Beyond the Postcards: Uncovering the Best Experiences in Santorini
Majestic sunsets, dramatic caldera views, otherworldly landscapes, postcard-perfect blue-domed chapels, breathtaking volcanic beaches, and unprecedented luxury… Santorini offers so many experiences to visitors! No wonder this island is one of the world’s most recognizable destinations.
In this article, we are going to uncover the best experiences in Santorini that will make you enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Let’s dive in!
- Visit the infamous Santorini volcano
- Watch the sunset in Oia
- Taste the most exceptional local wines
- Immerse yourself in the local culinary scene
- Travel back in time
- Hike from Oia to Fira
- Explore the island beyond the caldera
1. Visit the infamous Santorini volcano
A visit to Santorini’s infamous volcano is an absolute must! The fascinating reason behind the island’s lunar landscape, Santorini’s volcano, is hands down one of the most popular attractions. Due to a volcanic eruption that took place in the area three millennia ago, the once round-shaped Santorini was split into three separate islands: Santorini, Therasia, and Aspronisi. Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, nearby islets, were also shaped by successive volcanic eruptions. A boat tour to Palea and Nea Kameni will give you the chance to walk on the craters, explore the volcanic landscape, swim in the hot springs, and enjoy a mud bath while taking in the view of the caldera. This is a truly memorable experience in Santorini!
2. Watch the sunset in Oia
Oia is arguably the most renowned village in Santorini! Cascading down the cliff, this picturesque village offers panoramic sunset views that attract thousands of tourists every year. However, the spectacle is truly worth it! Every afternoon, as the sun begins to dip into the horizon line, the sky turns into an otherworldly watercolor painting that brims with purple and orange hues. Come 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, Messaria, Imerovigli, and Pyrgos are amazing alternatives!
Extra tip: If you want to do something truly unique, you can experience horse riding in Santorini at sunset -it will be a memory you will never forget!
3. Taste the most exceptional local wines
Santorini has a centuries-old winemaking tradition, so a wine-tasting session is a must-do! Dotted 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. Assyrtiko, Nychteri, Athiri, and Aidini are among the popular local wines that are exported to every corner of the world. 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 majestic luxury experiences in Santorini!
4. Immerse yourself in the local culinary scene
Much like the other Cyclades islands, Santorini boasts an irresistibly delicious food scene! From the local cherry tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness, to mouthwatering specialties, like eggplant salad, fava (a creamy yellow split pea dip), stuffed grape leaves, and fried cheese, there’s a lot 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 delicacies and delectable international dishes. So, one thing is for sure: If you are a foodie, Santorini won’t disappoint you!
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 the passage of time. One of them is the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, which was destroyed by the volcanic eruption that took place in Santorini thousands of years ago. The excavations that were carried out in 1967 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. This is a total immersion in history!
6. Hike from Oia to Fira
If you are an adventure lover, you might want to incorporate a little bit of hiking into your holiday! Hiking from Oia to Fira is one of the best experiences to have in Santorini, as it combines sightseeing with adventure. The distance between those two 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.
7. 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 going off the beaten path?
From watching the majestic sunset to visiting the volcano and tasting the local delicacies, there are so many experiences in Santorini that should not be missing from your bucket list! So, are you ready to embark on a fascinating journey to the wonders of Santorini?
