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- LANDMARKS
- BEACHES
- ACTIVITIES
- LOCAL CUISINE
- USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
SANTORINI AND ITS LANDMARKS
Santorini doesn’t just have landmarks—it is one. Its uniqueness lies in its volcanic origin and the eruptions that shaped not only its dramatic landscape but the life and history of the island itself. So, what are the must-see sights of Santorini?
1. The Volcano of Santorini
One of the world’s largest underwater active volcanoes. The two islets formed by its eruptions—Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni—are open to visitors.
2. The Sunset in Oia
Perhaps the most famous sunset in the world. Every afternoon, crowds gather to witness this breathtaking view—even in winter. It has inspired countless artists around the globe.
3. The Three Bells of Fira
Not only the most internationally recognized landmark of Santorini, but also of the entire Cyclades. These bells belong to the Catholic Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
4. Megalochori – A Traditional Village
With its iconic Cycladic architecture, Megalochori is one of the island’s most picturesque villages. The houses, known as “Kanaves,” feature external stone walls and enclosed courtyards.
5. Akrotiri Lighthouse
This stone-built lighthouse is among the most beautiful in the Cyclades. Its small surrounding courtyard offers a panoramic “balcony” over the Aegean Sea.
6. The Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas
With a 400-year history, it is one of Santorini’s oldest monasteries and a fine example of Cycladic religious architecture. It is located near Imerovigli.
7. The Archaeological Site of Akrotiri
This prehistoric settlement is one of the most significant in the Aegean. Volcanic ash preserved its buildings remarkably well through time.
8. Museum of Prehistoric Thera
One of the most important prehistoric museums in Greece. With a modern museological approach, it showcases artifacts primarily from the Akrotiri excavations.
9. Skaros Rock and Castle
Built on a towering rock, this fortified settlement once housed over 200 homes and served as the island’s capital until the 18th century.
10. Santorini’s Wineries
The island’s dozens of wineries produce exceptional wines from its volcanic vineyards. Most are open to visitors and offer tastings with sweeping views over the Aegean Sea.
SANTORINI AND ITS BEACHES
Swimming on the beaches of Santorini is one of the most unique experiences you’ll ever have. All of them are sandy and carry a touch of volcanic magic. Their signature colors? Black, red, and white! But which ones are truly worth visiting?
1. The Otherworldly Perissa
A lunar-like landscape with black sand and crystal-clear waters makes Perissa a favorite among both Greek and international travelers.
2. The Popular Kamari
A seemingly endless beach with black volcanic sand and turquoise-blue waters. One of the top choices for visitors to Santorini.
3. Perivolos – The Beach of Good Times
An organized beach with pristine waters, Perivolos is a top pick among young people—and not only! Along its stretch, you’ll find numerous restaurants and beach bars to enjoy your food and drinks.
4. The Surreal Vlychada
When you set foot here, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a sci-fi movie set. With its gray sand made of volcanic ash and the tall white-yellow sculpted cliffs, Vlychada is nothing short of mesmerizing.
5. The Romantic Eros Beach
Technically an extension of Vlychada, Eros Beach is secluded and serene—ideal for couples looking to enjoy a romantic escape.
6. The Unique White Beach
On an island filled with black sand beaches, the one and only White Beach truly stands out. Surrounded by towering white cliffs made of ash and pumice stone, it’s a direct result of Santorini’s volcanic past.
7. The Quiet Caldera Beach
A small, peaceful beach with dark sand and a spectacular view of the volcano. Not widely known, it remains relatively quiet and is not organized.
8. The Family-Friendly Monolithos
Once home to the island’s only beach bar, Monolithos is now a lovely beach that offers both organized and unorganized sections. It’s considered ideal for families with young children.
9. Mesa Pigadia – The Locals’ Favorite
Mesa Pigadia is one of the island’s lesser-known beaches—but also a favorite among locals. Authentic and low-key.
10. The Alternative Red Beach
You won’t find a setting like this anywhere else. With its vivid red sand and dramatic volcanic surroundings, Red Beach is both striking and rejuvenating. Its waters deepen gradually, offering an unforgettable swim.
ACTIVITIES IN SANTORINI
Santorini offers a wide range of activities for you to enjoy during your stay. Curious to know what they are? Let’s discover them together!
1. Sea Tours
Explore Santorini’s stunning coastline by boat or sailing yacht! Visit small islands like Nea Kameni, home to Santorini’s volcano, swim in the volcanic hot springs, and admire breathtaking views from the sea.
2. Entertainment
Fun is part of Santorini’s DNA. Enjoy a coffee overlooking the caldera or hidden in the narrow alleys—perfect spots to relax and connect. As for nightlife? It’s volcanic! The island lights up at night with music, dancing, and unforgettable vibes.
3. Water Sports
Santorini’s beaches are ideal for all kinds of water sports: windsurfing, surfing, waterskiing, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, and a variety of sea games like tube sofa rides. There’s something for every sea lover.
4. Hiking
Many of the island’s old cobbled paths connecting the villages still exist today. The most famous one is the Fira–Oia hiking trail. Walk it step by step and discover the island’s true beauty at your own pace.
SANTORINI & ITS FLAVORS
The traditional cuisine of Santorini is full of ingredients deeply connected to the Mediterranean diet. The island’s volcanic soil gives rise to a unique agricultural production that delights even the most demanding palates. If you find yourself on the island, here are some must-try local flavors:
1. Santorinian Fava
An iconic dish of the island, served in different ways depending on the season: with fried pork confit (kavourmas) in winter, or with fresh tomato sauce in summer.
2. Tomato Fritters (Tomatokeftedes)
What makes them truly special is the Santorini cherry tomato, giving the fritters a unique aroma and flavor that will win you over instantly.
3. White Eggplants
These sweet-fleshed eggplants are seedless and don’t absorb oil—making them the tastiest fried eggplants you’ll ever try.
4. Capers
A small Greek treasure, Santorini’s capers are unlike any other in the world. They are often used to garnish Greek salads and add a distinctive spicy aroma to dishes.
5. Apochti (Pork Carpaccio)
A delicious local delicacy made by curing pork meat in the sun for four days with salt, vinegar, cinnamon, chopped parsley, and black pepper. The recipe has Byzantine roots.
6. Atherinopita (Whitebait Pie)
A surprising local dish where small fish (atherina) are combined with flour and onions to create a delightful savory pie.
7. Chlorotyri (Fresh Goat Cheese)
Creamy and slightly tangy, this is Santorini’s most famous cheese. It’s produced in small quantities by local farmers, making it rare and precious.
8. Melitinia
Perhaps the best-known Santorinian sweet across Greece. Made with honey, sesame, mizithra cheese, and yogurt, and infused with the aroma of mastiha.
9. Kopania
One of the healthiest sweet treats on the island. These small rolled bites are made with barley rusks, raisins, and sesame seeds. Some versions are also infused with wine.
10. Santorini’s Renowned Wines
Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani—just a few of the grape varieties cultivated in Santorini’s volcanic vineyards. But the island’s wine crown jewel is Vinsanto. Make sure you don’t leave without tasting it!
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS IN SANTORINI
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Municipality of Thira: +30 22860 22301
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Citizens’ Service Center (KEP Thira): +30 22863 60123
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Emergency Medical Services (EKAV): +30 22860 35300
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Thira General Hospital: +30 22860 35300
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Santorini Health Center: +30 22860 22237
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Thira Port Authority: +30 22860 22239
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Santorini Airport: +30 22860 28400
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Santorini Fire Department: +30 22860 33087
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Santorini Bus Service (KTEL): +30 22860 25404
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Dakoutros Travel: +30 22860 22201 / +30 22860 22958
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Athinios Port – Santorini: +30 22860 23692
