Santorini or Thira is one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide, perhaps one of the most photogenic on the planet, because of its unique natural landscape that is breathtaking no matter how many times you go.
A unique landscape that was formed thousands of years before the huge and historic volcanic eruption of 1600 BC!
Add to the unparalleled beauty of the landscape and the uniqueness of the Cycladic architecture, which is even more special on the island because of the topography and the subsoil, and you have the mixture to create the perfect attraction for tourists from all over the world.
What to see in Santorini if I go for a day?
I have visited the island 4 times but only the last two times I was able to see what might not be the most advertised parts of Santorini, the highlights. And what are the ones you should see if you have for example only one day on the island?
- Walk naturally through the alleys of Phyra, the capital of the island, and Imerovigli,
- to visit Oia and, why not, find out for yourself if the sunset there has only the grace or the name.
- Visit Kokkinis Beach and Kamari or Perissa from the other side of the island, the eastern side, to see their huge beaches with large black pebbles.
- And of course to drink your coffee or eat with a view of the unique Caldera and the Aegean Sea.
- And if you’re younger, check out Santorini’s nightlife with endless bars and clubs for almost all tastes.
Sightseeing and activities in Santorini.
This is what I had done the first few times I was on the island. Of course, now that I think about it, it might have been less than half of what Santorini has to offer. Let’s start with the b-sides of the island, which are not the only ones, as you will understand
Archaeological museum in Fira
Don’t miss it, with exhibits from different millennia and especially from Akrotiri, the prehistoric settlement that was covered and buried for thousands of years by the Minoan eruption, the name of the eruption of Santorini that occurred around 1,610 BC and which is ranked as the second largest eruption in human history ( Wikipedia article)
The prehistoric settlement at Akrotiri
Of course you should go to see the prehistoric settlement at Akrotiri. Be transported more than 3,600 years back in one of the most important archaeological sites in the world! It’s a shame to go all the way to Santorini and not go all the way there. Combined perfectly with a swim at Kokkinis beach
Ancient Thera
climb and walk to Ancient Thera, the city founded in the 8th century BC by the Dorians. Need I tell you anything else? Well, since it is built on the hill Mesa Vouno, it offers the best view of the Aegean Sea, Perissa and Kamari and the opposite island of Anafi (which I visited the same year), the view of which I enjoyed from the theatre of Ancient Thera.
If the sun gets boring, the two biggest beaches of Santorini, Kamari and Perissa, are just below so you can combine it with a swim in the deep waters of the Aegean.
On the islet of Thirassia
Be sure to go to the second island of the caldera, the beautiful Thirassia. See what Santorini was like before the onslaught of mass tourism and enjoy its quiet rhythms. In Thirassia I crossed from Oia by boat so combine that with your visit to this part of Santorini.
In Scaros
If you go to Imerovigli, which you must go to, don’t stay on the “balconies of the view” but walk along the path that leads to the characteristic big rock of Skaros. In taking photos I forgot to look for how some people had climbed it too so I can’t help with that.
Wine and fava beans
If you like the unique wine of the Thira land and of course the Santorini fava you can visit a winery or a local producer, I didn’t do it but keep it in mind.
In the beautiful Tower
Don’t miss it. Santorini is not only Chora, Imerovigli and Oia. After what I have told you I think I have got the message across. If not, a visit to the beautiful Pyrgos will convince you. Walk all the streets of the village and you will not be missed. I enjoyed it very much and of course I will go back at the first opportunity
Shall I go to New Camden?
I think you have enough to fill your days beautifully and nicely. And yes, I didn’t talk at all about the visit to the crater of Nea Kameni, the volcano of Santorini. The islet crater we see now in the center of Caldera, Santorini was created only in 1570 and is the youngest landmass in the Mediterranean Sea (I just learned this from Wikipedia)
The reason I didn’t mention Nea Kameni is that I have left it in my mind for the 5th time I will go to Thera. Yes, I thought I’d leave something for extra motivation. Now whether it’s worth doing on the first day you go to the island or the last I leave that up to you.
Think about the weather, I’ve heard that on hot summer days it’s not the best to walk on an active volcano crater and the people, the season, maybe the full season is not worth it with so many people. I have no idea though so I’ll leave it up to you.
Accommodation in cosmopolitan Santorini
There are endless options for accommodation in Santorini. Of course you should understand that availability is limited due to the global demand for this destination in Fira and prices are low compared to other beautiful destinations in the Cyclades.
The most popular destinations in Santorini are Fira, Imerovigli, of course Oia, Akrotiri and the seaside villages of Kamari and Perissa.
Clicking on the links above will take you to the booking.com page for that location. Otherwise you can consult the accommodation map for the unique Santorini below
Photos from Santorini
Let’s enjoy some of the photos I took during the 3 days of my last two visits to Santorini.
Map of Santorini with attractions
Pyrgos Kallistis, Thira Municipal Unit, Municipality of Thira, Thira Regional Unit, South Aegean, Aegean, 847 01, Greece
Skaros, Thira Municipal Unit, Municipality of Thira, Thira Regional Unit, South Aegean, Aegean, 847 00, Greece
Αθηνιός – Μεγαλοχώρι, Ormos Athinios, Megalochori, Thira Municipal Unit, Municipality of Thira, Thira Regional Unit, South Aegean, Aegean, 847 01, Greece
Red Beach, Φηρών – Περίσσας, Megalochori, Thira Municipal Unit, Municipality of Thira, Thira Regional Unit, South Aegean, Aegean, 847 00, Greece
Akrotiri, Thira Municipal Unit, Municipality of Thira, Thira Regional Unit, South Aegean, Aegean, 847 00, Greece
Επισκεφτείτε την μοναδική Θηρασιά και ταξιδέψτε στον χρόνο
Nea Kameni, Fira, Thira Municipal Unit, Municipality of Thira, Thira Regional Unit, South Aegean, Aegean, 847 00, Greece
Ferry tickets to Santorini
Cheap and quality accommodation suggestions
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