Santorini

Oia’s the one you’ve seen in all the photos—white houses, blue domes, and narrow lanes packed with people come sunset. It sits on the edge of the caldera, about 150 metres up, with genuinely great views (if you can find a spot to stand). It’s pricey, often crowded, but still worth a visit, especially early in the morning or just after sunset when things calm down. Good for wandering, photos, and a splurge meal if you’re into that.

Sitting high up on Mesa Vouno, Ancient Thera has the kind of views that make the hike worth it. The ruins stretch along a ridge above Kamari and Perissa, with bits of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine history still visible—temples, bathhouses, homes, even an old theatre. You can drive most of the way from Kamari (steep road), or hike up from Perissa if you’re up for a long, hot climb (around 2 hours). Bring water, wear shoes with grip, and go early if you want to avoid the heat.

A trip to Santorini wouldn't be complete without a wine-tasting tour. The island's volcanic wine is particularly renowned for its crispy flavour. Santorini Wine Adventure is based in Fira and offers tours to explore local wine, food and culture, as well as the picturesque countryside.

Akrotiri is the island's most important archaeological site, home to Minoan ruins dating to the 4th century BC. When the volcano erupted, the entire population was forced to flee from Akrotiri, which was swept away by the lava flow. However, preserved buildings and utensils remain a freeze-frame of the lifestyle of these Ancient people.

Venetian rule in Santorini extended from 1207 to 1580, and the last vestiges of this historical period live in the castles that dot the entire island. Five fortresses can be found in Santorini in Oia, Pyrgos, Emporio, Akrotiri, and Skaros, which have been partly demolished by the earthquakes that shook the island in the 15th and 16th centuries. Skaros is probably the most important and well-preserved among the five castles, built on the peak of the namesake rock to protect the village from pirate attacks. The ruins of the once magnificent fortress can be reached on foot from Agios Georgios church in Imerovigli, connected to Skaros by a 0,5 km walking trail and a long stairway.

Smaller and less detailed than the Prehistoric Museum, this one focuses more on sculptures, pottery, and artefacts from the Classical and Hellenistic periods. It’s right in Fira, so easy to drop into if you're nearby, but it’s best paired with the Prehistoric Museum to get the full picture of Santorini’s ancient past.

A picturesque bay tucked among precipitous cliffs, Amoudi Bay is an old fishing port that can be reached from Oia. Wonderfully decorated taverns are squeezed on the seafront, and there is a great number of traditional eateries to choose from. Amoudi Bay is also blessed with a peaceful beach, far from the hustle and bustle of the holiday resorts.

T.K. Place (formerly Tzamia-Krystalla) is a well-established, picturesque hillside art gallery on Santorini, showcasing and selling ceramics, jewellery, paintings, and sculpture by Greek artists—everything carefully curated and one of a kind. Prices vary, but even if you’re just browsing, it’s a relaxed space to take in some local creativity.