Best Things to Do in Santorini

Santorini offers some of the most unforgettable attractions in Greece. The island blends dramatic caldera views, volcanic beaches, ancient ruins, sailing cruises and curated coastal experiences into one compact destination. Whether you’re searching for romantic moments, cultural highlights, outdoor adventures or even free things to do in Santorini, you’ll find a well-balanced mix of scenery and substance.

Here are the best things to do in Santorini.

1. Watch the Sunset in Oia

Watching the sunset in Oia is one of the most famous things to do in Santorini. As evening approaches, the village begins to glow in soft gold and pink tones while the sun sinks into the horizon beyond the caldera. The white buildings reflect the changing light, creating a scene that feels almost cinematic.

Arrive early to wander Oia’s marble walkways, browse small galleries and explore quiet staircases before finding your sunset spot. For a more intimate experience, reserve a cliffside terrace or step slightly away from the castle ruins for a calmer vantage point.

2. Explore Fira’s Cliffside Streets

Exploring Fira is one of the best activities in Santorini for visitors who want both scenery and energy. The capital blends panoramic volcano views with boutique shopping, rooftop cafés and lively restaurants tucked into the cliff face.

Walking along the caldera edge provides uninterrupted views across the water, while the cable car ride to the old port adds a dramatic vertical perspective of the coastline. Fira is especially enjoyable in the late afternoon when golden light softens the whitewashed buildings.

3. Take a Caldera Sailing Cruise

A sailing cruise around the caldera is one of the most unique things to do in Santorini. Seeing the island from sea level reveals how dramatic the cliffs truly are, rising sharply above deep blue water. Many cruises pause near volcanic hot springs and quiet swimming coves that are inaccessible by land.

Sunset departures offer an especially memorable atmosphere, as the sky transitions through layers of color while the boat drifts calmly below the caldera. Most experiences include a meal and local wine, making it both scenic and leisurely.

4. Visit Royal Beach Club Santorini

Royal Beach Club Santorini offers a seamless way to experience the island’s volcanic shoreline without having to coordinate transportation or reservations. Set along a secluded stretch of volcanic sand, it combines dramatic scenery with shaded loungers and Mediterranean dining.

As part of the Ultimate Santorini Day experience, guests pair time at the beach with visits to Oia and Fira, creating a balanced day of sightseeing and relaxation. For travelers seeking organized activities in Santorini that blend highlights with comfort, it offers an easy and scenic solution.

5. Hike From Fira to Oia

The Fira-to-Oia trail is one of the most rewarding and scenic hikes in Greece. The six-mile route follows the caldera ridge, offering constant views of the volcano, nearby islands and cliffside villages below.

It is also one of the best free things to do in Santorini, requiring only comfortable shoes and water. Along the way, you’ll pass quiet chapels, traditional homes and stretches of open path that feel removed from the busier towns.

6. Discover the Akrotiri Archaeological Site

The Akrotiri Archaeological Site offers a deeper look into Santorini’s ancient past. This preserved Minoan settlement was buried under volcanic ash, protecting multi-story buildings, streets and artifacts for thousands of years.

Walking along elevated platforms allows visitors to observe preserved architecture while learning how advanced the settlement once was. It adds meaningful context to the island’s dramatic volcanic story.

7. Relax at Red Beach

Red Beach is one of the most visually distinct beaches in Santorini. Towering crimson cliffs rise above the shoreline, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue sea.

Although the sand is pebbled, the setting feels dramatic and unforgettable. Visiting earlier in the day offers more space and clearer water for swimming, while afternoon light intensifies the colors of the surrounding rock formations.

8. Visit Pyrgos Village

Pyrgos provides a quieter alternative to the busier caldera towns. The hilltop village is filled with narrow alleys, whitewashed homes and scenic terraces that overlook the entire island.

Climbing to the castle ruins rewards visitors with panoramic 360-degree views of vineyards, coastline and distant islands. Pyrgos feels slower and more traditional, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon.

9. Explore Nea Kameni Volcano

A boat excursion to Nea Kameni allows visitors to walk directly on the volcanic landscape that shaped Santorini. The terrain is rugged, with dark lava rock and steaming vents near the crater.

After the hike, many tours include a swim near the hot springs, where mineral-rich waters add a restorative element to the experience. It’s one of the most adventurous attractions in Santorini.

10. Enjoy a Santorini Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is one of the most enjoyable activities in Santorini thanks to the island’s distinctive volcanic soil. Assyrtiko grapes thrive in the dry, mineral-rich environment, producing crisp and refreshing wines.

Many wineries offer guided tastings paired with small bites and sweeping caldera views. Sunset tastings combine scenery, local flavors and a relaxed pace that feels quintessentially Santorini.

11. Swim at Perissa or Perivolos Beach

Perissa and Perivolos offer a more traditional beach experience compared to the dramatic caldera towns. Their black volcanic sand stretches along the southeastern coast, lined with beach bars and waterfront restaurants.

Visitors can relax on loungers, try water sports or enjoy a long seaside lunch. These beaches provide an easygoing contrast to Santorini’s cliffside viewpoints.

12. Watch Sunset at Akrotiri Lighthouse

For a less crowded sunset view, head to the Akrotiri Lighthouse. The viewpoint overlooks open sea and rugged cliffs, offering a wide and uninterrupted horizon.

The setting feels expansive and calm compared to Oia, making it ideal for couples or photographers seeking a quieter backdrop. Arriving early allows you to fully appreciate the sweeping coastal landscape.

FAQs About Things to Do in Santorini:

1. What are the best things to do in Santorini for first-time visitors?

The best things to do in Santorini for first-time visitors include watching sunset in Oia, taking a caldera sailing cruise, hiking from Fira to Oia, exploring Akrotiri ruins and enjoying time along the volcanic beaches.

2. What are the most unique things to do in Santorini?

The most unique things to do in Santorini include hiking at Nea Kameni, tasting wine grown in volcanic soil and walking the dramatic caldera ridge between villages.

3. How many days do you need in Santorini?

Most travelers need two to three days in Santorini to experience the main highlights, including sunset viewpoints, one sailing excursion, a cultural visit and time for a beach or winery stop.

4. Is Santorini worth visiting?

Santorini is worth visiting for its dramatic volcanic landscape, panoramic sea views, cultural history and diverse activities that range from relaxed beach days to adventurous hikes.

5. Is Royal Beach Club Santorini worth visiting?

Royal Beach Club Santorini is worth visiting for travelers who want a structured beach experience that combines volcanic scenery, dining and included transportation as part of a broader island tour.

Planning a Visit to Santorini? Explore More Inspiration and Tips:

• Best Beaches in Santorini – Discover the island’s most scenic beaches, from black sand shores to hidden coves.
• What to Buy in Santorini – Explore local treasures like volcanic wine, handmade ceramics and artisanal Greek goods to bring home.
• What Is Santorini Known For? – Learn about the island’s iconic architecture, sunsets and volcanic landscapes.
• Best Time to Visit Santorini – Find out when to plan your trip for ideal weather and fewer crowds.