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7 + 1 attractions you must see in Santorini 2024

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7 + 1 attractions you must see in Santorini 2024 with Santorini Tours

Santorini has many attractions, from museums and archeological sites to picturesque villages, which give visitors unique experiences that can hardly be experienced elsewhere. So, if you are planning your vacation and looking for 7 + 1 attractions you must see in Santorini 2024, keep reading.

1. Oia at sunset

Every afternoon, as the sun begins its course towards the west, it colors the whitewashed buildings of Santorini in all shades of orange and purple, creating a unique backdrop. This magical spectacle’s protagonist is Oia, a traditional Cycladic village built on the edge of the volcanic caldera, as it offers the best view.

To enjoy this spectacle, go early to Goula of Oia or sit on one of the village’s terraces to watch the sunset while drinking a glass of Santorini wine. If you still want to enjoy the unrepeatable sunset experience undisturbed, there are equally beautiful but quieter alternatives, such as Mesaria, Pyrgos, and Imerovigli.

2. The enchanting volcano of Santorini

The Santorini volcano is undoubtedly one of the most impressive places you can visit during your stay on the island. It is also one of the most ideal places in Santorini to ‘dive’ into the history and unique geology of the island. Due to the large and destructive volcanic eruption that took place in Santorini thousands of years ago, the originally round island was divided into 3 separate islands, Santorini, Thirasia, and Aspronisi.

The creation of the Palaia and Nea Kameni islets, which are opposite Santorini, is also due to volcanic activity. A visit to them will give you the unique opportunity to walk on the volcanic craters, enjoy the lunar scenery and view of the caldera, and dive into the hot springs, enjoying their healing properties!

3. The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri

One of Europe’s most important prehistoric settlements, Akrotiri is one of Santorini’s most fascinating attractions – especially if you’re a history buff. The particularity of this particular archaeological site is none other than its impressive preservation. More specifically, thanks to the volcanic ash that covered the settlement after the eruption of the Santorini volcano, Akrotiri has been exceptionally well preserved over the centuries. For this reason, it even acquired the nickname ‘Pompeii of Greece’.

A visit to the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri will give you the opportunity to discover all the elements that make it unique. From the even for its time urban design and the complex drainage system to the impressive wall paintings, everything testifies that this place hides a fascinating history that will take you back in time.

4. Skaros Castle, one of the most beautiful places in Santorini

On the impressive and steep rock located directly below Imerovigli, a castle town with 200 houses, churches, and cobblestones was once built. It was one of the oldest and most important fortified settlements on the island! Although today there is nothing left of its former glory, Skaros offers a breathtaking view of the endless blue of the Aegean, being one of the best attractions in Santorini.

This of course makes it an ideal spot for those who love to photograph impressive landscapes. If you are a fan of hiking in nature, Skaros is ideal to enjoy this activity during your excursion to Santorini, as recently, thanks to the work carried out, the paths around the rock have been cleared.

5. The vineyards of the island

Santorini is an island with a long history of wine production, so a tour of its vineyards is a must-see experience! In Santorini, you will find many wineries to visit, where you will be introduced not only to the history of viticulture but also to the production process of the most popular local varieties. You can take a Santorini private wine tour and enjoy sips of local wines while overlooking the caldera and the surrounding vineyards

Among them are Aidani, Assyrtiko, Mandilari, Nychteri, and Athiri, which are produced in the fertile volcanic soil of the island and are exported all over the world. In Oia, Kamari, but also in the village of Episkopi Gonia you will find some of the best wineries on the island, where you will enjoy unique tasting experiences.

7. Akrotiri Lighthouse and its impressive view

If you are looking for a super impressive spot to take breathtaking photos, then your steps will lead you to Akrotiri Lighthouse. This lighthouse is located on the southwest side of the island, 350 meters from the coast and you can access it by road from the village of Akrotiri.

The Akrotiri Lighthouse, which was built in 1892 by the French Company of Lighthouses, is 10 meters high, making it a building that does not go unnoticed. Its white color and stone details, combined with its green windows and elevated location make the Akrotiri Lighthouse one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades. Moreover, according to the locals, it is one of the best places in Santorini to enjoy the sunset.

8. The village of Pyrgos, a picturesque attraction in Santorini

Pyrgos, the highest village on the island, is one of the must-see places in Santorini during your stay. This medieval village stands out for its picturesque atmosphere, but also for its architecture, which is characterized by traditional houses, small churches, and narrow streets.

The best sights in Pyrgos that are worth visiting include the village’s central square, the Holy Church of the Assumption, the mansions, and the area’s wineries. But the best way to enjoy the traditional settlement is to wander through its winding streets, discovering every corner of it. In addition to attractions in Pyrgos you will also find wonderful restaurants, which will introduce you to the local cuisine in the best way. Be sure to visit them!

The sights of Santorini are sure to impress you with their beauty and history. So, during your stay on the island, don’t miss visiting the magical places in Santorini that we suggested, but also discover new ones, which will become your favorites.

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Santorini attractions you can see in September

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Visit Santorini in September 2022

Known around the world and one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, Santorini is a dream destination for many. See which Santorini attractions you can see in September with Santorini Tours.

Volcano

There is no other island in the world like Santorini and its uniqueness is mainly due to the volcano. It is one of the most important in the world, it was born from the sea and significantly influenced the geological form of the entire Eastern Mediterranean of course also the human life and activity in the area.

When the locals say volcano today, they mean the small island of Nea Kameni, in the center of the almost circular perimeter formed by Santorini, Thirasia and Aspronisi. In Nea Kameni, after all, one can see vapors emitting steam from the bowels of the earth, while only about 60 years ago, its most recent soils were formed, during the 1950 eruption.

Right next to it, Palaia Kameni is the island that was formed about 2,000 years ago, during the 47 AD eruption. Both islets of the volcano can be visited and one can even walk on them and reach the steams of Nea Kameni or swim in the warm waters of Palaia, where sulfur is released, coloring them yellowish.

Prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri

The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri in Santorini is today one of the most important archaeological sites in the entire Mediterranean. The visitor can see a very representative sample of that settlement, which was destroyed by the volcano: Multi-storied buildings, some public and some private, with their courtyards fully exposed.

Public roads pass between them, while, based on the research, free spaces that function as squares emerge. Part of the drainage system is also distinct, while the way of construction of all the buildings is typical, based on the building materials of Santorini and complex techniques, which ensured both insulation from the weather conditions and anti-seismic protection, in such a sensitive area.

Caves

Caves in Santorini are the traditional houses that are built in the ground. They were the houses that the inhabitants built in a very simple way, in order to ensure as many advantages as possible, so as to avoid strong winds, extreme cold and extreme heat, and even disasters from raids or even earthquakes.

They are found in many villages of the island, as the volcanic subsoil, easy to work with, but at the same time very strong – the Theraic mortar is known for its strength – provided the solution and helped to create in Santorini architectural structures that there are few like in the whole the world. The small houses are intertwined with each other, so that the outer space of one belongs to another house at the same time and the result looks magically functional.

The labyrinth of streets, stairs, roofs, courtyards, doors and windows can cause chaos to anyone who doesn’t know, but it serves in the best way the people who live their lives in this place with seemingly so many adversities.

Kanaves

The Kanaves of Santorini are the traditional wineries of the island, where the famous wine of the Santorini vineyard, Vissanto and other varieties are produced.

They are traditional buildings, which can be found in almost all villages as in the majority of them they were built next to the producer’s house, forming a single whole with the auxiliary spaces, the warehouse, and perhaps the stable.

They are primarily caves, so that the properties of the island’s volcanic soil and subsoil help wine fermentation.

Akrotiri Lighthouse

The Akrotiri Lighthouse is located at the westernmost point of Santorini, west of Akrotiri village.

It is considered one of the most beautiful structures of its kind in the entire Aegean and the view from the point towards the magnificent Santorini, the caldera and the volcano, Aspronisi and Thirasia, but also the unique sunset, in absolute tranquility and away from the crowds , makes many of the island’s visitors arrive there every day.

Also see: Fall in love with Santorini this September

Panagia Episkopi

Panagia Episkopi, one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Santorini, has never ceased to function and for more than 1000 years has received the prayers of the faithful to God.

It is located in the village of Episkopi Gonia, approximately in the center of Santorini and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. In all probability it was founded in 1115 by Alexios Komnenos and its main structure is preserved intact to this day.

Prophet Ilias Monastery

The Monastery of Prophet Ilias in Santorini is the largest monastery on the island. It is built at an altitude of 567 meters on top of the mountain of the same name, in the south-eastern part of Santorini, at a distance of only 3 kilometers from Pyrgos.

It was founded in 1711 by the hieromonk brothers Gabriel and Joachim, who came from the village and until today it functions as a men’s monastery. There are also two collections, the Folklore Collection, with old furniture and objects, and the Ecclesiastical Collection, with great icons and dishes. You can take a tour of Santorini!

Cathedral of Santorini

The Cathedral of Santorini is located in one of the busiest parts of Fira and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The temple worshiped today by the faithful and seen by the thousands of visitors who gather in front of it, on the budi, that is, the low wall, especially at sunset, was completed in 1968, designed by Georgios Nomikos. The frescoes of the Santorinian painter Christoforos Asimis adorn the interior of this church, which is today the center of Orthodoxy on the island.

Five days in Santorini in September are ideal to visit its most popular villages, to see up close its impressive sights and its very special beaches, but also to visit both the volcano and Akrotiri.

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