Beyond the Postcards: Uncovering the Best Experiences in Santorini
Santorini offers so many experiences to visitors: Majestic sunsets, dramatic caldera views, otherworldly landscapes, postcard-perfect blue-domed chapels, breathtaking volcanic beaches, and unprecedented luxury… No wonder it is one of the world’s most recognizable destinations!
This article will reveal the best experiences in Santorini to help you make the most of your vacation. Let’s dive in!
- Visit the famous Santorini volcano
- Watch the sunset in Oia
- Taste the most exceptional local wines
- Eat local food and have a cooking and tasting experience in Santorini
- Travel back in time
- Experience horseback riding in Santorini
- Hike from Oia to Fira
- Explore the island beyond the caldera
- Visit the Lost Atlantis Experience Museum in Santorini
1. Visit the famous Santorini volcano
The fascinating reason behind the island’s lunar landscape, Santorini’s volcano is a super-popular attraction with an interesting history. Around three millennia ago, a volcanic eruption divided the once round-shaped Santorini into three separate islands: Santorini, Therasia, and Aspronisi. Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, nearby islets, were also shaped by successive volcanic eruptions, creating a group of volcanic islands.
A boat tour to Palea and Nea Kameni will allow you to walk on the craters, explore the volcanic landscape, swim in the hot springs, and enjoy a mud bath while taking in the caldera view. It is a truly memorable experience in Santorini!
2. Watch the sunset in Oia
Oia is arguably the most renowned village in Santorini! Cascading down a cliff, this picturesque village offers panoramic sunset views that attract thousands of tourists yearly. The spectacle is truly worth it, as every evening the sun dips into the horizon turning the sky into an otherworldly watercolor painting brimming with purple and orange hues.
Arrive early and secure a spot in Goula near Oia or simply enjoy the view from a caldera-hanging terrace. If you prefer to watch the sunset away from the hustle and bustle of Oia, a quiet hotel in Mesaria, Imerovigli, and Pyrgos are amazing alternatives!
3. Taste the exceptional local wines
Brimming with lush vineyards that produce the finest Santorinian wines, the island is a paradise for wine enthusiasts, offering the perfect opportunity to dig deeper into the history of winemaking.
Most wineries offer tours and wine-tasting sessions, so you can easily book a private wine tour that will introduce you to the wine-making process against the backdrop of the dramatic caldera. This is one of the most luxurious experiences in Santorini!
Extra info: Assyrtiko, Nychteri, Athiri, and Aidini are among the most popular local wines exported worldwide.
4. Eat local food and have a cooking and tasting experience in Santorini
Like the rest of the Cyclades islands, Santorini boasts an irresistibly delicious food scene! From the local cherry tomatoes, known for their sweetness, to mouthwatering specialties, like eggplant salad, fava (a creamy yellow split pea dip), stuffed grape leaves, and fried cheese, there are lots of local delicacies to taste. Don’t forget to pair all these scrumptious dishes with a glass or two of local wine!
There are many restaurants in Messaria, Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, and other villages in Santorini, where you can enjoy yummy local and delectable international dishes. So, one thing is for sure: If you are a foodie, Santorini will not disappoint!
Extra tip: If you want to learn more about the local cuisine, you can also book a private cooking and tasting experience in Santorini.
5. Travel back in time
Exploring the island’s history is undoubtedly one of the best experiences in Santorini! Not only because its past is fascinating, but also because some places remain intact from time. One of them is the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, which was destroyed by the volcanic eruption in Santorini thousands of years ago.
The 1967 excavations revealed that the settlement was preserved under the volcanic ash that covered it, which made Akrotiri also known as the ‘Greek Pompei’. To visit the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, you can book a private tour that will also take you to the archaeological site of Ancient Thera for a total immersion in history!
6. Experience horseback riding in Santorini
Horseback riding is one of the most romantic experiences in Santorini! Riding a horse along a black beach admiring the vast Aegean Sea and the volcanic backdrop is truly magical, especially if you do it with your significant other.
But, if you don’t have any prior riding experience, don’t worry! Every horseback riding tour in Santorini includes learning the basics of riding from an experienced rider, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride!
7. Hike from Oia to Fira
If you are an adventure lover, you might want to add hiking to your itinerary! Hiking from Oia to Fira is one of the best things to do in Santorini, as it combines sightseeing with adventure. The distance between these villages is approximately 10 km and the walking path that connects them is a mix of hiking trails and pedestrian streets, so it’s perfect for almost every level.
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to marvel at breathtaking caldera views, explore the island’s natural beauty, and discover some of the most picturesque villages in Santorini, including Firostefani and Imerovigli. It is among the top experiences for adventurous travelers in Santorini!
8. Explore the island beyond the caldera
The caldera-hanging villages Oia and Fira indeed attract the majority of the crowds that flock to Santorini every year, but beyond them, there is a whole other world waiting to be discovered!
The 16th-century castle in Pyrgos village, the tranquil atmosphere of Messaria, the Byzantine citadel in Emporio, the traditional cafes in Megalochori, and the laid-back charm of Exo Gonia are worth exploring. Besides, what better way to truly experience a new destination than exploring it off the beaten path?
9. Visit the Lost Atlantis Experience Museum in Santorini
The Lost Atlantis Experience Museum in Santorini is the ultimate destination for those who want to learn more about the myth of Atlantis! In this museum, you will immerse yourself in Santorini’s history, mythology, and geology through a series of fascinating experiences and exhibits.
From a 9-D volcanic eruption experience and a holographic representation of the island’s geological evolution to an interactive fresco representing Plato’s journey that inspired him to write about the city, this museum offers something for everyone!
From watching the majestic sunset to visiting the volcano and tasting the local delicacies, Santorini is brimming with unforgettable experiences! Are you ready to embark on a fascinating journey exploring the wonders of Santorini?
