Santorini could be described as the most fabulous island because it is unique in the whole world. It is therefore the perfect setting for unique holidays, while it knows very well how to seduce its visitors, offering them unforgettable moments. See the 7 things you should do in Santorini in 2025.
Among the top islands of the Mediterranean, it is truly visited from every corner of the earth, to enjoy its unique natural beauty. Santorini, the southernmost island of the Cyclades, stands out for its volcanic landscape with its reddish and black hues, the white houses built on the edge of the Caldera that seem to be floating on the edge of the cliff and above all for its sunset of incomparable beauty.
1. Enjoy the magical sunset in Oia
The absolute must-see of the island. In the fairytale settlement of Oia, after wandering the alleys between the picturesque white houses, try to find the best place to see the most wonderful sunset of your life. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter experience, then you can enjoy the sunset in one of the restaurants in the area.
The romantic sunset, the volcano, and the beautiful white houses in the caldera are the images we all bring to mind when we think of the wonderful Santorini. But the island has much more to offer you. Colorful beaches, and unique culinary flavors are some of the experiences that await you to discover once you are there.
2. Take a tour of the volcano
Santorini has been endowed with a special natural landscape due to the volcanic eruptions that have occurred here. Most visitors do not miss the opportunity to be on the island of Nea Kameni where they have the opportunity to go up to the crater of the volcano. Before you leave, take a dip in the thermal springs of the island which offer healing properties.
3. Relax on the island’s colorful beaches
White, Red, or Black beach? These unique beaches will offer you the most special experience, so you must visit them all if you have time. For example, if you are going for a relaxed vibe we recommend Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari. You can take a Santorini private shore tour and enjoy Santorini’s most famous beaches.
4. Try the unique local products
Santorini is famous for the unique local products that you will enjoy while you are on the island. Because of the soil, varieties of produce thrive that you won’t find elsewhere such as fava beans, capers, white eggplants, and tomatoes. But what will fascinate you are the special wines of the island, with the most famous being the Assyrtiko and the sweet Vincento wine.
5. Learn the ancient history of the island at Akrotiri
At the southern end of the island, it is worth visiting the Minoan settlement at Akrotiri. At the archaeological site, you can walk among the ruins of the city and see up close the remains of buildings, ceramics, and even sewage systems that prove that Santorini was prosperous before the eruption of the volcano. You can take a Santorini private historical tour with our guides and learn the rich history of Santorini.
6. Get to know the authentic aspect of Santorini in Ammoudi
At the picturesque port in Ammoudi, you will be enchanted by the wonderful scenery. Crystal clear blue waters, red rocks all around, and Oia dominating from above. To get there, you will need to go down the 300 steps that connect Amoudi to Oia. Here you can enjoy the freshest seafood in the picturesque restaurants while enjoying the enchanting sunset in the island of Santorini.
Ammoudi is the small port below Oia. Its buildings, which were once mainly warehouses, as the boats were loaded from there with various products, give a special touch to the picturesque settlement. The small pebble beach at Ammoudi can be reached after the visitor descends more than 200 wide steps. The waters are a dazzling blue, but keep in mind that they deepen abruptly, which is exciting for some but off-putting for others. The background is however imposing, with the steep volcanic rocks covering the harbor.
7. Enjoy wines from local varieties
Anyone who visits the island, in addition to well-known sights, should try all kinds of activities as well as popular dining experiences. In Santorini, people have the opportunity to enjoy unique wine tasting and food pairing experiences through a menu with wine and dish combinations that cannot be found anywhere else on the island. So, you can take a Santorini private Santorini wine tour with Santorini Tours.
Our guided tours of the vineyards and the areas of the winery, where the wines are stored, are of great interest because there you learn from the experts all the secrets of Santorini’s winemaking and everything that makes the local wines so special.
Also, lovers of Cycladic gastronomy and the special products of Santorini’s land and sea should not miss the opportunity to explore flavors and aromas by taking a private Santorini food tour.
More Things to Do in Santorini 2025: Beyond the First Seven
The seven experiences above are the heart of any visit. Most travellers stay long enough to do much more, though, and the island rewards anyone who looks past the famous postcard views. What follows is our longer list of things to do in Santorini 2025, drawn from the questions our guests ask us every season.
We have grouped them by theme: walks and views, villages, the sea, history, food and wine, and practical planning. Nobody needs to do everything. Pick the ones that fit your time, your budget and the kind of trip you want, and use the rest as ideas for a return visit.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: how we chose. Every entry is something we have done ourselves or arrange for guests regularly. We have left out anything that is overpriced, unsafe or not worth the time it takes.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: what has changed. The island is the same, but the way people visit it keeps shifting. More visitors book tours, tables and even cable car tickets in advance, cruise arrivals are more closely managed, and quieter months are becoming more popular. We cover these changes where they matter.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: how to use the list. Start with the sections that match your interests, then check the planning notes near the end for timing, transport and the mistakes to avoid.
If you only have a day or two, the sunset, the caldera and one boat trip will give you the essence of the island. If you have a week, almost everything below is possible.
Walk the Caldera Path from Fira to Oia
If there is one activity that shows the whole shape of the island, it is the walk along the caldera rim. It is free, it needs no booking and it is one of the most rewarding things to do in Santorini 2025 for anyone who can manage a long walk.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the route. The path runs roughly ten kilometres from Fira through Firostefani and Imerovigli, then climbs over open ground past small chapels before descending into Oia. Most walkers take three to five hours, including stops.
The surface. The first part, through the villages, is paved. Beyond Imerovigli the path becomes rough in places, with loose stones and some steep sections. Wear proper shoes rather than sandals.
The views. The whole caldera opens up below you: the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, Thirassia across the water and the cliffs dropping hundreds of metres to the sea.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: when to go. Start early in the morning. In summer there is almost no shade after Imerovigli, and the midday heat makes the second half hard work. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
What to carry. Plenty of water, sun protection and a hat. There are cafés in the villages but little in between.
Finishing in Oia. Many walkers time the walk to arrive in Oia for the sunset, then take a bus or taxi back. If you do, arrive with time to find a spot, because the best viewpoints fill up early.
A shorter option. Walking just from Fira to Imerovigli takes under an hour and gives you most of the famous views with little effort.
Climb Skaros Rock in Imerovigli
Below Imerovigli, a great rock juts out from the caldera cliff. In the Middle Ages this was Skaros, the island’s main fortified settlement, with a castle on its summit and houses clustered around it. Earthquakes and time destroyed the castle, but the walk out to the rock is one of the quieter things to do in Santorini 2025 and still one of the most dramatic.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the walk. A path with steps leads down from Imerovigli to the neck of the rock. It takes around 20 to 30 minutes each way, depending on how often you stop for photographs.
The chapel. On the far side of the rock, a path leads round to the small white chapel of Theoskepasti, perched above the sea. The final section is narrow and exposed, so take care and turn back if it is windy.
The summit. Scrambling to the top of the rock is possible but steep and loose underfoot. The views from the neck of the rock are almost as good and much safer.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: best time. Early morning, when the light is soft and the path is empty, or late afternoon for the view towards the sunset. The climb back up is the hard part, so avoid the midday heat.
Why it matters. Skaros is a reminder that Santorini has a long history beyond the Bronze Age and the modern resorts. For centuries this rock was where islanders sheltered from pirates.
Combine it. Skaros fits neatly into the caldera walk, or into an afternoon in Imerovigli followed by dinner with a view.
Things to Do in Santorini 2025 in Pyrgos
Pyrgos is the village that many visitors wish they had found earlier. Built in circles around the hill of a medieval castle, it is inland, off the caldera and far quieter than Fira or Oia. Wandering its lanes is one of the most rewarding things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the kastelli. Pyrgos grew up inside and around a Venetian-era fortified settlement. The narrow, winding lanes were built to confuse raiders, and they still lead you up in loops to the top of the hill.
The churches. The village has dozens of churches and chapels, some centuries old. At the top stands the church of the Entry of the Theotokos, with views across the whole island.
The view. From the top of Pyrgos you see both coasts: the caldera on one side and the vineyards and beaches of the east on the other.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: sunset in Pyrgos. The sunset here is quieter than in Oia and, for many, just as beautiful. Arrive half an hour early and choose a café near the top.
Food. Pyrgos has some of the island’s best tavernas and wine bars, many with terraces looking west.
Easter. On Good Friday the village is lit with thousands of small fires and lanterns, one of the most memorable sights of the Greek Easter.
Nearby. Profitis Ilias, the highest point of the island, rises just above Pyrgos, and several wineries are a short drive away.
Discover Megalochori and Emporio
The villages of the south show a side of the island that most day visitors never see. Exploring them is one of the quiet things to do in Santorini 2025, and a welcome change from the caldera crowds.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: Megalochori. A traditional village of old mansions, bell towers and a small, shady square with tavernas. Its lanes hide canava wine cellars and captains’ houses from the island’s seafaring past.
The bell tower. One of the island’s most photographed bell towers stands at the edge of Megalochori, set against the caldera. Visit early in the morning, when it is quiet.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: Emporio. The largest village on the island, once its commercial centre. Its medieval kasteli is a maze of narrow passages and tall, fortress-like houses built to protect the inhabitants from pirates.
The windmills. On the hill above Emporio stand old windmills, and nearby the chapel of Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis, built into the remains of an ancient temple.
Vothonas. Close to Emporio, this village has houses and churches cut into the soft volcanic rock of a ravine.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: how long. A half day covers both villages comfortably. Our south-part tours combine them with Akrotiri, the lighthouse and a beach.
Food and wine. Several family wineries sit between the southern villages, and village tavernas serve simple, local food at reasonable prices.
Oia Beyond the Sunset
Most visitors see Oia for an hour at sunset and leave. The village deserves more than that, and spending a morning there is one of the underrated things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: Oia in the morning. Before the tour groups arrive, the lanes are almost empty. The white houses, blue domes and cave dwellings are easier to enjoy and much easier to photograph.
The castle. The ruins of the Byzantine-era castle of Agios Nikolaos at the western tip of the village are the most famous sunset spot. In the morning you have them almost to yourself.
The Maritime Museum. Oia was once a village of sea captains and shipowners. The small museum, housed in a restored mansion, tells that story through models, figureheads and old documents.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the captains’ houses. Look for the grand neoclassical mansions along the main lane, built by wealthy captains in the 19th century, alongside the simpler cave houses of the sailors.
Ammoudi and Agios Nikolaos islet. Below Ammoudi, a short walk along the rocks leads to a small islet with a chapel, where strong swimmers jump into the deep, clear water.
Armeni. A second small bay below Oia, reached by a long staircase, once home to the village’s boat-building yards.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: shopping. Oia has galleries, jewellers and bookshops, including one famous independent bookshop that has become a sight in its own right.
Staying for sunset. If you do stay, find your spot at least an hour before sunset in summer, or book a table with a west-facing view.
Spend an Evening in Fira
Fira is the island’s capital and its busiest town. By day it can feel crowded, especially when cruise ships are in, but in the evening it comes into its own. An evening walk along the caldera in Fira is one of the easy things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the caldera promenade. A paved path runs along the edge of the cliff from Fira through Firostefani, lined with cafés, bars and hotels. At dusk the lights of the villages come on along the rim.
The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. The large white cathedral in the centre of Fira, rebuilt after the 1956 earthquake, has a bright interior with modern frescoes.
The Catholic quarter. Above the town, a quieter area of Catholic churches, a monastery and old mansions shows the island’s Venetian heritage.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the Three Bells. The blue-domed Catholic church of the Dormition, often called the Three Bells of Fira, stands just below the path towards Firostefani and is one of the island’s most photographed views.
Dinner. Fira has restaurants for every budget. Caldera-view tables cost more and need booking in summer, while the streets behind the rim offer simpler, cheaper tavernas.
Nightlife. Fira is the centre of the island’s nightlife, with cocktail bars on the cliff and livelier clubs in the lanes behind.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: getting back. Taxis are limited late at night, so arrange a transfer in advance if you are staying outside the town.
Things to Do in Santorini 2025 on the Water: Caldera Cruises
The caldera looks completely different from the sea. From the water you see the full height of the cliffs, the coloured layers of volcanic rock and the villages strung along the rim. A boat trip is one of the essential things to do in Santorini 2025, and there are several ways to do it.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: traditional boats. Wooden caiques leave from the Old Port and Athinios for the volcano, the hot springs and Thirassia. They are the classic, affordable option.
Catamaran cruises. Shared or private catamarans sail from the south of the island, usually from Vlychada or Ammoudi, stopping at the Red and White beaches, the hot springs and quiet bays for swimming. Most include a meal on board.
Sunset cruises. An evening sailing ends with the sun going down behind Thirassia, away from the crowds in Oia. It is a favourite for couples and one of the best things to do in Santorini 2025 for anyone who wants the sunset without the crush.
Private boats. A private charter lets you choose the route, the pace and the swimming stops. It costs more but suits families, groups and special occasions.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the wind. The summer meltemi can make the sea rough, especially in July and August. Trips are sometimes rerouted or cancelled, so keep one day of your stay flexible.
Seasickness. The caldera is usually calm, but the open sea outside it can be choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a larger boat and a morning departure.
What to bring. Swimwear, a towel, sun protection and a light layer for the evening.
Walk on the Volcano and Swim in the Hot Springs
The volcano tour is already on the list above. It is worth knowing more before you go, because the experience depends on the details. It remains one of the defining things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: Nea Kameni. The youngest island in the caldera, formed by eruptions from the 18th century onwards, with the most recent eruption in 1950. A marked path climbs from the landing point to the crater area.
The walk. Allow around an hour up and down. The ground is loose volcanic rock and gravel, with no shade. Wear closed shoes and bring water.
What you see. Craters, lava fields and, in places, steam and the smell of sulphur, with views back to the cliffs and villages.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the hot springs. Boats stop in a small bay off Palea Kameni, where you swim from the boat towards warm, iron-rich water. The water is warm rather than hot and stains light swimwear orange, so wear an old swimsuit.
The entrance fee. There is a separate fee to land on Nea Kameni, which is not always included in the boat ticket. Check when booking.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: seismic activity. In early 2025, an intense swarm of earthquakes between Santorini and Amorgos drew worldwide attention. The authorities monitor the area closely, and access to sites can change at short notice. Always follow local advice.
Best time. Morning departures avoid the heat on the crater walk.
Take a Day Trip to Thirassia
Across the caldera from Oia lies Thirassia, the second-largest island of the group. Once part of the same land mass as Santorini, it was separated by the great Bronze Age eruption. Visiting it is one of the most authentic things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: what Thirassia is like. A small, quiet island with a few villages, very few cars and life much as it was on Santorini decades ago.
Getting there. Small boats run from Ammoudi below Oia, and many volcano and hot-spring cruises include a stop at Thirassia’s port of Korfos.
Korfos. The small harbour, with fish tavernas along the waterfront. It is the perfect place for a long seafood lunch.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: Manolas. The main village, reached by steps up the cliff from Korfos. It sits on the caldera rim and looks back across the water at Oia and Fira.
The view. From Manolas you see Santorini as most visitors never do, with the whole line of cliff villages facing you.
Timing. Most cruises give only a short stop, enough for lunch. For a longer visit, take a small boat from Ammoudi and choose your own return.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: who it suits. Travellers looking for quiet, walkers and anyone curious about traditional island life.
Things to Do in Santorini 2025 at the Beach
The beaches of Santorini are unlike those of other Greek islands. The sand is black or dark grey, the cliffs are red and white, and the water is clear. Spending a day at the coast is one of the relaxing things to do in Santorini 2025, especially after a few busy days of sightseeing.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: Kamari. A long, organised black-sand beach backed by a promenade of restaurants and bars, with Mesa Vouno rising at its southern end.
Perissa and Perivolos. On the other side of the mountain, a long stretch of dark sand with sunbeds, beach bars and water sports. Perivolos is livelier; the far end towards Agios Georgios is calmer.
Vlychada. Sculpted, pale volcanic cliffs and a quieter atmosphere on the south coast, next to a small marina.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the Red Beach. Near Akrotiri, a small beach beneath a dramatic red cliff. Access is sometimes restricted because of the risk of rockfalls, so respect any signs and view it from the path if necessary.
The White Beach. Reached only by boat, a small cove under pale cliffs, often visited on caldera and south-coast cruises.
Monolithos. Shallow water and a family-friendly feel near the airport.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: beach tips. Dark sand gets very hot, so bring beach shoes. Many beaches shelve quickly, and the east coast can be choppy when the wind blows.
More detail. See our page on the beaches to swim in Santorini for a full list.
Explore Ancient Thera Above Kamari
Akrotiri tells the story of the Bronze Age. Ancient Thera tells the next chapter. The ruined city sits high on the Mesa Vouno ridge, between Kamari and Perissa, and visiting it is one of the most atmospheric things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: what you see. The remains of a city inhabited from the Dorian settlement, around the 9th century BC, through Hellenistic, Roman and early Byzantine times. There are houses, temples, a theatre, an agora and rock-cut inscriptions, all laid out along the ridge.
The views. From the top you look down on Kamari on one side and Perissa on the other, with the open Aegean beyond. On a clear day you can see neighbouring islands.
Getting there. A winding road climbs from Kamari to a parking area below the site, followed by a short but steep walk. Fit walkers can also hike up from Perissa on a rough path.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: opening times. Opening hours are shorter than at Akrotiri and change with the season, so check before you go. The site is closed on some days in the low season.
Heat and footwear. The site is exposed and there is no shade. Go early, bring water and wear shoes with grip.
Combine it. Ancient Thera pairs well with a swim at Kamari afterwards, or with a visit to the Archaeological Museum in Fira, where many finds from the site are displayed.
Visit the Museums of Fira
Seeing Akrotiri is only half the story. The finest objects found there, including the famous wall paintings, are in Fira. A morning in the museums is one of the best rainy-day or hot-afternoon things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Located near the bus station, it displays finds from Akrotiri and other prehistoric sites: pottery, tools, figurines and fragments of the wall paintings that made the Bronze Age town famous. It puts everything you see at the excavation into context.
The Archaeological Museum. Near the upper cable car station, this smaller museum holds finds from Ancient Thera and other historical sites, including sculpture, inscriptions and pottery from the Geometric to the Roman period.
The Megaro Gyzi. A cultural centre in a restored mansion in the old quarter of Fira, with exhibitions of old engravings, maps, manuscripts and photographs of the island before and after the 1956 earthquake.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: combining sites. See Akrotiri first, then the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, and the whole picture makes sense. A guide makes both much richer.
Timing. Museum hours vary with the season. Check before you go, especially in the low season.
Other collections. The island also has a Maritime Museum in Oia, the Wine Museum near Kamari and the Tomato Industrial Museum in Vlychada, each covered below.
Things to Do in Santorini 2025 for Wine Lovers
The wines of Santorini are one of the island’s great surprises. Grown in volcanic soil with almost no rain, the vines produce wines found nowhere else, and a winery visit is one of the most popular things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: Assyrtiko. The island’s signature white grape gives wines with high acidity, a mineral, salty edge and the ability to age for years.
Vinsanto. The traditional sweet wine, made from sun-dried grapes and aged in barrels for years. It is rich and complex, and worth tasting even if you do not usually drink sweet wine.
The kouloura. Look at the vineyards and you will see that the vines are trained low to the ground into circular baskets. This protects the grapes from the strong wind and the sun, and helps them catch the moisture from the night air.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: visiting wineries. Many wineries offer tastings, some with caldera views, some in old canava cellars dug into the rock. Most tastings include several wines with local cheese and bread.
The Wine Museum. Near Kamari, the wine museum of Santorini is set in an underground tunnel and tells the history of winemaking on the island.
The harvest. Grapes are picked in August, earlier than in most of Europe. Visiting then lets you see the work in progress.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: do not drive. Tasting several wines and then driving the island’s narrow roads is a bad idea. Book a tour with transport instead.
Taste the Island’s Local Food
The volcanic soil that gives Santorini its wines also gives it a distinctive cuisine. Eating well is one of the simplest and most enjoyable things to do in Santorini 2025, and you do not need a caldera view to do it.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: fava. Santorini fava is a purée of yellow split peas grown on the island, served with olive oil, onion and capers. It is on almost every menu and it is excellent.
Tomatokeftedes. Fried tomato fritters made from the small, intensely flavoured Santorini cherry tomato, grown without irrigation.
White aubergine. A sweet, pale variety grown on the island, often served grilled or in salads.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: capers and chloro cheese. Capers and caper leaves appear in many dishes, and the fresh local goat’s cheese, chloro, is worth looking for.
Fresh fish. Seafood tavernas in Ammoudi, the Old Port, Vlychada and along the beaches serve the day’s catch. Ask about the price per kilo before you order.
The Tomato Industrial Museum. In Vlychada, an old tomato-canning factory has been turned into a museum that tells the story of the tomato paste industry that once kept the island going.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: a cooking class. Several local cooks and wineries run classes where you prepare fava, tomatokeftedes and other dishes, then eat them with local wine.
Where to eat. Village tavernas away from the caldera often serve the best local food at the fairest prices.
Watch the Sunset at Akrotiri Lighthouse
At the south-western tip of the island, the Akrotiri Lighthouse stands on a headland above the sea. It is one of the most loved alternatives to Oia at sunset, and one of the most atmospheric things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the lighthouse. Built in the 19th century, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Cyclades. The building itself is usually closed, but the headland around it is open.
The view. From the cliffs you look back along the whole caldera, with the villages of the rim lit by the evening sun and the open Aegean to the west.
The sunset. The sun sets over the open sea, framed by the cliffs. It is quieter than Oia, though no longer a secret, and it can be busy in summer.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: getting there. By car, taxi or tour. Parking is limited near the lighthouse, so arrive early. The road back is dark and winding after sunset, so drive carefully.
Safety. The cliffs have no railings. Stay well back from the edge, especially with children and in the wind.
Combine it. Visit Akrotiri, a south-coast beach and a winery in the afternoon, then finish at the lighthouse for the sunset. Our private sunset tour can include it.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: bring a layer. The headland is exposed and the wind can be cool after sunset, even in summer.
Hike to Profitis Ilias, the Highest Point
Above Pyrgos rises Profitis Ilias, the highest point of Santorini at around 560 metres. The mountain is made of limestone older than the volcano, and climbing it is one of the best walking things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the monastery. The monastery of Profitis Ilias, founded in the 18th century, stands near the summit. It played an important part in the island’s religious and economic life.
The view. On a clear day the whole island is spread out below you, with the caldera to the west, the east-coast beaches and, on the horizon, the neighbouring islands of the Cyclades.
The walk. A path climbs from the top of Pyrgos, roughly an hour’s steady ascent. The road to the summit is also open to cars, although the top is occupied by antennas and a military installation.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: onward to Ancient Thera. A longer trail continues along the ridge from Profitis Ilias down to the saddle below Ancient Thera, then to Kamari or Perissa. It makes a full-day hike, best in spring or autumn.
When to go. Early morning in summer. The mountain has little shade, and the heat builds quickly.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: what to bring. Walking shoes, water, sun protection and a windproof layer, because the summit is often breezy.
Who it suits. Walkers and photographers who want to understand the geography of the island from above.
Things to Do in Santorini 2025 for Active Travellers
Beyond walking and swimming, the island has plenty of ways to be active. These are the outdoor things to do in Santorini 2025 that our guests enjoy most.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: sea kayaking. Guided kayak trips leave from the south coast, paddling past sea caves, the Red and White beaches and quiet coves. Calm mornings are best.
Snorkelling. The underwater volcanic landscape is unusual, with dark rocks, caves and clear water. The south coast and the caldera bays are the best areas.
Scuba diving. Dive centres offer courses and guided dives, including to the caldera walls and wrecks near the island.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: stand-up paddleboarding. Available at several beaches on calm days, especially early in the morning.
Horse riding. Riding centres offer rides through the countryside and along the beaches, suitable for beginners and experienced riders.
Cycling. Road cyclists can explore the inland villages and quiet roads, though the traffic on the main road can be heavy in summer.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: running. The caldera path is a spectacular running route early in the morning, and the island hosts an autumn sports event with running and swimming races around the caldera.
Safety. Heat, wind and sun are the main risks. Choose early or late times, drink plenty of water and use licensed operators for water sports.
Take the Cable Car or Walk the Steps to the Old Port
Below Fira, the Old Port was for centuries the island’s main harbour. Today it is where cruise passengers land and where many boat trips begin. Getting down and back up is one of the classic things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: 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.
The mules. Mules still carry visitors on the steps, but their welfare has been widely criticised. We recommend walking or taking the cable car instead.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: cruise days. When several ships are in, the cable car queue can be long, especially in the afternoon. Buy an e-ticket in advance, or plan to 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 side of Fira without the crowds of the town above.
More detail. See our page on whether to skip the cable car in Santorini for fares, hours and the alternatives.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: our advice. Walk down, ride up. It is the best mix of views and effort for most visitors.
Photograph the Island’s Most Famous Views
Santorini is one of the most photographed places on earth. Finding your own version of its famous views is one of the most satisfying things to do in Santorini 2025, and the best results come from good timing rather than expensive equipment.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the blue domes of Oia. 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 Three Bells of Fira. The blue-domed church below the caldera path between Fira and Firostefani, best photographed from the path above it in the morning.
Imerovigli and Skaros. The rock and the white houses around it, especially at golden hour.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the windmills. Old windmills in Oia, Emporio and elsewhere make strong subjects against the sky.
Pyrgos from above. The circular village and its churches, seen from the top of the hill or from the road to Profitis Ilias.
The caldera from the sea. The only way to see the full height of the cliffs is from a boat, ideally in the late afternoon light.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: respect privacy. Many of the famous rooftops and terraces belong to hotels and private homes. Do not climb onto roofs or walk into private property for a photograph; the island has put up signs asking visitors to respect this.
Drones. Drone flights are restricted in many areas, including near the airport and over crowds. Check the rules before flying.
Things to Do in Santorini 2025 with Children
Santorini is often seen as an island for couples, but it works well for families too. With a little planning, these are the family-friendly things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the volcano. Children usually love walking on a real volcano and seeing the steam and craters. The walk is manageable for most school-age children, with water and hats.
Beaches. Kamari, Perissa and Monolithos have organised sections with sunbeds and gentle water in places. Bring beach shoes, as the dark sand gets very hot.
Boat trips. A catamaran trip with swimming stops is a highlight for many families. Choose a shorter morning trip for young children.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: Akrotiri. The covered site is shaded and easy to walk, and the idea of a buried Bronze Age town fascinates many children.
Horse riding and farm visits. Several riding centres offer gentle rides for children.
Ice cream in the villages. Evening walks in Fira, Oia or Pyrgos end well with an ice cream.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: what to avoid. The caldera path beyond Imerovigli is long and exposed for small children, and the cliff edges have no railings in many places. Keep a close eye on children near any drop.
Where to stay. Beach areas such as Kamari and Perissa are easier with young children than cliffside hotels with many steps.
Free and Low-Cost Things to Do in Santorini 2025
Santorini has a reputation as an expensive island, and in high season it can be. Many of its best experiences cost nothing, though. These are the free and low-cost things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the caldera walk. The path from Fira to Oia costs nothing and gives the island’s best views.
Sunsets. Watching the sunset from a public spot in Oia, Imerovigli, Pyrgos or the lighthouse is free.
Village walks. Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio and Oia in the morning are free to explore and full of character.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: public beaches. All beaches in Greece are public. You can bring a towel and swim anywhere; you only pay for sunbeds.
Churches. Most churches are open to visitors and free to enter. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
Buses. The public bus network connects Fira with the main villages and beaches at low prices.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: eat like a local. A gyros or souvlaki, a bakery breakfast or a simple village taverna costs a fraction of a caldera-view restaurant.
Travel in the shoulder season. Prices for hotels and flights drop sharply in spring and autumn, when the island is also calmer.
Where to spend. If you save elsewhere, spend on one great experience: a boat trip, a winery tour or a sunset dinner.
Things to Do in Santorini 2025 on a Windy or Rainy Day
Most days in Santorini are sunny, but the wind can cancel boat trips in summer, and autumn and winter bring occasional rain. These are the indoor and sheltered things to do in Santorini 2025 when the weather turns.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: Akrotiri. The excavation is under a large roof, so it works in both sun and rain.
Museums. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, the Archaeological Museum and the Megaro Gyzi in Fira, the Maritime Museum in Oia and the Tomato Industrial Museum in Vlychada.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: wineries. Tastings take place indoors or on sheltered terraces, and a windy day is a good excuse for a long one.
The Wine Museum. Set in an underground tunnel, it is sheltered from wind and weather.
Cooking classes. A few hours in a kitchen, followed by a long lunch, suit a grey day perfectly.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: sheltered beaches. When the meltemi blows from the north, the south-coast beaches, such as Vlychada and Perissa’s southern end, are often calmer than Kamari.
Village cafés. An afternoon in a café in Pyrgos or Megalochori is part of the island’s rhythm.
Rescheduling. If your boat trip is cancelled, operators usually offer another date. Keep a free day in your plans.
Nightlife and Evenings Out
Santorini is not a party island in the way Mykonos or Ios are, but its evenings are one of its great pleasures. These are the evening things to do in Santorini 2025.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: sunset drinks. A cocktail or a glass of Assyrtiko on a caldera terrace as the sun goes down is the island’s signature evening. Book ahead in summer for the best spots.
Fira’s bars. The capital has the island’s liveliest nightlife, with cliffside cocktail bars and clubs in the lanes behind the rim that stay open late in summer.
Kamari and Perissa. Beach bars with music in the evening, more relaxed than Fira.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the open-air cinema. Summer screenings under the stars have become a much-loved island tradition. Check local listings for the season’s programme.
Live music. Some bars and restaurants have live Greek or jazz music, especially in Fira and Oia.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: festivals. Village festivals, called panigyria, celebrate saints’ days with music, dancing, food and wine. They are open to everyone and a wonderful glimpse of island life.
Late dinners. Greeks eat late. A 21:30 dinner after sunset is completely normal.
Getting home. Taxis are scarce late at night. Book a transfer in advance or stay within walking distance of where you go out.
Getting Around the Island
How you move around shapes what you can fit into a day. Before you plan your list of things to do in Santorini 2025, it helps to know the options.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: the bus. The public bus network runs from Fira to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, the airport, the port of Athinios and other villages. It is cheap, but in summer buses are crowded and most routes pass through Fira, so cross-island journeys take time.
Taxis. There are few taxis for the number of visitors, and queues are long at peak times, especially after sunset in Oia. Pre-book transfers where you can.
Car hire. A small car gives freedom to reach the villages, beaches and lighthouse. Roads are narrow and busy in summer, and parking in Fira and Oia is difficult.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: quad bikes and scooters. Popular with visitors but involved in many accidents. If you have little experience, choose a car instead, and always wear a helmet.
Walking. The caldera villages are best explored on foot, and the path between them is one of the island’s highlights.
Private tours and transfers. The most efficient way to see a lot in a short time, with a local driver-guide handling the roads, the parking and the timing. See our Santorini transfers for arrivals and departures.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: ferry arrivals. Ferries dock at Athinios, below the cliffs in the south-west. The road up is steep and congested when ships arrive, so arrange your transfer in advance.
Things to Do in Santorini 2025 by Season
The island changes a lot through the year. What you can do, and how enjoyable it is, depends on when you travel. This is how the things to do in Santorini 2025 shift with the seasons.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: spring. April and May bring green hillsides, wild flowers and comfortable temperatures for walking. The sea is still cool, and some hotels and restaurants open gradually. Greek Easter, usually in April, is a special time to visit.
Summer. June to August is the peak season, with everything open, warm sea and long evenings. It is also the busiest, hottest and most expensive time. Plan sightseeing early and late, and rest in the middle of the day.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: autumn. September and October are many visitors’ favourite months, with warm sea, softer heat, fewer crowds and lower prices. It is the best season for walking and wine.
Winter. From November to March the island is quiet. Many hotels, restaurants and boats close, and the weather can be windy and wet. It is a time for walks, museums and local life rather than beaches.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: cruise season. Cruise ships visit mainly from spring to autumn. On busy days, Fira and Oia are crowded from late morning, so plan your village visits accordingly.
Sunset times. Sunset moves from around 20:45 at the end of June to about 18:30 at the end of October, after the clocks change. Check the time for your dates.
Our recommendation. Late May, June, September and early October offer the best balance of weather, sea and crowds.
Putting It Together: Sample Plans
A list is only useful if it fits into your days. These sample plans show how to combine the things to do in Santorini 2025 without rushing.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: one day. Morning at Akrotiri and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, lunch in a southern village, an afternoon in Pyrgos and the sunset in Oia or at the lighthouse. This is exactly the kind of day our private tours are designed for.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: three days. Day one for the caldera villages and the walk from Fira to Imerovigli; day two for a boat trip to the volcano, the hot springs and Thirassia; day three for the south, with Akrotiri, a beach, a winery and the sunset. See our page on what to do in Santorini in three days for more detail.
Five days or more. Add the full caldera walk to Oia, Ancient Thera and Profitis Ilias, a beach day, a cooking class and a slow evening in Fira.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: a cruise stop. With only a few hours, go straight up by cable car or on a pre-booked shore tour, see Oia and one village, and leave plenty of time for the queue back down.
Pace yourself. Mix a busy day with a slow one. The island’s heat and steps are tiring, and the best memories often come from an unplanned afternoon.
Book ahead. In summer, reserve boats, wine tours and sunset dinners before you arrive.
Mistakes to Avoid and Frequently Asked Questions
A few simple mistakes can spoil a day on the island. Avoid these, and every item on your list of things to do in Santorini 2025 becomes easier.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: do not overplan. Trying to see the whole island in a day means spending most of it in traffic.
Do not arrive in Oia at the last minute for sunset. The best spots fill early, and the roads and buses are packed.
Do not underestimate the sun. Carry water, wear a hat and avoid long walks at midday in summer.
Things to do in Santorini 2025: do not ignore the wind. Keep a spare day in case your boat trip is cancelled.
Do not walk too close to cliff edges. Many viewpoints have no railings.
What are the top things to do in Santorini in 2025?
The sunset in Oia, a caldera boat trip with the volcano and hot springs, Akrotiri, the caldera walk, a winery visit and a day in the southern villages and beaches.
How many days do you need in Santorini?
Three days covers the essentials comfortably. Five days lets you add walks, beaches and a slower pace.
Is Santorini worth visiting in 2025?
Yes. The island’s landscape, villages, wine and food are unique. Travelling outside July and August makes the experience calmer and better value.
What should I book in advance?
Boat trips, wine tours, sunset dinners, transfers and, in summer, your accommodation well ahead.
With Santorini Tours. We plan private days around what you want to see, so the things to do in Santorini 2025 on your list fit into your time without the stress. Contact us to plan your visit.
