Santorini Bucket List: 9 Best Things to Do and See in 2025
Are you wondering what to do and see in Santorini to immerse yourself in the unique magic of the most popular Cycladic island?
From sunset watching and wine tasting to hiking and sightseeing, there are so many activities in Santorini that it may be hard to know what’s worth it.
But, don’t worry, we have gathered the best for you, so that you can make the most of your stay, enjoying the best this island has to offer.
So, what is there to do in Santorini in 2025? Let’s find out!
Visit Oia
No visit to Santorini is complete without Oia! Full of traditional whitewashed houses, narrow paved alleys, and blue-domed churches, Oia is the quintessential Cycladic village. Wandering its streets will make you feel like living in a fairytale!
What’s more, Oia is one of the best places for sunset-watching, as it offers all-encompassing views of the sea, the volcano, and the caldera. However, if you want to watch the sunset in Oia, try to secure a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle, as it tends to get overcrowded!
Discover the island’s hidden gems
Oia and Fira might be the most popular villages in Santorini, but they are also where all the tourists go! So, the best way to escape the crowds and explore the island off the beaten path is to discover its picturesque villages.
Even better, you can stay in a quieter village and have it as your base for island exploration! There are many hotels in Messaria and other villages, including Pyrgos, Imerovigli, and Megalochori, where you can enjoy a relaxing stay away from the hordes of tourists who flock to the more popular villages.
Tour a winery and do wine tasting
Santorini is an island with a millennia-old wine-making tradition; in fact, it is home to some of the oldest wineries in the world! So, touring a winery and tasting the most popular local wine varieties is arguably one of the best things to do in Santorini. From Vinsanto and Assyrtiko to Aidani and Athiri, there’s a wide selection of wines to enjoy.
Whether you’re on a honeymoon or visiting with friends, you can book a vineyard tour or a wine tasting session in Santorini to learn more about the island’s fascinating wine culture!
Extra tip: If you want to experience the ultimate wine tasting experience in Santorini, it’s worth visiting NOŪS Hotel’s Wine Cellar. There, you’ll taste the finest local wines, guided by an experienced sommelier, and immerse yourself in the magical world of the island’s wine tradition!
Hike from Oia to Fira
If you are a hiking enthusiast, you will be happy to know that there are several hiking trails you can follow in Santorini! The most popular one, though, is the hiking trail that connects Oia with Fira.
Along this route, you will have the opportunity to marvel at breathtaking sea and island views, enjoy Santorini’s landscape, and discover beautiful spots off the beaten path. It’s a relatively easy hiking route that lasts for 2.5-3 hours, so it is suitable for the majority of hikers. Be sure to have plenty of water and sunscreen with you for hydration and protection from the heat!
Go on a sunset cruise (a must-do in Santorini!)
If you think the only way to enjoy the world-famous sunset of Santorini is from a viewpoint in one of the island’s villages, you’re mistaken! Watching the sunset from a boat during a sunset cruise around the caldera is a far more exhilarating experience in Santorini.
Also, taking a cruise will allow you to marvel at the caldera, the volcano, and the island’s traditional Cycladic architecture from afar, discovering another face of Santorini beyond the typical tourist activities!
Explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri
Whether you’re a history buff or you just want to delve into the island’s past, a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri shouldn’t be missed. This ancient city remained for centuries under volcanic ashes, which preserved buildings and everyday objects intact, which is why it is also known as the Pompeii of Greece. Fascinating, right?
Today, you can visit the ancient settlement of Akrotiri and see the remnants of the ancient civilization that vanished overnight. It’s one of the best things to see in Santorini!
Visit Santorini’s active volcano
The island owes its stunning landscape to its famous volcano, so visiting the craters is a must-do in Santorini! Many boat tours will take you to the volcanic Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni islands, where you will hike on the active volcano and indulge in a natural spa treatment in the hot springs that contain high amounts of sulfur.
Extra tip: Wear a comfortable pair of hiking shoes because you need to hike for about 30 minutes to reach the craters!
Go for a swim at Perissa, a.k.a the black beach
Perissa is arguably one of the most stunning beaches in Santorini! Also known as Black Beach, Perissa stands out for its unique volcanic landscape and ethereal atmosphere, so swimming here is a unique experience.
Other than that, Perissa is lined with many restaurants and cafes, where you can sit and savor a traditional meal or a refreshment after enjoying the sea and the sun of the Aegean. Trust us, savoring the island’s gastronomic delights with a sea view is one of the best things to do in Santorini!
Introduce yourself to the artistic and cultural heritage of Santorini
Whether you’re planning to stay for just a couple of days or a whole week, a visit to Santorini’s galleries and museums is a total must, especially if you are a history buff or art enthusiast!
From the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, where you’ll find amphorae, pottery, and figurines, to the Mati Art Gallery, where you can enjoy contemporary artworks, Santorini offers countless options. And if you’d like to learn more about the island’s wine-making tradition (or you’re an avid wine lover), visiting the Santorini Wine Museum is a must!
So, if you were wondering what to do in Santorini in 2025, you now have plenty of options! From watching the sunset and discovering the island’s hidden gems, to hiking and swimming surrounded by a magical landscape, the experiences you can have are simply unique. Put them on your bucket list and get ready for an unforgettable holiday amidst the Aegean!
