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. You can take a tour of 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.
More of the Most Beautiful Places of Santorini
Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Kamari, described above, are where most visitors stay and where the island shows its famous face. Beyond them lie villages, viewpoints, beaches and ancient sites that many travellers never reach. This section adds the rest of the most beautiful places of Santorini, with practical notes on when to go and what to combine.
The most beautiful places of Santorini inland. Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, Mesa Gonia, Vothonas and Finikia.
The most beautiful places of Santorini on the coast. Ammoudi, Vlychada, the Red Beach, the White Beach and the long black-sand beaches of the south-east.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for history. Akrotiri, Ancient Thera, the Byzantine church of Panagia Episkopi and the Venetian castles.
The most beautiful places of Santorini from above and below. Profitis Ilias, Skaros Rock and the caldera seen from a boat.
How to use this list. Group the places by area, keep the busiest ones for early morning, and leave the evening for a sunset viewpoint.
The Old Port and the Cable Car
Below Fira, three hundred metres down the cliff, the Old Port is one of the most beautiful places of Santorini to see the caldera from sea level.
The cable car. It drops from the edge of Fira to the port in a few minutes, with the cliff face passing beneath you.
The stepped path. A zig-zag of steps links the town and the port for those who prefer to walk; it is steep and best taken downhill.
The port itself. A small quay with a few tavernas, where boats leave for the volcano and the hot springs.
The view. From the water, the layers of red, black and white rock rise above you, with the white houses of Fira balanced on the rim.
The most beautiful places of Santorini from below. Seeing the caldera from the port explains its scale better than any viewpoint above.
Tip. On cruise days the cable car queues are long; go early or walk down and ride back up.
Oia in Daylight
As the article above says, Oia sits on top of an immense rock with a view of the volcano and Thirasia. Most visitors arrive for the sunset and miss the rest, yet its corners are among the most beautiful places of Santorini in daylight.
The castle. The ruins of the Venetian fortress at the western tip, mentioned above, are the classic sunset viewpoint and a fine place to stand in the morning too.
The windmills. White windmills on the cliff edge, among the most recognisable images of Greece.
The blue domes. Churches on the caldera side of the village, best photographed from the public lanes before nine in the morning.
Captains’ mansions. Grand houses built by the sea captains who made Oia wealthy in the 19th century.
The Maritime Museum. Housed in a mansion, it tells the story of those ships and families.
The most beautiful places of Santorini at dawn. Oia’s marble lanes, empty and softly lit, are worth the early alarm.
Tip. Park at the village entrance, as the article above notes, and walk in.
Skaros Rock
The article above mentions the path past the ruins of the Venetian fortress of Skaros, below Imerovigli. The rock deserves a closer look, as it is one of the most beautiful places of Santorini.
The history. For centuries the rock carried the island’s capital, a fortified settlement protected by its cliffs. Earthquakes destroyed it, and the people moved to Fira and the villages.
The walk. A stepped path descends from Imerovigli to the neck of the rock in 20 to 30 minutes.
Theoskepasti. As the article above says, the path ends at the chapel above the sea. The ledge is exposed, so avoid it in strong wind.
The most beautiful places of Santorini at golden hour. The rock glows in the late afternoon, and the sunset here is far calmer than in Oia.
Tip. Save water and energy for the climb back up to the village.
Pyrgos, the Highest Village
Pyrgos sits in the middle of the island, on the slope below Profitis Ilias, and it is one of the most beautiful places of Santorini for anyone who likes old villages.
The village. Houses climb in circles around the ruins of a Venetian castle, with arches, chapels and narrow lanes leading to the top.
The view. From the castle you see both coasts at once, the vineyards in between and, on clear days, the neighbouring islands.
The square. Cafés and tavernas around the central square serve local dishes at gentler prices than the caldera villages.
Sunset. The village faces west, and the light at the end of the day spreads across the whole island.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a quiet evening. Pyrgos stays calm even in August, especially after the day trippers leave.
Tip. Park at the edge of the village and walk up; the lanes are narrow and stepped.
Megalochori and Its Vineyards
Between Fira and Akrotiri, Megalochori is a traditional village surrounded by vines, and one of the most beautiful places of Santorini for a slow afternoon.
The lanes. Whitewashed houses, arches, bell towers and courtyards, with almost no traffic.
The square. Shaded by trees and lined with tavernas, it is a pleasant place for a long lunch.
The canaves. Old underground wineries recall the years when wine was the island’s main export.
The vineyards. The low, basket-shaped vines around the village are unlike vineyards anywhere else in Europe.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for wine lovers. Several wineries lie on the roads around Megalochori, many with terraces facing the sunset.
Nearby. Combine the village with Akrotiri, the Red Beach viewpoint and the lighthouse for a full day in the south.
Emporio and the Windmills
The largest village on the island is also one of the least visited, which makes it one of the most beautiful places of Santorini to explore on foot.
The Kasteli. A medieval fortified quarter where the outer houses form a defensive ring, with lanes so narrow and winding that pirates lost their way in them.
The tower. A Venetian tower stands at the heart of the old quarter.
The windmills. A row of old windmills on the hill above the village looks out over the plain towards Perissa, a beautiful and quiet sunset spot.
Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis. Nearby stands an ancient marble temple, later converted into a chapel, one of the best-preserved ancient buildings on the island.
The most beautiful places of Santorini away from the crowds. Emporio rewards an unhurried walk, ideally in the late afternoon.
Nearby. Perissa and Perivolos are a short drive away for a swim afterwards.
Mesa Gonia, Vothonas and Finikia
Three small villages complete the inland picture, and each belongs among the most beautiful places of Santorini.
Mesa Gonia. Below the slopes of Profitis Ilias, with the Byzantine church of Panagia Episkopi from the late 11th century and houses left empty after the 1956 earthquake.
Vothonas. Built along a ravine, with homes and churches carved into the soft volcanic walls. From above you see only doorways, domes and chimneys.
Finikia. Beside Oia, a village of pastel houses and quiet lanes that sees few visitors even in August.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for photographers. These villages offer texture and colour that the whitewashed caldera lanes do not.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a slow morning. Walk one of them before the heat, then have coffee in the square.
Respect. All three are lived-in villages; walk quietly and respect residents’ privacy.
Hidden Corners
A few smaller places rarely appear on any list, yet they belong quietly among the most beautiful places of Santorini.
Karterados. Minutes from Fira, a village of cave houses built along a ravine.
Messaria. Grand 19th-century mansions built by wine merchants, at the centre of the island.
Exo Gonia. A hillside village above Kamari with a large church and wide views over the plain.
Vourvoulos. A quiet village on the east coast, with a wild beach below it.
Mesa Pigadia and Kambia. Two small coves near Akrotiri, with clear water and a taverna nearby.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a slow afternoon. Link two or three of these corners in an unhurried drive, with coffee in a village square and a swim at the end of the day.
Ammoudi and the Cliffs Below Oia
The article above mentions Amoudi, 300 steps below Oia. The little harbour is one of the most beautiful places of Santorini at sea level.
The harbour. Fish tavernas stand at the water’s edge, with red and black cliffs rising straight above them.
The swim. A path along the rocks leads to deep, clear water, with a small rock islet and chapel just offshore. Swim only when the sea is calm.
The boats. Small boats cross from here to Thirasia, and some caldera cruises call in.
Armeni. A smaller cove on the other side of Oia, used by a few boats.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a seafood lunch. Ammoudi at midday, with the cliffs above and the boats beside you.
Getting back up. The climb is hard in the heat, so plan a taxi or a car for the return.
The Volcano, the Springs and Thirasia
The caldera holds three places that can only be reached by sea, and all three rank among the most beautiful places of Santorini.
Nea Kameni. The young volcanic island in the middle of the caldera, where a path crosses black lava to the craters, with steam rising from the ground.
Palea Kameni. Its bay holds warm, iron-rich springs that colour the sea orange; swimmers reach them from the boat.
Thirasia. The quiet island opposite Oia, with a small harbour, fish tavernas and a village on the rim looking back at Santorini.
The most beautiful places of Santorini seen from the water. From a boat, the layered cliffs rise hundreds of metres, with the white villages perched on top.
Timing. Morning trips are coolest in summer; sunset cruises are the most atmospheric.
Weather. Strong winds can change or cancel boat trips, so keep a flexible day.
Akrotiri and the Lighthouse
The south-western tip of the island combines archaeology, colour and open sea, and it holds several of the most beautiful places of Santorini.
The archaeological site of Akrotiri. A Bronze Age town buried by the eruption and preserved under ash, with streets, multi-storey houses and storage jars still in place, all shaded by a modern roof.
The village of Akrotiri. On the hill above the site, with the remains of a Venetian castle and views over the south coast.
The Red Beach. Framed by dramatic red cliffs. Rockfalls are a risk, so admire it from the viewpoint above the bay or from a boat.
The lighthouse. Built in the late 19th century at the very tip of the island, with the sun setting into the open sea beyond it.
The most beautiful places of Santorini in one afternoon. Akrotiri, the Red Beach viewpoint, a quiet cove and the lighthouse make an easy half day.
Safety. The cliffs here have no railings and are unstable in places; keep well back.
Ancient Thera and Profitis Ilias
The article above describes Ancient Thera on the ridge of Messavouno above Kamari. Together with the island’s summit, it forms one of the most beautiful places of Santorini for walkers and history lovers.
Ancient Thera. Ruins of houses, temples, an agora and a theatre spread along the ridge, with Kamari on one side and Perissa on the other.
Getting there. A winding road climbs from Kamari to a car park below the site; a steep path leads up from Perissa.
Profitis Ilias. The island’s highest point, at around 560 metres, with an 18th-century monastery near the summit and a view over the whole island.
The ridge path. A trail links the summit area with Ancient Thera, best walked in spring or autumn.
The most beautiful places of Santorini in the morning. Both sites are exposed, so go early and carry water.
Check the hours. Opening days change with the season, so confirm before you drive up.
The Beaches
The article above praises the black sand of Kamari. The volcanic coast produced a whole range of beaches, and several are among the most beautiful places of Santorini.
Perissa and Perivolos. Kilometres of dark sand on the south-east coast, organised, lively and easy to reach.
Vlychada. Pale cliffs carved by the wind rise behind a long, quieter beach on the south coast.
The White Beach. A small beach under white cliffs, reached only by boat.
Monolithos. Shallow water, fine sand, shade trees and a playground, the best choice for families.
Baxedes. A wild beach of dark sand on the north coast near Oia, lovely on calm days.
The most beautiful places of Santorini on a windy day. When the meltemi blows from the north, the south coast beaches are usually the calmest.
Tip. Dark sand gets very hot in summer, so bring beach shoes.
The Caldera Path
The walk along the rim links several of the most beautiful places of Santorini in a single route.
Fira to Firostefani. A paved path of 10 to 15 minutes, passing the famous church with the three bells.
Firostefani to Imerovigli. Another 15 to 20 minutes, with the caldera widening in front of you.
Imerovigli to Oia. The path leaves the villages and crosses open ground with views of the volcano and Thirasia. The full route from Fira is around 10 kilometres and takes three to four hours.
The most beautiful places of Santorini on foot. Walking the rim shows how the villages sit on the cliff, which no photograph quite explains.
When to walk. Spring and autumn are ideal. In summer, start at dawn and carry plenty of water.
Getting back. Buses run from Oia to Fira, and taxis can be booked in advance.
Churches and Viewpoints
Hundreds of chapels stand on the cliffs and in the fields, and a few are themselves among the most beautiful places of Santorini.
The Three Bells of Fira. The famous blue-domed church on the path between Fira and Firostefani, best photographed in the early morning.
The blue domes of Oia. The most photographed churches in Greece, seen from the public lanes on the caldera side.
Panagia Episkopi. The Byzantine church in Mesa Gonia, whose feast on 15 August is the island’s biggest celebration.
Agios Nikolaos in Firostefani. The monastery mentioned above, founded at the end of the 14th century between Fira and Imerovigli.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for free. Viewpoints along the caldera walkway in Fira, at Firostefani and above Imerovigli cost nothing at all.
Respect. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered when entering churches and monasteries.
The Best Viewpoints for Photographs
The island is one of the most photographed places on earth. These are the most beautiful places of Santorini to point a camera.
Oia at dawn. The windmills, the domes and the lanes without a single person in them.
The Three Bells near Fira. Morning light from the path above the church.
Skaros from Imerovigli. Golden hour, when the rock and the cliffs turn warm.
Pyrgos from the castle. Late afternoon, with the village below and both coasts beyond.
Vlychada. Side light on the wind-carved cliffs, early or late in the day.
The caldera from a boat. The villages seen from the water, especially at sunset.
The most beautiful places of Santorini after dark. The lights of Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli form a glowing line along the cliff.
Respect. Many famous terraces are private homes and hotels; photograph from public lanes and viewpoints.
When to See Each Place
Timing turns a crowded sight into a calm one. Here is how to plan the most beautiful places of Santorini through the day.
Dawn. Oia’s lanes, the windmills and the Three Bells, all empty.
Early morning. Akrotiri and Ancient Thera at opening time.
Late morning. A boat to the volcano, the springs and Thirasia.
Midday. The museums of Fira, a long lunch in a village or a swim.
Afternoon. The inland villages, when the lanes are shaded.
Golden hour. Imerovigli, Skaros and Pyrgos.
Sunset. Oia, the lighthouse or a boat in the caldera.
The most beautiful places of Santorini on cruise days. When several ships are in the caldera, keep Fira and Oia for early morning and evening.
Season by Season
The same places feel different through the year.
Spring. Green fields and wild flowers between the vines, ideal for the caldera path, Profitis Ilias and Ancient Thera before the heat.
Summer. Beaches, boat trips and long evenings, with the villages busiest between mid-morning and sunset.
Autumn. The warmest sea, golden light and calmer lanes after mid-September.
Winter. Quiet villages, clear air and early sunsets, with many businesses closed and museums on shorter hours.
The most beautiful places of Santorini in the shoulder season. May, June, September and October give warm days, open services and space at every sight.
The most beautiful places of Santorini all year round. The caldera view, the villages and Akrotiri reward a visit in any season.
Where to Base Yourself
The article above compares Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Kamari as places to stay. Here is how each base works for reaching the most beautiful places of Santorini.
From Fira. The most central base, with buses to every village and beach and the Old Port below for boat trips.
From Oia. Perfect for the north: the castle, the windmills, Ammoudi, Finikia and Baxedes, with the south a longer drive.
From Imerovigli or Firostefani. Quiet nights, caldera views and the path to Fira, Skaros and Oia on foot.
From Kamari or Perissa. Close to the beaches, Ancient Thera and the south-east villages, with flat streets and lower prices.
From the inland villages. Pyrgos, Megalochori and Messaria sit in the middle of the island, which shortens every drive.
The most beautiful places of Santorini without a car. Stay in Fira and combine buses with one private tour for the places the buses miss.
Tip. Ask how many steps lead to your room before booking in the caldera villages, and check whether the hotel can help with luggage, because vehicles cannot reach many doors in Oia, Imerovigli and the older parts of Fira.
Eating Along the Way
Food is part of the pleasure of the most beautiful places of Santorini, and each area has its own character.
Ammoudi and Vlychada. Fish tavernas at the water’s edge, for grilled octopus and the catch of the day.
Village squares. Pyrgos, Megalochori and Emporio serve traditional dishes at fair prices, often under trees.
Caldera terraces. Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia for dinner with a view; book for sunset in summer.
What to try. Tomatokeftedes, fava with capers, white eggplant, chloro cheese and a glass of Assyrtiko.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a long lunch. A shaded square inland, followed by a swim or a siesta.
Beach tavernas. Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos have restaurants right behind the sand, which makes them the easiest option on a long beach day with children.
Tip. Greeks eat late; restaurants fill up after 21:00, and sunset tables are reserved days ahead.
A Four-Day Route
This plan groups the most beautiful places of Santorini by area, so you spend your time looking rather than driving.
Day 1: the caldera centre. Fira and its museums, the Three Bells, Firostefani, Imerovigli and sunset at Skaros.
Day 2: the sea. A morning boat to the volcano, the hot springs and Thirasia, then a beach in the afternoon.
Day 3: the south. Akrotiri, the Red Beach viewpoint, Megalochori, a winery and sunset at the lighthouse.
Day 4: the south-east and the north. Pyrgos, Profitis Ilias, Emporio and Ancient Thera, then Oia and Ammoudi in the evening.
The most beautiful places of Santorini in two days. Combine days 1 and 2, and add Oia at sunset.
The most beautiful places of Santorini in a week. Add the caldera path, more beaches, Vothonas, Mesa Gonia and a day with nothing planned.
Getting Around
The island is small, so distances are short, but summer traffic and parking can slow you down.
Buses. The network runs from the central station in Fira to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Akrotiri, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Monolithos and the ports.
Car rental. Needed for Vothonas, Mesa Gonia, Emporio, Profitis Ilias and the lighthouse, where buses are few or do not run.
Boats. The volcano, the hot springs, Thirasia and the White Beach can only be reached by sea.
Taxis. Few in number; book in advance for the airport, the port and the return from Oia after sunset.
The most beautiful places of Santorini with a private tour. A driver links several of them in one day and knows which are quiet at each hour.
Distances. Fira to Oia is about 20–25 minutes by car; Fira to Akrotiri or Perissa around 20–30 minutes.
Places by Mood
Another way to choose is to start from the kind of day you want.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a lazy day. A long beach at Perivolos or Vlychada, a taverna lunch and a swim before sunset.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a busy day. Akrotiri, Ancient Thera, Pyrgos and a winery, ending at the lighthouse.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a rainy day. The museums of Fira, the covered site of Akrotiri and an indoor tasting room.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a windy day. The south coast beaches and the inland villages, which are sheltered when the north wind blows.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for an early start. Oia at dawn, the Three Bells and the caldera path before the heat.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a first evening. The caldera walkway in Fira, a drink on a west-facing terrace and an early night before a dawn start in Oia the next day.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a last evening. A quiet viewpoint at Imerovigli or Pyrgos, with dinner afterwards in a village square.
Practical Notes
A few details make a day among the most beautiful places of Santorini easier.
Opening hours. Archaeological sites and museums change their hours with the season and close on some public holidays. Check before you set out.
Tickets. Akrotiri, Ancient Thera and the museums charge entrance fees, payable at each site.
Water and shade. Several sights have neither. Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, especially in summer.
Shoes. Lanes, steps and paths are uneven; the lava on the volcano is rough underfoot.
Parking. Limited in Oia, Fira and near the Red Beach from late morning in summer.
Cliff edges. Many viewpoints have no railings, and the volcanic rock is unstable in places. Keep well back and respect warning signs.
Buses and timetables. Services run from the central station in Fira and are reduced outside the summer months, so check the last departure before you settle in somewhere for the evening.
Cash. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but small village tavernas, sunbed rentals and some site kiosks still prefer cash.
The most beautiful places of Santorini at a comfortable pace. Two or three stops a day, with a long break in the middle, beat a rushed list every time.
Quick Answers
The most beautiful places of Santorini for couples
The most beautiful places of Santorini for couples are Imerovigli and Skaros at golden hour, Ammoudi for dinner and a private boat in the caldera.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for families
Monolithos beach, the volcano, Akrotiri under its roof and the promenade at Kamari.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for a first visit
Fira, Oia, the volcano, Akrotiri and one sunset viewpoint away from the crowds.
The most beautiful places of Santorini without crowds
Emporio, Mesa Gonia, Vothonas, Finikia, Vlychada and Thirasia.
The most beautiful places of Santorini in one day
Oia early, Fira at midday, Pyrgos in the afternoon and the lighthouse at sunset.
The most beautiful places of Santorini for walkers
The caldera path from Fira to Oia, Skaros and the ridge between Profitis Ilias and Ancient Thera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the most beautiful places of Santorini?
The most beautiful places of Santorini include Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Kamari, described above, plus Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, Skaros, Ammoudi, Akrotiri, the lighthouse, Ancient Thera, the volcano and Thirasia.
How many days do you need?
Two days cover the highlights; four allow a comfortable pace with beaches and a boat trip.
Which places are free?
The villages, the caldera path, Skaros, the beaches, the lighthouse and every sunset viewpoint.
Which need a boat?
Nea Kameni, the hot springs of Palea Kameni, Thirasia and the White Beach.
Which of the most beautiful places of Santorini suit a short stay?
With one or two days, keep to the caldera: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia, with a boat trip if the sea is calm.
When is the best time to visit?
May, June, September and October offer warm weather, open services and fewer people at every sight.
See the most beautiful places of Santorini with Santorini Tours. Our private tours link the villages, the viewpoints, the ancient sites and the wineries, timed to avoid the busiest hours. Contact us to plan your days on the island.
