Places to Visit in Santorini

Located in the foothills of Mount Profitis Ilias, Pyrgos is a beautiful village that is decorated with numerous tranquil cafes, souks, piano classes, churches, and bars. Bordered by several vineyards, this place houses the Historic Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary and the Kasteli, thereby offering panoramic views of the Aegean sea, the caldera, and a magnificent shoreline.

White Beach in Santorini captivates with its pristine beauty, boasting dazzling white cliffs against the azure Aegean Sea. Accessible only by boat, its secluded charm offers a serene escape from bustling crowds. Sunbathe on its soft volcanic sands, immersed in the island's enchanting tranquility.

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of Santorini, Greece, the Chapel of Saint Nektarios stands as a testament to both faith and beauty. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, this charming chapel is a serene sanctuary that captivates visitors with its picturesque setting and rich history.

As you approach the Chapel of Saint Nektarios, you are greeted by its traditional whitewashed walls, adorned with vibrant blue domes that perfectly complement the surrounding seascape. The gentle sea breeze carries the scent of saltwater and wildflowers, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.

Stepping inside the chapel, you are enveloped in a sense of reverence and awe. The interior is adorned with intricate Byzantine-style frescoes and ornate icons, each telling a story of faith and devotion. Soft candlelight flickers, casting a warm glow over the sacred space and inviting contemplation.

The Santorini Cable Car, a remarkable attraction in Greece, connects the island's main town, Fira, with the Old Port below. Offering a swift and scenic journey, the cable car provides a convenient alternative to the long, winding stairs or the traditional donkey rides. The ride takes approximately three minutes, providing stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, the volcanic caldera, and the iconic whitewashed buildings perched on the cliffs.

Santorini Main Square is one of the most famous destinations in Fira. Known as Plateia Theotokopoulou, this island neighbourhood is a main hanging point for tourists and locals. It promises the perfect fusion of relaxation, culture, and commerce. The place is covered by small cafes, restaurants, and tavernas, giving you the freedom to indulge in the most fascinating Greek delicacies.

Prophet Elias Monastery is a beautiful tourist destination in Santorini. It is located on the highest peak and at a height of 565 m. It was constructed in 1712 and is the oldest one in the town. You can trek and enjoy the scenic beauty of Santorini to reach the monastery.

As the name suggests, Red Beach is renowned for its gorgeous sand color located in Akrotiri in Greece. This beach attracts a myriad of visitors to its contrasting color of the glistening blue waters. On visiting the beach, you will discover some amazing volcanic rocks that offer a wild and captivating area of the entire scenery. You can partake in snorkeling or sailing activities or enjoy modern amenities like umbrellas and sunchairs.

Situated on the beautiful island of Santorini, Oia Village is a gem renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. With its winding streets, white-washed structures and blue domes, it stands as an epitome of Greek charm. Also, the village is famous for offering the best sunset views in the world which attracts travellers from all over the world. 

People who are still wondering what to see in Santorini should visit Caldera, which is a half-moon-shaped bay formed after a volcanic eruption during the Minoan civilization. A myriad of visitors visits the caldera to enjoy the sweeping views of the picturesque villages with different hues of the sunset. It also offers remarkable hiking opportunities starting from Fira to Oia through Firostefani and Imerovigli.

Perissa Beach is the most famous black sand beach situated on the foothills of the Mesa Vuono Mountain in Santorini. There are plenty of modern amenities on the beach for relaxation with an opportunity to indulge in a variety of water sports activities, like banana boating, canoeing, parasailing, waterskiing, and windsurfing. The beach also features a gorgeous water park with three water slides and a separate kid’s playground.

If you are still contemplating what to see in Santorini, Emporio is another worth-visiting village in Santorini that is renowned for its windmills, churches, towers, vibrant doors, Venetian castles, pristine beaches, and bells. When compared to other villages like Oia and Fira, it radiates a medieval aura from its well-preserved characteristic architecture. It is one of a kind castle town that boasts narrow alleys and the windows and doors of fortified buildings.

Megalochori Village is a place full of life and culture. The residents here are friendly and the cafes? A special treat to your taste buds! There are various cute shops, taverns, and cafes to spend your time and indulge in the local flavours of Greece. The village is surrounded by cobblestone paths and neoclassical homes, exuding a true vintage vibe. For travellers piquing interest in religious attractions will find several churches and chapels here, each with an interesting history. The surrounding vineyards give you a glimpse into the luxurious world of wine-making and impress avid explorers.

Ammoudi Bay is one of the best places to visit in Santorini, which is a gorgeous bay and a tiny port city situated at the foundation of Oia village. It is a scenic spot with a rocky volcanic coastline and crystalline water, offering an opportunity to indulge in diving. It is also an ideal place to enjoy the picturesque views of the majestic sunset and the fishing boats.

Panagia Platsani Church is a popular and impressive church in Oia village. It features a white building constructed on a square plan and five domes with the largest one painted blue in color. The front side of the church is embellished with arched windows and six bell towers in the shape of a pyramid. You will be astonished to witness the glided mosaic above the front door of the church.

If you are wondering about the things to see in Santorini, you should pay a visit to Fira town. Acclaimed to be the capital of Santorini, this town is well-known for its pristine beauty, mesmerizing landscapes, museums, some bars, and clubs. The Museum of Prehistoric Thira is the highlight of Fira that attracts thousands of visitors to its collection of the Bronze age and Neolithic artifacts that narrates the story of Akrotiri.

Situated about a few distances away from Fira, Kamari Open Air Cinema is a remarkable open-air theater that allows visitors to watch movies in English and Greek subtitles. It offers a unique experience of watching films under the night sky while enjoying delectable food and drinks at the bar and the concession stand. The visitors can even request a blanket if the night gets chilly.

Thirassia is a serene, conventional, and authentic island in Santorini located on the opposite side of Oia village. People are attracted to this island to explore the active volcanic history and enjoy the organic beauty of the island. The virgin beaches and pure Cycladic landscapes are the highlights of Thirassia that offer sweeping views of the large colorful gardens while walking. 

Among the other best places to visit in Santorini, the Museum of Prehistoric Thira is the most famous one as it showcases a giant collection of artifacts that dates back to the Bronze age and Neolithic period. Each of the exhibits in the museum, including the marble statues, jewelry, tools, wall paintings, and objects of daily use, narrates the history and ancient civilization of Santorini.

Nea Kameni is a tiny island in the center of the rugged volcanic crater in Santorini. It features a dramatic landscape with dark cliffs made out of lava rock and orange-tinged natural thermal waters. The gorgeous scenery and natural hot springs are some of the highlights that make the place a popular tourist destination from where you can take day cruises from Santorini.

Akrotíri Archaeological Site is the ancient and most significant place in Santorini that provides an insight into the prehistoric settlement residing in Akrotiri town. Nicknamed Santorini Pompeii, this archaeological site is filled with historic buildings, mud houses, massive storage vessels, drinking cups, stone bathtubs, Minoan toilets, and pots. You will be surprised to know that it was buried under volcanic ash because of the earthquake but got evacuated in 1967.

Ancient Thira is the third most significant archaeological site in Santorini that gives visitors an insight into the ancient history and culture of the island. Offering a gorgeous panoramic view of the Aegean Sea, this site is home to numerous ruins of elegant Hellenistic shops, arts and crafts, sculptures, and much more. After its evacuation in 1895, a mountain saddle between the Profitis Ilias and Mesa Vouno was also discovered.