Aegean Sea Islands – Greek Diaspora Travel
Santorini Island Greece
Your Guide To Santorini Island Greece
Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular islands and is part of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. The island is most famous for its “caldera” – picturesque towns built into the cliff like structure formed by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. Whether it’s exclusive wine, volcanic water brewed beer, mouth-watering food, stunning landscapes, unique beaches, or an archaeological site preserved under volcanic ash (which is 2,000 years older than Pompeii) that you’re after – Santorini has you covered.
These are our top sights and activities in Santorini island, Greece
Ammoudi Port
This small picturesque port lies 300 steps below Oia. It’s a bit of a trek to get there and back but well worth it for the views of the blood-red cliffs, the harbour and of Oia itself. Alternatively, you can always take a donkey ride down or up the steps. Once you’re down there, have lunch or dinner at one of the excellent seafood tavernas right on the water’s edge.
Tip: Book dinner at one of the restaurants here and watch the sunset. You’ll see the full sunset here unlike most of the other restaurants in Oia where you’ll only see the first half, as the sun sets behind the caldera.
Location: Ormos Ammoudiou, Oia, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Ancient Akrotiri
In 1967, excavations in the southwest of Santorini uncovered an ancient city buried deep beneath volcanic ash from the catastrophic eruption of approx. 1,613 BC. This city was believed to be either a Minoan or Pelasgian settlement. Come here and discover an ancient city, 2,000 years older than Pompeii. See how advanced civilisation was 4,000 years ago, with three-storey buildings, roads, drainage systems, and stunning pottery.
Price: Entry – Adult €12, Concession €6
Opening hours: 8am-8pm
Location: Epar.Od. Akrotiriou, Akrotiri, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Wine Tour
Santorini is known for its unique wine growing methods and unique wine varieties, famous from medieval times. Most wineries on the island shape their vines in a basket formation on the ground to protect the grapes from the heat. Assyrtiko is a white wine variety indigenous to the island the most Santorini wine. Vinsanto is also a popular Greek wine unique to Santorini. Named by the Venetians, meaning Santorini Wine in Italian, Vinsanto is a dessert wine.
Some of the top wineries in Santorini include Boutari, Santo Wines, Argyros Estate, Gaia, Domaine Sigalas, Hatzidakis, Canava Roussos, Gavalas, Venetsanos, Art Space Winery, Artemis Karamolegos, and Vassaltis Vineyards. Rather than making your own way to wineries, I would highly recommend a guided tour to explain the Santorini wine making process, the different wine varieties, and recommend pairings. The Santorini Wine and Sunset Tour here is a great option.
Prophet Elias Monastery
Not only a stunning monastery, the Monastery of Prophet Elias is located on the highest peak of Santorini, offering some of the greatest views of the island. It’s a great destination for trekking and also includes a small ecclesiastical museum.
Location: Epar.Od. Pirgou Kallistis – Profiti Ilia, Moni Profitou Iliou, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral
The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral is the main church in Fira. It was originally built in 1827 but suffered serious damages from the earthquake that hit Santorini in 1956, so it was rebuilt. Inside the church, the walls are covered in ornate frescoes painted by the local artist Christoforos Assimis.
Location: Ipapantis, Fira, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Panagia Platsani
The Panagia Platsani Church is the main church in Oia and was originally constructed inside the walls of the Castle of Oia. The church was moved to its current location and was also rebuilt following the earthquake of 1956.
Location: Unnamed Road, Oia, Santorini (Thira), Greece
These are our top food & beverage destinations in Santorini island, Greece
1800 Floga
With jaw-dropping caldera views from the rooftop, 1800 Floga is located in a restored sea captain’s mansion. The gourmet modern Greek cuisine has won this restaurant numerous awards. Just like most restaurants in Greece, the sea bass here is to die for, served with quinoa, artichoke, and fennel purée. The local specialty fava dip is also a must try. If you’re game, take on the lobster pasta, which comes with a whole lobster and presented with smoke exuding from the dish. Dine inside or on the caldera rooftop.
Tip: Pre-booking is necessary.
Price: Mains €13-35
Opening hours: 12pm-12am
Location: Nikolaos Nomikos, Oia, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Lolita’s Gelato
Lolita is the main gelato store in Oia and serves up homemade ice-cream with flavours like blueberry, pistachio, rosewater, and red pepper. This gelateria is located near the main bus stop of Oia.
Price: Cones €3-6
Opening hours: 10:30am-9:30pm Mon-Sat
Location: Unnamed Road off Epar. Od. Firon-Ias, Oia, Santorini, Greece
Karma
If you’re after traditional Greek food at reasonable price, set in a neo-classical setting then Karma is for you. Fountains, flickering candles, golden-coloured walls, and wine-coloured cushions set the scene for quality, hearty food. The only downside is that you won’t have a view of the caldera from here.
Price: Mains €11-17
Opening hours: 9am-11:30pm
Location: 11 Nikolaos Nomikos, Oia, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Locura Beach Bar & Restaurant
This is one of those gems that we stumbled upon while beach hopping with our quad bike. More than just a beach bar, Locura serves up delicious gourmet Greek inspired dishes. We had some of the best food in all of Santorini here, which was a pleasant surprise considering it didn’t come up in our extensive research.
Price: Mains €8-18
Opening hours: 9am-4am
Location: Perivolos Beach, Perissa, Santorini (Thira), Greece
La Scala
Skala’s terrace overlooks Armeni Bay and serves up traditional dishes like souvlaki, baked eggplant, and cheese pies.
Price: Mains €8-18
Opening hours: 7:30am-11:30pm
Location: Marinatou, Fira, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Theoni’s Kitchen
Theoni’s Kitchen isn’t fancy and you won’t have stunning caldera views here, but you’ll find some the best home-cooked Greek food here. With traditional Greek food, comes traditional Greek sized serving portions, so don’t order too much!
Price: Mains from €7
Opening hours: 12pm-12am
Location: Dekigala, Fira, Santorini (Thira), Greece
1500
With an amazing view and top notch food, 1500 won’t disappoint. The menu includes mouthwatering sea bass, eggplant, octopus, and fava options. The wine and beer also has plenty of great choices, and if you’re into craft beers, make sure to try the Crazy Donkey IPA. Braised lobster and royal crab legs are also dishes worth trying.
Price: Mains €22-39
Opening hours: Lunch & Dinner
Location: Unnamed Road off Dekigala, Fira, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Koukoumavlos
Another restaurant with impressive views and award-winning fresh food. Koukoumavlos provides a creative modern Greek cuisine. The slow-cooked lamb shoulder with potato and jasmine mousseline, fig, and Greek coffee sauce is a must try.
Tip: The degustation at €78 is worthwhile.
Price: Mains €28-36
Opening hours: 7pm-late Apr–Oct
Location: Ipapantis, Fira, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Idol Restaurant Bar
Idol Restaurant Bar is three-level restaurant and bar with a modern Greek Asian fusion cuisine. Try unique dishes such as squid with kimchi, raisins, chickpeas or the slow-cooked pork belly with sweet potato puree. The mastika ice-cream is a must for dessert.
Price: Mains €22-35
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Location: Ipapantis, Fira, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Metaxi Mas
Halfway between Fira and Perissa beach is the town of Exo Gonia. Located near the big yellow Agios Charalambos Church is Metaxi Mas, a restaurant that serves up a delicious menu of local and Cretan specialities. Situated high up, you’ll enjoy sensational views here and experience an authentic cuisine. You know you’re in the right place when there are more locals dining than tourists!
Price: Mains €8-19
Opening hours: 2pm-12am
Location: Exo Gonia, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Crystal Cocktail Bar
Wine not enjoy a drink while soaking in the view of Santorini’s gorgeous caldera? Crystal Cocktail Bar is a great place for sunset drinks, afternoon cocktails or even a morning coffee!
Opening hours: 10am-1am
Location: Agiou Mina, Fira, Santorini (Thira), Greece
These are our top shops in Santorini island, Greece
Epilekton
Epilekton is located to the right-hand side of Panagia Platsani Church. Established in 1991, shop here for unique arts and craft products.
Opening hours: 9am-5pm
Location: Platsani church, Oia, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Aquamarine Jewelry
A great place to pick up some Santorini lava rock jewelry, jewelry depicting the Phaistos Disc, and more unique Santorini jewelry.
Location: Nikolaos Nomikos, Oia, Santorini (Thira), Greece
Atlantis Books
Atlantis Books opened in 2002 by two American college graduates on vacation. They fell in love with the island and decided to stay there and open a bookstore! Atlantis Books is the most popular bookstore in Santorini, in large part due to its artistic façade and quirky interior. The store sells books in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Chinese, and, of course, Greek.
Opening hours: 2-8pm
Location: Nikolaos Nomikos, Oia, Santorini (Thira), Greece
These are our top beaches in Santorini island, Greece
Kamari Beach
One of the most popular family friendly beaches, Kamari is littered with restaurants and beach bars. Kamari Beach is also the closest popular beach to Fira, the airport and Oia. The path along the beach is perfect for an evening stroll.
Perissa & Perivolos Beaches
Perissa and Perivolos Beaches are essentially one very long beach that caters to the backpacker crowd and party scene (beach style, not clubs). The beach becomes progressively quieter as you move south towards a third beach, Agios Georgios.
Red Beach
The pebbly sand here is red and the backdrop is stunning. There’s not a lot here besides the unique scenery though (ancient Akrotiri is 5 minutes away).
Hot Tip: With tight narrow streets, quad bikes are the best way to get around Santorini. Busses and taxis are also an alternative. You can hire a car, but I wouldn’t recommend it, unless you’re confident in squeezing around a tight bend on the top of a cliff with 13m long bus.
Where to stay in Santorini?
The best places to stay in Santorini are the towns of Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli. All of these towns are located on the caldera of the island and possess stunning views of the volcano and the rest of the caldera.
Fira
Fira is the capital of Santorini, so if you’re after being right in the thick of things this is where to stay. It’s also a good place to base yourself if you’re looking to explore the entire island as Fira is located in the middle of the island. Many think that the only postcard Santorini views can be found in Oia, but Fira has almost identical views!
Oia
Oia is the famous sunset town of Santorini. Located at the northern tip of Santorini, Oia sees bus loads of tourists arrive right before the sunset and leave right after. Many don’t realise though that Oia is a great option to stay in, especially for couples after a romantic stay. Although more expensive, watching the famous Santorini sunset with a glass of wine in your private jacuzzi within your very own cave apartment is priceless.
Imerovigli
Although everyone goes to Oia for the view of Oia, why not go to the town that overlooks Oia? Meet Imerovigli. This town is the next town down from Oia and sits almost directly opposite. Imerovigli is a great option if you want spectacular views without the bucket loads of tourists. The sunset is also spectacular here as this section of the Caldera is higher up.
4 day travel itinerary when staying Fira, Santorini
Day 1
- Swim at Kamari, Perissa and/or Perivolos Beach
- Lunch at Locura Beach Bar & Restaurant or Metaxi Mas
- See Red Beach
- Dinner at 1500 in Fira
- Drinks at Crystal Cocktail Bar in Fira
Day 2
- Shopping in Fira
- Lunch at La Skala in Fira
- Walk around Oia, shop at Epilekton, Aquamarine Jewelry & Atlantis Books
- See sunset in Oia (either at lookout points or from restaurant)
- Dinner at 1800 Floga in Oia or a restaurant in Ammoudi Port
Day 3
- Wine tour
- Akrotiri (if not included in tour)
- Dinner at Koukoumavlos in Fira
Day 4
- Explore more of Fira
- Lunch at Theoni’s Kitchen in Fira
Dinner at Idol Restaurant Bar in Fira
4 day travel itinerary when staying Oia, Santorini
Day 1
- Swim at Kamari, Perissa and/or Perivolos Beach
- Lunch at Locura Beach Bar & Restaurant or Metaxi Mas
- See Red Beach
- Dinner at 1800 Floga in Oia
Day 2
- Shopping in Fira
- Lunch at 1500 in Fira
- Shopping in Oia at Epilekton, Aquamarine Jewelry & Atlantis Books
- Dinner and sunset at restaurant in Ammoudi Port
Day 3
- Wine tour
- Akrotiri (if not included in tour)
- Dinner at Karma in Oia
Day 4
- Explore more of Oia
- Lunch at Pitogyros in Oia
- Ice Cream at Lolita’s Gelato in Oia
- Dinner at Roka or Elinikon in Oia
- Alternatively, if you have sunset views from your accommodation, go down to one of the local supermarkets and buy some Greek cheese (I recommend Manouri and Graviera), Greek wine (you’re in Santorini so you should get the Assyrtiko, otherwise Malagouzia and Moschofilero are also great choices), some other nibbles and enjoy!
Are you considering travelling to Santorini?
Check out the link below to book in your stay in Santorini.