*Trip paid for by me.

Sian Victoria © - Santorini Blue Domes Churches, Agios Spiridonas and Anasteseos, Oia

Santorini Sightseeing, Landmarks & Attractions

Often considered one of the most romantic getaway spots across the globe, the Cycladic Island of Santorini is a popular holiday choice amongst many. Infamous for its idyllic views of the Aegean Sea, enviable sunsets, mesmerising architecture and irresistible Greek food and wine, Santorini has everything you could wish for.

Although Santorini is a small island at just three miles wide and ten miles long, sitting between Athens and Crete, there's an unmeasurable number of things to get up to and sights to see while holidaying there.

One of the island's most intriguing aspects is its history of volcanic activity. Devastated by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions throughout history in 1600 BCE, the beautiful island was forcibly reshaped, giving it its now iconic, rugged landscape.

Santorini's surroundings reflect this devastation, as the principal towns of Fira and Oia cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera giving the island a half-moon-shaped bay. Although having a history of causing destruction, the island's volcano is a significant place of interest that is uniquely fascinating.

From being home to an idyllic landscape, incredible scenic views and iconic architecture, there's so much to discover. Have a read of some of the best things to do in Santorini to help with creating an itinerary and to hopefully inspire you to book a holiday to Santorini.

I spent two weeks on this stunning isle so have a read of what I got up to and check out my video at the end of the post.

1. Visit the capital Fira for breathtaking viewpoints of the sea and the caldera

Sian Victoria © - Caldera Volcano Aegean Sea, Santorini

Sian Victoria © - Caldera Fira, Santorini

The capital of Santorini, Fira, locally known as Thera is one of the most beautiful places on the whole island. Being home to everything from fascinating historical architecture, delectable cuisine, and idyllic views, it's undoubtedly one of the busiest places in Santorini along with Oia.

See classic Greek architecture through the famous white and blue houses that line the cliffs - making for an incredible Instagram backdrop for your holiday photos.

Wander the city’s streets and find the iconic, blue-domed churches that are steeped in history, including the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and the Three Bells of Fira, notable for their distinctive blue top and bell feature.

As the sun sets, you’ll see Fira in all its beauty, with the picturesque landscape, lit up in hues of deep red and gold.

While you’re exploring, you’ll quickly discover that there are lots of steps to climb in Fira, that lead you to panoramic viewpoints of the caldera and out to sea with unobstructed views of the volcano and the remote island of Therasia.

There are plenty of stops for a break along the way if walking gets too much for you. And I’d highly advise you not to take a donkey ride as these majestic and loving animals get mistreated by their owners, something I witnessed first-hand.

If you are arriving via the many ferries and cruise ships that dock below Fira then I’d recommend taking the cable car from the port to the capital. That way you can sit back and enjoy the views as you’re ascending along the cliff edge. Helping to reserve some energy before wandering the best sightseeing places in Fira.

2. Stroll along Fira to discover the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli

Sian Victoria © - Firostefani, Santorini

Sian Victoria © - Three Bells of Fira, Catholic Church of Koimisi

Sian Victoria © - Cliff side views, Santorini

As a result of its incredible landmarks and breathtaking landscape, Fira is a constantly bustling tourist hotspot. So, if you fancy something a little quieter, yet still want to do and see as much as possible while on your holiday resort in Santorini, why not visit the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli?

Just north of Fira at about a 20-minute walk is Firostefani, a settlement recognised for its enchanting scenery, romantic atmosphere, and traditional architecture. Check out iconic monuments, such as the Saint Nikolaos Monastery, and take in the picturesque views across the village.

With charming, whitewashed houses lining tight alleys across the village, modernised with elegant eateries, and buzzing bars. You’re likely to want to stop at every postcard shot along this route, so allow longer than 20 minutes to enjoy every moment.

Imerovigli is another village that gives you all the beauty of Fira, but with less of the crowds. Situated at the highest point of the caldera, this settlement is known as ‘The balcony to the Aegean’, clinging to the cliffs to give you unmissable views.

Boasting the iconic Cycladic architecture and traditional domed churches, you can hike along with the village to the top of Skaros Rock to put your photographic skills to the test and capture your beautiful surroundings.

It's worth paying a visit to these unspoiled villages if you get the chance; with all the charm of the bustling capital, you'll be able to roam at your own pace with less of a crowd but with all the iconic Santorini views in your sight while looking towards Fira.

3. Wander picturesque narrow alleys and shop at unique art boutiques

Sian Victoria © - Catholic Church of St. Stylianos, Fira, Santorini

One of the most unique aspects of the capital and the village of Oia is perhaps its idiosyncratic narrow alleys. Winding across Fira, these alleys emphasise the unique character that the entirety of the island boasts and are truly endearing. Wander through these serpentine streets and see what's on offer.

You’ll find lots of colourful pink and purple plants contrasting against the iconic white and blue structures as you walk by.

Santorini has become an iconic travel destination because of its white architecture. Traditional homes and landmarks were painted white to prevent the buildings from getting too warm during summer making them more tolerable to live in. This unique look has made the gorgeous Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos easily recognisable from a photo worldwide.

Besides the plenty of iconically gorgeous Greek properties with breathtaking views of the caldera, lining the cobbled alleys of Fira, you’ll also find tiny boutiques, souvenir stores, independent eateries, and cafes, visited by locals and tourists alike. Pop into a quaint shop and buy something as a memento of your trip to the island, or taste flavoursome dishes formulated with authentic cuisine.

There's so much to take in, and, strolling through the city, you'll be able to see all of Fira's charm for yourself.

My partner and I spent a couple of hours wandering the shops and discovered so many wonderfully crafted ornaments and paintings made by local creatives that you’ll never find elsewhere.

I particularly enjoyed a shop selling handmade beauty such as volcanic black soap bars and sulphur naturally made from the mineral-rich hot springs found in the waters surrounding Santorini’s volcano.

4. Dine alfresco with a magnificent view of the caldera

Sian Victoria © - Caldera view restaurant, Santorini

Sitting next to the caldera, it's no wonder that there's an endless array of eateries in Fira that will not only give you an unforgettable alfresco dining experience of tempting Greek food but will also allow you to take in panoramic views of the caldera for an hour or two from some of the best scenic spots in Santorini.

Among some of the best restaurants in Fira are Volcano Blue, Argo Restaurant and Naoussa. Sip on the finest Greek wine and satisfy your appetite with some moussaka while appreciating the beauty of the city's unique landscape.

As you’d expect dining with an incredible view can be pricy, so we dined in Fira with a caldera view about 4 times for lunch during our 14-day holiday. Most of the time we ate at ‘Fira Theotokopoulos’ the main square close to where you’ll find the bus station that affordably takes you all over the island regularly during peak season.

In the main square, you’ll find plenty of more affordable food options, we often ate gyros stuffed with French fries, and salad drizzled with a mix of tasty sauces for just 5 euros each. A short walk or bus ride you’ll also find the village of Karterados where our hotel was. As it’s a less touristy place you’ll find some great restaurants if you’re on a budget.

Including the ‘Erotokritos Cretan Bakery’ and the ‘Sweet Cone’ ice cream shop next to each other selling the most amazing baked goods and freshly made waffles and crepes. Both food places were extremely popular with the locals and were very cheap places to eat in Santorini.

There was also a fantastic Chinese and Italian restaurant in Karterados too as well as the Denaxà Bros Supermarket where we would stock up on drinks and snacks. You’ll also find Lidl’s on the island too.

5. Sail the Caldera at Sunset for an unforgettable view

Sian Victoria © - Caldera sunset boat excursion, Santorini

Sian Victoria © - Caldera boat excursion, Santorini

Another way to experience Santorini's distinctive landscape is by boat. Choose from a range of sightseeing boat tours in Santorini in which you'll be able to get up close with the caldera cliffs while the island turns dreamy hues of orange and red as you watch the sunset while sailing in the waters below.

Whether you fancy booking a group boat tour – with most prices starting from around £20 – or are willing to splurge more on a private Catamaran Cruise you'll get to see the beauty of the volcano, and swim in the hot springs depending on which attractions in Santorini you book.

Make sure to do this excursion when holidaying in Santorini, as it's truly a once in a lifetime experience. It’s undoubtedly one of the best experiences I had while on holiday here. We couldn’t have been any closer to the sunset as it went down on the horizon. It was mesmerising to watch up close and everyone on the boat just peacefully sat and watched appreciating every moment.

The Santorini boat trip I booked included a coach pick up from Fira, which then drove us down a very narrow winding road along the cliff edge to get on the boat. It included the three following experiences and ended with a sensational sunset onboard before returning you to the Fira bus station.

6. Boat ride to Therasia island home to mostly cats

Before the devastating volcanic eruption, the remote island of Therasia was a part of Santorini itself. Remaining cut off from the mainland, Therasia's inhabitants left the island seeking work elsewhere and it eventually became inert. It remained stuck in the past and didn't use electricity until 1980.

Today, the tiny island sits in the Greek Cyclades and can be reached by a short boat ride and is home to 9 churches, a school, a couple of lodges and restaurants and a few small supermarkets.

Described by some as ‘a wild beauty’ that's remained untouched throughout the years, Therasia only has a population of a few hundred – just slightly over 300 in 2011. A large sum of its population is made up of cats. Making it my dream destination to live.

Aside from finding several cats wandering around this little area of land, you'll discover how much of a beautiful, hidden gem Therasia is, boasting natural scenery and authenticity. There are, however, a select few restaurants on the island to cater to those wishing to visit - which are perhaps the only glimpses of modernism that can be found on Therasia.

During our short time on the island, we sat and ate chips while sipping on Fanta orange and playing with lots of friendly cats and admiring a gorgeous blue-eyed dog that was impressively trained by its owner.

Being a place of such uniqueness, so distinctive from its flourishing sister island, a visit to Therasia is a necessity to see the unspoiled natural beauty for yourself.

7. Hike the island of Nea Kameni Santorini's volcano

Sian Victoria © - Nea Kameni, Santorini Volcano

Hop onto a boat and sail over to the uninhabited volcanic island of Nea Kameni to get up close to the fascinating landscape. Although technically an active volcano, rest assured, that it remains dormant and closely monitored by sensors that you’ll find dotted around the place.

Make sure you bring proper footwear for your trip to the volcano – visitors can hike across Nea Kameni and take in the amazement of the rugged structure. Follow popular hiking trails and maps to learn about the volcano and guide you to the crater.

If you sweep aside the volcanic black gravel, with your feet you’ll discover hot steamy patches rising from the ground beneath you. This memorable experience is undoubtedly the best way to see this amazing natural wonder. Hiking the volcano was included in our day trip package, and we ensured to stay close to our group leader so that we didn’t fall behind.

Santorini itself is generally a very windy island so you’ll discover that Nea Kameni is even windier as it is open to the elements sitting in the Aegean Sea with no shade whatsoever. So, make sure you bring plenty of SPF. I had to wear my partner’s cap because the wind was blowing my hair like crazy, and I burnt the one side of my face.

As you’d expect hiking a remote volcano, it’s uneven rugged terrain and you certainly won’t find any shops so make sure you bring water and maybe a snack as the hike may be a little challenging for some as there are inclines in some areas.

Besides my next suggestion, there’s nothing to do on the volcano other than hike and enjoy the views looking out to the mainland. But if you love an active holiday filled with adventures, this should be on your list.

8. Swim in the Hot Springs of Nea Kameni

Sian Victoria © - Hot springs Nea Kameni, Santorini Volcano

Skip out on booking a spa day and experience natural tranquillity like never before by soaking in the Hot Springs found in the waters surrounding Nea Kameni, the island’s volcano.

The geothermal waters are made up of iron and manganese, recognised for their therapeutic benefits and healing properties. On most boat tours that can be booked for visiting Nea Kameni. You can take some time to unwind and relax in the calming waters and reap the benefits for yourself after a hike.

The hot springs can be found on the opposite side of the volcano not facing the mainland. Instead, it is facing another island called Palea Kameni, that’s also home to hot springs. As well as one inhabitant, goats, and a church.

To bathe in the hot springs, boat tours will stop nearby, and you’ll have to swim your way across to the warm mineral-rich waters. The orange sulphur feels lovely and warm and does wonders for your skin but isn’t so kind on your swimwear so opt for dark shades of clothing as you’ll find it stains.

When booking a Santorini Volcano boat excursion, I’d recommend one that includes a caldera sunset, hot springs and Thirassia island to fit in as many experiences as possible. It will also be a lot cheaper to do a group day trip package.

9. Volunteer at the Santorini Animal Welfare Association

Sian Victoria © - SAWA, Santorini Animal Welfare Association

Although many travels to Santorini seeking an enchanting getaway of sun, sea, and relaxation, you might want to try something different that will make your visit even more special. One of the things you can try your hand at that might not immediately spring to mind when putting together an itinerary is volunteering at Santorini's animal shelter.

The reason why I spent two weeks in Santorini was to volunteer at Santorini Animal Welfare Association (SAWA). A non-profit organisation set up with the sole purpose of protecting the island's animals – dogs, retired horses, donkeys, and pigs. SAWA's work is incredibly commendable and is run by an inspiring woman.

I’ve got an entire blog post dedicated to volunteering at SAWA. I first heard about them in 2014 when my favourite musician Oliver Sykes from Bring Me The Horizon was campaigning to raise funds to keep the shelter open as it was in a legal battle with officials who wanted the area it resided in at the time to hunt for rare birds. It has since had to move to a remote area of the island so are grateful for any help they can get.

So, if you adore animals and are happy to wake up at sunrise to be greeted by welcoming smiley faces and plenty of kisses and cuddles. In exchange for some light manual labour such as cleaning out the shelters, feeding and exercising the animals and giving them as much love and care as you can.

Then this is a unique activity that not only benefits the non-profit but will honestly be the best start to your day and may just be the highlight of your trip, it certainly was mine. I’d love to do it again. I’d arrive as soon as it opened at 7 am each morning and leave around 10-11 am when it closed. After the good deed, I then had the rest of the day to do whatever I wanted.

10. Swim in the clear waters at Akrotiri Red beach and visit an ancient site

Sian Victoria © - Akrotiri Red Beach, Santorini

Referred to by many as the most beautiful beach in all of Santorini, the Red Beach of Akrotiri is a breathtakingly distinctive beach that deserves its reputation.

Garnering iconic status for its iron-rich rocks and uniquely coloured sand, the beach has a sense of character that remains unmatched. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the terra cotta sand and appreciate the beauty of the landscape.

The site of Akrotiri is as much of a point of interest as the beach itself. The ancient Minoan city is often nicknamed Santorini's Pompeii; preserved after the 1600 BCE volcanic eruption under layers of ash, the site is of major archaeological significance.

Take a short boat or bus ride over to Akrotiri and its iconic red beach for an exceptional experience. We got to Akrotiri from Fira via the bus for just a euro or two. So, travelling around the island on public transport is affordable and allows you to spot hidden gems along the journey.

Located on the opposite end to Oia on the moon-shaped bay, we found Akrotiri in the south to be one of the windiest parts of the island. So, be careful if you make your way down the cliff edge to get to the red beach where you’ll find a narrow strip of sand, and turquoise waters with many rock formations to be seen.

11. Capture an iconic sunset in Oia

Sian Victoria © - Bell tower, Oia sunset, Santorini

Perhaps one of the most remarkable features that Santorini boasts is its breathtaking sunset views with Oia as the backdrop. Lighting up the sky with a beauty that can't be seen anywhere else in the world, with stunning rays of deep orange, pastel pinks, and striking gold, it shouldn’t be missed.

On the same side as the island of Fira, the village of Oia is one of the best places to see Santorini's iconic sunset. One of the best viewpoints to capture a sunset is from the Byzantine castle ruins. Where you can see the rugged landscape and picturesque environment like never before.

As this is one of the most iconic things to capture on the island, it's a tourist hotspot. So, plan to get there early to make sure you won't miss it and can see the sky in all its glory. Like many others, we sat in a spot and waited an hour or two before sunset to experience it.

Standing among a crowd simply to take a photo may not be appealing to many, it’s not my idea of fun either. But I did it once and ticked it off the bucket list and don’t regret experiencing the iconic Oia sunset shot with my own eyes.

12. Visit the Agios Georgios Church in Oia

Sian Victoria © - Saint Georgios Oia Holy Orthodox Church, Oia

Sian Victoria © - Church of Panagia Platsani, Oia, Santorini

Sian Victoria © - Cliff edge view, Windmill of Oia, Santorini

The Agios Georgios Church in the village of Oia is a great example of the traditional Cycladic architecture that adds to Santorini's character. Discovered by many tourists by accident when strolling along Oia's winding coastal paths, the church is a wonderful sight to see.

With a uniquely vivid yellow exterior and the iconic blue-dome top, the Agios Georgios Church is an unbelievably grand structure that is worth checking out. Not only will you be able to appreciate such classic historical architecture, but you'll also be able to take in sensational views of the Caldera and deep blue waters.

We didn’t get to see a sunrise from here as we were based in Karterados. However, we were told there’s a lovely sunrise view to experience from the Agios Georgios Church. Which is located near the top end of the island with far-reaching views.

The Greek orthodox church in Oia has a large courtyard and was built in 1811 surrounded by beautiful cypress trees providing necessary shade for stray dogs and cats that wander here.

The church was impressively built in just 30 days. Although not always open to the public, it’s a great photogenic spot to admire the island’s architecture and to pause for a moment under the trees to share some love with the animals.

13. The Castle of St Nicholas in Oia

Sian Victoria © - Cycladic Church, Santorini

Dating back to the 15th century, the Castle of St. Nicholas lines the edge of the caldera, making up the iconic landscape of Santorini, and is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island.

Although all that can be seen today are the ruins of the Renaissance-era castle, left behind after the 1956 earthquake. Elements of the fort and surviving watchtower are all that remain to hint at the history of the castle as a place of Byzantine aristocracy and Venetian rulers. Built to guard the island against pirates.

One of the best times to visit this piece of medieval history would be in the evening when you'll see the famous Santorini sunset and catch panoramic views of the island. Bear in mind visiting the remains of this coastal fort at this time is when it’s busiest too.

14. Walk along the black sand pebble beach in Períssa

Sian Victoria © - Perissa beach, Santorini

Sian Victoria © - Church of the Holy Cross, Perissa

After you've wandered the red sandy beach of Akrotiri, step out onto the black beach of Perissa. As a result of the volcanic eruption, pumice and ash remnants gave the sand a permanent dark pigment, leaving the beach as iconic as it is today.

The iconic pebbly beach runs along Perissa, a stunning coastal town complete with white-washed houses, the stand-out blue-domed Church of Ilmios Stavros, as well as an array of restaurants, bars, and accommodations.

So, after you've strolled along the unique beach and had some time to relax, you'll have plenty to get up to in this little town. If you are visiting at the peak of summer, you won’t want to walk on the black sand barefoot as it gets incredibly hot.

At one of the best and most popular beach attractions in Santorini, you’ll find plenty of sun loungers to lay upon and straw umbrellas to sit under. These are owned by local businesses so do require to be paid to use for a couple of hours.

15. Stay at a luxury hotel with an infinity pool overlooking the Caldera

Sian Victoria © - Luxury caldera view hotels, Santorini

If you want to make your holiday extra special, why not splash out that bit more on accommodation and stay at some of the best luxury hotels in Santorini boasting incredible views of the caldera and the island's beautiful landscape.

Many feature infinity swimming pools with unobstructed views and private rooms that have arch tunnels allowing you to swim along from your bedroom to the view outside.

There's certainly no shortage of hotels to meet these expectations, especially in Fira and Oia. Sitting right on the edge of the ragged caldera cliffs, these lavish pools allow you to relax with your favourite drink in hand while overlooking the surroundings in the best way possible.

This would be perfect for couples, as something that's romantic and creates an unforgettable experience. Do bear in mind that due to the nature of these premises in a prime location some are overlooked and insight of popular tourist paths. So, you may not have much privacy when sunbathing with an epic view.

You’ll often see that many tourists tend to stand on top of residential buildings to get the ‘perfect Instagram photo’. I’d advise against this in consideration of the property owner and your safety.

16. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Sian Victoria © - Candlemas Holy Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Fira

Sian Victoria © - Three Bells of Fira, Santorini

Perfect for history-lovers or just those wishing to learn more about the rich history of Santorini, you can pay a visit to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Situated in the heart of Fira, the museum is made up of 4 units that exhibit the history of Santorini, stretching back to the prehistoric period.

Explore some of the most intriguing archaeological discoveries from the excavation of Akrotiri following the volcanic eruption, artefacts from the Neolithic period and geological specimens.

The museum is perhaps the best way to discover both the history and development of Santorini – it's worth a visit if you get the chance. The museum was built on the site of the old Ypapanti Church which was destroyed by the Amorgos earthquake in 1956.

It’s open 8:30 am to 3:30 pm every day except for Tuesday when it is closed.

17. Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

Sian Victoria © - Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Fira

Another stand-out historical landmark in Santorini is the Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Fira. Renovated following the destruction of the 1956 earthquake, which had a damaging magnitude of 4.8R resulting in many buildings being destroyed and creating a tsunami effect damaging nearby islands too.

Opened in 1823. The church’s Baroque Revival architecture boasts a unique peach exterior, beautifully contrasting with the white-washed and blue coloured buildings largely seen on the island.

The cathedral's main feature is, however, a grand clock tower, stretching high to overlook the town. Inside, you'll find beautifully ornate paintings and furnishings, and an elegant, domed ceiling that's certainly an attention-grabber.

If you're planning to see the iconic sights of Santorini, this incredible cathedral should be on your list.

18. Candlemas Holy Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral

Located next to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the 4* Atlantis Hotel in Santorini the Candlemas Holy Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral can be found within the capital of Fira sitting atop the caldera and is an incredible showcase of beautiful architectural style.

The Greek orthodox church has a white-washed, mosaic colossal structure that is made even more impressive with an imposing bell tower, emphasising the sheer beauty and grandeur of the cathedral.

The beauty of the cathedral doesn't stop there, as its interior remains just as sensational with opulent frescoes and grand high, domed ceilings. If you can’t spare the time to go inside the cathedral, simply taking in the beauty of the structure from the outside is enough to appreciate it.

It’s also in the perfect spot to admire island views with there being a low and long white wall directly opposite facing one of the best views in Santorini. As well as a few seats and random standalone doorways that lead you to stairs to the many restaurants situated below overlooking the cliff edge.

Behind this Cathedral is also where you’ll likely start your day trip in Fira. Since it is where the bus station, parking lot and main square can be found.

To conclude

So, there we go. A list of some of the best things to do and see in Santorini. There's an endless number of experiences to have in this idyllic paradise. These are just a few attractions and sightseeing places in Santorini that I’ve personally experienced and recommend.

There are plenty more, especially when it comes to water sports activities in Santorini. Hopefully, this post inspires you to book a flight to Santorini for an unforgettable holiday.

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18 Best Thing's to do in Santorini, Greece