Despite its tragic history, Santorini has grown to become one of the most visited vacation spots in the Aegean Sea. Discover how you can make the most out of your trip.
Breathtaking landscapes, old churches, and whitewashed buildings. These are just some of the things that attract tourists to Santorini. Like any sizable island in the Aegean Sea, it has fantastic beaches and clear blue waters that beckon anyone who sees it.
But there’s more to Santorini than what you see on picture-perfect postcard photos. Take a look at some of the fun activities you shouldn’t miss out on during your trip.
#1 – Experience the Thrill of a Parasailing Flight
Why not start your Santorini visit with a bang? Fly over the Aegean Sea and catch the sunset while feeling as free as a bird.
Parasailing tours are highly popular in the area as they allow people to catch mind-blowing glimpses of both the island and the volcano. You can also go on a flight for two, which promises to be an amazing experience for couples.
#2 – Visit the Volcano and Hot Springs
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Santorini, then a volcano tour might be your thing. One of the best ways to do it is as part of a 7-hour adventure tour. But really, any tour of the volcano is super fun.
You can hike all the way up the volcano and then stop for a swim in the hot springs. And if you want to, you can even go up to the volcano from Perivolos beach via jet ski before moving into the caldera
#3 – Catch a Movie
Seeing a movie may not sound like one of the best things to do in Santorini. However, it’s a different experience when you go to an outdoor cinema.
The Open-Air Cinema at Kamari is an ideal place to spend a warm summer night. Its picturesque backdrop, massive screen, and wide range of movies from classics to newest releases always make a great impression on tourists.
However, note that the cinema only stays open between May and October.
#4 – Underwater Exploration
Scuba diving is another one of the fun things to do in Santorini. Make sure to check out the local diving center and talk to the experts.
Don’t worry if it’s your first time diving deep underwater. After a short course, you can learn the basics of diving before heading straight for the bottom of the sea near Santorini Island.
You can also either dive alone if you already know what you’re doing or go with a master diver.
#5 – Have Photo Ops at the Red Beach
If you’re looking for Santorini day trips, don’t forget hitting the Red Beach. The famed red hue of the volcanic beach makes it a popular tourist attraction. It’s named as such because of the sand that is pulverized volcanic rock from the Santorini Caldera.
However, note that the area sees many landslides, so you won’t be able to explore the entire beach. That said, you can still take some fantastic panoramic shots from the shore or while on a boat.
#6 – Hike the Fira-Oia Trail
Not everyone considers hiking fun. But of all the things to do in Santorini, hiking the Fira-Oia Trail is probably the best. This is the perfect activity for you if you love the outdoors, easy trails, and a backdrop alternating between villages and caldera cliffs.
It can take anywhere between two and five hours, depending on how fast you can walk. That said, the trail is only 6.5 miles. There’s not much to it in terms of difficulty – the majority of the path is almost like a cobblestone sidewalk, while the rest is all dirt.
The Fira-Oia hike is an excellent opportunity to take in the picturesque scenery, learn about the island’s history, and take impressive photos to show off later.
#7 – Wine Tasting
Another one of the fun things to do in Santorini is to go wine tasting. After all, most of the vines on the island are hundreds of years old.
The Venetsanos Winery offers a fantastic sunset view. And on your way to Kamari, make sure to visit the local Wine Museum.
You can always also join one of the many half-day or full-day wine tours. In doing so, you get to travel by bus while enjoying the dreamy view of the caldera.
#8 – Spend a Day at Perivolos Beach
Also known as the Black Beach, Perivolos Beach is undeniably one of the hottest spots in Santorini. The black sand, sparkling waters, and gorgeous backdrop provide a picturesque setting for a warm summer day.
Note that it’s not an underdeveloped beach by any means. You’ll have access to various retreats, entertainment spots, relaxation venues, and more.
The beach is also famous for its variety of water sport activities and loud beach bars.
#9 – Visit the Akrotiri Historical Site and Thera Museum
Tourists with a passion for history will enjoy a trip to the Akrotiri prehistoric settlement. It’s where they can see one of the most exciting archeological sites in the Aegean Sea.
Akrotiri is well-preserved and you can explore the site with a guide.
The museum features a variety of items from both Akrotiri and Potamos and various other sites. However, some of the most important artifacts are actually on display at the Prehistoric Thera Museum in Santorini’s capital Fira.
Also, the oldest artifacts go as far back as the Late Neolithic era. What’s even more exciting is that many of the items are surprisingly still in perfect condition.
#10 – See A Panoramic Island View from the Monastery
Santorini has lots of churches all over the island. From smaller chapels to impressive monasteries, the island has them all. But the main attraction among tourists is one of the more unusual monasteries.
From the outside, the Prophet Elias Monastery looks more like a fortress than a church. Its rich history attracts plenty of people every year, but something else makes a trip to it one of the best things to do in Santorini.
Everyone knows it as the high point where you can have a unique view of Santorini. That’s why if you want to take memorable panoramic photos on your vacation, know that this is the spot to visit.
There’s Never a Dull Moment
The scenery alone is enough for most people who visit Santorini to have a great experience. But you can do something adventurous every day, too. That’s as long as you want to learn more about island life, history, and hidden gems.
