Wondering which are the beautiful places of Santorini according to Santorini Tours? In this tribute we will thoroughly examine the best parts of Santorini so that your stay on the island becomes more pleasant according to your needs and wishes.
Often called the flagship of the Greek islands, Santorini has long thrilled travelers from around the world, attracting nearly 2 million tourists annually according to a 2018 survey. With its impressive whitewashed buildings, volcanic beaches, and the bluest of waters. that surround the rocky caldera, it doesn’t seem surprising to me that visiting Santorini is at the top of many dream travel destinations.
Whether you’re a fan of natural wonders or relaxing on beaches, Santorini offers attractions and retreats for every visitor. But let’s see in which part of the island you will enjoy your stay the most.
Fira: for restaurants, shopping and nightlife
The capital of Santorini, Fira is by far the busiest of Santorini’s locations, making it ideal for first-time visitors to the island.
The caldera side offers stunning views of the entire island, and here you’ll find countless cafes, restaurants, shops and bars.
There is much to see and do in Fira, including several museums worth visiting. The Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Prehistoric Thira of Santorini feature impressive artefacts discovered from sites on the island over the years.
The Gyzi Mansion Museum, a restored 17th century mansion, which contains some of the island’s oldest photographs, paintings and manuscripts. The Lignou Emmanuel Folklore Museum is particularly unique, as it is located inside a cave and is only open in the summer.
Fira is a haven for foodies and drinkers alike, with an enticing array of traditional tavernas and contemporary restaurants, as well as local wineries and breweries such as Santos Winery and Santorini Brewing Company.
Guests can also attend cooking classes on the premises, where they will learn to make delicious traditional dishes such as spinach pie, moussaka and kleftiko.
If crowded beaches aren’t your first choice, there are also private boat tours, as well as guided hikes along the cliffs. As you understand, the capital of the island is for all tastes.
There are several accommodation options in Fira, from large villas and renovated mansions to simpler Cycladic-style rooms, all with unforgettable accompanying views.
Oia: the best area to stay in Santorini
Oia is one of the most popular places to stay in Santorini, thanks to its unparalleled panoramic views, unforgettable sunsets and attractive boutique hotels.
At a distance of about 12 km from Fira, Oia is located on top of an immense rock, with the towering village offering visitors a perfect view of the volcano and the island of Thirassia.
You will stroll through the narrow streets, explore the many shops and taverns and relax on one of the sunny terraces.
A convenient car park located at the entrance of the village allows for easy access, with an additional port, Amoudi, located just 300 steps down.
Oia is noticeably quieter than Fira and has long been a haven for artists and writers. There are many art galleries, a maritime museum and the ruins of a Venetian fortress, while from a culinary point of view, you will find scattered traditional taverns serving fresh seafood.
Imerovigli: the best place to stay in Santorini for couples and families with children
Just 30 minutes from Fira on foot, Imerovigli is known for its unique accommodations. Here you’ll find a range of luxury hotels with suites and apartments (actually converted caves), which many visitors claim offer the best viewsat sunset across Santorini.
As in nearby Oia, in Imerovigli the rhythms are much more relaxed than in Fira, making the area ideal for couples and families with children.
The quiet picturesque streets and poetic surroundings make a night out here enchanting, while the nearby beaches offer their own heavenly retreat during the day.
Thanks to its convenient location, it is relatively easy to get around the island of Santorini from Imerovigli, with many transport options available.
You can follow the hiking path of the church of Panagia Theoskepastis, which will take you past the ruins of the Venetian fortress of Skaros (dating back to the 13th century). The path ends at the impressive church.
Firostefani: quiet with a great view of the caldera
While the village of Firostefani has long been considered a separate settlement, it is actually a northern extension of Fira and one of the most worthwhile places to stay in Santorini. The name of the village refers to its location, i.e. the highest point of the capital.
The village is often seen as a smaller version of Fira, with stunning sea and volcano views and equally stylish accommodation. The noticeable difference with the capital is its more relaxed rhythms.
Firostefani is home to several cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as its own shopping area in the center of the village.
A special attraction is the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, founded at the end of the 14th century and located between Fira and the village of Imerovigli.
Accommodation options are plentiful and range from comfortable studios to private villas, with direct access to Fira in case you want to experience more thrills.
Kamari: beach and archaeological site
The village of Kamari is located on the eastern side of Santorini and is both a resort and an archaeological site.
Kamari beach is one of the destinations that you must visit once in your life. The beach’s rich black sand is a direct result of the island’s volcano, and the ample facilities allow visitors to enjoy a long and leisurely afternoon with minimal hassle.
Perched on the ridge of Messavouno, lies Ancient Thera, founded by the Spartans in the 9th century BC. You can explore the ruins of the baths, market, theater, temples, houses and public buildings. While art was rarely encouraged during the Spartan era, a fairly large collection of personal items such as vases, pots and statues have been discovered.
