries old built on a rocky promontory, for an even better view.
A stroll across a volcano on Nea Kameni
Volcano near Santorini
You can also take a cruise from the aforementioned harbour of Fira to the uninhabited Nea Kameni. It’s located in the middle of the caldera – you can practically smell the sulphur in the air there. The cruise takes 30 minutes and costs about €20. A walk around the island itself takes between an hour to an hour and a half.
Vineyard tours
Vineyards of Santorini
Wine from Santorini has a very unique taste and aroma, all thanks to the mineral-rich volcanic soil. In order to protect the fruits from strong winds, the vines are woven into little baskets, just off the ground. The most popular grape variety of the island is Assyrtiko – it’s used for making dry white wine. There are several vineyards on the island where you can see the winemaking process for yourself and, of course, taste several varieties. You can find wine on our list of what to buy in Crete!
Profitis Ilias – the best panorama of the island
Even more fantastic viewpoints
Profitis Ilias translates to the biblical Prophet Elijah – it’s the tallest hill on the island, at 798 metres above sea level. It’s located in the south-eastern part of Santorini, between Kamari and Perissa. There’s also a small temple on top.
The Akrotiri lighthouse
Did you say you needed more viewpoints?
The lighthouse is located on the south-western tip of the island, built in 1892. It’s a small charming lighthouse, though it’s mostly just another great viewpoint, phenomenal for watching sunsets (or sunrises if you can get there). It’s also usually free of crowds, so no one will get in your frame when you take photos.
Map of the best places of Santorini
1) Red Beach
2) Kamari beach
3) Oia
4) Fira
5) Imerovigli
6) Nea Kameni
7) Profitis Ilias
8) Akrotiri lighthouse
9) Tirasia
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