Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Greek islands and one of the most important tourist attractions in Greece. The uniqueness of the Caldera, the white houses that seem to hang on the cliff, the donkeys that roam the cobblestones, and the magical Mediterranean sunsets make the island special and differentiate it from the rest of the Cyclades. Explore Santorini in summer 2024 and see the alternative side of the island.
Emporio
Emporio also known as Niborio, is the largest village of Santorini and has a population of 1,773. This island village is located on the south side of the island at a distance of 12 kilometers from Fira, at the foot of the hill of Prophet Ilias. This traditional settlement was one of the island’s castles, as in medieval times the houses were built next to each other so that the inhabitants could be protected from pirates.
Foinikia
Foinikia is a small but very well preserved traditional village of Santorini, just a few kilometers outside of Oia. At the time when the city of Oia experienced great prosperity with shipping, in Finikia lived the farmers who worked in the plains and the vineyards. This picturesque village is a beautiful alternative and a quiet place to spend the evening if you are staying in Oia.
Being there, you can walk from the beach of Baxedos to the settlement, and take the road that leads to the valley with the vineyards and the beautiful churches of Agia Kyriaki and Agios Konstantinos. From the small church of Kyra Panagia, you can enjoy the sunset in peace.
Monolithos
Monolithos is a coastal village of Santorini, on the eastern side of the island, 8 kilometers east of Fira and 405 people live in it. It belongs administratively to the Local District of Mesaria of the Municipality of Thira. The village took its name from the large rock, the Monolithos, on which the church of Agios Ioannis is built.
Monolithos is home to the National Airport of Santorini, and the only tomato factory operating today that belongs to the Union of Theraean Products Cooperatives.
On the beaches of Monolithos, you will find the famous black sand of Santorini, which is really fine sand and not pebbles, like on most beaches of the island. In fact, in winter, the sand fills the entire area and the road.
The beach of Monolithos was very popular at the time when there was the only beach bar in Santorini. Now there is an organized part with sunbeds and umbrellas and it is considered an ideal beach for families with children. In the left part of Monolithos Beach called “Agria”, the landscape will remind you of the beach of Vlychada. It is the part of the beach that gets the most weather and does not have any type of organization.
Karterados
Two kilometers outside of Fira, the cave village of Karterados is perfect for afternoon walks on its picturesque cobblestone streets, overlooking the endless vineyards that stretch out at its feet.
Akrotiri
The archaeological site which, according to legend, may be all that remains of the mythical Atlantis, is definitely worth a visit, if nothing else to wander the courtyards and streets of a state whose inhabitants built two-story houses in 4500 BC The archaeological site, covered by a modern bioclimatic canopy, is very organized and impressive.
Visit the wineries of Santorini
The dry, dusty soil of Santorini is rich in minerals and excellent for growing grapes. The main island grape is Assyrtiko and the dry white wines of Santorini are considered among the best in Greece. What also makes Santorini’s vines special is their age. Many of them are over 100 years old and disease-resistant. You can take a private wine tour to the most famous Santorini wineries with Santorini Tours. Santorini is also known for its fava beans and the very small and delicious tomatoes.
Ancient Thera
Ancient Thira is located on the top of the Southeast peak of Santorini’s highest mountain, Prophet Ilias, just above Kamari. There was the ancient settlement of Thira. There is also a small church from 1100, the area was also used by the Romans as an administrative center.
The road leading to the top starts from the southern end of the bay in Kamari at the foot of the mountain. Those with good energy reserves can walk to the top following the winding road. the climb takes about 45 minutes, but the easiest way is to go up by car or take a minibus that runs from Kamari.
In the parking lot, you will find a canteen, benches and a car park. From Ancient Thira, there is a stunning view over the east coast of Santorini and the coastal resorts of Kamari and Perissa. If you plan to walk or drive, it’s a good idea to get there before 11 am, before many tourists arrive.
Beaches
Although Santorini does not have the classic Cycladic beaches with semolina sand and blue waters, its shores have a special “color” and options for every style. Perivolos maintains the title of the most secular beach, with beach bars, good fish restaurants, and nice black shiny pebbles. The once alternative Vlychada, with its trademark white rocks that create strange formations, is the fastest-growing beach.
On the long, touristy beach in Kamari, you will find hotels, restaurants, etc. Perissa is also a classic choice, with fine sand, beach sports, and a youthful atmosphere. A few kilometers further on, Monolithos, with its fine sand and shallow waters, remains a low-key family beach. The most northerly and windswept Kolumpos, near Oia, with fine pebbles and a large rock to offer natural shade, is the best proposal for more alternative situations. Neighboring tiny Pori, Baxedes, Vourvoulos, and Katharos are some more off-the-beaten-track options on the same side of the island. Towards Akrotiri, apart from the much-photographed Kokkini and Aspri (accessible on foot or by boat), which are mainly preferred by foreign visitors, there are also some off-road options for those looking for peace.