Santorini Holidays

Historical sites

You don’t need to head to Athens for an ancient adventure. Santorini has its own slice of history to explore.

• Akrotiri – Often called the ‘Pompeii of the Aegean’, this site reveals the remains of a Minoan Bronze Age settlement, preserved by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC.

• Thira’s Archaeological Museum – A good spot to get a sense of the island’s ancient and classical past, with displays of pottery, sculptures and discoveries from Akrotiri.

• The Orthodox Cathedral – Set in the centre of Thira, this domed church is as striking to look at as it is historically significant.

Island life

Island life is what Santorini holidays are all about.

• Catch the sunset in Oia – This postcard‑perfect village is filled with winding alleyways, whitewashed houses and blue domes. Sunset here is a daily event, so it’s worth finding a good spot early and taking it all in.

• Swim off black‑sand beaches – Santorini’s volcanic past shaped its coastline, creating dramatic dark‑sand beaches. Kamari and Perissa are two of the best for easy days by the sea, with plenty of places to eat nearby.

• Climb the caldera – Walk the cliffside path between Thira and Oia for sweeping views over the Aegean. It’s one of the simplest ways to see the island at its best.

• Set sail – Take a boat trip around the caldera and stop at Palea Kameni, where you can dip into the island’s mineral‑rich hot springs.

Active adventures 

You don’t have to spend all day on a sunlounger – unless that’s exactly what you’re after. Santorini gives you a few easy ways to stay active, without overcomplicating things.

• Watersports – You’ll find simple options like paddleboarding and jet‑skiing at Perissa Beach, plus guided kayak tours if you want to see more of the coastline. It’s a good way to break up beach time, though extras like equipment hire will add to your spend.

• Volcano hikes – Walking around the crater is one of the more memorable things to do here. It’s not overly technical, but the terrain can be uneven and exposed, so go prepared. The views across the caldera are the payoff.

• Quad biking – Hiring a quad gives you more flexibility to explore at your own pace. It’s an easy way to reach quieter spots and viewpoints, especially if you’re staying outside the main towns. Just factor in rental and fuel costs when you’re budgeting.

Shopping

Whether you’re after a small keepsake or something a bit more special, Santorini keeps things fairly straightforward when it comes to shopping.

• Oia – You’ll find a mix of boutiques selling handcrafted ceramics, jewellery and higher‑end Greek fashion. There are also a lot of galleries, so prices can be on the higher side compared to elsewhere on the island.

• Thira – Gold Street is known for its jewellery shops and designer names, but there are also simpler souvenir spots if you’re keeping an eye on spend. It’s a good place to compare options before buying.

• Kamari and Perissa – Shopping here is more low‑key, with small seafront shops selling beach essentials, local crafts and volcanic pumice stones. It’s convenient rather than extensive, but fine for easy souvenirs.

Nightlife

Santorini serves up a more refined kind of nightlife – perfect for relaxed evenings with a cocktail.

• Thira – The liveliest town on the island, with cocktail bars, clubs and lounges. Franco’s Bar is deemed a cult classic. It’s the perfect clifftop spot for a cocktail, then you can seek out some live music or a DJ set after dark.

• Oia – Come here for sunset drinks and clifftop wine bars. Think low-key luxury rather than all-night raves.

• Perissa and Kamari – These beach towns buzz in the evenings with bars spilling onto the sand. Wet Stories and Seaside Santorini are top picks for beachfront partying.

Nature’s finest

Santorini offers a stunning line-up of beaches.

• Red Beach – One of the most famous beaches, near the village of Akrotiri. As the name suggests, it’s known for its red sand and terracotta-coloured rocks that shelter it from the wind. You can access it by boat from Akrotiri port or by car, followed by a short walk.

• Katharos Beach – Just a short stroll from Oia village and a little gem hidden by rough cliffs. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and is speckled with black and grey pebbles in signature Santorini style. The view from the clifftop restaurant is also well worth seeing.

• Mouzakia Beach – This beach is somewhere between Oia and Imerovigli and is only accessible by boat, so it’s not included on your regular tours. It’s as private as you can get in Santorini and a favourite with boat owners. If you fancy hiring your own for the day from Thira’s old port, you’ll be in for a treat.

Beach bar vibes

Santorini’s famous sunsets are best enjoyed with a drink in hand...

• Perissa Beach – A great pick for watersports lovers and easily accessible for a day trip if you’re not staying nearby. It’s a Blue Flag spot, so it’s also backed by a strip of beach bars and restaurants for your fix of fresh fish dishes.  

• Kamari Beach – A five-kilometre Blue Flag, award-winning beach of volcanic sand and pebbles. Bars and restaurants serve up souvlaki against a mountainous backdrop, and the catch of the day is served right on the sand.

Traditional treats

Eating well is easy in Santorini, especially if you like to share. Meze dishes let you try a bit of everything – from tzatziki and fava beans to octopus and moussaka – often served in relaxed tavernas by the beach or on clifftop terraces where the views are just as good as the food.

• Gyros – These warm pittas are filled with gyro meat – either lamb, beef, chicken or a combination – then seasoned with herbs and spices and served wrapped up with salad, tzatziki and chips.

• Octopus – Not just any octopus, this delicacy in Santorini is left to dry in the sun for a day to tenderise the fish, which is why the island is so famous for it.

• Moussaka – Aubergine is the star of this dish, which is best described as a Greek lasagne. Thin strips of the veg are layered with lamb, tomato and sometimes potato with a creamy bechamel sauce on top.

Veggie flavours

These dishes are easy to find across the island, especially in family‑run tavernas where flavours are kept honest and unfussy.

• Chloro – This is Santorini’s local cheese and is only produced in very small quantities, so it’s a bit of a treasure hunt to try it – you won’t find it anywhere else in Greece. Soft and mild, it’s great in a tomato salad or with grilled vegetables.

• Fava – A Santorini staple, these beans are whipped up into a luscious dip that you can spread on just about anything. They’re so good they’ve been feeding the island for over 3,500 years.

• Tomatokeftedes – These are like tomato fritters. In-season tomatoes, onion, courgette and herbs are fried like pancakes, and they’re delicious.

Sweet stuff

If you’ve still got room for dessert, you’ll find you’ve got plenty to choose from.

• Koufeto – This sweet dish blends together honey and almonds. You’ll usually find it at weddings, where it's thought to bring luck to newlyweds.

• Baklava – The classic Greek sweet treat. Layers of filo pastry are filled with crushed pistachios or walnuts and drowned in honey.

Drinks of choice

Pick something traditional to sip with your meal…

• Vinsanto – This rich dessert wine is probably Santorini’s most significant contribution and can be traced back to the 16th century. It has notes of dried citrus peel, figs, apricot and toffee.

• Mythos – Mythos is one of Greece’s best‑known beers, and you’ll see it on menus just about everywhere – light, easy to drink and a simple go‑to in the heat.

Bus

The local bus network only operates over the tourist season, but they’ve got stops near all the must-see sites and go via the airport. There’s no need to worry about parking, and it makes hopping from town to town super easy and affordable – that’s more money saved for souvlaki and sunset drinks.  

Car Hire

If you're all about that freedom and flexibility, renting a car for your holiday is a great idea. You could lap the whole island if you like, uncovering hidden gems and scenic viewpoints along the way. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, pick up a quadbike or scooter. There’s no need for air-con as you’ll have that sea breeze rushing through your hair, and they’re perfect for navigating Santorini's narrow lanes.  

Taxis

Taxis are usually available from wherever you’re staying, but can get a little pricey, especially in peak season. They have Uber here or you can use a local service for cheaper fares. There are a limited number of taxis on the island, so it’s worth booking your journey in advance if you can.

Ferry

The port of Athinios has ferry connections to other Greek islands like Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes if your itinerary involves island hopping. The buses also stop here, so you can swap from one mode of transport to another.