Many have read about the spectacular sunsets that occur in Santorini in October and the skeptic may wonder if the sunset can really appear differently there than on the neighboring islands of Naxos or Ios and Anafi.
However, the sunset in Santorini, from the Caldera, really is a magical painting with the volcano as a backdrop.
The colors change from deep red to yellow to orange and purple as the sun sinks into the Aegean and turns golden red reflecting the light on the sea and surrounding islands.
Sights
Ancient Thera
Ancient Thira is located on the top of the South-East peak of Santorini’s highest mountain, Prophet Ilias, just above Kamari. There was the ancient settlement of Thira. There is also a small church from 1100, the area was also used by the Romans as an administrative center.
The road leading to the top starts from the southern end of the bay in Kamari at the foot of the mountain. Those with good energy reserves can walk to the top following the winding road. the climb takes about 45 minutes, but the easiest way is to go up by car or take a minibus that runs from Kamari.
In the parking lot you will find a canteen, benches and a car park. From Ancient Thira there is a stunning view over the east coast of Santorini and the coastal resorts of Kamari and Perissa. If you plan to walk or drive, it’s a good idea to get there before 11am, before many tourists arrive.
Oia and Fira
In Oia you will have the best sunsets, also Oia and Fira are great cities for walking and shopping. In Fira there is a folklore museum, the fortress from the Middle Ages, two Metropolises, one Catholic and one Orthodox.
In the town of Fira you can go to the church of Ag. Mina, which is the church you will see on many postcards of Santorini.
If you go to Fira, in September, there is a famous classical music festival every year. You should also visit the old capital, Pyrgos.
Akrotiri
Akrotiri is an ancient city that was buried underground when the volcano erupted 3,500 years ago.
The buildings are in very good condition and we can say that it is the Pompeii of Greece.
The archaeological site of Akrotiri is one of the best in Greece, you can find it under a canopy and visitors can walk over the ruins on bridges that allow for a better view and photography.
What to do in Santorini in October 2022
There are tennis courts in Kamari and Karterados. In Perissa there is mini golf, a water park, go karts and roller skating. There are volleyball and basketball courts in Fira and Kamari. There are also many places to go cycling.
Many enjoy the two hour or so walk from Imerovigli to Fira, which is a very beautiful experience, but make sure you have water with you, although today the two towns with Firostefani in the middle are almost connected.
There are also possibilities to go horse riding. Nightlife is concentrated in Kamari, Perissa and Fira. Do not forget the famous wineries of the island, where you can visit and taste the local wines of Santorini. If you are driving you will see in many places signs with the words “Wine Roads”.
A good idea is to go on one of the boat tours offered. There are sunset trips in the evenings, and excursions to the volcano and the islands of Palaia Kameni and Thirasia, where there is a small picturesque village. In Fira you can also visit the Archaeological Museum and the Prehistoric Museum where you can see objects from the excavations at Akrotiri, as well as many sculpture objects covering the rich historical past of Santorini, from the prehistoric era to the Neolithic, Minoan, Hellenistic , Roman and Byzantine era.
Food and Restaurants
You can find almost everything in Santorini – from traditional Greek cuisine to international gourmet restaurants. Try the local Visanto wine in the Santorini tours wine tour. In Fira from the Caldera side, there are numerous eateries, restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy all kinds of food from cheap kebabs, gyros and hamburgers to expensive and lavish restaurants. You will find the same number of eateries and restaurants in Oia, Imerovigli and all the other resorts of the island.
Shopping
Santorini is a cosmopolitan island, and the number of luxury yachts and cruise ships that stop here is very high for such a small island, so the prices are somewhat more expensive than other islands.
Many artists live in Santorini, and you can buy very original hand painted items such as umbrellas, ceramics, jewelry, art supplies, etc. You can also buy pictures and pumice stones.
It is worth buying local wine and local fava beans of Santorini, as well as local cheeses and capers. Of course, if you stay in Santorini for a long time and would like to buy daily items and food, there are large supermarkets, mini markets, grocery stores and all kinds of shops.
