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Top Santorini Attractions
- Walking among the classic white buildings and relaxing in the sunset
- Enjoying a leisurely breakfast overlooking the ocean
- Exploring the local history and culture with a local guide
- Eating amazing seafood
- Learning about the Greek culture on a walking tour
- Cruising around the Aegean Sea and visiting other wonderful islands
- Visiting mainland Greece and exploring ancient ruins
Santorini Tours & Travel Guide
Santorini Attractions & Landmarks Guide
One of the most recognizable sights in Greece, Santorini is where to go for the classic island experience, nearly synonymous with luxury vacations. Pristine white buildings, looking out over the beautiful waters of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is a can't miss stop for travelers on a tour to Greece. Enjoy delicious local cuisine, shopping in small local boutiques, and the calm, intoxicating breeze coming up from the ocean. Welcome to Greece.
Due to its dramatic landscape and captivating natural beauty, the beautiful island has become a popular travel destination during the last few years. This romantic gateway to intriguing sensations and striking images is an ideal place for summer vacation. The open sea, stunning views, and welcoming attitude of the locals make it a favorite travel destination.
Where is Santorini
Officially known as Thira, this beautiful island is located in the southern Aegean Sea, at about a distance of 200 km towards the southeast of the Greece mainland. This 96 km island is a part of a small circular archipelago with the same name and is the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands.
Top tips for traveling in Santorini
Traveling through this marvelous island can be a unique experience for you.
Here are some tips for the first-timers to make their Santorini tours more fascinating and memorable.
1. The most important thing is to have a planned visit. Whether you are going to spend the whole day laying around in your hotel room or plan to get around and explore the region, you should know everything. If you go there unplanned, you might end up missing on the important sites as this fascinating island is full of beautiful sights. There are various hikes, wineries, beaches and a lot of entertaining activities.
2. The island is always crowded, so if you want to avoid the huge people's flux and need to have a calm and relaxing visit, wake up early. The time between 7:30 am to 9:00 am is the most peaceful and beautiful time to explore nature at its best.
3. You need to be assertive in your attitude with the people around you. Politeness is good, but here to deal with the crowds and the people, you need to change the strategy.
4. Oia sunset is something you should not miss and which is the most popular thing among everyone coming to the island. Plan your sunset experience properly because the crowded island will have everyone wanting to enjoy the scene. The best way is to make a reservation at some diner where you can enjoy the sunset while having your dinner.
5. It is always better to make round trip transportation on this crowded little island. It might be a little more expensive but saves you from last-minute stress and hassle. Your driver will be ready at the pre-booked time, and you would not have to worry about finding a taxi to leave for the airport.
Best time to go
Like any other Greek island, Santorini also has ideal summer weather with a Mediterranean climate. Therefore, summer is the high season when it hosts most of the tourists.
From May to September, the weather is hot and sunny, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing on the beach. July and August are the hottest months and also the most crowded when people from all around the world land here for a perfect beach vacation. So, you should make a booking at least two months in advance to ensure you get proper accommodation and other services.
This is the best time for Santorini tours to enjoy the waters and the beach, vivid nightlife, sightseeing, and much more. September and October are still warm with sunny days, but the crowds start thinning, causing accommodation rates to drop. But by this time, most of the restaurants and hotels begin closing and will not open until spring.
By the end of October, the temperature falls down significantly, hardly remaining suitable for sunbathing and swimming. Winter brings more precipitation leading to a blossom-filled spring. You will find many great deals due to being off-season, but less pleasant weather is a disadvantage, with many important spots being closed.
Also, public transportation schedules are less frequent, causing inconvenience of transportation. The tourist season starts again around Easter when temperatures are mild, perfect for sightseeing, but still cold for a swimsuit. Bring some warm clothes for the cold evenings.
Cultural & Historical attractions in Santorini
The vast island is home to various landmarks of cultural and historical significance that are very popular among the tourists visiting there. To make it easier for you to plan your Santorini tours, here is a list of some of these landmarks that are must-see on the island.
1. Ancient Thera, Kamari
Inhabited from 9th century BC to 726 AD, the ancient is now present in only ruins high above Kamari. You can hike up the 1,180 ft. hill or can hire a car or scooter to reach the ruins up at Mesa Vouna. Take a walk along the short street to explore the area with remains of the two agoras, various Greek temples, one church, Roman baths, shops, and Byzantine walls. Enjoy the views of the town and the Santorini coast below.
2. Castelli of Emporio
Built-in 1450, this medieval castle is a remnant of Venetians work and is situated right in the center of the village. The steep, narrow footpaths in the castle are lined with quaint little houses that are painted in pastel colors. Admire the curvy organic architecture walking around the area. You will encounter various pushy sellers, but don't get bothered by them and enjoy your trip around.
3. Akrotiri
This thousands of years old town was a Minoan Bronze Age Settlement that was destroyed by a huge volcanic eruption in 1627 BC. The volcanic eruption buried everything, including remains of many everyday objects used by the inhabitants, preserving their ancient way of living. Some also claim this archeological site to be the inspiration for Plato's story of Atlantis. The Akrotiri trip provides you a detailed version of the long-lost culture of the ancient inhabitants of this island.
4. Ekklesia Panagia Platsani
This is a traditional Greek Orthodox Church with the original building standing at the town's edge inside the castle. After the destruction by the earthquake in 1956, the building was replaced to be constructed on a more stable town square. Inside you will witness the fascinating ornate lining of the building and various murals. The calm and peaceful feeling will let you relax and give a break from bustling island life. Make sure to explore various vessels donated by the visiting tourists over the centuries.
5. Fira
This area on the island with small colorful, and beautiful houses is something that is famous among the whole country. This attractive village was once the capital of the island is still very important due to its culture and tourism. This small town has a dramatic location, overlooking the sea, built on a sharp cliff. You will also find various souvenir shops and charming restaurants here.
6. Profitis Ilias Monastery
Built in 1711 by two monks, this glorious monastery is situated on the Mount Profitis Ilias, 3 kilometers from the village Pyrgos. With exterior stone walls, the building looked like a fortress and was an important educational and cultural center of its time. For about 39 years, it was a center for Greek language and literature. Sitting at about 565 m above sea level, this monastery is the highest point on the island, giving it more significance.
There is a huge bell tower with four chapels and churches around it. Start from the central square of Pyrgos up to the monastery and enjoy the impressive scenery and massive vineyards on the way.
7. Panagia Episkopi
Built somewhere around the end of the 11th century, this historical monument is famous for Middle-Byzantine architecture. The church is said to be commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I and was later dedicated to the Greek Orthodox appellation.
The church's roof, covered with red tiles, has an exquisite outlook with an ancient era charm. The church has five entrances and the center of worship that is a beige-washed domed structure with cross-in-square.
8. Art Of The Loom Gallery
This art gallery is a combination of Greek art and Cycladic architecture and is a famous tourist point of Santorini. You will find some of the best pieces of Maira Lidakis, Ms. Nikoletu, George Roumanas, Ms. Blitzou, and many more. You will find many fascinating oil paintings, metalwork, woodwork, bronze, glass and ceramic art, clothes, accessories, etc. It is also a perfect place to buy souvenirs like cheap but beautiful jewelry, etc.
9. Cultural Centre Megaro Gyzi
The lovely museum is a great way to take a peek into the historical legacies of the island in detail. This place lets you explore the deep secrets from the history of the island through its huge collection of arts and crafts. The museum is located in a fascinating family mansion and is especially a must-visit during peak season.
During the tourist season, you will see various performances of dance recitals, plays, and other such cultural and traditional exhibits. Apart from enjoying the interactive and fun encounter with local culture and tradition, you should also have a look at the various artifacts and objects on display.
10. Saint John The Baptist Catholic Cathedral
There are also various lesser-known spots in Santorini that have their own value and grace. This Catholic Church is one such place. With a perfect blend of Greek and Catholic architecture, this beautiful church is one of the fascinating buildings of the island. The elegant exterior and a typical catholic interior with the intricately decorated altar, this church is one of its kind. The stone pathways add a class to the simple beauty of the place.
Day trips from Santorini
Not just the beauty of this exotic volcanic island, but the numerous other beautiful islands, towns, and villages around it are also a must-visit.
1. Crete
Lying between the Sea of Crete and the Libyan Sea, this Greek island has four prefectures and is the most beautiful of all the Greek islands. Not only the sun, sand, and sea, but the excellent infrastructure, culture, vitality, warmth, and hospitality of the island are worth mentioning. Peaceful hillside villages to busy metro cities, fertile plains to rugged hills, the island has everything.
2. Mykonos
Loud discos and pubs are the most significant feature of the island. More expensive than many of the other Greek islands, this place also offers an English breakfast with eggs, bacon, butter, and some merchandise. In older times, the island was famous for its production of wheat and bread. Other important factors are the old windmills from the 16th century and the beautiful view of Venice.
3. Paros
This island is a famous holiday destination and is the second-largest island of the region. Every year hundreds of tourists flock to the island during summer, making it the third most-famous island of the group. Numerous exotic beaches and beautiful villages make this place one of the most 'pastoral' islands of the Cyclades group.
4. Ios
For many years, this beautiful island has remained a party hub with a lot of other activities as well for people of all ages. The island has been voted to have some of the most beautiful European beaches. The place has Cycladic architecture with whitewashed complexes perched on the hills, dotted across the valleys.
The nightlife on the island is focused at one point, Hora that is a tranquil and serene Greek village where you will see locals chatting in cafes or playing backgammon. If you want to get rid of the noisy crowds, the Port of Yialos, with its calm feel, is the best place.
5. Naxos
Naxos is the largest island of the group, and also the most fertile one, making its major revenue through agriculture. Enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing, etc. at the exotic beaches with crystal clear waters, along the sandy west coast of the island. There are various villages with unique architecture and are equipped with modern roads.
What is Santorini known for?
Apart from various other fascinating attraction points on the island, Santorini is known to have the best sunset in the world. The architectural beauty of Oia, with blue domes of churches and white walls, is the icon of the beauty of the island. The relaxed and laid-back attitude of the locals is reflected in their culture. The mineral-rich volcanic soil leads to the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties, creating unique and famous wines of the island.
What to eat in Santorini
The Mediterranean climate, in combination with the volcanic soil, gives a unique flavor to the fruits and vegetables grown in this region.
- Make sure the white eggplant and cherry tomatoes are part of any of your meals.
- Olives and olive oil are the main part of every Greek specialty, especially Greek salad.
- Tzatziki sauce made with yogurt, garlic and cucumber, and taramasalata dip, made with lemon juice, olive oil, and smoked fish roe, are famous delicious dips of the region.
- Dolmades are popular small bite snacks, which are made from seasoned rice mixed with meat and vegetables and are wrapped in grape or vine leaf.
- Keftedes is actually frittered that are mixed with grated zucchini or cherry tomatoes, giving a heart delight.
- The island is famous for grilled meat, with souvlaki being the specialty. This seasoned skewered meat is topped with tzatziki.
- Fava, another local favorite, is a creamy dish with yellow split pea puree, served with lemon and olive oil. Presented as the main course or a side dish, this dish is usually topped with capers and chopped onions.
- Gyro is a pita wrap with traditional chicken or pork cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served with onion, tomato, and tzatziki sauce.
- Don't forget to have baklava as dessert! It is a filo pastry that is layered with honey and groundnuts. Another delicious dessert is loukoumades, which are deep-fried donut holes sprinkled with cinnamon and hot honey.
What to wear in Santorini
Be comfortable during your entertainment time and wear something which will keep you relaxed throughout the Santorini tours. The most important thing for a Santorini trip is a comfortable pair of shoes. Most of the area where you need to walk after leaving your car behind comprises the uneven rocky path where you would want to wear something flat and comfortable. Sharp heels and wedges are not a good choice rather, go for some fleets or flat sandals in which you can go up and down these rocky paths.
Your dress depends upon which time of year you are going to visit the island. For summertime, the high season with hot weather, a light, comfortable, and breathable fabric is the best choice. Go for sheer tops, linen dress, shorts, flowy maxi, and other such dresses that will keep you light and cool during the hot weather.
For night time, especially for diner walk-ins, women could go for a fluid maxi, showing your romantic side, which should not be overly fancy, and match it with a sensible pair of flat sandals. This will be helpful in the after-dinner night walk around the town.
Pack warm dress for off-season as it might be very cold, especially during night time. Pack some jackets for a night walk and a covered dress for day time wandering and sightseeing.
A floppy hat is a compulsion to keep you protected from heat stroke during summer, especially walking to Oia. Maintain your stylish look and sun protection at the same time. A lightweight, small but spacious handbag is also necessary that can store a wallet, phone, and some beauty essentials. In hot weather, you would want to remain hydrated, so keep a collapsible water bottle with you everywhere.
Santorini Reviews & Ratings
C
Christine
Oct 2024
Written on
Greek Island Wanderer
Wonderful trip in every way! We were planning a similar trip to take independently but decided it would be easier to go with Explore. So pleased we did! We would nev...
T
Trusted Customer
Oct 2024
Written on
Greek Island Wanderer
The Greek Island wanderer through the Cyclades was fantastic- the leader was flexible and positive all the way through - he really looked after our group. I can’t w...
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