Things To Do in Santorini
Santorini is one of those places that somehow lives up to the hype, and then some. Before we visited Santorini for the first time we were slightly put off by other people telling us it’s “not worth it”, “overcrowded”, and “too touristy”. What we quickly realised was that people who were saying these things hadn’t actually visited Santorini themselves but were just making assumptions based on what they’d seen and read online. Don’t get me wrong, in peak season Santorini is very crowded and has lots of tourists visiting for the day from the cruise ships. But don’t let this put you off! Santorini is one of the most incredible places we’ve ever visited, and we’ve not tired of it yet. Here are some of our favourite things to do on this beautiful Greek island.
Visit Imerovigli
Imerovigli is a village on the caldera cliffs, sitting in between Oia and Fira. It’s much smaller than both, but in my opinion it’s a must visit when exploring Santorini, especially if you’re looking for breathtaking views without the crowds. Often referred to as the “balcony of the Aegean,” Imerovigli sits high above the caldera and offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views on the island, with dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and endless blue stretching out in every direction.
The village has a noticeably quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than Oia, making it perfect for a peaceful stroll or a slow afternoon taking in the scenery. That said, this serenity does come at a price with restaurants in Imerovigli tending to be more expensive, largely due to their prime caldera-front locations and refined dining experiences.
You can walk to Imerovigli from Fira in about 20 minutes and there’s also a scenic walk you can do from Oia which takes roughly 2 hours – just be careful tackling this in the summer heat! Imerovigli is also on local bus routes between Oia and Fira, so there’s no excuse to miss this beautiful spot!
Ride Horses on the Beach at Sunset
Seeing the island from horseback is a unique and memorable way to experience a different side of Santorini beyond its famous cliffs and caldera views. There are many horse rising tours which are suitable for beginners and are led by experienced guides, making it an accessible activity even if you’ve never ridden before. We booked a private sunset beach ride and it was a truly unforgettable experience. Check out my blog post here for more information about booking horse riding in Santorini.
Take a Picture With the Blue Domes
When most people think of Santorini, they think of the iconic blue domed buildings, so you can’t possibly visit without snapping a picture or two! You’ll find blue-domed churches scattered all over the island, each offering it’s own unique backdrop. During peak season many of the blue domes have queues of people waiting to get a photo at all times of the day, so keep this in mind when visiting.
Our favourite spot for pictures with the blue domes is one of the most popular ones, but it’s popular for a reason. This spot in Oia has a beautiful view across the Aegean and showcases two blue dome churches and a bell tower in the foreground– perfect for that unmistakable “I’ve been to Santorini” shot! To find this photospot, look for the Minerali Jewellery Shop in Oia and head down the narrow pathway next to it. You will likely see a queue of people before you see the domes! We got this shot at about 8am in September and we were queueing for roughly 20 minutes. There are often local photographers there who have priority and jump the queue, but they tend to get their pictures quickly and move on.
Spend a Night at the Famous Kastro Houses
You’ve probably seen this beautiful burnt orange building all over Instagram, with many a picture snapped on the iconic steps. The building is part of the Kastro Oia Houses – luxury accommodation in Santorini with stunning views over the caldera. We had the absolute pleasure of staying here for a few nights and I couldn’t recommend it more. Check out my blog post here for more information about staying in this incredible accommodation.
Visit Pyrgos
Right in the centre of the island sits the charming village of Pyrgos, the highest village in all of Santorini, and one that often gets overlooked. Just a 20 minute bus ride from Fira, it’s an easy stop that feels worlds away from the busier caldera towns. Unlike Oia or Imerovigli, Pyrgos has a quieter, more traditional vibe, with winding lanes, blue-domed churches, and incredible views stretching across the island. It’s the perfect place to slow down, wander without a plan, and experience a side of Santorini that feels more local and less polished.
Watch the Sunset Over the Caldera
Santorini is famous for its incredible sunset views, and watching the sun sink below the caldera is one of those quintessential Santorini experiences that truly lives up to the hype. You can enjoy stunning sunset views almost anywhere along the caldera in Oia or Fira, with Oia Castle being one of the most popular spots to watch the sun go down. Oia in particular becomes extremely crowded at sunset, so arriving early is highly recommended if you want a good vantage point. Once the sun has gone down it’s a bit of a scramble, with lots of people trying to get out of Oia, so make sure you give yourself enough time after sunset to get back to your hotel or to the bus stop. Alternatively, sunset boat tours offer a fantastic way to experience the sunset from the water, with uninterrupted views across the caldera.
One of our favourite places to watch the sunset in Santorini is the iconic Three Bells of Imerovigli, where the whitewashed church and blue dome perfectly frame the dramatic cliffs and sea below. We found the Three Bells to be a much calmer, less crowded alternative to Oia, making it an ideal spot to soak in those sunset moments.
