
White buildings stand majestically on dramatic cliffs, stunning sunsets paint the Aegean Sea, and centuries of history wait to be found - Santorini isn't just another Greek island. This bucket-list destination leaves visitors speechless.
I've explored every corner of this magical island. The number of activities might feel overwhelming, but I've picked the absolute best things to do in Santorini Greece. These experiences capture the island's true essence, from quiet walks through Oia's postcard-worthy streets to sunset sailing around the caldera.
My family trips to Santorini proved these activities work perfectly for all ages - including the 5 best things to do with children. Each spot offers something unique for every traveller, from Ancient Akrotiri's fascinating ruins to Amoudi Bay's crystal-clear waters.
Explore the Iconic Oia Village
My first glimpse of Oia left me spellbound. The narrow, winding pathways of this crown jewel of Santorini's villages amazed me. The picturesque settlement sits on the caldera's edge and gives some of the most captivating views I've ever seen.
Oia Village Highlights and Photo Spots
The village charms visitors with its iconic landmarks and hidden corners. My walks through Oia helped me find these amazing photo spots:
Oia Castle Ruins: Perfect for panoramic caldera views and sunset watching
Three Blue Domes: The classic Santorini shot, best photographed in the early morning
Windmill of Charisma Suites: An iconic structure offering stunning backdrop opportunities
Agia Triada Church: A popular spot, specifically beautiful during golden hour
Best Time to Visit Oia
Timing is vital to enjoy Oia without the crowds. Photography enthusiasts should know that arriving before 9 AM gives you serene moments and perfect lighting. The village shows different faces throughout the day:
Early Morning (Before 9 AM): Peaceful exploration and photography
Late Afternoon (4-5 PM): Ideal for shopping and casual strolling
Sunset: Arrive 1.5 hours before sunset for prime viewing spots
Oia Village Walking Route and Tips
Oia's layout can be tricky, so I created a simple route. Start at Panagia Church, then walk along Nikolaou Nomikou Street - the main marble pathway. You can explore the castle ruins next, which date back to the late 15th century.
Here's what I learned about getting the best experience:
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the steep pathways
Carry water, especially during the summer months
Use the main marble street as your reference point
Start early morning to avoid cruise ship crowds that arrive around 10 AM
The 300 steps down to Amoudi Bay give you a different view of the village. The bay's crystal-clear waters and Oia's architecture cascading down the cliffs create a stunning scene.
Take a Sunset Caldera Cruise
My walk through Oia's charming streets led me to find that sailing around Santorini's caldera shows this magnificent island from a completely different viewpoint. A sunset cruise stands out as one of the best things to do in Greece, so I've put together all the details about this must-do activity.
Top Rated Caldera Cruise Options
Two main cruise types really stand out:
Small Group Catamaran Cruise: Limited to 18 guests that gives you a close-knit feel with Greek meals and drinks included
Private Catamaran Charter: A 5-hour exclusive trip that works great for families or special occasions
Cruise Type Duration Best For Includes
Day Cruise 10 AM - 3 PM Swimming/Snorkeling Lunch, Drinks
Sunset Cruise 2:30 PM - 8 PM Photography/Romance Dinner, Drinks
What to Expect on a Caldera Cruise
My recent sunset cruise took us first to the volcano and hot springs. The trip has stops at several amazing spots:
White Beach and Red Beach for swimming
Black Mountain's hidden coves
Volcanic hot springs for therapeutic dips
Watching the sunset while enjoying a freshly prepared Greek BBQ dinner was the highlight. The unlimited local wine and beer made the experience even better.
Caldera Cruise Pricing and Booking Tips
My research and experience show you should book well ahead since these cruises sell out months in advance. Here are some key tips:
Timing: Book sunset cruises 2-3 months ahead for peak season
What to Bring:
Dark-colored swimwear (hot springs can stain light colors)
Light jacket for evening
Camera for sunset photos
Families with kids should pick the day cruise option. It gives more swimming time and better views of the caldera's geological features.
Hotel transfers, meals, and drinks come included, which makes this a smooth and easy excursion. Watching the sun sink below the horizon while sailing past Oia's cliffs creates memories that last forever.
Visit Ancient Akrotiri Archeological Site
The ancient city of Akrotiri transported me back thousands of years into one of Greece's most remarkable archeological treasures. This prehistoric settlement dates back to the 4th millennium BC, and it stands out as one of my favorite spots among the best things to do in Santorini.
Ancient Akrotiri History and Significance
A modest fishing village grew into a bustling urban center during the 20th-17th centuries BC. The settlement covered 20 hectares and showed off incredible architectural achievements. The people who lived here created advanced systems that included sophisticated drainage and multi-story buildings decorated with beautiful wall paintings.
Ancient Akrotiri Guided Tour Experience
My guided tour revealed these amazing features:
Complex drainage systems still visible today
Multi-story buildings with preserved furniture
Exquisite wall paintings depicting daily life
Imported artifacts showing trade connections with Egypt and Syria
The site's true magic comes alive through expert guides, so I suggest booking a tour. The preservation quality reminds me of Pompeii, though this site is substantially older.
Ancient Akrotiri Practical Information
Detail Information
Admission €12 for adults, €6 for seniors (65+)
Opening Hours 8 AM - 8 PM (until October), 8 AM - 3 PM (winter)
Best Time to Visit Early morning to avoid crowds
Duration 1-2 hours
On top of that, it has a bioclimatic roof covering the entire site, making it one of the 5 best things to do with children, whatever the weather. The sort of thing I love about this place is that archeologists estimate only about one-third of the ancient city has been uncovered so far. Many mysteries still lie buried beneath the volcanic ash.
Experience Santorini Wine Tasting
My trip to Santorini led me to find one of my most treasured experiences - the island's rich wine heritage. This volcanic paradise stands as Greece's #1 wine destination with a remarkable 3,500-year winemaking history.
Best Wineries in Santorini
The island has twenty wineries, and these stood out as true gems during my visits:
Gavalas Winery: Five generations of family winemaking expertise shine through their intimate tastings
Venetsanos Winery: The caldera views complement this historic winery's charm perfectly
Santo Wines: This powerhouse creates 50% of Santorini's total wine production in the Cyclades
Estate Argyros: Century-old vines spread across 300 magnificent acres
Santorini Wine Varieties and Tastings
The volcanic soil gives Santorini wines their unique character. Assyrtiko dominates 75-80% of vineyard plantings as the island's signature variety. My tastings revealed these distinctive wines:
Wine Type Characteristics
Assyrtiko High acid, citrus notes, mineral nuances
Vinsanto Golden-orange color, dried fruit bouquet
Nykteri Traditional white, barrel-aged
Wine Tour Options and Prices
Most wine tours take you to three wineries where you can sample 12 different wines. Each experience typically offers:
Small group tours (8-10 people) with hotel transfers
Private tours for a more personal experience
Local cheese and snack pairings
The ancient "kouloura" method fascinated me the most. Winemakers weave vines into baskets to shield grapes from strong winds. This traditional technique combines with the island's volcanic terroir to create wines that capture Santorini's true essence.
Relax at Amoudi Bay
The charming port of Amoudi Bay sits beneath Oia's dramatic cliffs. I found that there was this amazing coastal retreat 278 steps below Oia. This picturesque harbor quickly became my favorite spot among Santorini Greece's best attractions, giving visitors a real taste of traditional Greek coastal life.
Amoudi Bay Activities and Attractions
The bay's crystal-clear waters make swimming here incredible. A fantastic swimming spot lies just 5 minutes past the last restaurant. Adventurous visitors can swim out to a small island that has become a popular cliff-jumping platform.
Essential tips for swimmers:
Bring appropriate footwear for rocky surfaces
Watch for sea urchins near the rocks
Swim early morning to avoid crowds
Pack water and sun protection
Best Restaurants in Amoudi Bay
The waterfront restaurants here serve some of the best seafood I've ever tasted. Here's how the top spots stack up:
Restaurant Known For Reservation
Sunset Ammoudi Lobster Pasta Required
Dimitris Ammoudi Fresh Seafood Recommended
Ammoudi Fish Tavern Traditional Greek Essential
A meal with wine costs about €45-50 per person. Local fishing boats bring fresh catches to these restaurants each morning.
How to Get to Amoudi Bay
After trying several routes, these options ended up being the most practical:
Walking: Follow the 278 steps from Oia
Taxi: Fixed price of €10 from Oia
Driving: Park in the designated area near the bay
Families visiting Santorini with children should take a taxi down. The walk up works best early morning or late afternoon when it's cooler. The steps are wide but uneven, so you'll need proper walking shoes instead of sandals or flip-flops.
Conclusion
My trip to Santorini was filled with magical moments, and five experiences truly capture the island's charm. Each activity brings something special - from Oia's stunning architecture to sailing through crystal-clear caldera waters. The ancient ruins, local wines, and peaceful Amoudi Bay complete this perfect Greek experience.
The narrow pathways of Oia are best enjoyed in the early morning quiet. A evening cruise around the caldera shows why Santorini is Greece's most photogenic island. Ancient Akrotiri takes you back through thousands of years, and the local wineries show how volcanic soil creates some of the world's most unique wines.
These activities are perfect for families. Kids love Akrotiri's preserved streets as much as adults do, and Amoudi Bay's safe swimming spots welcome all ages. Santorini's blend of culture, history, and natural beauty makes it perfect for anyone who wants a memorable Mediterranean experience.
Note that Santorini's real magic comes from how these experiences blend together into an unforgettable Greek island adventure. The best way to experience this remarkable place is to savor each moment - from watching the sunrise over the caldera to enjoying local Assyrtiko wine as the day fades away.