Anemoessa Villa
Romantic Santorini is a very special Greek island, at once one of the most famous and representative of Greece’s tourist success but also one with its own strong identity, distinct from the other islands.
On the list of what to see in Santorini at the top of the list are its legendary sunsets, the most beautiful in the whole of Greece, along with the breathtaking views of the caldera, the landscape element that has made Santorini unique.
Chic towns and traditional villages follow one another on this island that obliges the tourist to always have a camera at hand.
You can relax on one of its black sand beaches or taste the island’s famous wines in one of its renowned wineries, while for a cultural itinerary you can visit the famous ruins of Akrotiri.
Don’t miss out on the best: here is the list of must-sees in Santorini.
Oia is undoubtedly the most famous and most photographed village on Santorini. Located at the northern end of the island, this enchanting village is famous for its white houses carved out of volcanic rock, the blue domes of its churches and the windmills that dominate the landscape. Its privileged position on the cliff offers unparalleled views of the caldera.
The most magical time to visit Oia is undoubtedly at sunset, when the sun plunges into the sea, tinging the sky and houses with shades of gold and pink. Not surprisingly, thousands of visitors gather every evening along the narrow streets and terraces of the village to witness this natural spectacle. To avoid the crowds, you can opt for a lesser-known vantage point such as the Byzantine fortress or book a table in one of the panoramic restaurants in advance.
Apart from the views, Oia is worth exploring for its unique architecture, art galleries, craft boutiques and small bookshops tucked away in the alleys. Don’t miss a visit to the Panagia Church with its distinctive blue dome and a walk to the port of Ammoudi, reached by descending 300 steps from the cliff, where you can enjoy fresh fish in one of the seaside tavernas.
Fira, the capital of Santorini, is built on the edge of the caldera and offers spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. The centre of the town is a maze of cobbled alleys where traditional houses, luxury hotels, souvenir shops, jewellers and panoramic restaurants alternate.
The Archaeological Museum houses finds from various excavations on the island, including Bronze Age ceramics and sculptures from the Hellenistic period. A short distance away, the Prehistoric Museum of Thera houses the extraordinary frescoes found at Akrotiri, such as the famous ‘Fishermen’ and the ‘Blue Antelopes’, which testify to the high artistic level reached by the Minoan civilisation.
The Orthodox Cathedral of Ypapanti, rebuilt after the 1956 earthquake, is notable for its bell tower and richly decorated interior. For the more adventurous, the descent to the old port can be made on foot down a steep path of 587 steps, by mule or by modern cable car. Boat trips depart from the harbour to explore the caldera and its volcanic islands.
In the evening, Fira comes alive with a lively nightlife ranging from elegant bars to more informal clubs, perfect for enjoying a cocktail while admiring the illuminated view of the caldera.
Nicknamed the ‘balcony over the Aegean’, Imerovigli is located at the highest point of the caldera, some 300 metres above sea level, offering one of the most spectacular views of the island. This quiet village, located about 2 km north of Fira, is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere than the more touristy resorts.
The landmark of Imerovigli is Skaros Rock, a rocky promontory jutting into the sea that once housed a Venetian fortress built to defend against pirate attacks. Today, only a few ruins remain of this fortification, but the walk to the top of the rock affords breathtaking views of the caldera and surrounding islands.
The village itself is a masterpiece of Cycladic architecture, with elegant rock dwellings that fit perfectly into the natural landscape. Narrow cobbled streets lead to hidden squares where you can stop for a coffee or an aperitif at sunset.
Imerovigli is also the ideal starting point for the panoramic footpath connecting Fira and Oia. This walk of about 9 km along the edge of the caldera is considered one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean and allows one to admire the unique landscape of Santorini from different angles.
The Caldera of Santorini is the geological and scenic heart of the island, an immense natural amphitheatre formed by the collapse of an ancient volcanic island following one of the most powerful eruptions in history, which occurred around 1600 BC. This gigantic semicircular depression, filled by the waters of the Aegean, reaches depths of up to 400 metres and measures about 12 km in diameter.
In the centre of the caldera emerge the islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, the most recent volcanic cones, still active and characterised by a lunar landscape of black rocks and sulphurous fumaroles. Nea Kameni, in particular, is the destination of daily excursions that allow one to walk on the active crater and feel the heat still emanating from the earth.
The steep walls of the caldera, up to 300 metres above sea level in places, are the result of layers of lava and ash deposited by millennia of volcanic activity. On these multicoloured cliffs climb the island’s main villages – Fira, Imerovigli and Oia – creating the unique landscape that has made Santorini globally famous.
A boat trip into the caldera is a must to appreciate the majesty of this geological formation. Numerous boats depart daily from the ports of Athinios, Fira and Ammoudi, offering the chance to swim in the thermal waters of Palea Kameni, where sulphurous springs naturally warm the sea.
Akrotiri represents one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the Mediterranean, often compared to Pompeii for the extraordinary preservation of its remains. This ancient Minoan settlement, buried under the ashes of the 17th century BC volcanic eruption, has been preserved for millennia thanks to a protective blanket of volcanic material.
Excavations, which began in 1967 under the direction of Greek archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos, unearthed an entire city with multi-storey buildings, paved streets, an advanced sewage system and sophisticated wall decorations. Unlike Pompeii, no human remains or valuables were found at Akrotiri, suggesting that the inhabitants had time to evacuate before the eruption.
Particularly impressive are the frescoes that decorated the dwellings, such as ‘The Spring’, ‘The Fishermen’ and ‘The Blue Antelopes’, reproductions of which are exhibited on site while the originals are kept at the Prehistoric Museum of Thera in Fira. These paintings reveal scenes of daily life, religious ceremonies and natural landscapes, testifying to the high cultural and artistic level reached by this civilisation.
Today, the site is protected by a bioclimatic structure that allows visitors to walk on elevated walkways to admire the ruins from above. Specialised guides are available at the entrance to accompany you on your discovery of this fascinating plunge into the past.
The visit to the ruins of Akrotiri can be combined with the two archaeological museums in the town of Fira and a visit to Ancient Fira.
The Red Beach is one of Santorini’s most impressive natural attractions. Located near the archaeological site of Akrotiri, this small cove owes its name to the striking reddish colouring of the surrounding cliffs, a result of the peculiar volcanic composition of the soil.
To reach the beach, it is necessary to walk along a rather impervious path that starts from the car park near the local tavern. After about a 10-minute walk, the landscape opens up revealing a truly unique scenery: red-black sand contrasting with the deep blue sea and the imposing red cliffs rising behind the bay.
Due to the unstable nature of the cliffs, with occasional small landslides, some parts of the beach may be cordoned off. However, it is possible to fully enjoy the surreal landscape even without going directly down to the sand, by stopping at the viewpoint along the path.
For those who wish to stop, the beach is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds for hire in the area considered safe. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkelling, thanks to the rich marine life that populates the rocky seabed. During the summer months, small boats regularly connect Red Beach with other beaches on the south coast, offering an alternative to walking along the path.
Perissa stands out as one of the main beach resorts of Santorini, located on the south-eastern coast of the island. What makes this beach immediately recognisable is the characteristic black volcanic sand that stretches for over 7 km, creating a dramatic contrast to the crystal blue Aegean Sea.
Unlike the resorts on the caldera, Perissa offers a more relaxed atmosphere and more affordable prices without sacrificing quality services. The beach is well organised with numerous bathing establishments offering sunbeds, umbrellas and bar service, but there are also free areas for those who prefer to settle in independently. The sea slopes gently, making it ideal for families with children, while moderate winds make it popular with water sports enthusiasts.
Behind the beach is a lively promenade with a wide selection of restaurants, traditional taverns and bars serving local and international specialities. The imposing Mount Mesa Vouno separates Perissa from the neighbouring beach of Kamari and houses the remains of ancient Thera on its summit, which can be reached by hiking or driving from the opposite side.
Not to be missed is the Church of St Irene (Agia Irini), from which Santorini takes its name, with its distinctive blue dome standing out among the white houses of the village. Perissa is also an excellent base for exploring the island, being about 15 km from Fira and well connected by public bus service.
Kamari is one of Santorini’s most developed beach resorts, located on the east coast of the island at the foot of the imposing Mesa Vouno. Like neighbouring Perissa, Kamari boasts a long beach of black volcanic sand, but is distinguished by its slightly more cosmopolitan atmosphere and greater variety of tourist services.
The pedestrian promenade that runs along the beach is the beating heart of Kamari, with an uninterrupted sequence of restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels that enliven the resort from morning until late at night. Strolling along this avenue, especially at sunset, is a pleasant experience that allows one to savour the relaxed yet lively atmosphere of this seaside resort.
The beach is well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, public showers and numerous water sports. The waters are particularly clear and ideal for snorkelling, especially in the rocky area at the southern end. A special feature of Kamari is the presence of an open-air cinema (Kamari Open Air Cinema), a unique experience for enjoying a film under the stars on summer evenings.
For history lovers, the road from Kamari leads to Ancient Thera, the remains of which can be found on the summit of Mesa Vouno. As an alternative to the (rather strenuous) walk, you can use a shuttle service that leaves regularly from the village centre.
Pyrgos, the ancient capital of Santorini, is a hilltop village located inland, about 8 km from Fira. This medieval fortified village, built around the ruins of a Venetian castle, offers an authentic immersion in traditional Cycladic architecture, far from the mass tourism that characterises the resorts on the caldera.
Narrow cobbled streets wind in a labyrinth that gradually ascends to the top of the hill, where the Kasteli (Venetian fortress) once stood. Along the way, one encounters numerous Byzantine churches, small shady squares and perfectly preserved traditional houses. Particularly striking is the Church of Theotokaki, with its distinctive blue dome, and the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary at the top of the village.
Reaching the highest point of Pyrgos, you will be rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire island, from the eastern beaches to the cliffs of the caldera and the southern tip of Akrotiri. This natural viewpoint is particularly impressive at sunset, when the warm colours of the setting sun are reflected on the white houses.
The village is also home to several historical wine cellars where one can taste the renowned wines of Santorini, in particular Assyrtiko, a dry white wine whose cultivation on the island dates back more than 3,500 years. The unique ‘kouloura’ (basket) method of cultivation was developed to protect the grapes from the strong winds and drought that characterise the island.
Amoudi Bay is a picturesque harbour located 300 steps below the village of Oia, at the base of the caldera cliff. This tiny harbour, with its red and blue painted fishermen’s houses and colourful boats moored in the crystal-clear waters, is one of the most authentic and photogenic corners of Santorini.
Reaching the bay requires a descent down a steep path of about 300 steps (which can also be walked by mule), but the effort is amply rewarded by the beauty of the place. Once there, you will be greeted by a peaceful and genuine atmosphere, where time seems to stand still.
Amoudi is famous for its seafood restaurants overlooking the sea, where you can enjoy local specialities such as freshly grilled fish, squid and the famous ‘fava santorini’ overlooking the island of Thirassia. Prices are higher than elsewhere on the island, but the quality of the food and the unrivalled location justify the expense.
For those who enjoy swimming, walking past the restaurants along a rocky path leads to an ideal spot for diving into the deep, crystal-clear waters of the caldera. Here you will also find the famous ‘plunge rock’, a rock formation from which the bravest of the brave launch themselves into the waters below.
At sunset, the bay is tinged with warm colours and offers a unique and less crowded perspective of the sun setting behind the horizon, with the silhouette of Oia silhouetted against the fiery sky.
One beneficial effect of the volcanic eruptions on Santorini is that they have made the island’s soil particularly fertile.
One of the island’s oldest cultivations is the vine, and wines made from indigenous grape varieties have reached excellent levels of quality, such as Vinsanto or dry white Santorini.
The island is dotted with wine cellars, most of which offer the possibility of a guided tour with a final tasting.
Visiting the wine cellars of Santorini is an experience we recommend to everyone, not just wine enthusiasts. Imagine sipping a glass of fine white wine in the cool of a typical Greek patio or on a terrace overlooking the caldera – isn’t that a dreamy image?
Of the wineries that can be visited, the most famous is undoubtedly Santo Wines, but it is also the most touristy; other recommended wineries are Argyros Canava, Gavalas Winery and Sigalas.
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