Santorini 2022 is one of the most enchanting islands in Greece. It is a rocky island just opposite the volcano, with black and red beaches and its cities hanging on the caldera and the cliffs of the volcano offering unique views and fantastic sunsets.
The island of Santorini has a dramatic beauty in contrast to the lush vegetation and greenery of other islands. The volcano is still active, and the last eruption occurred in 1950, causing an earthquake that destroyed many villages on the island.
Santorini has the only volcano caldera in the world where it is inhabited, this is the main reason for the millions of tourists who visit the island every year.
Unlike other islands in Greece, cities and villages are built on the rocks of the Caldera and from a distance look like snow on very high mountain peaks.
The colored layers of volcanic rock are spectacular in themselves: chocolate brown, rusty red, ocher yellow, white and cream. Geological uniqueness, however, is not the only thing that makes Santorini 2022 a magical holiday destination.
The enchanting sunset of Santorini 2022
Many have read about the spectacular sunset that occurs on this island and the skeptic may wonder if the sunset can actually appear differently here and not from the neighboring islands of Naxos or Ios and Anafi.
However, the sunset in Santorini, from the Caldera, is really a magical painting with the volcano as a backdrop.
The colors change from deep red to yellow to orange and purple, as the sun sinks in the Aegean and turns golden red reflecting light on the sea and the surrounding islands.
Sights of Santorini 2022
Ancient Thira
Ancient Thira is located at the top of the Southeastern peak of the highest mountain of Santorini, Profitis Ilias, just above Kamari. There was the ancient settlement of Thira. There is also a small church from 1100, the area was used by the Romans as an administrative center.
The road that leads to the top starts from the southern end of the bay in Kamari at the foot of the mountain. Those who have a good energy reserve can walk to the top following the winding road. the ascent takes about 45 minutes, but the easiest way is to get up by car or take a minibus that makes the route 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 is a good idea to get there before 11 in the morning, before many tourists arrive.
Visit Oia and Fira
In Oia you will have the best sunsets, also Oia and Fira are excellent cities for walking and shopping. In Fira there is a folklore museum, the fortress from the Middle Ages, two Dioceses, one Catholic and one Orthodox.
In the city of Fira you can go to the church of Ag. Minas, which is the church you will see in many postcards of Santorini.
If you go to Fira in September, there is a famous classical music festival every year. You should also visit the old capital, Pyrgos.
Visit Akrotiri
Akrotiri is an ancient city that was buried underground when the volcano erupted 3,500 years ago. The buildings are in very good condition and we can say that it is Pompeii of Greece. The archeological site of Akrotiri is one of the best in Greece, you are under a canopy and visitors can walk over the ruins on bridges that allows you to get better view and photographs.
What to do in Santorini 2022
There are tennis courts in Kamari and Karterados. In Perissa there is mini golf, water park, go kart and roller skating. In Fira and Kamari there are volleyball and basketball courts. There are also many places to go cycling.
Many enjoy the approximately two hours walk from Imerovigli to Fira, which is a very beautiful experience, but make sure you have water with you, although today the two cities with Firostefani in the middle are almost connected.
The night life is concentrated in Kamari, Perissa and Fira. Do not forget the famous wineries of the island, where you can visit and taste the local wines of Santorini.
It is a good idea to go on one of the trips offered by Santorini tours Santorini 2022. There are trips to the sunset at night, and excursions to the volcano and the islands of Palea Kameni and Thirasia, where there is a small picturesque village.
In Fira you can also visit the Archaeological Museum and the Prehistoric Museum where you can see objects from the excavations in Akrotiri, as well as many sculptural objects that cover the rich in historical past Santorini, from prehistoric time to the Neolithic, Minoan, Hellenistic , Roman and Byzantine time. You can take a tour of Santorini!
The villages of Santorini
The villages of Santorini are only a few kilometers from each other and yet they are all very different. Fira is the realm of markets and nightlife. Oia is the most atmospheric city with picturesque houses and shops. The typical architectures are colorful and always magically placed towards the sea with stairs and views.
Imerovigli is the country where the most beautiful hotels and resorts of the island are located with incredible infinity pools and incredible views of the Caldera. Pyrgos is the stuck in time village of Santorini.
How to Live a Great Experience in Santorini Today
The sunset, Ancient Thira, Akrotiri and the villages described above are the foundations of any visit. The island has changed since this article was first written, but what makes a great experience in Santorini has not: the right places, at the right time, at the right pace.
A great experience in Santorini starts with timing. The famous viewpoints are magical early in the morning and crowded at midday. Plan around the light and the crowds, not just the list of sights.
A great experience in Santorini needs variety. Combine the caldera, the sea, the history, the wine and the quiet villages, rather than spending every day in Oia and Fira.
A great experience in Santorini leaves room. Some of the best moments are unplanned: a long lunch, a swim in a quiet bay, a conversation in a village square.
The sections below describe the experiences our guests remember most, with practical advice on how to enjoy each one.
Sailing the Caldera
The coloured layers of volcanic rock described above look even more spectacular from the water. A day at sea is a great experience in Santorini that no visitor should miss.
A great experience in Santorini: the classic boat. Traditional excursion boats sail from the Old Port, Athinios or Ammoudi to Nea Kameni, the hot springs off Palea Kameni and Thirasia.
Catamaran cruises. Shared or private catamarans leave from the south coast, stopping at the Red and White beaches and quiet bays for swimming, usually with a meal on board.
A great experience in Santorini at sunset. An evening cruise ends with the sun sinking behind Thirasia, with the caldera villages glowing above you.
The view. Only from the sea do you see the full height of the cliffs, the villages on the rim and the layers of rock that record the island’s eruptions.
The wind. Summer winds can make the sea rough and cancel trips. Keep one day flexible.
What to bring. Swimwear, a towel, sun protection and a light layer for the evening.
Walking on the Volcano
As the article says above, the volcano is still active, with its most recent eruption in 1950. Walking on it is a great experience in Santorini for all ages.
A great experience in Santorini: Nea Kameni. A marked path climbs across black lava and loose volcanic gravel to the crater area, around an hour up and down.
What you see. Craters, lava fields, steam vents and yellow sulphur deposits, with views back to the caldera villages.
A great experience in Santorini: the hot springs. Near Palea Kameni, the boat anchors in a small bay where you swim to warm, iron-rich water. Wear old swimwear, as it can leave orange stains.
Timing. Morning departures avoid the midday heat on the lava.
What to wear. Closed shoes with grip, a hat and sun protection. Carry water; there is no shade.
The Sunset, Beyond Oia
The sunset described above is the island’s signature moment. Watching it well, without the crush, is a great experience in Santorini in its own right.
A great experience in Santorini: Oia done right. Arrive at the castle area at least an hour early in summer, or book a west-facing table for dinner.
Imerovigli. High on the rim, with Skaros Rock in the foreground and far fewer people.
A great experience in Santorini: Pyrgos. From the top of the old village, the whole island glows in the evening light.
The Akrotiri Lighthouse. The sun sets over the open sea beyond the cliffs, with the caldera stretching behind you.
From the sea. A sunset cruise is the calmest way to watch.
A great experience in Santorini after dark. Stay for the blue hour, when the lights of the villages come on along the caldera.
Walking the Caldera Rim
The article above mentions the walk from Imerovigli to Fira. The full path, all the way to Oia, is a great experience in Santorini for anyone who enjoys walking.
A great experience in Santorini: the route. Around ten kilometres from Fira through Firostefani and Imerovigli, then over open ground past small chapels to Oia. Allow three to five hours.
The views. The whole caldera below you: the volcanic islands, Thirasia and the cliffs dropping hundreds of metres to the sea.
Skaros Rock. A short detour from Imerovigli leads to the rock that once held the island’s medieval castle.
A great experience in Santorini: timing. Start early in summer, as there is little shade beyond Imerovigli. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
What to carry. Plenty of water, sun protection and proper shoes.
The finish. Arrive in Oia for the sunset, then take a bus, taxi or transfer back.
Akrotiri with a Guide
As the article says above, Akrotiri is the Pompeii of Greece. Exploring it with someone who can explain it is a great experience in Santorini for anyone curious about the past.
A great experience in Santorini: the town. Multi-storey houses, streets, squares, storerooms still holding their jars and a drainage system, all preserved under volcanic ash for more than three thousand years.
The mystery. Few valuables and no human remains have been found, suggesting the inhabitants left before the eruption.
A great experience in Santorini: the museum. The wall paintings and finds from the site are displayed at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira. Visit both for the full story.
The shelter. The site is covered by a large roof, so it is comfortable on hot or rainy days.
Timing. Arrive at opening time to beat the tour groups.
A great experience in Santorini: combine it. Continue to the Red Beach viewpoint, a seaside lunch and a winery in the south.
Tasting the Island’s Wine
The article above reminds visitors not to forget the wineries. A tasting among the vineyards is a great experience in Santorini, even for people who rarely drink wine.
A great experience in Santorini: Assyrtiko. The island’s signature white grape, making crisp, mineral wines with a salty edge.
Vinsanto. The traditional sweet wine, made from sun-dried grapes and aged in barrels for years.
A great experience in Santorini: the vines. The vines are trained low into circular baskets to protect the grapes from the wind and sun, a sight found almost nowhere else.
Where. Wineries in the centre and south, around Megalochori, Pyrgos, Episkopi Gonia and Akrotiri, some with caldera terraces and some in old rock-cut cellars.
The Wine Museum. Near Kamari, an underground museum tells the history of winemaking on the island. See our page on the wine museum of Santorini.
A great experience in Santorini, safely. Book a tour with transport rather than driving after tasting.
Eating Like a Local
Santorini’s food reflects its volcanic land. Sharing a long meal in a village taverna is a great experience in Santorini that costs far less than a sunset restaurant.
A great experience in Santorini: fava. The island’s yellow split-pea purée, with olive oil, onion and capers.
Tomatokeftedes. Fritters made from the small, intense Santorini tomato.
White aubergine and chloro cheese. Local specialities worth seeking out.
A great experience in Santorini by the sea. Fresh fish in Ammoudi, Vlychada or on Thirasia. Ask the price per kilo before ordering.
A cooking class. Learn to prepare local dishes, then eat them with island wine.
A great experience in Santorini: late dinners. Greeks eat late; a table at 21:30 is normal and the atmosphere builds after that.
The Villages Beyond Fira and Oia
As the article says above, the villages are only a few kilometres apart yet all very different. Exploring them is a great experience in Santorini that many visitors miss.
A great experience in Santorini: Pyrgos. The “stuck in time” village mentioned above, with circular lanes climbing to an old castle and views of the whole island. On Good Friday, it is lit with thousands of small fires.
Megalochori. Old mansions, wine cellars and a quiet square.
A great experience in Santorini: Emporio. A medieval kasteli of narrow passages and tall houses built as a defence against pirates.
Vothonas and Karterados. Cave houses dug into the soft volcanic rock.
Foinikia. A colourful village just outside Oia, calm even in summer.
A great experience in Santorini: timing. Visit the villages in the morning or late afternoon, when the lanes are cool and quiet.
The Black, Red and White Beaches
The article above describes the island’s black and red beaches. A day on its unusual coast is a great experience in Santorini, quite unlike other Greek islands.
A great experience in Santorini: Kamari and Perissa. Long black-sand beaches with sunbeds, tavernas and water sports, separated by the mountain of Mesa Vouno.
The Red Beach. A dramatic beach below a red cliff near Akrotiri. Access is sometimes restricted because of rockfalls, so view it from the path if needed.
A great experience in Santorini: the White Beach. A small cove under pale cliffs, reached only by boat.
Vlychada. Pale, wind-sculpted cliffs above a long, quieter beach.
Tips. Dark sand gets very hot, so bring beach shoes. The east coast can be choppy on windy days.
More detail. See our page on the beaches to swim in Santorini.
A Day on Thirasia
The small picturesque village on Thirasia mentioned above shows the island as it once was. Crossing the caldera to visit it is a great experience in Santorini for those who want quiet.
A great experience in Santorini: Korfos. The small harbour where boats land, with fish tavernas along the waterfront.
Manolas. The main village, on the caldera rim, looking back across the water at Oia and Fira.
A great experience in Santorini: the pace. Few cars, few shops, almost no crowds and life following the rhythm of the boats.
Getting there. Small boats from Ammoudi below Oia, or a stop on many volcano excursions.
Tip. For more than a quick lunch, take a small boat from Ammoudi and choose your own return time.
The Old Port, the Steps and the Cable Car
Below Fira lies the Old Port, where cruise passengers land and many boat trips begin. Getting down and back up is a small but memorable part of a great experience in Santorini.
The cable car. The quickest way between Fira and the port, a ride of three to five minutes down the cliff with views across the caldera.
The steps. A zigzag path of around 588 steps links the port and the town. Walking down is easy and scenic; walking up in summer is hot and tiring.
A great experience in Santorini without the mules. Mules still carry visitors on the steps, but their welfare has been widely criticised. Walk or take the cable car instead.
Cruise days. When several ships are in, the cable car queue can be long, especially in the afternoon. Go down early and come back up before the rush.
At the port. A few cafés and tavernas, boats to the volcano and a quieter view of the cliffs above.
More detail. See our page on the Santorini cable car.
Active Experiences
The article above lists tennis, mini golf, cycling and more. For active travellers, these are the outdoor activities that make a great experience in Santorini today.
A great experience in Santorini: sea kayaking. Guided trips along the south coast, past sea caves and quiet coves, best on calm mornings.
Snorkelling and diving. Clear water, dark volcanic rock and underwater caves, with dive centres offering courses and guided dives.
A great experience in Santorini: hiking. The caldera path, Skaros Rock and the ridge from Profitis Ilias to Ancient Thera.
Horse riding. Rides through the countryside and along the beaches, suitable for beginners.
Cycling and e-bikes. Electric bikes make the hills manageable, with routes through vineyards and villages.
A great experience in Santorini, safely. Choose licensed operators, avoid the midday heat and drink plenty of water. See our page on adventure activities in Santorini.
Evenings and Nightlife
As mentioned above, nightlife is concentrated in Fira, Kamari and Perissa. An evening out is part of a great experience in Santorini, whatever your style.
A great experience in Santorini: sunset drinks. A glass of Assyrtiko on a caldera terrace as the sun goes down.
Fira. Cliffside cocktail bars and livelier clubs in the lanes behind the rim, busy late into the night in summer.
Kamari and Perissa. Relaxed beach bars with music by the sea.
A great experience in Santorini: open-air cinema. Summer screenings under the stars are a much-loved island tradition.
Village festivals. Saints’ day festivals, called panigyria, bring music, dancing, food and wine, and everyone is welcome.
Music. As the article notes, the island hosts a classical music festival in September, alongside summer concerts in various venues.
A great experience in Santorini: getting home. Taxis are scarce late at night, so book a transfer in advance.
Festivals and Traditions
Island traditions add depth to any visit. Joining a local celebration is a great experience in Santorini that few tourists plan for.
Easter. Greek Orthodox Easter is the most important celebration of the year. On Good Friday, Pyrgos is lit with thousands of small fires as the Epitaph procession passes through the village.
Panigyria. Throughout the summer, churches celebrate their saint’s day with a festival of music, dancing, food and wine. Everyone is welcome.
A great experience in Santorini on 15 August. The feast of the Dormition of the Virgin is celebrated across Greece, with services and festivities in churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Music. As mentioned above, the island hosts a classical music festival in September, and concerts take place in various venues through the summer.
The wine harvest. In late summer, the vineyards come alive with the grape harvest, and some wineries welcome visitors to see the work.
How to find them. Dates are rarely published far in advance. Ask your hotel or guide what is happening during your stay.
A Great Experience in Santorini for Couples
Santorini is one of the world’s most romantic destinations, and couples come from every continent to share it. A few choices make the difference between a crowded trip and a truly great experience in Santorini for two.
Where to stay. Imerovigli and Firostefani sit on the caldera rim with the same views as Oia, but with quieter lanes and calmer evenings. Oia itself is magical in the early morning, before the day visitors arrive.
Sunrise. Few couples see the island at dawn. Walking through Oia or along the rim at sunrise, with the lanes almost empty, is one of the most romantic moments the island offers.
A private boat. A private or small-group catamaran, with swimming stops and a sunset return, avoids the busy excursion boats and gives you the caldera almost to yourselves.
A special dinner. Book one west-facing table well in advance, and balance it with long, simple lunches in village tavernas.
Wine. A tasting at a winery terrace, with Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, is a relaxed way to spend a warm afternoon.
Doing nothing. Many couples say the best part of a great experience in Santorini was simply sitting on a terrace, watching the light change over the caldera.
A Great Experience in Santorini with Children
As the article above notes, Perissa has activities for children, and the island has much more to offer families. With a little planning, a family holiday can be a great experience in Santorini for every generation.
The volcano. Most children love walking on a real volcano, seeing steam rise from the ground and swimming to the warm springs. Choose a morning boat to avoid the heat.
Akrotiri. The story of a town buried by a volcano fascinates children, and the covered site is shaded and easy to walk.
Beaches. Kamari and Perissa have organised sections with sunbeds, shallow water in places and plenty of places to eat. Bring beach shoes for the hot dark sand.
Where to stay. Beach areas are flatter and easier with strollers than caldera hotels with long flights of steps.
Timing. Plan outings for the morning and late afternoon, and rest in the middle of the day.
Safety. Many viewpoints have no railings. Hold young children’s hands near any drop.
Small pleasures. An ice cream in the village square after sunset often becomes the favourite memory of a great experience in Santorini for younger travellers.
The Right Season for a Great Experience
The same island feels very different through the year. Choosing the right season is one of the simplest ways to guarantee a great experience in Santorini.
Spring. April and May bring mild weather, green hillsides and wild flowers. It is the best time for walking and for exploring the villages, though the sea is still cool.
Summer. June to August has everything open, a warm sea and long evenings, but also the most heat, crowds and highest prices. Start each day early and rest at midday.
Autumn. September and October combine a warm sea with softer heat and fewer crowds. As the article above notes, September also brings a classical music festival, and the wine harvest takes place in late summer.
Winter. From November to March, many hotels and restaurants close. The island is quiet and local, ideal for walks, museums and a slower pace.
Easter. Greek Easter brings unforgettable traditions, including the Good Friday procession in Pyrgos, when the village is lit with thousands of small fires.
Our advice. For most visitors, late May, June, September and early October offer the best balance for a great experience in Santorini.
Photography: Capturing the Experience
Few places are as photographed as Santorini. Finding your own images is part of a great experience in Santorini, and good timing matters more than expensive equipment.
The blue domes. The churches of Oia, with their blue domes, are the island’s most famous image. Go at sunrise, when the light is soft and the lanes are quiet.
The caldera from the rim. The path from Fira to Imerovigli offers classic views over the volcano and Thirasia, especially in the late afternoon.
The coloured cliffs. As the article above describes, the volcanic rock layers of brown, red, ochre and white are best photographed from the sea, in the low light of late afternoon.
The villages. Pyrgos, Emporio and Megalochori offer arches, bell towers and narrow lanes with far fewer people in the frame.
Respect. Many famous rooftops belong to hotels and homes. Never climb onto private property for a picture.
Drones. Drone flights are restricted in many areas; check the rules before flying.
Where to Stay for the Best Experience
Your base shapes the rhythm of each day. This is how to choose accommodation for a great experience in Santorini.
Fira. Central and lively, with the most restaurants, the island’s main nightlife and the best transport links. As the article above says, Fira is the realm of markets and nightlife.
Imerovigli and Firostefani. Quieter caldera villages with superb views and a short walk to Fira. As described above, Imerovigli has some of the island’s most beautiful hotels.
Oia. The most atmospheric village, beautiful in the morning and evening, but crowded at sunset and far from the south.
Kamari and Perissa. Beach resorts with better value and easy access, good for families.
Pyrgos and Megalochori. Traditional villages for a quiet, authentic stay, best with a car or private tours.
Steps and access. Many caldera hotels have long flights of steps. Check before booking if mobility or luggage is a concern.
A Private Tour: The Island in One Day
For visitors with limited time, a private tour is the most efficient way to have a great experience in Santorini. A local driver-guide handles the roads, the parking and the timing, so you spend the day seeing rather than planning.
A great experience in Santorini in one day. A typical private day might start in Oia before the crowds, continue to Pyrgos and a winery, include Akrotiri and the Red Beach viewpoint, and end with the sunset from a quiet spot.
Flexibility. Unlike a coach tour, a private tour adapts to your interests and pace. Linger where you like, skip what does not appeal and add a swim or a long lunch.
Local knowledge. A guide knows when the cruise crowds arrive, which viewpoints are quiet and where the islanders eat.
A great experience in Santorini for groups. For families and friends, a private tour often costs less per person than taxis and car hire combined.
Shore excursions. Cruise passengers can see the highlights and return to the port on time without the stress of the cable car queue.
Booking. In summer, book in advance to secure your preferred date.
Planning Your Days
A few planning principles turn a good trip into a great experience in Santorini.
One area per day. The caldera villages one day, the sea the next and the south on another. Crossing the island several times a day wastes hours in traffic.
Mornings for sightseeing. Oia, Fira and Akrotiri are best early, before the heat and the crowds.
Afternoons to rest. In summer, a swim, a long lunch or a siesta keeps you fresh for the evening.
Evenings for the sunset. Choose a different viewpoint each night.
Keep a flexible day. The wind can cancel boat trips, so leave room to swap days.
Book ahead. In summer, reserve accommodation, boat trips, transfers and sunset dinners before you arrive.
A sample plan. See our page on 5 days in Santorini for a day-by-day itinerary.
What to Pack for a Great Experience
Packing well makes every day easier. These are the essentials for a great experience in Santorini.
Shoes. Comfortable walking shoes with grip for the steps, the caldera path and the volcano, plus beach shoes for the hot dark sand.
Sun protection. A hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen; the sun is strong from spring to autumn.
A light layer. Evenings on the caldera and on boats can be windy and cool, even in summer.
Swimwear. Include an old swimsuit for the iron-rich hot springs.
Light luggage. Small suitcases are far easier on the long flights of steps at caldera hotels.
Modest clothing. Something to cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches and monasteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to have a great experience in Santorini?
Combine the caldera, a boat trip to the volcano, Akrotiri, a winery and the quieter villages, and plan your days around the crowds and the light.
How many days do I need?
Three days covers the essentials. Five days lets you enjoy the island at a relaxed pace.
What is the most memorable experience?
For many visitors, it is seeing the caldera from the sea, or watching the sunset from a quiet viewpoint away from the crowds.
Is Santorini good for families?
Yes, especially with a beach base and a plan that includes the volcano, Akrotiri and plenty of swimming.
When should I visit?
Late May, June, September and early October.
With Santorini Tours. Our private tours are built around what makes a great experience in Santorini for you: the right places, the right timing and a local guide who knows the island. Contact us to plan your visit.
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