Ultimate Santorini Activities Guide: 37 Awesome Things to Do Across the Island

Santorini has a way of stealing hearts. With whitewashed villages, stunning beaches, and some of the most famous sunsets in the world, it’s no surprise it’s on so many travel wish lists. In this ultimate Santorini activities guide you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your visit.

Whether you want romantic moments, adventurous outings, or a slower pace to take in the views, this island has it all. The best things to do in Santorini are not only the ones you see on postcards. There are plenty of unique experiences beyond the usual highlights, and we're happy to share it all with you.

Get ready to explore the island in the best way possible with our ultimate Santorini activities guide, sharing everything this Greek paradise has to offer.

The Ultimate Santorini Activities Guide: A Bit About the Island

Before diving into all of the fun things to do in our ultimate Santorini activities guide, we're going to share a bit about what the island is like, so you can know what to expect.

What is Santorini Best Known For?

Santorini is most famous for its breathtaking sunsets, whitewashed villages with blue-domed churches, and dramatic caldera views. The island is also known for its volcanic history, unique black and red sand beaches, its excellent wine production, and its incredible cuisine.

Many visitors also come for the romantic atmosphere, making it one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world. I've enjoyed Santorini with friends, on my own, and as a couple! It's also really family-friendly, making it all-around a great destination for all types of travelers.

How Many Days is Enough for Santorini?

My first time in Santorini I was there for just a day while working on a cruise ship. I sipped wine, sailed around the caldera, and saw the stunning villages. It was the perfect taste of the island, but it certainly wasn't enough! 

This past time we spent 3 days, and it was a great amount of time to be able to see all of the top highlights, explore the small villages, and fit in some photoshoots. That being said, we could have easily spent a few more days doing some other things on our ultimate Santorini activities guide.

If you only have a weekend, take the trip! But if you have more time, we definitely recommend spending closer to 5 days to really experience all that the island has to offer.

 Visiting for just a day on a cruise ship? Here are some tours to hit the highlights:

The Ultimate Santorini Activities Guide: Things to Do & See

So, are you ready to dive into our ultimate Santorini activities guide? Here are all of the things to do on the island, from free adventures to action-packed excursions.

 What to Do in Santorini for Free

It can be easy to spend quite a bit of money in Santorini, especially being such an incredibly popular tourist destination.

But if you're on a budget, you're in luck! You can still enjoy so many incredible things to do in Santorini for little to no cost, and here are some of our favorites.

Roam the Small Towns

Santorini is known for its picture-perfect towns, and there is no better way to enjoy the island than simply wandering the streets.

Go up and down stairs and be wowed everywhere you go. It's easy to get lost in the charming streets here, and that's the best part! Just don't forget you camera and to put on some sunscreen.

Here are the top towns in Santorini you don't want to miss out on:

• Oia: Famous for its iconic blue-domed churches and stunning sunset views over the caldera.

• Fira: The island’s bustling capital, offering lively streets, shops, and panoramic cliffside views.

• Imerovigli: A quiet village perched on the cliffs, known for luxury hotels and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Pyrgos: A charming hilltop village with traditional architecture, winding alleys, and historic churches.

• Megalochori: A picturesque village with neoclassical mansions, quaint squares, and local wineries.

• Emporio: The largest village on the island, featuring fortified architecture and a maze of narrow streets.

Photograph the Iconic Blue Domes

Santorini is famed for its iconic blue domes, and seeking them out and capturing gorgeous pictures was definitely one of our favorite things to do on the island. We've written a full guide about where to find the best blue domes in Santorini, with tips for photographing them.

Watch the Sunset at Oia Castle

Looking for that iconic view you see on all of the postcards? Well, it's located at Oi Castle, and each evening the crowds flock there for one of the most magical sunsets on the island. Make sure to get there early so you can grab a good spot!

 Visit the Adorable Churches

Santorini has some of the most picturesque churches. Many of them lie right in the villages, but others are hidden down walkways along cliffs tucked away from it all. It's always worth roaming Google Maps and seeing what gems you can discover.

Walk the Fira to Oia Trail

The Fira to Oia trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Santorini, stretching roughly 10 kilometers along the caldera cliffs. The path offers breathtaking views of the volcanic cliffs, charming villages, and the sparkling Aegean Sea below.

Hikers can stop along the way to explore cute churches, small shops, and panoramic viewpoints that make this trail a must-do experience for anyone visiting the island.

 Explore the Various Beaches

Santorini is home to a variety of unique beaches, each with its own character and natural beauty.

From black sand beaches to red and white volcanic cliffs, the coastline offers plenty of options for sunbathing, swimming, and water activities. Many beaches also have tavernas nearby where you can enjoy fresh seafood or a cold drink while taking in the view.

Here are some of the best beaches in Santorini that you shouldn’t miss out on:

• Kamari Beach: A lively black sand beach with bars, restaurants, and plenty of water sports.
• Perissa Beach: Known for its long stretch of black sand and relaxed vibe, perfect for families and solo travelers alike.
• Red Beach: Famous for its striking red cliffs and crystal-clear waters, ideal for photos and snorkeling.
• White Beach: Accessible only by boat, offering a more secluded experience with dramatic white cliffs.
• Vlychada Beach: A quieter, less crowded black sand beach with unique sculpted cliffs that resemble a lunar landscape.

 Epic Activities You Can Do in Santorini

Now that you've roamed the island, it's our favorite part of our ultimate Santorini activities guide - here are some of the coolest things to do if you're ready to have a good time and really appreciate the island's beauty.

 Have a Professional Photoshoot

Santorini is one of the most gorgeous islands in the world, and it would be a sin to come home without some incredible photos. Luckily, this island is known for having some incredible photographers. 

So whether you're looking for a glam shoot with a flying dress, an extravagant proposal shoot, or simply some beautiful couple's photos, having a professional photoshoot is one of the top activities for your Santorini bucket list.

Here are some awesome photoshoots in Santorini you can sign up for:

 Watch the Greek Wedding Show

Step back in time with music, dancing, and plenty of wine at Santorini’s famous interactive Greek Wedding Show, where you get to smash plates and join the celebration. It really is one of the most exciting and interactive shows, and certainly one you'll want to add to your list of activities in Santorini.

We were so ready to sign up for this one, but unfortunately it is a seasonal event and we were there just one week early! (mid April).

 Enjoy Greek Dinner & a Show

Looking for a fun and authentic activity to enjoy both the flavors and culture of Greece? This is the ultimate Santorini activity including an all-you-can-eat dinner with traditional dances, costumes, and music for a fun and tasty night out.

 Sail to the Volcanic Islands & Bathe in Volcanic Hot Springs

Take a boat trip to Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, the volcanic islets just off Santorini’s coast. You can hike up the crater for panoramic views and learn about the island’s volcanic history, and then bathe in the hot springs after.

The hot springs are rich in sulfur and minerals, offering a natural spa-like experience. Boats anchor nearby, and you can swim in the warm, orange-tinted waters believed to have healing properties - the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation!

This was on our bucket list, but due to a recent eruption the boats weren't running! It's truly a unique experience, and should be on any ultimate Santorini activities guide. Most tours depart from the old port of Fira and last a few hours.

Volcanic Hot Tub Experience

Looking for an incredibly-romantic experience with your love one in Santorini? You can rent out a private volcanic rock hot tub with stunning views of Santorini's Caldera as you drink a cocktail or wine with fruit. This may just be the perfect island date night for your couple's bucket list.

 Enjoy a Catamaran Cruise

A catamaran cruise is one of the most popular ways to experience Santorini’s beauty from the sea, and there are plenty of different ones to choose from. Cruises often include stops at the hot springs and different beaches, and many include meals, drinks, and plenty of time for swimming or snorkeling.

Here are a few fun catamaran rides we've found that you can take:

Rent a Boat

Looking to explore the open sea on your own? You can actually charter your own vessel license-free and sail for several hours visit the different beaches on your own schedule. This is a great way to find secluded swimming spots or see the island from a different angle without being on someone else's clock.

Go on a Fishing Trip

Join local fishermen for a day at sea, where you’ll learn traditional fishing techniques and enjoy a fresh seafood meal with your catch. These tours often include both fishing and sightseeing, making for a unique (and tasty) experience.

Fun Ways to Explore the Island

Now you've experienced some of the most popular activities in Santorini. Want to explore more though on a set of wheels? Here are some fun ways to discover the island - whether you're looking to go on your own, or with a guide.

 Buggy Highlights Tour: Explore the highlights of Santorini in a fun and unique way visiting the traditional town of Oia, the Venetian Castle of Pyrgos, Profitis Ilias, the town of Emporio, and the black and red volcanic beaches.

 E-bike Tour: Pedal along Santorini's gorgeous coastlines and charming villages with coffee or wine and GoPro pictures included.

 Mountain Bike Experience: Experience an adventure through southern Santorini Island, discovering hidden treasures and tasting local wine and food with this scenic bike ride above the caldera.

 Jeep Wrangler Tour: Drive your own private Jeep on tour around Santorini's most beautiful villages and hidden gems.

Cool Activities in Santorini for Foodies

Greece is known for having one of the best cuisines in the world, and one of our favorite parts of our ultimate Santorini activities guide is having you eat and drink your way around the island with these tasty tours.

 Guided Foodie Walking Tour: Walk through Fira and experience the best local flavors like local mezes, Loukoumades, Greek honey, and Souvlaki.

 Farm to Table Food Tour: Visit a local farm, learn about traditional farming techniques, and enjoy a multi-course meal at a local restaurant.

 Take a Greek Cooking Class: Enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to make local dishes with a glass of wine in hand.

 Visit the Wineries: Learn about the unique volcanic wineries while having tastings with snacks - one of the top activities in Santorini!

 Brewery Tour: Enjoy a visit to the brewery that makes the Santorinian Blue Monkey beer and have 6 different tastings paired with small bites.

 Experience the Tomato Museum: A unique industrial museum teaching about the local Santorini cherry tomato in a fun and interesting way.

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Activities for History Lovers in Santorini

Many people flock to Santorini for the views or water activities, but truthfully the island holds a lot of interesting history! If you want to learn a bit on your trip, then consider some of these historical highlights.

Explore Ancient Thira

Perched on a steep ridge, Ancient Thira is a fascinating archaeological site with ruins dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Walking through the remnants of temples, houses, and streets gives you a glimpse of life on the island centuries ago, and there are some incredible views from the top!

Visit Akrotiri

Often called the “Minoan Pompeii,” Akrotiri is a remarkably preserved Bronze Age settlement buried by a volcanic eruption that happened around 1600 BCE. Visitors can explore multi-story buildings, frescoes, and streets that reveal how advanced this ancient civilization was.

Take an Archaeological Tour

For a deeper understanding of Santorini's history, joining an archaeological tour is highly recommended. Expert guides provide context about Santorini’s volcanic history, ancient civilizations, and the island’s role in Aegean trade and culture.

Adventurous Activities You Can Do in Santorini

Looking for some fun activities in Santorini for the adventurer in you? From thrilling water activities to soaring high above the island, here are some epic activities you can do to elevate your experience of this stunning destination.

 Experience an ATV Tour: Ride through mountainous terrains, experience incredible viewpoints, and enjoy a drink and swim at Eros Beach.

 Go Parasailing: Soar 250 feet above a black sand beach.

 Rent a Jet Ski: Whip around Perivolos Beach.

Experience Thrill Waves Tubing: Choose from a variety of tubes for a scenic ride on Perivolos Beach. 

Go Sea Kayaking: Visit sea caves along with black, white, and red sand beaches, with lunch included - available during the day or for sunset!

 Rent a Paddle Board: Tailor your own adventure past sea cliffs and hidden coves.

 Get a Pedal Boat: A more peaceful and family-friendly activity for up to four. 

Try the Fly Board Adventure: fly high above the water on this action-packed activity.

Go Scuba Diving: explore unique marine life and volcanic reefs - great for beginners!

Take a Helicopter Tour: A scenic and exciting 20-minute private flight with the most beautiful views of the island.

The Ultimate Santorini Activities Guide: Final Thoughts, Tips, & What's Next

There are so many incredible things to do on this island! We hope that our ultimate Santorini activities guide has given you plenty to enjoy no matter what kind of traveler you are.

Whether you're a photographer, beach bum, or thrill-seeker, we know you are going to fall in love with Santorini just as much as we did! 

What's Next?

Now that you know all of the best activities in Santorini, you'll probably want to know more about traveling around the island! We have a lot of other Santorini guides coming up, so make sure to stay tuned for our weekly articles each Friday.

So are you ready to enjoy all of the amazing things to do on this famous Greek island? The island is full of opportunities to fill your schedule, and we hope our ultimate Santorini activities guide has inspired you to explore moer than just the hot spots.

Want to learn more about visiting Santorini and the other islands of Greece? We have a ton of other Greece travel guides coming up, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter- you'll get all of our weekly guide updates, as well as exclusive discounts on our shop!

Ready to start planning an incredible trip to Santorini? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, creating you specially-curated itineraries for every trip. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email for your free consultation!

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