Best Guide to Santorini (2024 Edition)
Why Visit Santorini:
Once you start wandering the streets of Oia, you will see why Santorini is famous. This Guide to Santorini will help you start planning your trip to the gorgeous island! The views of the caldera from the town of Oia are stunning! But with these stunning volcanic views, come lots of crowds. I wouldn’t say that the crowds mean you shouldn’t visit but I highly recommend a shoulder season visit. Also, just set your expectations accordingly. The high tourism also has some benefits, such as numerous restaurants and countless activity options.
If you get outside of Oia, you will be able to find reprieve from the crowds and discover the true magic of the Greek island. Try some of the volcanic wine, eat seafood caught by the local fisherman, visit a black sand beach, etc. My Guide to Santorini includes many ideas for what to do, where to eat and drink, where to stay and more. Santorini is an island that has something for just about everyone!
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Accomodation:
- Oia (quintessential Santorini vibes, sunset views)
- Perfect location
- Stunning caldera views
- Hotel pool with views
- In room hot tub option
- Hotel baggage collection from taxi drop off (lifesaver!)
- Megalochori (smaller, less touristy, wine village)
- Quiet location near the wineries
- Large resort with all the amenities
- Pool with pool bar
- Restaurant and Bar
- Free shuttle to sister hotel’s beach
Activites:
- Explore island on ATV
- Relax at Perivolos black sand beach
- Sunset catamaran ride in Caldera
- Swim in hot springs (boat tour)
- Snorkeling (boat tour)
- Traditional fishing trip
- Scuba diving (Santorini Scuba)
- Horseback riding to beach
- Watch sunset at Heart of Santorini
- Visit Santorini Brewing Company
- Wine tasting around Megalochori
- Hike Fira to Oia
Sights:
- Megalochori village
- Oia town and castle
- Red beach
- Skaros rock
- Blue dome churches (Oia)
Eats & Drinks:
- Thalami Oia (greek food, reserve front row for sunset dinner)
- Roka (traditional meal, reservation recommended, Oia)
- Fino (upscale mediterranean & cocktails, try lobster risotto, Oia)
- Melina’s Tavern (seafood, Akrotiri)
- Dinner in Ammoudi Bay
- Mousiiko Kouti (greek, Megalochori)
- Raki (greek, Megalochori)
- Alisachni (wine, Megalochori)
The Greek Islands are such a romantic and magical place to visit! I think people dream of one day visiting Santorini and with good reason. The restaurants are delicious and most offer insane views of the Caldera. The number of activities is never-ending…you can go for a sailboat cruise, traditional fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling or simply shop and explore the towns.
Venturing outside of Oia is definitely something you should do. The Fira to Oia walk will allow you to get some exercise and see more of the island. Renting an ATV to see other towns, such as Megalochori or Akrotiri. These smaller villages are a contrast to Oia and I think it’s key to visit them if you want a full picture of the island.
Download my Guide to Santorini for a sparknotes version on what to during your trip to Santorini. Sometimes I think the hardest part of planning a trip is just having a jumping off point, so I hope this guide helps you get started!
Hope my guide to Santorini helps you plan your trip to Santorini! Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section 🙂
