Santorini is another beautiful island of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, shaping its existing landscape. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater).

Personally, I believe Santorini is more for sightseeing instead of swimming (there are other Greek islands with great beaches and golden sand for that). In Santorini you can enjoy amazing landscapes, views, wineries, food and the amazing sunset. You can visit is anytime between April – November, where the weather is still warm compared to northern European countries. If you choose to visit within October-November prices are dropping compared to high season during summer. If you select to visit during low season, then you should stay in Fira since most places are still open.

1. Watch the most famous sunset

Santorini’s sunset is what makes the island so famous. Find the perfect spot to watch the island in Oia, Fira, Imerovigli. Make sure to check my post about ‘Chasing Sunsets in Santorini’ to see more photos. Arrange to watch the sunset and have your dinner at the same time. Although dinner with a view tends to be expensive (in areas like Fira, Imerovigli & Oia) you can still enjoy the sunset from another point of view e.g. in Megalochori.

2. Eat Traditional Greek Food

There are a lot of places to enjoy a budget meal, either fish or meat.

3. Explore the small paths in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli & Oia

Walk through the hidden alleys, discover magical places and enjoy amazing views.

4. Drink a Donkey Beer

Donkey Beer is the locally brewed beer made in Santorini. There are three beers, yellow, red and crazy with another one which they are making now. You can even visit the Brewery for free tasting.

5. Visit Perissa & Kamari Beaches

Perissa is one of the nicest beaches in Santorini. There are a lot of restaurants and bars along the beach front open from morning to night so you can spend the whole day there. Kamari is another area with great beach and a lot of restaurant, bars, cafes along the beach front too.

6. Explore Pyrgos

On the top of a hill, you’ll find Pyrgos (Santorini’s capital before Fira), a beautiful village with a castle, beautiful churches and amazing views. The village is made up of Cycladic small houses which are built around the medieval hilltop castle.

7. Go to the Red Beach

On the way to Akrotiri, there’s a beach that got its name from its red volcanic sand. The scenery is amazing and the beach is below a red cliff wall. From here you can also take the small boat and with 5 EUR you can go to other nearby beaches, white and black beach.

8. Head down to Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay is a tiny port in Oia. In order to access you either need to drive or walk the 300 stars. This is a great spot to eat some fresh fish and enjoy the sunset.

9. Explore the island on a motorbike

You can find one for 10-15eur per day and the fuel is cheap. With a motorbike you can explore areas which are not accessible by bus, you can stop wherever you wish.

10. Donkey Ride

Although, personally, I’m against taking a donkey ride, you might want to try it. I would prefer the cable car because I feel sorry for the donkeys.