Things to do in Santorini
Santorini rewards slow days. Beyond the famous sunset there are caldera walks, boat trips to the volcano, world-class wineries and one of the great archaeological sites of the Aegean.
What should you do in Santorini? Catch the sunset (Oia is iconic, but Imerovigli and Fira are calmer), walk the caldera-rim path from Fira to Oia, take a catamaran cruise to the volcano, hot springs and coloured beaches, tour the Assyrtiko wineries, and step back in time at ancient Akrotiri.
An island of small, perfect days
The rhythm here is gentle: a morning swim, a long lunch with a view, a winery in the afternoon, then the slow drama of the sunset. You can see the highlights in three or four days, but the island is best when you don't rush it. And if you are honeymooning here, one golden hour in front of a camera — a honeymoon photoshoot — makes the souvenir that outlasts everything else in the suitcase.
If you only do one thing on the water, make it a sunset catamaran cruise — it loops past the Red and White Beaches, stops at the volcanic hot springs, and serves dinner on deck as the sun goes down. It's also the setting for our Sunset Sailing proposal.
What not to miss
The sunset
Oia's is world-famous and crowded; Imerovigli and Fira give you the same glow with room to breathe. Arrive early for a spot.
The caldera hike
The ~10 km rim path from Fira to Oia, via Firostefani and Imerovigli. Allow 3–4 hours; go early or late to dodge the heat.
Catamaran cruise
Volcano, hot springs and the Red & White Beaches, usually with lunch or a sunset dinner aboard. The classic day on the water.
Wineries
Santorini's volcanic soil makes crisp Assyrtiko whites. Many estates offer tastings with caldera views — see Food & Wine.
Ancient Akrotiri
A Bronze-Age town preserved under volcanic ash — the "Greek Pompeii". Pair it with the prehistoric museum in Fira.
The beaches
Volcanic and striking: Red Beach, the black sands of Perissa and Perivolos, Kamari, and the boat-access White Beach. Plan a beach proposal.
Local tips for a smoother visit
- Beat the sunset crowds — for Oia, arrive an hour ahead, or watch from Imerovigli or a private terrace instead.
- Book boat trips early — sunset catamaran cruises sell out in summer; reserve a few days ahead.
- Hike in the cool hours — start the Fira–Oia walk before 9am or after 5pm, and carry water.
- Akrotiri and museums are a perfect midday escape from the heat.
- Beach gear — many beaches are pebbly or dark sand that gets hot; bring water shoes.
- Half-day wine tour — let a driver take you so you can taste freely and enjoy the views.
For inspiration on the prettiest corners, see our favourite spots to propose on the island — or, for atmosphere rather than a proposal setting, the most romantic places in Santorini.
Frequently asked
Watch the sunset (Oia is famous, but Imerovigli and Fira are quieter), walk the caldera-rim path from Fira to Oia, take a catamaran cruise to the volcano, hot springs and coloured beaches, tour the Assyrtiko wineries, and visit ancient Akrotiri — the 'Greek Pompeii'.
Yes — the roughly 10 km caldera-rim walk from Fira through Firostefani and Imerovigli to Oia offers some of the island's best views. Allow 3–4 hours, start early or late to avoid the midday heat, and wear proper shoes.
Santorini's volcanic beaches are unique: Red Beach near Akrotiri, the long black sands of Perissa and Perivolos, Kamari beneath Mesa Vouno, and the pale 'White Beach' reached by boat. They are pebbly or dark sand rather than soft golden sand.
Make one of these moments the moment
A private sunset, a catamaran at golden hour, a secluded terrace — we'll turn the day you've planned into the proposal you'll never forget.