Santorini is known as one of the most beautiful places and people from all over the world dream of visiting it and admiring its grace up close. Read the above to know the must-see places in Santorini 2025.
1. Thira or Fira
Fira is the largest settlement and capital in Santorini. To the west, below Fira is Gialos, the old port, where cruise ships dock and the cable car starts. Almost connected to Fira is Firostefani. It is one of the stops you must make. The beautiful view of the caldera about 300 meters above the sea, the white houses, and their blue domes will reward you! Wander through the beautiful alleys of Fira and immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of the caldera. You can climb the 588 steps from the Old Port to get there.
2. Firostefani
You can reach Firostefani from Fira, following the “eyebrow” of the caldera at a distance of about 10 minutes on foot. The view of the caldera is unique, with the cliff being so steep that you will often feel a heartbeat. Especially, when the sun sinks into the sea you will be enchanted. In Firostefani you will find several remarkable suggestions for food, in restaurants and taverns with a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere.
3. Oia
Oia is one of the most famous destinations, known all over the world for its sunset and cave buildings that in recent years have hosted hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is without a doubt one of the most photographed places in Greece with the endless domes that appear in every corner, since there are more than 60 churches in Oia. At the edge of the settlement is the Castle, with the parts that have been preserved offering a unique view, but also a charming journey into history.
4. Imerovigli
It has been built linearly on the edge of the Caldera, occupies the most privileged position, and has the most breathtaking view of the Caldera and Thirasia. A special place for the village is the Castle of Skaros, the old Kastelli which for several centuries was the capital of the island.
5. Akrotiri
This is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world and certainly the largest in the Eastern Mediterranean. The most important attraction in Akrotiri is the prehistoric settlement, which was first inhabited around 4500 BC and came to light after systematic excavations that began in 1967. You can take a Santorini Historical Private Tour with Santorini Tours in 2025.
6. Ammoudi
Buried in red volcanic rocks, below the beautiful Oia and next to the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea, lies a beautiful location in Santorini, the secluded Ammoudi. You can reach Ammoudi, the picturesque harbor that is a must-see in Santorini 2025, by descending the 214 steps that separate it from Oia. The 19th-century commercial port today welcomes mainly seafood lovers, who want to enjoy fresh fish and seafood.
7. Pyrgos
A beautiful village, a pole of attraction for thousands of visitors every year, who seek tranquility, natural beauty, and quality in everything. You will find yourself there in just 10 minutes by car from Fira. It has impressive architecture, curves beautiful alleys, whitewashed narrow streets, and countless churches.
8. Nea Kameni
Nea Kameni is today the most interesting, if not generally, at least geologically, point of Santorini. It is a small island, in the center of the caldera, which was created entirely by the volcano, with its oldest lands dating back to 1570 and the most recent to 1950! The locals call it a “volcano”, visitors make it a priority in their explorations and the legend loves it. In Nea Kameni, the largest crater is called Daphne. A visit here is truly an inconceivable experience.
A rare beach that is worth visiting. It stands out for its red sand but also for the red-black volcanic landscape that you encounter. It is accessible in two ways: by boat from Akrotiri or by road.
9. Perivolos
Perivolos Beach is a beautiful part of the island of Santorini 2025. There is a coastal road that on one side has a crystal clear beach with soft black sand and of course umbrellas and sun loungers and on the other, a multitude of beautiful restaurants and beach bars with great music and chill-out areas on the sand. The black sand may be strange, but its crystal clear waters compensate every visitor.
10. Vlychada
When you first find yourself on Vlychada Beach, you think you are in a science fiction movie. Lunar landscape, volcanic rocks, exotic atmosphere. The sea has formed many recesses and caves to explore.
11. White Beach
The White Beach makes the difference. As its name suggests, the beach is full of white rocks that contrast with its black sand. Ideally quiet compared to the busy and neighboring Red Beach. To reach the White Beach, one needs to board one of the boats that make the route, either from the port of Akrotiri or from the neighboring Red Beach. You can take a Santorini Exclusive Shore Private Tour With Santorini Tours.
12. Kamari
Kamari is one of the most cosmopolitan and touristy beaches of Santorini 2025. It stretches for about 5 kilometers, in front of the homonymous settlement on the east coast of the island and, together with Perissa beach, attracts the most people every summer. It has fine black sand and it is often called Black Beach, in contrast to Red and White and pebbles in some parts and you can visit Kamari in your Santorini private tour.
13. Perissa
With black sand but also with a blue flag, Perissa Beach is an ideal choice for swimming, relaxation, and fun. It is fully organized, and has many beach bars, while for the more active there is also the possibility of water sports.
Known all over the world and one of the most famous tourist destinations, Santorini is a “holiday dream” for many. It may have the reputation of being the most romantic island with the most amazing sunset in almost the entire world, but the island’s beauties are numerous and enchant even the most demanding traveler.
More Must-See Places in Santorini
The thirteen places above are the ones nobody should miss. The island has many more, though, and some of the most memorable are the least known. Here we add the other must-see places in Santorini that our guests remember long after their trip.
Must-see places in Santorini: how we chose. Each place below is somewhere we take guests regularly, and each shows a different side of the island: its volcanic landscape, its medieval villages, its ancient cities, its wine and its quieter corners.
Must-see places in Santorini: by area. We have grouped them into the caldera villages, the south, the inland villages, the ancient sites and the sea, so you can combine nearby places on the same day.
Timing. Most of these places are best early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and the crowds lighter.
At the end you will find a guide to planning the route, the best seasons and the questions we are asked most often.
A Closer Look at Oia
Oia appears in the list above for its sunset, but it rewards a longer visit. These are the spots inside the village that belong on any list of must-see places in Santorini.
Must-see places in Santorini: the castle of Agios Nikolaos. The ruins at the western tip of the village are the classic sunset viewpoint. In the morning they are almost empty.
The main street. The marble-paved lane running along the caldera, lined with galleries, jewellers and cafés.
The blue domes. Oia’s churches, with their blue domes and bell towers, are among the most photographed buildings in Greece. Early morning gives the best light and the fewest people.
Must-see places in Santorini: the captains’ mansions. Grand 19th-century houses built by the village’s sea captains, in contrast to the simple cave houses of the sailors below.
The windmills. The white windmills on the edge of the village are a favourite subject at sunset.
Armeni. A small bay below the village, reached by a long staircase, where boats were once built.
Must-see places in Santorini: respect the rooftops. Many famous terraces belong to hotels and homes. Do not climb onto private roofs for photographs.
A Closer Look at Fira and Firostefani
Fira is the first stop for most visitors. Beyond the busy main streets, it holds several of the must-see places in Santorini that many people walk straight past.
Must-see places in Santorini: the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. The large white cathedral at the centre of Fira, rebuilt after the 1956 earthquake, with modern frescoes inside.
The Catholic quarter. Above the town, a quieter area with the Catholic cathedral, a convent and old mansions, a reminder of the island’s Venetian past.
The Three Bells of Fira. The blue-domed church below the path from Fira to Firostefani is one of the island’s best-known views, best seen from the path above it.
Must-see places in Santorini: the caldera promenade. The path along the rim, lined with cafés and terraces, is at its best in the evening when the lights of the villages come on.
The Old Port. Reached by cable car or by the 588 steps, the old harbour is where boats leave for the volcano.
Must-see places in Santorini: Firostefani’s viewpoints. A few minutes north of Fira, the views of the caldera open up and the crowds thin out.
14. Skaros Rock
Mentioned above as the old Kastelli of Imerovigli, Skaros deserves its own visit. The great rock rising from the caldera cliff was for centuries the island’s fortified capital, and it is one of the most dramatic must-see places in Santorini.
Must-see places in Santorini: the history. In the Middle Ages, the castle of Skaros sheltered the island’s nobility and the Catholic bishop, protected by the cliff from pirate raids. Earthquakes, above all in the 19th century, gradually destroyed it, and the inhabitants moved to Fira.
The walk. A stepped path leads down from Imerovigli to the neck of the rock, around 20 to 30 minutes each way. The climb back is the hardest part.
The chapel. A narrow path around the rock leads to the white chapel of Theoskepasti, perched above the sea. It is exposed, so take care in wind.
Must-see places in Santorini: when to go. Early morning for an empty path and soft light, or late afternoon for the view towards the sunset. Avoid the midday heat.
Tip. Wear shoes with grip; the path has loose gravel and uneven steps.
15. Megalochori
Megalochori is the village that shows how Santorini looked before mass tourism. Its lanes, mansions and small central square make it one of the loveliest must-see places in Santorini, and one of the most overlooked.
Must-see places in Santorini: the village. Megalochori grew rich on wine in the 18th and 19th centuries, and its grand houses and canava wine cellars date from that period. Many old canavas are hidden behind high walls along the lanes.
The square. A small, shaded square with tavernas and cafés, ideal for lunch or an evening drink.
The bell tower. At the edge of the village stands a much-photographed church bell tower, framed against the caldera. It is best photographed early in the morning.
Must-see places in Santorini: the wineries. Several wineries lie on the roads around Megalochori, making it easy to combine the village with a tasting.
Getting there. About 15 minutes by car from Fira, and on the bus route to Akrotiri and Perissa.
Tip. Visit in the late afternoon, then drive on to the Akrotiri Lighthouse for the sunset.
16. Emporio and Its Kasteli
Emporio is the largest village of the island and was once its trading centre. Its medieval core, the kasteli, is one of the most atmospheric must-see places in Santorini.
Must-see places in Santorini: the kasteli. A maze of narrow passages, arches and tall houses built wall to wall, designed so that the outer houses formed a defensive wall against pirates. Walking through it feels like stepping back several centuries.
The tower. A fortified tower in the village once gave shelter to the villagers during raids.
The windmills. On the hill above the village stand old windmills, with views across the south of the island.
Must-see places in Santorini: Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis. Near Emporio, a small chapel built into the remains of an ancient temple, one of the oldest surviving buildings on the island.
Getting there. About 20 minutes by car from Fira, close to Perissa and Perivolos.
Tip. Combine Emporio with a swim at Perivolos and a climb to Ancient Thera.
17. Ancient Thera
If Akrotiri is the Bronze Age, Ancient Thera is the classical story. The ruined city on the ridge of Mesa Vouno is one of the must-see places in Santorini for anyone interested in history, and its setting is spectacular.
Must-see places in Santorini: the city. Founded by Dorian settlers around the 9th century BC and inhabited until early Byzantine times, the city has houses, temples, a theatre, an agora and baths, stretched along the ridge.
The views. The site sits high above Kamari on one side and Perissa on the other, with the open Aegean beyond.
Getting there. A winding road climbs from Kamari to a car park, followed by a short steep walk. Fit walkers can hike up from Perissa.
Must-see places in Santorini: opening hours. Shorter than at Akrotiri and varying by season. Check before you go.
What to bring. Water, a hat and good shoes. There is no shade on the site.
Tip. Many finds from Ancient Thera are displayed in the Archaeological Museum in Fira.
18. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Many of the treasures of Akrotiri are not at the site but in Fira. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is one of the must-see places in Santorini for understanding what you see at the excavation.
Must-see places in Santorini: the collection. Pottery, tools, figurines and fragments of the wall paintings from Akrotiri, alongside finds from earlier prehistoric sites on the island.
The wall paintings. The colourful frescoes of the Bronze Age town show plants, animals and people, and give a vivid picture of life before the eruption.
The golden ibex. A small gold figurine of a goat, found at Akrotiri, is one of the museum’s best-known pieces.
Must-see places in Santorini: the Archaeological Museum. A second, smaller museum near the upper cable car station holds finds from Ancient Thera and later periods.
Location. Near the bus station in Fira, easy to reach on foot.
Tip. Visit Akrotiri first, then the museum, and the two make far more sense together.
19. The Red Beach
The small beach below the red volcanic cliff near Akrotiri, mentioned above, is one of the most photographed must-see places in Santorini.
Must-see places in Santorini: the colours. The cliff is a deep red, contrasting with dark sand and blue water. It is a striking reminder of the island’s volcanic origins.
Access. A short path leads from the parking area to a viewpoint above the beach. Access to the beach itself is sometimes restricted because of the risk of rockfalls. Always respect the signs.
From the sea. Many boat trips pass the Red Beach, giving a safe view of the cliff from the water.
Must-see places in Santorini: when to go. Morning or late afternoon, when the light brings out the colour of the cliff.
Nearby. Akrotiri, the White Beach and the south-coast fish tavernas are all close.
Tip. Do not sit under the cliff, even if others do.
20. Akrotiri Lighthouse
At the south-western tip of the island, the lighthouse stands above the cliffs, with the whole caldera stretching away to the north. It is one of the must-see places in Santorini for the sunset.
Must-see places in Santorini: the lighthouse. Built in the 19th century, it is one of the oldest in the Cyclades. The building is usually closed, but the headland is open to visitors.
The sunset. The sun sets over the open sea, with the villages of the caldera catching the last light behind you. It is calmer than Oia, though increasingly popular.
Getting there. By car, taxi or tour. Parking is limited, so arrive early.
Must-see places in Santorini: safety. The cliffs have no railings. Keep well back from the edge, especially in wind.
Tip. Bring a light layer; the headland is breezy after sunset.
21. Thirassia
Across the caldera from Oia lies Thirassia, a small island once joined to Santorini before the Bronze Age eruption. Quiet and traditional, it is one of the must-see places in Santorini for travellers who want to see island life as it used to be.
Must-see places in Santorini: Korfos. The small harbour where boats land, with a row of fish tavernas on the waterfront.
Manolas. The main village, reached by a long flight of steps from Korfos, sits on the caldera rim and looks straight across at Oia and Fira.
The pace. There are few cars, few shops and almost no crowds. Life follows the rhythm of the boats.
Must-see places in Santorini: getting there. Small boats run from Ammoudi below Oia, and many volcano cruises stop at Korfos for lunch.
Tip. For more than a quick lunch, take a small boat from Ammoudi and choose your own return time.
22. Palea Kameni and the Hot Springs
Next to Nea Kameni, the older volcanic island of Palea Kameni formed in an eruption around 2,000 years ago. The warm springs in one of its bays are one of the most unusual must-see places in Santorini.
Must-see places in Santorini: the springs. Boats anchor in a small bay and passengers swim a short distance to where warm, iron-rich water rises into the sea, turning it a yellow-orange colour.
The temperature. Warm rather than hot, especially noticeable when the surrounding sea is cooler in spring and autumn.
What to wear. An old swimsuit, as the iron can stain light fabric.
Must-see places in Santorini: combining the volcano. Almost every volcano excursion includes both the crater walk on Nea Kameni and the swim at Palea Kameni.
Tip. The swim from the boat is short but in open water. Weaker swimmers should ask for a float.
23. Profitis Ilias
Rising above Pyrgos, Profitis Ilias is the highest point of the island at around 560 metres. The view from the top makes it one of the must-see places in Santorini for anyone who wants to understand the island’s shape.
Must-see places in Santorini: the view. On a clear day you see the whole island, the caldera, the east-coast beaches and the neighbouring Cyclades on the horizon.
The monastery. The monastery of Profitis Ilias, founded in the 18th century, stands near the summit.
The geology. The mountain is made of limestone and schist that predate the volcano, part of the original island around which the volcano grew.
Must-see places in Santorini: getting there. A road climbs to the top from Pyrgos, and a walking path offers a steady hour’s ascent.
Tip. Go early in summer, and bring a windproof layer for the summit.
24. The Museums of Oia, Kamari and Vlychada
Beyond Fira, three smaller museums add depth to a visit. Each is among the must-see places in Santorini for a particular interest.
Must-see places in Santorini: the Maritime Museum in Oia. Oia was once a village of sea captains. Housed in a restored mansion, the museum tells their story through ship models, figureheads, instruments and documents.
The Wine Museum. Near Kamari, set in an underground tunnel, it traces the history of winemaking on the island. See our page on the wine museum of Santorini.
The Tomato Industrial Museum. In Vlychada, an old tomato-canning factory now tells the story of the industry that once sustained the island.
Must-see places in Santorini: rainy days. All three are good choices when the wind cancels a boat trip or the heat is too much.
Tip. Opening hours vary by season; check before you go.
25. The Wineries
The vineyards of Santorini are as much a part of the landscape as the caldera. A winery is one of the must-see places in Santorini for anyone who enjoys wine, food or simply a beautiful view.
Must-see places in Santorini: the vines. Look for the low, basket-shaped vines, the kouloura, trained close to the ground to protect the grapes from wind and sun.
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 for years in barrels.
Must-see places in Santorini: where they are. Wineries are spread across the centre and south, around Megalochori, Pyrgos, Episkopi Gonias and Akrotiri. Some have terraces overlooking the caldera; others are in old cellars dug into the rock.
Tip. Book a tasting with transport rather than driving afterwards.
26. Vothonas and the Cave Houses
Inland, between Fira and the east coast, a series of small villages is built into the soft volcanic rock. Vothonas is the most striking and one of the hidden must-see places in Santorini.
Must-see places in Santorini: the ravine. Vothonas lies in a gully, with houses and churches cut into its walls. From above you see only doorways, domes and chimneys.
The cave churches. The village has a church carved into the rock, a feature of the island’s inland architecture.
Other cave villages. Karterados, Mesaria and Finikia also preserve traditional cave houses, called yposkafa, dug into the ground for insulation from heat and cold.
Must-see places in Santorini: Mesaria’s mansions. In contrast to the cave houses, Mesaria has grand neoclassical mansions built by wealthy wine merchants.
Tip. These villages are rarely busy. Walk slowly and respect the privacy of residents.
Must-See Places in Santorini by Area
With so many places on the list, the key is to visit them in a sensible order. Grouping the must-see places in Santorini by area saves hours on the road.
Must-see places in Santorini: the north. Oia, Ammoudi, the castle, the Maritime Museum and Finikia. Best in the morning, or late afternoon for the sunset.
The caldera centre. Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Skaros Rock, linked by the path along the rim, plus the museums of Fira.
Must-see places in Santorini: the south. Akrotiri, the Red and White beaches, Megalochori, Vlychada and the lighthouse.
The south-east. Pyrgos, Profitis Ilias, Emporio, Perissa, Perivolos and Ancient Thera.
The east. Kamari, the Wine Museum, Vothonas and Mesaria.
The sea. Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirassia, all by boat.
Tip. Plan one area per day, and use a private tour on the busiest days to move between them without parking worries.
How Many Must-See Places in Santorini Can You Visit?
It depends on your time. This is how many of the must-see places in Santorini fit into a typical stay.
Must-see places in Santorini: one day. Oia, Fira, Akrotiri and one village such as Pyrgos, ending with the sunset. A private tour makes this realistic.
Must-see places in Santorini: three days. The caldera villages on day one, the volcano, hot springs and Thirassia on day two, and the south on day three. See our page on what to do in Santorini in three days.
Five days or more. Add Ancient Thera, Profitis Ilias, Emporio, the museums and a beach day.
A cruise stop. Oia and Fira, with the cable car, are the realistic limit. Allow plenty of time for the queue back to the port.
Must-see places in Santorini: do not rush. Seeing fewer places well is better than seeing many in a hurry.
The Best Time to Visit the Must-See Places in Santorini
Season and time of day change the experience completely. These are our timing tips for the must-see places in Santorini.
Must-see places in Santorini: spring. April and May bring green hills and mild temperatures, ideal for walking to Skaros, Ancient Thera and Profitis Ilias.
Summer. June to August is the peak season. Visit the villages and archaeological sites early, and keep the middle of the day for the beach.
Must-see places in Santorini: autumn. September and October bring warm sea, softer heat and fewer crowds, the best balance for seeing everything.
Winter. Quiet and atmospheric, but many restaurants, hotels and boats close. The villages and museums are the focus.
Time of day. Oia and Fira are busiest from late morning to late afternoon on cruise days. Mornings are best for photographs, evenings for the sunset.
Must-see places in Santorini: cruise days. Check the cruise calendar and avoid Fira and Oia at the busiest hours.
Getting Between the Must-See Places
Distances are short, but traffic, parking and limited taxis can slow you down. These are the options for reaching the must-see places in Santorini.
Must-see places in Santorini: by bus. Cheap and frequent in summer, but most routes run through Fira, so cross-island trips take time.
By car. Useful for the south and the inland villages. Parking in Fira and Oia is difficult in high season.
By taxi. Limited in number, with long waits at peak times, especially after sunset in Oia.
Must-see places in Santorini: on foot. The caldera path links Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia.
By boat. The only way to reach Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni, the White Beach and Thirassia.
By private tour. A driver-guide takes you to several places in one day, handles parking and times each stop to avoid the crowds.
Must-see places in Santorini: quad bikes. Popular but involved in many accidents. Choose a car if you are inexperienced.
The Best Sunset Spots
For many visitors, the sunset is the reason to come. These are the must-see places in Santorini for watching it, from the famous to the quiet.
Must-see places in Santorini: Oia castle. The most famous view on the island. Arrive at least an hour early in summer.
Imerovigli. High on the rim, with Skaros Rock in the foreground and far fewer people than Oia.
Firostefani and Fira. The sun sets behind the volcano and Thirassia. Caldera bars and terraces fill up, so book a table.
Must-see places in Santorini: Pyrgos. From the top of the village you watch the sun set over the whole island.
The Akrotiri Lighthouse. The sun sinks into the open sea beyond the cliffs.
From the sea. A sunset cruise lets you watch from the water, away from every crowd.
Must-see places in Santorini: sunset times. From around 20:45 in late June to about 18:30 in late October, after the clocks change.
Must-See Places in Santorini for Photographers
The island is famous for its images, and some places are especially rewarding with a camera. These are the must-see places in Santorini for photographers.
Must-see places in Santorini: Oia at sunrise. Soft light, empty lanes and the blue domes without crowds.
Imerovigli and Skaros. The rock and the white houses around it, especially in golden hour.
Megalochori’s bell tower. One of the island’s classic compositions, with the caldera behind.
Must-see places in Santorini: the Red Beach cliff. The colour is strongest in the morning and late afternoon.
Vlychada. The pale, wind-sculpted cliffs make strong, almost abstract images.
From a boat. The only way to see the full height of the cliffs with the villages on top.
Must-see places in Santorini: drones. Drone flights are restricted in many areas, including near the airport and over crowds. Check the rules first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top must-see places in Santorini?
Oia, Fira and the caldera path, Akrotiri, the volcano on Nea Kameni, Imerovigli and Skaros, Pyrgos and the Red Beach are the core list.
Which village is the most beautiful?
Oia is the most famous, but many visitors prefer the quieter charm of Pyrgos, Megalochori or Imerovigli.
What are the least crowded must-see places in Santorini?
Emporio, Vothonas, Megalochori, Profitis Ilias, Ancient Thera and Thirassia are rarely busy, even in summer.
Can I see the must-see places in Santorini without a car?
Yes, using buses, walking the caldera path and boats, though a car or private tour saves time in the south.
Where is the best sunset?
Oia is the classic choice. The Akrotiri Lighthouse, Imerovigli and Pyrgos are calmer alternatives.
With Santorini Tours. We plan private days around the must-see places in Santorini that matter most to you, with the timing that avoids the crowds. Contact us to plan your visit.
