Santorini needs no introduction because thousands of magazines and articles have celebrated one of Greece’s most famous and fascinating islands and it offers plenty of things to see and do during your visit. Dreamy sunsets, enchanting landscapes, and picturesque villages: a trip to Santorini is one of those things you must do at least once in your life. But what should you see in Santorini in summer 2024?
Why should you visit Santorini in summer 2024?
Santorini in summer 2024 is one of the things you must visit during your trip to Greece. In fact, in Santorini, you will find wonderful villages, interesting archaeological sites and suggestive vineyards. However, this island is most famous for its Caldera which is home to one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. In addition, for nature and hiking lovers, the island offers beautiful paths and suggestive beaches.
1. Oia
During a trip to Santorini in summer 2024, Oia is the first thing you should visit. This wonderful village is perched on top of the rock and offers a unique view of the Caldera. Located on the island’s northern tip, Oia is characterized by the typical pastel blue domes and white walls of Orthodox churches. In addition, here you can see one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. Oia will be the postcard of your Santorini trip.
2. Fira
The town of Fira is the capital of this fantastic island and is one of the must-sees in Santorini. Here, you will find wonderful cobbled streets and breathtaking views of the famous Caldera. Perched on the cliff about 260 meters above sea level, Fira will amaze you. In addition, the island’s capital offers many restaurants, boutiques, and clubs for lovers of nightlife.
3. Red Beach
Included in the list of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Red Beach is one of the must-sees in Santorini in summer 2024. You will find yourself in front of an exciting stretch of red sand surrounded by a rock of volcanic origin. The colors are unique!
In addition, the sea that washes the Red Beach is transparent and has crystal colors. Therefore, a dip in the waters of the Red Beach is one of the things you must do in Santorini and in Greece.
4. Pyrgos
Among the most authentic things to visit in Santorini in summer 2024, we find the village of Pyrgos. This traditional village is a wonderful tangle of streets with characteristic blue and white houses.
Built by the Venetians in the 15th century, Pyrgos is built around its castle and is filled with fascinating Byzantine churches. Simply put, Pyrgos is a must-stop on your Santorini trip.
5. Ancient Thera
If you are a history buff, the archaeological site of Ancient Thira is one of the things you should not miss in Santorini in summer 2024. In fact, in the area of Mesa Vouno, about 400 meters above sea level, you can admire the ancient city of Fira which was inhabited since the 9th century BC until the medieval era.
Therefore, in the archaeological site, you will find evocative remains such as the Temple of Dionysus, the Sanctuary of Apollo, and the Agora. Finally, if we can give you some advice, visit Ancient Thira in the morning avoiding the hottest hours.
6. Emporio
The medieval village of Emporio is one of the most authentic things to visit in Santorini. Despite being one of the largest villages on the island, Emporio is off the beaten track of mass tourism.
However, the historic center is a wonderful maze of narrow, picturesque streets that will be wonderful to get lost in. Without a doubt, Emporio is one of the most exciting things to do in Santorini in summer 2024!
7. Akrotiri
For archeology enthusiasts, Akrotiri is a must-stop on your Santorini trip. In fact, in the small village of Akrotiri, you can visit the archaeological excavations where the ruins of a Minoan city were found. You will find yourself in front of an ancient harbor that was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of 1628 BC.
In short, Akrotiri is the “Pompeii of the Aegean” and is one of the things you must visit in Santorini in summer 2024.
8. Ammoudi
Ammoudi is one of the most picturesque locations in Santorini and one of the things you must visit in Santorini in summer 2024. Located at the foot of Oia and overlooking the Caldera, this lovely bay stands out for its characteristic restaurants and colorful boats moored in the marina.
In addition, at sunset, the colors offered by Amoudi are unique. Reserve a table half an hour before sunset and enjoy the show!
9. Wine tasting
Santorini is the island of delightful Assyrtikos and a wine tasting is one of the things you can do on this Greek island. The soil conditions are ideal for the cultivation and production of this white wine.
Therefore, you can visit some traditional cellars and observe the methods of making and preserving wine. You can take a private wine tour with Santorini Tours! All you have to do is sample excellent glasses accompanied by the inevitable cold meats, cheeses, and olives.
More of What to See in Santorini in Summer
The nine highlights above are the island’s essentials. Summer, with long days and a warm sea, gives time for much more. This section continues the list of what to see in Santorini in summer, with practical advice for the hottest and busiest months.
What to see in Santorini in summer on land. Caldera villages, quiet inland villages, ancient sites, museums and viewpoints that are at their best early in the day.
What to see in Santorini in summer at sea. The volcano, the hot springs, Thirasia and beaches that can only be reached by boat.
What to see in Santorini in summer: timing matters. In July and August, the heat and the crowds peak between late morning and late afternoon. Sightsee early, swim at midday and return to the villages for the evening.
Each entry below explains what makes the place special and when to visit it in summer.
10. Imerovigli and Skaros Rock
High on the caldera rim between Fira and Oia, Imerovigli is one of the most rewarding places on any list of what to see in Santorini in summer.
What to see in Santorini in summer: the view. At the highest point of the caldera edge, around 300 metres above the sea, Imerovigli looks across the volcano to Thirasia.
Skaros Rock. Below the village rises the great rock that once held the island’s medieval castle. A stepped path leads to its base in around 20 to 30 minutes, and a narrow ledge path continues to the small chapel of Theoskepasti above the sea.
What to see in Santorini in summer at golden hour. The rock and the cliffs glow gold in the late afternoon, and the sunset from Imerovigli is calmer than in Oia.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. Walk to Skaros early in the morning or after 18:00. The path has no shade, and the climb back up is steep.
What to see in Santorini in summer: getting there. Imerovigli is a 30-minute walk from Fira along the caldera path, or a short bus or taxi ride.
14. Firostefani and the Three Bells
A short walk north of Fira, Firostefani is a quieter place to enjoy the caldera and an easy addition to what to see in Santorini in summer.
What to see in Santorini in summer: the village. Its name refers to the way it crowns Fira. Small squares, relaxed tavernas and wide views over the volcano.
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.
What to see in Santorini in summer at sunset. Firostefani faces the volcano and gives superb sunsets with fewer people than Oia.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. Photograph the Three Bells in the morning, when the light is soft and the path is quiet.
What to see in Santorini in summer: getting there. Around 10 to 15 minutes on foot from Fira along the caldera path.
20. The Caldera Path from Fira to Oia
As the article above says, the island offers beautiful paths for hiking lovers. The walk along the caldera rim is the finest, and one of the great experiences in what to see in Santorini in summer.
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.
The views. The whole caldera below you: the volcanic islands, Thirasia and the cliffs dropping hundreds of metres to the sea.
What to see in Santorini in summer on foot: timing. Start at sunrise in July and August. Beyond Imerovigli there is almost no shade.
A shorter option. Fira to Imerovigli takes under an hour and is mostly paved.
What to carry. At least two litres of water per person, sun protection and proper shoes.
23. Oia Beyond the Postcard
Oia, described above as the postcard of your trip, has more to offer than the sunset. Its quieter corners deserve a place in what to see in Santorini in summer.
The castle. The ruins at the western tip of the village are packed at sunset, but almost empty early in the morning.
The Maritime Museum. In a restored mansion, the museum tells the story of Oia’s sea captains through ship models, figureheads and documents.
The captains’ houses. Grand 19th-century mansions along the main lane show the wealth that shipping brought to the village.
The windmills. White windmills at the edge of the village make a classic photograph at golden hour.
Armeni Bay. A long staircase leads down to a second small bay below Oia, once home to boat-building yards.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. Arrive before 9:00 and leave before midday, then return in the evening once the day visitors have gone.
11. The Volcano and the Hot Springs
The small black islands in the middle of the caldera are among the most unusual sights of what to see in Santorini in summer.
Nea Kameni. The youngest island in the caldera, built by eruptions from the 18th century onwards, with the most recent in 1950. A marked path climbs to the crater area, around an hour up and down.
What you see. Craters, lava fields, steam vents and yellow sulphur deposits, with views back to the white villages on the cliffs.
Palea Kameni. In a bay of the older neighbouring island, warm iron-rich water rises into the sea. Boats anchor nearby and passengers swim to the springs.
What to see in Santorini in summer on a boat day. Most excursions combine the crater walk, the hot springs and a stop on Thirasia.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. Choose a morning departure. The black lava absorbs the heat, and there is no shade on the crater walk. Wear closed shoes and bring water.
Swimwear. Wear an old swimsuit for the hot springs; the iron can stain light fabric.
12. Thirasia
Across the caldera from Oia, the small island of Thirasia is a peaceful escape from the summer crowds and one of the quieter entries in what to see in Santorini in summer.
Korfos. The small harbour where boats land, with fish tavernas along the water.
Manolas. The main village, reached by steps from Korfos, sits on the caldera rim and looks back at Oia and Fira.
The pace. Few cars, few shops and almost no crowds, even in August.
What to see in Santorini in summer from the other side. From Manolas, the line of white villages on the Santorini cliffs is one of the finest views in the Cyclades.
What to see in Santorini in summer: getting there. Small boats run from Ammoudi below Oia, and many volcano excursions stop at Korfos for lunch.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. The steps from Korfos to Manolas are steep and exposed. Climb early or late, or enjoy lunch by the water instead.
13. Megalochori
A traditional village of old mansions and wine cellars, Megalochori is one of the calmest places on the list of what to see in Santorini in summer.
What to see in Santorini in summer: the village. Megalochori grew rich on wine in the 18th and 19th centuries. Old canavas, the traditional wine cellars, hide behind high walls along its lanes.
The square. A small, shaded square with tavernas and cafés, a welcome refuge from the summer sun.
The bell tower. At the edge of the village, a much-photographed church bell tower stands against the caldera.
What to see in Santorini in summer nearby. Several wineries lie on the roads around the village, and the path down to Thermi beach starts here.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. Visit in the late afternoon, when the lanes are cool, then drive to the Akrotiri Lighthouse for the sunset.
22. Vothonas and the Cave Villages
Away from the caldera, the interior of the island hides villages built into the volcanic rock. They are among the quietest places in what to see in Santorini in summer.
Vothonas. Built on both sides of a ravine, with houses and churches carved into the soft rock. From above you see only doorways, domes and chimneys.
Karterados. A traditional village of cave houses and cobbled lanes, a short drive from Fira.
Messaria. Known for its 19th-century mansions built by wealthy wine merchants, in contrast with the cave houses around them.
Why they stay cool. The cave houses, called yposkafa, were dug into the rock so that the thick walls would keep them cool in summer and warm in winter.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. These villages are rarely crowded, even in August. Walk slowly, respect residents’ privacy and finish with lunch in a village taverna.
24. The Wineries
The wine tasting described above deserves a closer look. The island’s wineries are among the most enjoyable stops in what to see in Santorini in summer, especially in the heat of the afternoon.
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.
The kouloura. In the vineyards, the vines are trained low into circular baskets to protect the grapes from the strong summer wind and sun.
What to see in Santorini in summer: where the wineries are. Wineries are spread across the centre and south, around Megalochori, Pyrgos, Episkopi Gonia and Akrotiri. Some have caldera terraces; others are in old cellars dug into the rock.
What to see in Santorini in summer: the harvest. Grapes are picked in August, earlier than in most of Europe.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. Book a tasting with transport rather than driving afterwards, and choose a late-afternoon slot for a terrace with a sunset view.
15. Kamari and Its Open-Air Cinema
On the east coast, Kamari is the island’s classic summer resort and a relaxed stop on the list of what to see in Santorini in summer.
The beach. A long black-sand beach with sunbeds, water sports and a pedestrian promenade of restaurants and cafés, with the mountain of Mesa Vouno rising at its southern end.
The open-air cinema. Summer screenings under the stars on the beach promenade are a much-loved island tradition.
What to see in Santorini in summer above Kamari. The road up Mesa Vouno leads to Ancient Thera, described above.
The Wine Museum. Near Kamari, an underground museum traces the history of winemaking on the island. See our page on the wine museum of Santorini.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. The dark sand gets very hot; bring beach shoes and arrive early for a sunbed in August.
16. Perissa and Perivolos
On the other side of Mesa Vouno, the long beach of Perissa and Perivolos is one of the liveliest places in what to see in Santorini in summer.
The beach. Several kilometres of dark sand with beach bars, sunbeds, tavernas and water sports.
Perivolos. The southern stretch, known for beach bars with music and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
What to see in Santorini in summer nearby: Emporio. The medieval village described above is only a few minutes away.
The quieter end. Towards Agios Georgios, at the far end of Perivolos, the beach becomes calmer.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. Swim in the morning when the sea is calm, and return for a sunset drink by the water.
17. The White Beach and Vlychada
The south coast has two very different beaches that belong on the list of what to see in Santorini in summer.
The White Beach. A small cove under pale cliffs near the Red Beach, described above, reached only by boat from Akrotiri or on catamaran cruises.
Vlychada. Pale volcanic cliffs sculpted by wind and water into strange shapes rise above a long dark beach. A small marina nearby has fish tavernas.
What to see in Santorini in summer at Vlychada: the Tomato Industrial Museum. An old tomato-canning factory by the sea tells the story of the industry that once sustained the island.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. Vlychada is often calmer than Kamari when the summer north wind blows.
What to see in Santorini in summer: getting there. By car or bus to Vlychada; by boat to the White Beach.
18. The Akrotiri Lighthouse
At the south-western tip of the island, the lighthouse is the best alternative to Oia for the sunset and a highlight of what to see in Santorini in summer.
The lighthouse. Built in the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest in the Cyclades. The building is usually closed, but the headland is open.
The sunset. The sun sinks into the open sea beyond the cliffs, with the whole caldera stretching away to the north.
What to see in Santorini in summer without the Oia crowds. The lighthouse is increasingly popular, but still far calmer than Oia in July and August.
Safety. The cliffs have no railings. Stay well back from the edge, especially with children.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. Parking is limited, so arrive early. Combine it with Akrotiri, the Red Beach and a winery for a full day in the south.
25. The Island from the Water
With a warm sea and long days, summer is the best time to explore the coast. These water activities add another dimension to what to see in Santorini in summer.
Catamaran cruises. Shared or private catamarans sail from the south coast to the Red and White beaches, the hot springs and quiet bays, often with a meal on board.
Sea kayaking. Guided trips along the south coast pass sea caves and quiet coves. Calm mornings are best.
Snorkelling. Dark volcanic rocks, caves and clear water make the south coast and caldera bays rewarding.
Diving. Dive centres offer courses and guided dives, including along the caldera walls.
Deep-water swimming. At Ammoudi, strong swimmers jump from the rocks into deep, clear water. Check the depth and never jump alone.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. The meltemi wind can make the sea rough in July and August. Book morning trips and keep a flexible day.
19. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera
On a hot summer afternoon, the museums of Fira are a cool and fascinating part of what to see in Santorini in summer.
The collection. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera displays wall paintings, pottery, tools and figurines from Akrotiri and earlier prehistoric sites.
Why go. After visiting the excavation described above, the museum shows the art and everyday objects of the Bronze Age town.
What to see in Santorini in summer in Fira’s museums. The Archaeological Museum near the upper cable car station holds finds from Ancient Thera, and the Megaro Gyzi hosts summer cultural events.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. Visit between 13:00 and 16:00, the hottest part of the day.
Location. Near the bus station in the centre of Fira.
21. Profitis Ilias
Above Pyrgos, the island’s highest point is one of the less crowded entries in what to see in Santorini in summer.
What to see in Santorini in summer: the view. At around 560 metres, the summit looks over the whole island, with the neighbouring Cyclades on the horizon on a clear day.
The monastery. The monastery of Profitis Ilias, founded in the 18th century, stands near the summit.
What to see in Santorini in summer from the top. The best way to understand the island’s shape: the caldera on one side, the vineyards and beaches on the other.
What to see in Santorini in summer: getting there. A road climbs from Pyrgos; a walking path takes around an hour.
What to see in Santorini in summer: a practical tip. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and bring a light layer; the summit is often breezy.
Beating the Summer Heat and Crowds
July and August are the busiest and hottest months. These tips help you enjoy what to see in Santorini in summer without exhaustion.
Start early. Oia, Fira and Akrotiri are calm and cool before 9:00.
Rest at midday. Spend the hottest hours at the beach, in a museum or at your hotel.
What to see in Santorini in summer on cruise days. Fira and Oia are busiest from late morning to late afternoon when several cruise ships are in. Check the cruise calendar and plan around it.
Hydrate. Carry water everywhere; bottled water is recommended for drinking.
Sun protection. Hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen, reapplied often.
What to see in Santorini in summer in the evening. The villages come alive again after sunset, with cooler air and a festive atmosphere.
The wind. The summer meltemi can be strong and may cancel boat trips. Keep one day flexible.
Summer Sunsets: Times and Spots
The Oia sunset, described above, is the most famous sight of the island. Knowing the timing helps you plan what to see in Santorini in summer each evening.
Sunset times. Around 20:30 in early June, about 20:45 at the end of June and early July, and around 19:45 by the end of August.
What to see in Santorini in summer at sunset: Oia. Arrive at the castle area at least an hour early in July and August.
Ammoudi. As the article above suggests, reserve a table half an hour before sunset for the show from the water’s edge.
Quieter spots. Imerovigli, Firostefani, Pyrgos and the Akrotiri Lighthouse.
From the sea. A sunset cruise watches from the water, away from all the crowds.
What to see in Santorini in summer after sunset. Stay for the blue hour, when the lights of the villages come on.
Summer Festivals and Events
Summer is festival season in Greece. Local celebrations add a memorable layer to what to see in Santorini in summer.
Panigyria. Village festivals celebrate saints’ days with music, dancing, food and wine. Visitors are welcome.
15 August. The feast of the Dormition of the Virgin is one of the most important holidays in Greece, with services and celebrations across the island.
What to see in Santorini in summer after dark. Open-air cinema screenings, concerts and live music in bars and restaurants.
The wine harvest. In August, the vineyards are busy with the grape harvest.
Tip. Festival dates are rarely published far in advance. Ask your hotel or guide what is on during your stay.
Where to Stay in Summer
Your base decides how easily you reach what to see in Santorini in summer, and how comfortable your evenings will be in the heat.
Fira. The most practical base, with the main bus station, the most restaurants and nightlife, and easy access to the Old Port for boat trips. It is also the busiest and noisiest village in July and August.
Firostefani and Imerovigli. Caldera views, calmer evenings and an easy walk to Fira. Many hotels have pools, welcome on hot afternoons.
Oia. The most romantic setting and the best base for dawn walks, but very crowded at sunset and far from the southern beaches.
Kamari and Perissa. Beach resorts with better value, flat streets and the sea on your doorstep, ideal for families in summer.
Inland villages. Pyrgos, Megalochori and Karterados are quieter and cheaper, with good tavernas, but you will need a car or transfers.
Air conditioning and pools. In July and August, check that your room has air conditioning, and consider a hotel with a pool for the hottest hours.
Steps. Many caldera hotels involve long flights of steps, which are tiring in the heat. Ask about access and porter services before booking.
Book early. The best-located rooms sell out months ahead for summer, especially those with caldera views.
Getting Around in Summer
Summer traffic and crowds make transport planning essential. These are the options for reaching what to see in Santorini in summer.
Buses. Frequent and cheap, but crowded in July and August, and most routes pass through Fira.
Taxis. Few for the number of visitors, with long queues after sunset in Oia and at cruise times.
Car hire. Useful for the south and the villages. Parking in Fira and Oia is very difficult in summer.
Quad bikes. Popular but involved in many accidents. Choose a car if you are inexperienced, and always wear a helmet.
Walking. The caldera villages are linked by the path along the rim.
Private tours. A local driver-guide handles the roads, parking and timing, and knows how to avoid the busiest hours.
Transfers. Pre-book airport and port transfers to avoid long waits on arrival.
Ferries. Summer brings the most ferry connections of the year, from Piraeus, Rafina and neighbouring islands. Ferries dock at Athinios, below the cliffs in the south-west, where the road up is congested when several ships arrive together. Allow plenty of time for the drive, especially on departure days.
Cruise days. When several cruise ships are anchored in the caldera, the roads to Oia and the cable car in Fira are at their busiest. Plan village visits for the early morning or evening on those days, and spend the busiest hours at the beach, a winery or one of the quieter inland villages instead, where the lanes stay calm even at the height of the season.
A Three-Day Summer Plan
This plan combines the highlights above into three summer days, timed around the heat and the crowds.
Day one: the caldera. Oia at sunrise, the walk from Fira to Imerovigli before the heat, a midday rest, the Three Bells of Fira in the late afternoon and the sunset from Skaros or Firostefani.
Day two: the sea. A morning boat to the volcano, the hot springs and Thirasia, a swim and an evening in Fira.
Day three: the south. Akrotiri at opening time, the Red Beach viewpoint, a swim at Perivolos, a winery in Megalochori and the sunset from the Akrotiri Lighthouse.
What to see in Santorini in summer with more days. Add Ancient Thera, Pyrgos, Emporio and a beach day. See our page on 5 days in Santorini.
Book ahead. In July and August, reserve boats, wine tours, transfers and sunset dinners before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I see in Santorini in summer?
Oia, Fira, the caldera path, Akrotiri, the volcano and hot springs, the Red Beach, Pyrgos, Ancient Thera, Emporio, Ammoudi and a winery.
Is Santorini too hot in summer?
July and August are hot. Sightsee early and late, and rest or swim in the middle of the day.
Is Santorini crowded in summer?
Yes, especially Oia at sunset and Fira on cruise days. Mornings, the villages and the south are calmer.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, for accommodation, boat trips, transfers and sunset dinners.
What is the best summer month?
June, when the sea is warming, the days are longest and the peak crowds have not yet arrived.
With Santorini Tours. Our private tours plan what to see in Santorini in summer around the heat, the cruise crowds and the sunset. Contact us to plan your visit.
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