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Santorini is a crescent-shaped island in the southern Cyclades, the remaining rim of a volcano whose massive eruption in the Bronze Age created a flooded caldera. Whitewashed villages perch along the cliff edge high above the water, while the island's eastern side slopes gently to beaches of dark volcanic sand. Its distinctive vineyards, with vines trained low against the wind, produce wines such as Assyrtiko.
Oia, at the northern tip, is famous for sunsets over the caldera, and steps lead down to Ammoudi Bay's waterside tavernas. Fira, the main town, has the most services and views, connected to the old port below by cable car, footpath or donkey. Between them, Firostefani and Imerovigli line the cliffs, with Skaros Rock jutting out from the latter. The hike from Fira to Oia follows the caldera rim for most of its length. On the south coast, Akrotiri preserves a Bronze Age town buried by ash, with multistory buildings, and Red Beach is backed by rust-colored cliffs. Pyrgos, an inland hilltop village, sits below Profitis Ilias, the island's highest point, while Ancient Thera occupies a ridge above the east coast. Emporio and Megalochori are traditional villages, and Kamari and Perissa offer black sand beaches.
The island suits couples and travelers seeking views and good food, though the cliffside villages get very busy, especially when cruise ships call. Spring and fall are calmer.
WiserMap travel guideSantorini Greece Oia Caldera Sunsets and Volcanic BeachesA practical Santorini guide to Oia, Fira, the caldera trail, Akrotiri, volcanic beaches, island wines, where to stay and how to dodge the summer crowds.Read the guide
A village on the northern tip of the caldera, famous for whitewashed houses, blue domes and windmills. The sunset view from the castle ruins draws huge crowds. Arrive well before sunset for a spot, or watch from a quieter terrace along the main path.
The island's capital, perched on the caldera cliff with shops, restaurants and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. A cable car or a stepped path with about 600 steps leads down to the old port. Please do not ride the donkeys, and expect crowds when cruise ships are in.
Pyrgos is an inland hill village of winding lanes, old churches and a ruined Venetian castle at the top with views across the island. Above it, Profitis Ilias is the highest point of Santorini with a monastery. It is a quieter alternative to Oia for sunset.
A rocky headland jutting into the caldera below Imerovigli, once home to a Venetian castle. A path leads down from the village and around the rock to a small chapel. The views back to the cliffs are superb, but the climb back up is steep and very sunny.
A walk of about 10 kilometers along the caldera rim from Fira through Firostefani and Imerovigli to Oia, with constant views over the sea and volcano. It takes three to four hours with some steep sections. Start early, bring water, and take the bus back.
A small harbor below Oia with fish tavernas at the water's edge under red cliffs. Swimmers walk around the point to jump off rocks near St. Nicholas islet. It is about 300 steps down from Oia, and many people go down for a seafood lunch.
A beach of red and black pebbles under towering red volcanic cliffs near Akrotiri. The path down is partly closed due to rockfall risk, so many visitors view it from above or arrive by boat. Respect the warning signs, and bring shoes for the hot pebbles.
A long black sand beach on the southeast coast, backed by the Mesa Vouno mountain and lined with sunbeds, tavernas and bars. It joins Perivolos beach to the south. The dark sand gets very hot, so bring sandals, and nearby Emporio is a lovely medieval village.
A Bronze Age Minoan-era town buried by the volcanic eruption of around 1600 BC and preserved under ash, with multistory buildings and streets under a protective roof. Its famous frescoes are now in museums. Allow about an hour, and visit early before the heat.
The ruins of an ancient city on the ridge of Mesa Vouno, 360 meters above the sea between Kamari and Perissa, with temples, a theater and houses from Hellenistic and Roman times. It is reached by a winding road and a final climb on foot. Check opening days before going.
Volcanic islands in the middle of the caldera. Boat tours land on Nea Kameni for a walk across black lava to the steaming craters, then stop at Palea Kameni to swim in warm sulfur springs. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a swimsuit you do not mind staining.
A small island on the western edge of the caldera, the quiet side of Santorini, with a few villages and tavernas. Its main village of Manolas sits on the cliff with views back to Oia. Many boat tours stop here, or take the local ferry from Ammoudi Bay.
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