Santorini's most important sights

Oia

The most beautiful village in Greece - its reputation precedes the coastal village of Oia (Ia) in the north of Santorini. Situated on the cliffs, lined with gleaming white houses, small churches and chapels and the typical windmills, the idyllic village is a feast for the eyes and attracts many tourists. Artists and those interested in art are particularly fascinated by Oia, as there are several small art galleries in the village, which is only 10 square kilometres in size, where you can visit unique paintings and handicrafts.

The Nikolaou Nomikou promenade in the town centre is probably the place where most tourists find themselves - and the many boutiques, jewellers and souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants. If you walk along the promenade, you will find the castle ruins of Oia behind the Thira Maritime Museum and the church of St Nicholas. It's definitely worth the climb, as the former residence of the Greek nobility offers an unbeatable view of the bright blue Aegean Sea.

A few metres further on you will find the small fishing village of Ammoúdi, whose wonderful harbour and bay should not be missed on your round trip! Many reasons that explain why you should be prepared for many other tourists who want to see the idyllic coastal village with their own eyes when visiting Oia!

Fira

On the west coast of the island, perched on a cliff, is the bustling capital of Santorini - Fira. Shopping, eating out, beach excursions, museum visits and volcano tours: there's nothing not to experience in this lively, cosmopolitan town. In addition to the ever-bustling city centre with its countless shops, restaurants, bars, cafés and supermarkets, many tourists are drawn to the Megaro Gyzi Cultural Center, where many different cultural events such as concerts and theatre performances are organised. Those interested in culture will also find two of Santorini's museums in the capital, the Prehistoric Museum and the Archaeological Museum.

If you are looking for nature, you should take a walk to the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli, which are within walking distance. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking natural landscape of the caldera, the view of the deep blue Aegean Sea and the volcanic islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. In the villages, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the capital - and discover a more authentic Santorini!

Akrotiri and Old Thera

One of the most impressive sights on Santorini is Akrotiri: the former harbour town is now one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. After a volcanic eruption in Minoan times, the city lay buried for over 3,500 years and was preserved until the 21st century. As the site is covered by a bioclimatic roof, tourists can walk between the two- and three-storey buildings and admire the archaeological remains. As the buildings, everyday artefacts and even frescoes have been preserved in excellent condition, you get an outstanding insight into the history of the Bronze Age in the Aegean.

On the trail of Santorini's cultural history, you should also visit Old Therma, which is located on the ridge of the steep, 360 metre-high Mesa Vouno mountain inland. This place also tells of history, art and culture before the devastating volcanic eruption in the 9th century B.C. Wander through the excavated late Roman houses, basilicas, Roman baths, theatres and thermal baths and embark on a journey through time!

Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni

Nea Kameni is one of the two volcanic islands in the southern Aegean. Numerous tourist boats dock on the uninhabited island every day, releasing tourists who want to climb the 127 metre high volcanic crater. The volcano has been inactive since the 1950s, when the last minor eruption occurred. Nevertheless, the view into the crater, from which hot, sulphurous smoke still rises, is unique. In addition, the sulphur gases immerse the almost vegetation-free surroundings in a "yellow desert" that makes you think you are on the moon.

You should definitely plan a volcano tour for your holiday on Santorini. It is also worth visiting the island of Palea Kameni. On the older, even smaller volcanic island, it is possible to swim in the warm undersea springs, on black lava beaches or in beautiful bays. While there is only a small chapel in the north and the hut of a hermit, who is the only inhabitant of the island, Palea Kameni is also visited by many tourists every day!

Red Beach and White Beach

Steep, red hills and volcanic rocks, red-black coloured sand and deep dark blue water: many tourists only come to Kókkini Paralía to photograph the rare sight of one of Santorini's most picturesque beaches. But the Red Beach on the southern tip of the island, near Akrotiri, not only offers a wonderful play of colours, it is also a wonderful opportunity for walking, snorkelling or diving. White Beach - another distinctive beach - is also just a stroll away.

In fact, the south coast of the island is home to some of the most popular beaches for sunbathing and relaxing while gazing at the vastness of the deep blue Aegean Sea. Don't miss out on these two unique natural sights created by the island's volcano and the opportunity to dive into the Aegean Sea!

Emporio

At the foot of the 789 metre high Profitis Ilias lies the island's largest town, Emporio. In Emporio you can stay in traditional guesthouses or luxurious villas, stroll through the lively town centre on shopping tours or hike through the mountainous landscape to volcanic beaches. Nature lovers can hike to the nearby villages of Perissa and Perivolos, where two of Santorini's most beautiful beaches are located.

The hiking trails also lead to Gavrilos, a village where eight traditional windmills stand on a hill overlooking a breathtaking view. Small but picturesque churches and chapels with white facades and blue domes can also be admired here. These include the church of Agio Nikolaos Marmaritis, which is made entirely of marble. In any case, architecture lovers will get their money's worth in Emporio and can visit other architectural features in the narrow streets of the towns.

Pyrgos

Dry summers, little rain, volcanic soil interspersed with slate and limestone: What the typical Greek flora suffers from, the wine enjoys. Santorini is known for some of the best wines in one of Greece's largest wine-growing regions. In total, there are more than four dozen bottled Santorini wines to taste, including dry white wines (niktéri), dry red wines (broúsko) and aperitif wines (visánto). In many taverns you are faced with a huge selection - and are simply overwhelmed. That's why you should visit some of the island's many wineries, such as the Santos Winery in Pygros. Here you can not only taste the island's typical wines, but also enjoy live music in the beautifully decorated winery.

There are also many wine tasting tours on the island: during the bus tour, you not only have the opportunity to taste different wines. You will also learn how the wines are made and the importance of the volcanic landscape. You can also enjoy the view of the unique landscape on the tour!

Imerovigli

If you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Santorini's touristy atmosphere, you should visit Imerovigli. From Firostefani, you can reach the neighbouring village located in front of Skaros Rock on the west coast. In contrast to the hotspots Fira and Oia, Imerovigli is quieter, often almost sleepy. In the small village you will find traditional, but also upmarket tavernas and restaurants where you can enjoy the fantastic view of the volcanic crater and the Mediterranean from an elevated position.

Perhaps you will find one of the infinity pools where you can swim and enjoy the unrivalled view of the Aegean Sea. You can also take a leisurely stroll through the town, shop for souvenirs or admire the characteristic white and blue houses and churches in this small town. From Imerovigli, you can go on a hiking tour to Skaros Rock, where you will find one of the island's landmarks, the Venetian fortress with its rock church Panagia Theoskepasti. Enduring hikers can enjoy a unique view of the caldera from here!

Panagía Episcopí

On your excursions around the islands of Santorini, you'll pass a number of gleaming white churches and chapels. One of them is the former episcopal church of Panagía Episcopí in the centre of the island, which houses well-preserved icons, including the Virgin Mary with child, and frescoes from the 11th and 12th centuries. However, the church with its wonderful view of Kamari is not the only place of worship worth visiting on Santorini.

Basically, there is no way around the typical whitewashed churches with blue domes on Santorini - not least in the Catholic quarter of the capital Fira. Here you will find two of Santorini's most famous and most photographed buildings, the Catholic churches Ieros Naos Agiou Ioannou tou Baptistou and "Three Bells of Fira". The latter in particular, located in the suburb of Firostefani, not only provides an insight into the Greek Orthodox faith, but also offers a fantastic backdrop!

Profitis Ilias

If you are looking for a unique panoramic view of Santorini, you should climb the 568 metre high Profitis Ilias mountain. Once at the top, the view extends in all directions of the island: from Oia at the foot of the mountain and its vineyards to the southern coast and the villages of Pyrgos, Fira and Imerovigli, all the way to the coast of Kamari and the airport. The Profitis Ilias monastery on the mountain offers a special view.

Not only the monks of the monastery, but also many tourists seek out the tranquillity of this place for meditation. The monastery can no longer be visited - only on major religious holidays and the name day of Elijah on 20 July. However, the inner courtyard, the chapel and the gardens of the monastery are always open to visitors, who can take a break and enjoy the breathtaking view.

Thirasia

Places like Oia and Fira, the archaeological sites in Akrotiri and Old Thera or the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni: Santorini offers many unique hotspots that are popular with tourists and where you will learn a lot about the cultural history of the islands. If you miss the authentic in the hustle and bustle, you should definitely pay a visit to Thirasia. Many tourists skip a visit to the second largest island in the archipelago because there is so much to see and experience on the main island. This is precisely why Thirasia is less touristy - and therefore more traditional, authentic and laid-back.

On the coast, on the way from Manolas to Kórfos, there are a few tavernas, cafés and ice cream parlours where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the main island. It's also worth taking a walk around the island - along the harbour, to the typical white churches in the remote village of Kera or to Paralia Riva, one of the few beaches on the island. On the main island, there are many opportunities to book a boat trip to the second largest island - for example from the harbours in Ammoúdi or Fira. If you are staying on the island for more than three days, Thirasia is a must for anyone who wants to discover all corners of Santorini!