Special, romantic, unique. No matter how many adjectives you put next to the island of Santorini, they are not enough to describe it to the absolute extent. Full of contrasts, but also with an unparalleled style, it welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world every summer. See why you can’t help falling in love with Santorini in 2023.
What not to miss in Santorini in 2023
The sunset in Oia
Did we say that Santorini is not only about the sunset, but how can you go there and not enjoy it at least once? It can not be done! Even if you are not among the romantics of this world, it is impossible not to be seduced by this mysterious force that almost hypnotizes the crowd in the alleys of Oia, when the clock approaches sunset time. Then, a huge demonstration with hats, cameras and the smell of sunscreen moves to the edge of Oia at the Kastelli of Agios Georgios, where you just stare with your mouth open as the sun dips into the Caldera and the people applaud it. If you are looking for a similar spectacle with fewer spectators, other amazing spots on the island to watch the sun set are the peak of the prophet Ilias, the height of ancient Thira, the Lighthouse, the castle of Pyrgos and the beach of Vlyhada.
The evenings in Fira
The day belongs to the beaches, the sunset time belongs to Oia, and the evening rightfully belongs to Fira, the lively capital of the island that not only has beautiful cave houses on the side of the Caldera, but also a multitude of bars, restaurants, taverns, fast food and squares, which “buzz” pleasantly all night long.
Firostefani
You can reach Firostefani from Fira, following the eyebrow of the caldera and covering a distance of about 10 minutes on foot. Firostefani, which has always been the favorite stop of every visitor to the island, owes its name to the fact that it crowns Fira.
The view of the caldera is simply unbeatable, with the cliff so steep that many times your heart will beat faster. In Firostefani you will find several worthwhile suggestions for food, in restaurants and taverns whose main characteristic is the relaxing atmosphere. You can take a tour of Santorini!
Imerovigli
Undoubtedly, Imerovigli occupies the most privileged position and has the most breathtaking view of the caldera and Thirasia. It is famous for the most luxurious hotels that offer their guests a natural balcony on the caldera, calm atmosphere and super relaxing scenery.
The volcano
Parts of the active volcano of Santorini, the islets of Palaia and Nea Kameni that emerge on the other side of the Caldera, remind us that they were once part of the same island, which was then called Strongili because of its shape. Every day from the small port of Fira, boats depart for the volcano and the neighboring island of Thirasia, which are worth boarding if you are fascinated by the idea of being on top of a volcano.
Do not expect picturesque landscapes, but wild hills that you will have to climb under the hot sun. And yet, it is worth it, as you will find yourself as close as possible to the heart of the legend of Atlantis, signs of which are the smoke and hot air in the small openings of Kammeni from where the volcano breathes.
Note that the mini excursion is not suitable for those who cannot stand long exposure to the sun or climbing. Also note that on the way back you will also pass by the point of the hot springs, where the water turns red and hot, to the small cove of an island that has only one inhabitant: the mysterious man with a weakness for the color red, who does not you are unlikely to find him meditating on the shore!
Emporio
During the Venetian rule it was the commercial and financial center of Santorini. Today it is one of the most interesting villages of the island, especially from an architectural point of view. Emporio is located in the southern part of Thira, very close to Perivolo and Perissa beaches. Here you will be impressed by the characteristic, stone-hewn houses. You will be enchanted by the exploration of the Castle, while you will feel intense immersion in Panagia Kali, located inside the castle.
The summer cinema in Kamari
It has been voted one of the ten most beautiful summer cinemas on the planet and not without reason, as it is located on the beach promenade of the Kamari coast and is still an oasis of coolness and nostalgia with comfortable director’s chairs, a bar with stools to watch the film sipping your drink and green background that accompanies the movies.
Akrotiri
It is the greatest archaeological discovery of the Eastern Mediterranean. Akrotiri is a picturesque village in the southwestern part of the island, at a distance of about 10 km from Fira. The most important attraction in Akrotiri is the prehistoric settlement, which was first inhabited around 4500 BC. and came to light after the systematic excavations that began in 1967.
Now the visited archaeological site has been upgraded and has acquired a new bioclimatic shelter, attracting thousands of visitors. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the most important “historical relics” of Greece (and not only Santorini), walking in a city of yesterday that remains alive.
The wine
The special soil and climate of Santorini was fertile ground for the Cycladic winegrowers, who endowed the island with a heavy tradition in winemaking. White Assyrtiko is the “ruler” of production, while Athiri and Aidani follow. The famous local wine Vinsanto is an experience for the taste buds in itself – you can try it in the small local canavas (traditional wineries) or in larger establishments. Of course, you will find local wine in every restaurant on the island.
Why Falling in Love with Santorini Is So Easy
The places described above, from the Oia sunset to the wines of the canavas, explain the attraction. Yet ask any returning visitor and they will describe something more personal: a moment when the island simply won them over. This is our guide to the moments that lead to falling in love with Santorini, and how to find them.
Falling in love with Santorini starts with the first view. Whether from a ferry entering the caldera, a plane window or the rim above Fira, the first sight of the cliffs rarely leaves anyone unmoved.
Falling in love with Santorini is about contrasts. White villages against dark volcanic rock, a deep blue sea against red cliffs, busy Fira against silent inland lanes.
Falling in love with Santorini takes time. The island reveals itself slowly, in early mornings, quiet villages and long lunches, not only in the famous viewpoints.
The sections below follow those moments across the island.
Arriving by Sea
For many visitors, falling in love with Santorini happens before they even set foot on the island.
The ferry approach. As the ferry enters the caldera, the cliffs rise up to around 300 metres on either side, with the white villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia strung along the top like snow on a mountain ridge.
Falling in love with Santorini at Athinios. Ferries dock at Athinios in the south-west, and the road climbs the cliff in tight hairpin bends, revealing the caldera below at every turn.
Cruise arrivals. Cruise passengers are tendered to the Old Port below Fira and climb to the town by cable car or on foot, with the view growing wider at every step.
Falling in love with Santorini from the air. Flights approach over the sea, often giving a first glimpse of the caldera’s great ring of cliffs.
Practical note. Taxis are limited at the port and airport. Pre-book a transfer so the first impression is the view, not the queue.
Walking the Rim from Fira to Oia
The article above describes Firostefani as the village that crowns Fira. Continuing along the rim all the way to Oia is one of the surest routes to falling in love with Santorini.
The route. Around ten kilometres from Fira through Firostefani and Imerovigli, then over open ground past small chapels to Oia. Allow three to five hours with stops.
Falling in love with Santorini on foot. Every bend opens a new view: the volcanic islands in the middle of the caldera, Thirasia across the water and the cliffs dropping to the sea.
Skaros Rock. Below Imerovigli, the great rock that once held the island’s medieval castle is worth a detour.
When to go. Start early in summer, as the second half has little shade. Spring and autumn are ideal.
Falling in love with Santorini at the finish. Arrive in Oia in time for the sunset, then take a bus, taxi or transfer back.
What to carry. Plenty of water, sun protection and proper walking shoes.
Imerovigli and Firostefani, Up Close
The article above praises Firostefani’s views and Imerovigli’s natural balcony on the caldera. Spending a slow day in these two villages is one of the gentlest ways of falling in love with Santorini.
Firostefani. Its name refers to the way it crowns Fira. A short walk north of the capital, it has small squares, relaxed tavernas and some of the best sunset views on the rim.
The Three Bells of Fira. Just below the path between Fira and Firostefani, the blue-domed church often called the Three Bells of Fira is one of the island’s best-known views, especially in the morning.
Imerovigli. The highest village on the caldera edge, around 300 metres above the sea, with small whitewashed churches along its paths and Skaros Rock rising below.
Falling in love with Santorini on the rim. A late-afternoon walk from Fira to Imerovigli, a drink as the sun goes down and dinner in the village make a perfect first evening on the island.
Staying here. Both villages are quieter than Fira and Oia, yet within walking distance of the capital’s restaurants and transport.
Oia in the Morning
The Oia sunset, described above, draws the crowds. Oia in the early morning is where many visitors find themselves falling in love with Santorini all over again.
Empty lanes. Before the tour groups arrive, the marble main street, the blue domes and the cave houses are quiet, lit by the soft morning sun.
Falling in love with Santorini at the castle. The castle ruins at the western tip of the village, packed at sunset, are almost empty at breakfast time.
The captains’ mansions. Grand 19th-century houses built by the village’s sea captains line the main lane.
The Maritime Museum. A small museum in a restored mansion tells the story of Oia’s seafaring past.
Falling in love with Santorini in Ammoudi. Steps lead down to the small harbour below, with fish tavernas at the water’s edge and deep, clear water for a swim.
Tip. Arrive before nine in summer, and leave before midday when the crowds and heat build.
Pyrgos, the Village on the Hill
The article above lists the castle of Pyrgos as a quieter sunset spot. The village itself is one of the places where falling in love with Santorini feels most natural.
The lanes. Pyrgos grew up inside and around a medieval fortified settlement. Its narrow lanes wind in circles up the hill, under arches and between whitewashed walls.
Falling in love with Santorini in the churches. The village has dozens of churches and chapels, some centuries old, with bell towers visible from across the island.
The view. From the top, both coasts are visible: the caldera on one side and the vineyards and beaches of the east on the other.
Good Friday. On the night of Good Friday, Pyrgos is lit with thousands of small fires and lanterns, one of the most moving sights in Greece.
Falling in love with Santorini at sunset in Pyrgos. Watch the sun go down over the whole island from a café terrace near the top.
Megalochori and the Wine Villages
The article above introduces Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani and Vinsanto. The villages where these wines are made hold another path to falling in love with Santorini.
Megalochori. A traditional village of old mansions and canavas, with a small shaded square and a much-photographed bell tower on the caldera’s edge.
Falling in love with Santorini among the vines. Look at the vineyards and you will see the vines trained low into circular baskets, protecting the grapes from wind and sun.
Tastings. Wineries around Megalochori, Pyrgos, Episkopi Gonia and Akrotiri offer tastings, some with caldera views, some in old cellars dug into the rock.
The harvest. Grapes are picked in late summer, earlier than in most of Europe.
Falling in love with Santorini, one glass at a time. Assyrtiko with lunch, Vinsanto with dessert and a long conversation with the winemaker.
Practical note. Book a tour with transport rather than driving after tasting. See our page on the wine museum of Santorini.
A Day at Sea
The volcano excursion described above is only one way onto the water. Sailing the caldera is, for many, the moment of falling in love with Santorini.
Catamaran cruises. Shared or private catamarans sail from the south coast, stopping at the Red and White beaches, the hot springs and quiet bays for swimming, with a meal on board.
Falling in love with Santorini from the water. Only from the sea do you see the full height of the cliffs and the coloured layers of volcanic rock.
The hot springs. As the article above says, the water turns red and warm in a small cove off Palea Kameni. Swim in from the boat, wearing old swimwear.
Sunset sailing. An evening cruise ends with the sun setting behind Thirasia.
Falling in love with Santorini, privately. A private boat lets couples and families choose their own route and swimming stops.
Practical note. Summer winds can cancel trips. Keep a flexible day and bring a light layer.
Thirasia, the Quiet Sister
The article above mentions boats to the neighbouring island of Thirasia. Spending time there shows a slower, older island, and many visitors find themselves falling in love with Santorini through its quiet sister.
Korfos. The small harbour where boats land, with fish tavernas along the water.
Manolas. The main village, on the caldera rim, looking straight across at Oia and Fira.
Falling in love with Santorini from across the water. From Manolas, the line of white villages on the opposite cliffs looks like a painting.
The pace. Few cars, few shops and almost no crowds.
Getting there. Small boats from Ammoudi below Oia, or a stop on many volcano cruises.
Tip. Take a small boat and choose your own return time for a long, lazy lunch.
The Black, Red and White Coast
The article above says the day belongs to the beaches. The island’s unusual coast is another reason for falling in love with Santorini.
Kamari. A long black-sand beach backed by a promenade of restaurants, bars and the famous open-air cinema mentioned above.
Perissa and Perivolos. On the other side of Mesa Vouno, a long stretch of dark sand with beach bars, water sports and calmer corners at its far end.
Falling in love with Santorini at the Red Beach. A dramatic beach below a red cliff near Akrotiri. Access is sometimes restricted because of rockfalls, so view it from the path if needed.
The White Beach. A small cove under pale cliffs, reached only by boat.
Vlychada. As the article notes, a sunset spot too, with pale, wind-sculpted cliffs above a long, quieter beach.
Falling in love with Santorini safely. Dark sand gets very hot, so bring beach shoes, and swim only in calm water.
Ancient Thera and Profitis Ilias
The article above names the height of Ancient Thira and the peak of Profitis Ilias as sunset spots. Both are also wonderful places for falling in love with Santorini by day.
Ancient Thera. The ruined city on the ridge of Mesa Vouno, founded by Dorian settlers around the 9th century BC, with houses, temples, a theatre and an agora spread along the ridge.
Falling in love with Santorini from the ridge. From Ancient Thera you look down on Kamari and Perissa, with the open Aegean beyond.
Profitis Ilias. The island’s highest point, at around 560 metres, with an 18th-century monastery near the summit and views over the whole island.
The ridge walk. Fit walkers can follow a rough trail between the two, best in spring or autumn.
Falling in love with Santorini at golden hour. Both spots glow in the late afternoon light, with far fewer people than the caldera villages.
Practical note. Check Ancient Thera’s opening hours, which vary by season, and bring water; there is no shade.
Falling in Love with Santorini’s History at Akrotiri
The article above calls Akrotiri a city of yesterday that remains alive. For history lovers, walking its streets is the moment of falling in love with Santorini.
The Bronze Age town. Multi-storey houses, streets, squares, storerooms still holding their jars and a drainage system, preserved under volcanic ash for more than three thousand years.
The shelter. As noted above, a modern bioclimatic roof protects the site, so it is comfortable on hot days and rainy ones.
Falling in love with Santorini through its wall paintings. The colourful frescoes found at Akrotiri, now displayed at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira, show flowers, animals, ships and people from daily life.
The mystery. Few valuables and no human remains have been found, suggesting the inhabitants left before the eruption.
Falling in love with Santorini with a guide. A knowledgeable guide explains what each building was used for and how the town was rediscovered.
Timing. Arrive at opening time to beat the tour groups, then continue to the Red Beach viewpoint and a seaside lunch.
Emporio and the Hidden South
The article above describes Emporio as one of the most interesting villages for its architecture. Exploring the south is a quieter way of falling in love with Santorini.
The kasteli of Emporio. A medieval fortified core of narrow passages, arches and tall houses built wall to wall so their outer walls formed a defence against pirates.
Falling in love with Santorini in the lanes. The passages of the kasteli are cool and quiet even in summer, with small churches around every corner.
The windmills. Old windmills stand on the hill above the village, overlooking the south of the island.
Perissa and Perivolos. As the article notes, the beaches are close by for a swim after exploring.
Falling in love with Santorini at Vlychada. Further west, pale, wind-sculpted cliffs rise above a long beach and a small marina with fish tavernas.
Akrotiri village. Above the excavation, the remains of a Venetian castle crown a quiet village.
Staying in a Cave House
Few experiences capture the island’s character like sleeping in a traditional cave house. For many couples, it is where falling in love with Santorini becomes personal.
What they are. Cave houses, called yposkafa, were dug into the soft volcanic rock by islanders who needed shelter from the wind and heat. Their thick walls keep them cool in summer and comfortable in winter.
Where to find them. Along the caldera in Oia, Firostefani and Imerovigli, and inland in villages such as Karterados, Vothonas and Foinikia.
Falling in love with Santorini in a cave suite. Many have been restored as hotel rooms, with vaulted ceilings, whitewashed walls and private terraces looking over the caldera.
What to check. Cave rooms can be less bright than standard rooms, and many caldera properties are reached by long flights of steps. Ask about light, ventilation and access before booking.
Falling in love with Santorini on a budget. Inland cave houses cost far less than caldera suites and offer the same unique architecture.
Food That Wins Hearts
A long meal in a village taverna is often the moment of falling in love with Santorini for food lovers.
Tomatokeftedes. The tomato fritters mentioned above are made from the small, intense Santorini tomato, grown without irrigation.
Fava. A creamy purée of yellow split peas grown on the island, with olive oil, onion and capers.
Falling in love with Santorini at the table. White aubergine, capers, chloro cheese and fresh fish complete a typical island meal.
Seafood by the sea. Fish tavernas in Ammoudi, Vlychada and on Thirasia serve the day’s catch. Ask the price per kilo before ordering.
Where to eat. As the article above says, you can find local wine in every restaurant. Village tavernas often serve the best local food at the fairest prices.
Falling in love with Santorini late at night. Greeks eat late; a table at 21:30 is normal, and the best atmosphere comes after that.
Evenings in Fira and Kamari
As the article above says, the evening rightfully belongs to Fira. Nights out are another way of falling in love with Santorini.
The caldera promenade. As the sun sets, the path along the rim in Fira fills with people, and the lights of the villages come on across the caldera.
Falling in love with Santorini over dinner. Caldera-view restaurants are unforgettable for a special night; the lanes behind the rim hide simpler, cheaper tavernas.
Bars and clubs. Fira is the centre of the island’s nightlife, with cliffside cocktail bars and livelier clubs in the lanes behind.
The open-air cinema in Kamari. As described above, summer screenings on the beach promenade, with director’s chairs and a drink in hand, are a much-loved island tradition.
Falling in love with Santorini at a festival. Village festivals on saints’ days bring music, dancing, food and wine, and visitors are welcome.
Getting home. Taxis are scarce late at night; book a transfer in advance.
Romance on the Caldera
Santorini is one of the world’s great romantic destinations, and couples come from every continent. These are the moments when falling in love with Santorini and with each other go together.
Sunrise walks. Walking the caldera path or the lanes of Oia at dawn, with the island almost to yourselves.
A private sunset. Skip the crowded castle viewpoint and watch from Imerovigli, a private boat or a terrace with a view.
Falling in love with Santorini at a wedding. Couples marry in small chapels, on hotel terraces and at caldera viewpoints, usually timed for the golden light before sunset.
Proposals. The chapel below Skaros, a quiet corner of Oia at dawn or a sunset cruise are favourite settings.
Honeymoons. Imerovigli and Firostefani offer the same views as Oia with calmer evenings.
Falling in love with Santorini slowly. Leave time each day to sit on a terrace and watch the light change over the caldera.
Capturing the Moment
Almost everyone wants to take home a picture of the island. Photographing it well is part of falling in love with Santorini.
Oia’s blue domes at sunrise. The most famous image of the island, best in the soft early light with empty lanes.
Falling in love with Santorini from the rim. The path from Fira to Imerovigli gives classic views of the caldera, the volcano and Thirasia.
The coloured cliffs. The layers of volcanic rock are most striking from a boat in the late afternoon.
The villages. Pyrgos, Emporio and Megalochori offer bell towers, arches and lanes with few people in the frame.
Falling in love with Santorini responsibly. Many famous rooftops belong to hotels and homes. Never climb onto private property for a photograph.
Drones. Drone flights are restricted in many areas; check the rules before flying.
The Right Season to Fall in Love
The article above describes an island that welcomes millions of visitors every summer. Choosing your season carefully makes falling in love with Santorini much easier.
Spring. April and May bring green hillsides, wild flowers and mild temperatures. Greek Easter adds unforgettable traditions.
Summer. June to August has warm sea and long evenings, but also the most heat, crowds and highest prices.
Falling in love with Santorini in autumn. September and October bring warm sea, soft light and fewer crowds, many visitors’ favourite time. See our page on Santorini in September and October.
Winter. Quiet, local and dramatic, with stormy skies over the caldera and empty lanes, though many businesses close.
Falling in love with Santorini off-peak. Late May, June, September and early October offer the best balance of weather, sea and calm.
Where to Stay
Your base shapes every day of your visit. These are the areas where falling in love with Santorini comes most easily.
Imerovigli. As the article above says, it has the most privileged position and the most breathtaking view of the caldera and Thirasia, with a calm atmosphere.
Firostefani. Superb views, relaxed tavernas and a ten-minute walk to Fira.
Falling in love with Santorini in Oia. The most romantic village, magical in the morning and evening, but crowded at sunset.
Fira. Lively, central and well connected, with the island’s main nightlife.
Kamari and Perissa. Beach resorts with better value, easier for families.
Pyrgos and Megalochori. Traditional villages for a quiet, authentic stay.
Falling in love with Santorini without the steps. Many caldera hotels have long flights of steps. Check access before booking.
Getting Around
Good transport planning leaves more time for falling in love with Santorini and less time in traffic.
Buses. Cheap and useful, linking Fira with most villages and beaches, though crowded in summer and centred on Fira.
Taxis. Few for the number of visitors, with long waits after sunset in Oia.
Car hire. Useful for the south and the villages, but parking in Fira and Oia is difficult in summer.
Quad bikes. Popular but involved in many accidents. Choose a car if you are inexperienced.
Walking. The best way to explore the caldera villages.
Private tours. A local driver-guide handles the roads, parking and timing, and knows the quiet viewpoints.
A Four-Day Plan
This sample plan brings together the moments above into four days of falling in love with Santorini.
Day one: the caldera. Fira and its museums in the morning, the walk to Firostefani and Imerovigli in the afternoon and the sunset from Skaros.
Day two: Oia. Oia at dawn, lunch in Ammoudi, a rest in the afternoon and the sunset at the castle.
Day three: the sea. A catamaran or volcano cruise with the hot springs and Thirasia, and a quiet evening in Fira.
Day four: the south. Akrotiri at opening time, Emporio’s castle, a winery in Megalochori and the sunset from Pyrgos.
Falling in love with Santorini at your own pace. Keep the boat day flexible in case of wind, and leave room for long lunches.
A shorter stay. See our page on what to do in Santorini in three days.
Keeping the Island Lovable
Millions of visitors fall for the island every year. Travelling thoughtfully helps keep falling in love with Santorini possible for everyone.
Respect private property. Many famous rooftops belong to hotels and homes. Do not climb onto them for photographs.
Skip the mule ride. The welfare of the mules on the Fira steps has been widely criticised. Walk or take the cable car.
Travel off-peak. Spring and autumn spread the pressure and give you a calmer island.
Support local businesses. Eat in village tavernas, buy local products and book with local guides.
Leave no trace. Take rubbish away from beaches and paths.
Respect local life. Dress modestly in churches and keep noise down in the lanes at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do so many people end up falling in love with Santorini?
Its dramatic volcanic landscape, white villages on the cliffs, extraordinary sunsets, unique wine and food, and a history reaching back thousands of years.
Is Santorini good for couples?
Yes. It is one of the world’s most romantic destinations, ideal for honeymoons, proposals and weddings.
Where is the most romantic place to stay?
Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia, on the caldera rim.
How many days do I need?
Three to five days to see the island at a relaxed pace.
When is the best time to visit?
Late May, June, September and early October.
With Santorini Tours. Our private tours are designed for falling in love with Santorini: the right places, the right timing and a local guide who knows the island. Contact us to plan your visit.
