TOP PLACES TO VISIT

Oia

Perched on the northern tip of the island, Oia is Santorini's most iconic village, with whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches cascading down the caldera cliffs. Wander its narrow, pedestrian-only main street lined with art galleries, boutiques, and jewelry shops, then make your way to the old castle ruins for what is widely considered the best sunset view on the island.

Fira

The island's capital, Fira sits directly on the caldera edge and offers the liveliest atmosphere in Santorini, blending cliffside cocktail bars, restaurants, museums, and shops within a few minutes' walk of each other. It's also the starting point for the famous Fira-to-Oia hiking trail and the cable car down to the old port.

Akrotiri

Often called the "Pompeii of the Aegean," Akrotiri is a remarkably preserved Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried by volcanic ash thousands of years ago. Wander through ancient streets, multi-story buildings, and ceremonial spaces that offer a fascinating glimpse into a civilization frozen in time, all just steps from the island's iconic Red Beach.

TOP ACTIVITIES

Caldera Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise around the caldera is one of the most memorable ways to experience Santorini's volcanic coastline. Sail past the hot springs of Palea Kameni, swim in the warm volcanic waters, and watch the sky turn shades of orange and pink over the Aegean from the deck of a traditional wooden boat or a private catamaran.

Fira-to-Oia Caldera Hike

This roughly 10 km trail follows the rim of the caldera, connecting Fira to Oia through the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli. Along the way, you'll pass whitewashed chapels, volcanic rock formations, and continuous sweeping views of the sea and volcano below, widely considered one of the most scenic walks in Greece.

Volcanic Wine Tasting

Santorini's volcanic soil produces some of Greece's most distinctive wines, especially the crisp, mineral-driven Assyrtiko. A private tasting at a clifftop winery is the perfect way to sample the island's varietals while taking in panoramic caldera views, ideally scheduled in the late afternoon to pair with sunset.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

Selene

Now relocated from its former home inside Katikies Garden hotel, Selene has been reimagined under new ownership with Michelin-starred executive chef Ektoras Botrini at the helm. The restaurant remains one of Santorini's most celebrated fine dining destinations, pairing refined Greek cuisine with the island's signature volcanic terroir.

Petra

Set within Canaves Suites with sweeping cliffside views over the caldera, Petra is helmed by executive chef Tasos Stefatos and represents true Greek fine dining at its best. The setting and the cuisine come together to create one of the island's most memorable culinary experiences.

Mias

Mias offers an elevated take on classical Greek cuisine, featuring fresh fish and top-quality cuts of meat. Full, satisfying portions and a straightforward approach make it a welcome alternative to the multi-course tasting menus found elsewhere on the island.