Things to do in Santorini

Originally settled in the Bronze Age, the archaeological site at Akrotiri offers a (literal) glimpse into the island’s Minoan history.

Towards the end of the 17th-century a volcanic eruption covered the island in ash, preserving Akrotiri’s warm-hued frescos and artefacts, and the buildings you can see here today. Walkways over the excavated village reveal the island’s impressively advanced past (they had indoor toilets way back when). For history-lovers, this is easily  one of the best things to do in Santorini.

Santorini has an enviable range of beaches  - from quiet coves, to busy stretches of black volcanic sand – but to our mind Red Beach tops the league. Encased by craggy crimson cliffs, and fronted by brilliant blue waters, it’s accessed via a steep gravel path. With no facilities, you’ll need to come armed with supplies, but this secluded stunner is well worth adventuring to.

For a more family-friendly beach experience try Kamari. Backed by traditional houses, it has natural beauty by the bucket (sparkling back sand and a huge rock that rises from the sea), plus sunbeds, water sports, and more bars, shops and restaurants than you can shake a spade at.

Walkers wondering what to do in Santorini mustn’t miss hiking the 10 km coastal trail from the capital of Fira to Oia. The well-marked route takes in incredible views of the coastline and Santorini caldera. Committed trekkers could complete the trail in around three hours, but what’s the rush? Along the way, take a detour to Skaros Rock near the village of Imerovigli. Formed by a volcanic eruption around 68,000 BC, this mighty headland juts out to the Aegean and is home to the ruins of a fifteenth-century fortress that was built to stave off pirates. For Santorini holidays with added adventure, this is an unmissable experience.

From family-friendly snorkelling trips, to luxury catamaran cruises, Santorini has a high seas excursion for everyone. For a full-on nature experience, take a volcano and hot springs trip to two uninhabited islands. You’ll get to hike to the crater of Santorina Volcano on Nea Kameni islet before heading to Palea Kameni to bathe in hot volcanic springs. 

For the island’s best snorkelling and diving jaunts, check out Atlantis diving centre in Oia. With regular trips to a couple of shallow water sites, this is a great way to introduce kids to the magic of underwater life.

Being one of the world’s oldest continuously productive winemaking areas, it’s no surprise that Santorini isn’t short of wine, or wine-tasting tours. If you have to pick one, we suggest visiting the Santorini Wine Museum.

Located in a labyrinth of caves and tunnels, (which makes it unique throughout Greece), this family-run outfit is an atmospheric way to find about the winemaking process, rounded-off with (what else?) a lively wine-tasting session. The Koutsogiannopoulos family also hosts regular evening events here, with a buffet, live music and traditional dancing. And more wine.