Best Travel Guide Santorini | ArrivalGuides.com

SantoriniGuide was updated: 2025-05-21

Rising from the deep blue Aegean Sea, Santorini blends its dramatic volcanic cliffs and black-and-red sand beaches with whitewashed houses and blue domes clinging to the caldera. It feels both ancient and dreamlike—quintessentially Greek, but with a twist.

Do & See

Santorini is a colourful place which sets the senses alight. The scent of wine grapes and vineyards, the unique taste of tomatoes grown solely on volcanic soil, the smoothness of the white pebbles and turquoise waters, the buzz of nightlife, and the visual art that is the sun setting behind the village of Oia and the caldera. This is a place of colour, flavour, and adventure.

Oia Village

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.

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Fira

Fira’s the main hub of the island—busy, a bit chaotic in peak season, but a good base if you want everything within reach. It’s where you’ll find most of the museums (the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is the one to prioritise), plus loads of shops, cafés, and bars. If you’re using the bus to get around, this is where they all connect. It’s also a decent spot for watching the caldera without Oia’s crowds.

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Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia)

The unique colour of the sand and the breathtaking volcanic landscape make this beach a must-see destination. Its particular rock formations treat travellers to stunning views, and the smooth, mirror-like sea creates a contrast with the bold red of the shore. The beach is pebbly and not ideal for lying, though its rock formations make it perfect for snorkelling.

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Hiking Fira - Imerovigli - Oia

This cliffside hike is one of the best ways to take in the island, spanning approximately 9 km from Fira to Oia, with Imerovigli and several smaller villages in between. It’s not difficult, but parts of it are steep, rocky, and exposed, so bring water, sturdy shoes, and start early to avoid the midday heat. Expect churches, caldera views, and the occasional detour through quiet paths. It takes around 3–4 hours, depending on pace and photo stops. Ending in Oia means you can reward yourself with dinner and a view—just be ready for the crowds if you hit sunset.

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Perissa Beach

Perissa Beach stretches for 7 km along Santorini's southeastern coast, charming the traveller with its peculiar shades of black. Perfect for snorkelling, the beach also features a volleyball court and numerous options for water-sport activities. The picturesque Perissa village offers an assortment of restaurants and bars, and its close proximity to the ruins of Ancient Thira makes it a magnet for tourists.

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Ancient Thera

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.

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Greece

Santorini

Do & See

Oia Village

Fira

Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia)

Hiking Fira - Imerovigli - Oia

Perissa Beach

Ancient Thera