Things To Do in Santorini

Looks-wise, Santorini’s capital is textbook Greece. But with its trendy bars and boutiques, it’s got the St-Tropez factor, too. It’s also the place to get the inside scoop on Santorini’s 4,000-year history. Take your pick from the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, the Thira Archaeological Museum and the frescoed Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral.

The main event in Santorini’s calendar is the Ifaisteia Festival, which takes place in mid-August. It features a packed programme of cultural events, concerts and traditional dance performances that take place all over the island. The highlight of the whole event is the fireworks display that closes the celebrations – it depicts a colossal volcanic explosion.

Perivolos Beach is just 3 kilometres from Perissa. The dark sands and clear waters here come with a side-order of watersports, with jet skiing, windsurfing and scuba diving among your options. Despite all the activities, though, it’s one of the quieter beaches in Santorini.

Kamari Beach boasts volcanic sands and pebbles that roll out for over 5 kilometres. It’s also got the added bonus of a prestigious Blue Flag. The whole place is backed by cafes and tavernas, and overlooked by an enormous rock called Mesa Vouno, which is lit up come nightfall.

Akrotiri isn’t just famous for its Minoan past – its beach pulls in the crowds, too. Reason being, this coastal sweep is framed by huge red and black cliffs. It’s an impressive sight and a lot of people come here just to admire the quirky colours. This is also a great place to go snorkelling, thanks to the interesting rock formations and exceptionally clear waters.

Dotting the waters around the caldera, these three islands each have a unique draw. Thirasia is Greece on a go-slow, with its geranium-clad balconies and vine-wrapped tavernas. Paliaameni is renowned for its natural hot springs, which are said to have healing powers. And Neakameni is a hiker’s paradise – people flock here to scale the slopes of its volcano. Ferries leave from the port of Ormos Athinios, which is a 10-minute drive from Thira.

The ruins of this 9th-century settlement are on the summit of Mesa Vouno, an enormous rock that separates Kamari and Perissa. Historically, Ancient Thira is a bit of a melting pot – over the centuries the cultural baton was passed from the Greeks to the Romans to the Byzantines. As such, you’ll spot everything from Hellenic temples to early Christian churches here.

In the battle to be crowned Santorini’s prettiest town, Oia is definitely in the running. Head through the maze of cobblestone passageways and you’ll come to the island’s most famous snapshot – a blue-domed church that’s graced a thousand postcards. It’s the best place for taking in those famous sunsets, too. And if you’re wondering how it’s pronounced, it’s ‘ee-yah’ – handy if you’re thinking of going there by taxi.

Santorini hasn’t always been crescent-shaped – once upon a time it was round. But, thanks to a colossal eruption in 1450 BC, the middle of the island fell into the sea, leaving a huge crater called a caldera, peering above the waves. Legend has it, Homer’s account of Atlantis sinking into the sea was actually the tale of Santorini.

Running parallel to the town of Perissa, just down the coast from Kamari, this dark-grey stretch of sand and pebbles unravels for 7 kilometres. Its shallow waters make it a favourite with families with young children. You’ll find a few seafood tavernas, bars and cafés within footsteps.

Santorini knows its stuff when it comes to grape juice. In fact, you’ll find some of the oldest Greek vineyards and wineries on the island. The Canava Roussos Winery in Kamari was founded back in 1836, and offers cellar tours and tasting sessions. In terms of settings, though, the Santo Winery, near Pygros, is the big one – it’s right at the top of the island's caldera.

Akrotiri, to the south west of the island, owes its discovery to the Suez Canal. Back in 1860, workmen were quarrying for rock to be used in the construction of the famous waterway. But what they found were the remains of an ancient Minoan town. A bit like Pompeii, Akrotiri was frozen in time by ash from a volcanic eruption, and there are over 40 buildings to be explored.

This eastern sweep of beach is close to the town of Perissa, to the south of the island. It’s got cushiony sands and a playground for smaller visitors. Best of all, it’s split into two by breakwater rocks, so you can find a spot on the quiet side, or head for the livelier half where there are watersports and tavernas.

This sandy stretch was named one of the Cyclades’ best beaches by the Daily Telegraph. After all, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can see the rare phenomenon that is a black, volcanic beach. The sands get incredibly hot, so flip-flops and beach mats are essential. Just behind the beach, there’s a parade of Greek tavernas, swanky restaurants and chill-out bars.