9 things you should do in Santorini in August
The beautiful and glamorous Santorini invites you for another summer to explore it and experience a unique vacation combining a ride with donkeys, a visit to a volcano and a cable car. Book a Santorini Tour with us in August and have the time of your life!
1. Walk in the famous and picturesque Fira
The cosmopolitan Fira, the capital of the island, retains its interesting architecture and is one of the busiest places on the island. From the port you will go up 4-5 turns and you will be in the neighborhoods of Fira.
The village as it is located in an advantageous position above the caldera has experienced great tourist development. You will see the popular caves that were the residences of the poorest inhabitants of the island, but also the impressive public buildings and urban houses of the 18th and 19th century. It is worth approaching Theotokopoulou Square with its cafes and luxury shops. Look for different places from where you will enjoy the view of the chaotic cliff and the volcanic islands.
One of them is the orthodox cathedral of the Diocese. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thira, the cultural center “Belloneio Foundation” and the Venetian Palace of Gyzi with its magnificent copperplates. In the upper Fira you will tour Frangomachalas with its well-preserved mansions and in Kato Fira, the church of Ag. Mina and the church of Christ. From here the cable car will take you down comfortably to the port of Gialos.
2. Walk in the famous Imerovigli
Imerovigli occupies the most privileged position and has the most breathtaking view of the caldera and Thirasia. It is famous for the luxurious hotels that offer their guests a natural balcony in the caldera, a calm atmosphere and a super relaxing landscape. You can have a Santorini Private Personalized Tour with Santorini Tours and experience the beauty of Santorini.
3. See rare finds in the museums of the island
A visit to the museum of Prehistoric Thira and the archeological site is like a dive into the long history of the island. The first houses finds from excavations in Akrotiri, such as furniture molds, bronze utensils and the only golden chamois figurine.
The Archaeological Museum houses collections of sculptures and inscriptions from the Archaic to the Roman period. Excavations have revealed parts of an advanced settlement of the 3rd millennium BC that was buried in the ashes of the great eruption of the volcano (15th century BC). It is considered one of the most important prehistoric centers of the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
4. Go to Pyrgos, the old capital
South of Fira you will find the village of Pyrgos which used to be (until 1800) the capital of the island. The settlement is located at the foot of Prof. Elias which is the highest mountain of Santorini.
In the center of the village dominates the medieval castle that is kept in good condition. There are picturesque taverns and beautiful cafes. Visit the monastery of Profitis Ilias or follow the path to the top of the mountain.
5. Visit Emporio and the nearby beaches
The village of Emporio is located in the southern part of Santorini and in the past was the commercial center of the island, as until a few years ago were located most of the shops.
Its medieval castle (Goulas) is well preserved. You will tour the labyrinthine medieval cobbled streets where in some cases only one person can fit. You will see the church of Evangelistria or Panagia Messiani (16th century) and the restored medieval buildings. You can take a tour of Santorini!
6. Plan a tour to the Volcano and the surrounding settlements
Prefer packages that include a visit to the Volcano, the Hot Springs and spend some time in Thirasia to discover the settlements of Potamos and Manolas, which are not touristically developed, and to swim in Korfos (old port), where you can enjoy a meal. However, the experience of seeing Santorini at sea is something you should not miss for any reason.
7. Opt for extreme sports
Only a diving enthusiast can understand the uniqueness of the experience of becoming part of this wonderful aquatic world. In Santorini you will feel this many times over, since at the same time there is the peculiarity of the seabed: the volcanic rocks and the awe from the bottom of the caldera.
8. Visit Red Beach, the wonder of nature
Santorini has good beaches such as Kamari sandy beach on the east side of the island, the famous Perissa with fine black sand, the busy beach of Monolithos near the airport, Columbus, Vlychada and many more. However, Red beach is considered the beast beach in Santorini.
This unique beach takes its name from the vertical reddish rocks that stand around next to the deep pelagic waters composing a landscape, almost unreal. It is approached from the great archeological site of Akrotiri where in the parking lot you will leave your vehicle and continue on a downhill path for 5 minutes to the sea. Of course you can also come by excursion boat from Akrotiri.
Be prepared for lots of people, especially in August. There are canteens, while part of the sea shore is occupied by umbrella loungers. It has a southern orientation and consequently the meltemi does not catch it. In any case, despite any inconvenience, if you choose Santorini this summer, know that swimming on the Red Beach is one of the best thinks you can do in the island.
9. Santorini is an excellent gastronomic destination
Santorini is probably the most gastronomic island of the Aegean with a series of excellent local products but also restaurants that highlight and give another dimension to the products and the Greek cuisine. So your experience on the island will be complete only by tasting the cuisine of some of the distinguished and award-winning chefs of the island, who passionately cook and give soul to local products. You can enjoy a Santorini Private Tour and Food Experience as well as a Santorini Wine Tour with us.
