Things to do in Santorini are not limited to just enjoying its sunsets. Also known as Thira, this Greek island boasts stunning natural beauty, and even though many Santorini attractions revolve around beautiful landscapes, activities in Santorini can include water sports, sampling the local cuisine—especially the famed sutsukaki—and visiting places of historical interest.

Oia

One of the top Santorini attractions is the town of Oia, which is particularly known for its gorgeous sunsets. Every day tourists flock to various vantage points across the town as the sun begins to set, and invariably they’re treated to a visual delight. There are also opportunities to enjoy the sunset from boats, which is especially convenient for the photographers, who can get that perfect picture of the sun shining on the ocean as it drops below the horizon. Another extensively photographed aspect of Oia is its picturesque architecture, which boasts a combination of rich Venetian villas and smaller village homesteads known as yposkafas.

Greece Map

Akrotiri

When preliminary excavations of Akrotiri started in 1967, they unearthed a true archaeological wonder—an ancient Minoan city that had been covered under layers of volcanic ash for centuries. Today the site is one of the top Santorini attractions, alongside the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in the city of Fira, where many of the unearthed artifacts can be viewed. Most notable among these are spectacular frescoes and ceramic artworks. Santorini attractions here also include the Akrotiri lighthouse.

Red Beach

To reach the Red Beach, visitors have to take a bus from Fira and then walk up a rocky path. You can also travel by sea on a water taxi. The sand of the beach is reddish in color due to the presence of iron. Red Beach’s association with the color red does not stop there, however; red-colored cliffs also border the beach. Aside from gazing at the natural phenomenon here, activities in Santorini include snorkeling in the waters off the beach.

Amoudi

Amoudi is a small swimming spot near Oia, and while it does not boast of any sand to lounge on, it does have an awesome rocky promontory that can be used for diving. Once you've enjoyed the warm waters of Santorini, there are quite a few dining opportunities near Amoudi that are perfect for rejuvenating from a tiring swim. Amoudi also benefits from its quiet nature, and things to do in Santorini should definitely include a trip here if you want to avoid overcrowded beaches.

Kamari

This village by the sea is located on the southeastern part of the island. Kamari is famed for its Black Beach and its dark sands. Generally speaking, the village has a relaxed environment, which allows for happy hours spent lazing around while sipping a cocktail or two and watching the sunset. Top activities in Santorini also include a trip to Messa Vuna, an ancient Greek town near Kamari.

Megalohori

This a wonderfully sleepy village situated on a hill toward the eastern part of Santorini. Well-known for its traditional white churches with striking blue domes, the village is also home to numerous vineyards and associated wineries. Visiting Megalohori is one of the best things to do in Santorini for wine-lovers and fans of the countryside alike.