Here are ten places you can consider for your Santorini itinerary, whether you want to explore caldera villages, visit historic sites, spend time at the beach or experience the island's volcanic landscape.
1. Oia
If you want to experience Santorini's caldera views and sunset, you can include Oia in your itinerary. You can walk through its narrow streets, see traditional Cycladic buildings and explore viewpoints overlooking the Aegean Sea. Oia is located on the northern part of the caldera and is one of Santorini's main settlements.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Caldera views, sunset viewpoints, whitewashed buildings and narrow streets |
| Location | Northern Santorini |
| Best time to visit | April to June and September to October |
| Entry/activities | General sightseeing is free |
| Tip | You can arrive before sunset if you want to find a suitable viewing spot and avoid last-minute crowds. |
2. Fira
You can visit Fira to explore Santorini's main town and enjoy views across the caldera. You can walk through its streets, visit museums, explore churches and use Fira as a base for travelling to other parts of the island.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Caldera views, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, churches and local shops |
| Location | Central-western Santorini |
| Best time to visit | April to June and September to October |
| Entry/activities | Walking around Fira is free; museums have separate entry charges |
| Tip | You can use Fira as a transport base because several island bus routes operate from here. |
3. Akrotiri Archaeological Site
If you enjoy history, you can visit Akrotiri to see the remains of a Bronze Age settlement preserved under volcanic ash. The site includes streets, buildings and objects that provide an insight into life before the volcanic eruption.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Prehistoric settlement, preserved buildings and archaeological remains |
| Location | Akrotiri, southern Santorini |
| Best time to visit | April to June and September to October |
| Entry/activities | Full ticket: €20; the ticket is also valid for Ancient Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera according to the Greek Ministry of Culture |
| Tip | You can combine Akrotiri with Red Beach because both are in the southern part of the island. |
The current Greek Ministry of Culture listing shows a full ticket of €20 and notes that the ticket is valid for Akrotiri, Ancient Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.
4. Red Beach
You can visit Red Beach near Akrotiri if you want to see Santorini's volcanic landscape. The beach is surrounded by reddish volcanic rocks and dark sand, creating a distinct coastal setting.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Red volcanic cliffs, dark sand and coastal views |
| Location | Near Akrotiri |
| Best time to visit | May to October |
| Entry/activities | No general entry fee |
| Tip | You should check local access and sea conditions before planning swimming or boat activities. |
5. Imerovigli
You can visit Imerovigli for elevated caldera views and a quieter village experience. You can walk through the settlement, explore its churches and viewpoints, and include it along a route between Fira and Oia.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Caldera views, village streets, churches and viewpoints |
| Location | Between Fira and Oia |
| Best time to visit | April to June and September to October |
| Entry/activities | General sightseeing is free |
| Tip | You can combine Imerovigli with Fira or Oia rather than making it a separate full-day visit. |
6. Pyrgos
You can explore Pyrgos if you want to see a traditional hilltop settlement away from the main caldera villages. You can walk through its narrow lanes, see Cycladic architecture and visit viewpoints around the village.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Traditional architecture, narrow lanes, churches and viewpoints |
| Location | Central Santorini |
| Best time to visit | April to June and September to October |
| Entry/activities | General village sightseeing is free |
| Tip | You can combine Pyrgos with nearby villages and wineries if you want to explore the island's inland areas. |
7. Kamari Beach
You can visit Kamari Beach for a different coastal experience, with its dark volcanic sand and views towards the Aegean Sea. You can spend time by the beach, explore the waterfront and choose from nearby cafés and restaurants.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Black volcanic beach, waterfront promenade and water activities |
| Location | Eastern Santorini |
| Best time to visit | May to October |
| Entry/activities | Beach access is generally free; sunbeds, water sports and other services may charge separately |
| Tip | You can visit Kamari in the morning and combine it with nearby Ancient Thera. |
8. Perissa Beach
You can choose Perissa if you want to spend more time by a black-sand beach. The coastal area offers swimming, restaurants and water-based activities, making it suitable for a relaxed day in your itinerary.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Black sand, swimming, waterfront restaurants and water activities |
| Location | Southeastern Santorini |
| Best time to visit | May to October |
| Entry/activities | Beach access is generally free; activities and beach services may charge separately |
| Tip | You can check sea and weather conditions before planning water activities. |
9. Museum of Prehistoric Thera
You can visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira to see artefacts recovered from Akrotiri and other parts of Santorini. The collection includes frescoes, household objects, tools and other archaeological finds.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Akrotiri frescoes, archaeological objects and prehistoric artefacts |
| Location | Fira |
| Best time to visit | April to June and September to October |
| Entry/activities | Full ticket: €10; reduced ticket: €5 |
| Tip | You can visit the museum before or after Akrotiri to better understand the archaeological site. |
The Greek Ministry of Culture charges €10 (around Rs.1,104) for a full-price ticket, while the reduced ticket costs €5 (around Rs.552).
10. Nea Kameni and the Santorini Caldera
You can take a boat trip around the caldera to visit Nea Kameni and see the volcanic landscape that shaped Santorini. Depending on the tour you choose, you may also visit Palea Kameni, the thermal waters and nearby Thirasia.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Volcanic landscape, Nea Kameni, caldera views and boat trip |
| Location | Santorini caldera |
| Best time to visit | May to October |
| Entry/activities | Boat tours are paid; prices vary by operator and itinerary |
| Tip | Compare the route and inclusions before booking because boat tours can cover different stops and activities. |