Santorini, Greece
Santorini at a Glance
Santorini is not only the most renowned of all Greek islands but the most popular destination in the world. Why? Its beauty is unrivaled to other islands anywhere. The incredible Caldera that the volcanic eruption helped form centuries ago, created the most spectacular sea views anyone could ever observe.
The ideal time to swing by Santorini happens to be from September to October and April to May; the weather is still warm and there are hardly any crowds.
If you want to know what you ought to see while visiting Santorini, use my list of must-see attractions.
10 Top Must-See Tourist Attractions in Santorini
1. Fira
As the capital of Santorini, Fira comprises whitewashed cubic terraces and homes, small squares, winding lanes, and lovely blue-roofed churches standing on the high cliffs some 300 meters over the caldera. From the little port of Skala, you can reach Fira by riding or walking up the steep, winding stepped pathway, or by hopping in the cable-car.
While ferries wait to take visitors everywhere, dock at the port of Athinios, linked to Fira via road, cruise ships drop anchor in the amazing caldera, and passengers are taken to Skala through tender. Besides Fira living mainly from tourism, several of its buildings today serve as little apartments, hotels, cafes, jewelers, and even souvenir shops to cater to your needs.
2. Oia
Famous for its stunning sunsets which draw tourists from all over the world, Oia lies on the northern tip of the island. It's a beautiful village filled with whitewashed homes, many of which are now fashionable boutique hotels boasting infinity pools, while overlooking the caldera. Although it also makes a living from tourism, Oia caters to a high-end clientele.
From the charming Ammoudi Bay, steep pathways snake up to the town, and here you'll see a row of inviting waterfront seafood restaurants, several with outside dining. You can take a local KTEL bus or hike the trail full of cliffs to reach Oia.
3. Caldera
Formed due to the sensational volcanic eruption which thrust the center right out of Santorini a long time ago, the caldera is the end result, the remaining sea-laden volcanic crater. About 7 kilometers by 12 kilometers, it still continues to have volcanic activity as two islets rise from its center with gas emissions and hot springs.
Different touring services provide daily boat trips to the caldera, even time to splash in the fun hot springs and next enjoy a fabulous lunch on Thirassia; it's a little island nearby offering incredible views across the sea.
4. Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Close to Akrotiri, a modern village, located some 12 kilometers of Fira, the very old Minoan settlement of Akrotiri got buried under lava after the volcanic eruption back in 16th-century BC which formed the caldera. When you arrive at the Akrotiri archaeological site, you could take paths via the town's debris to observe remains of the clay structures of this former flourishing town. It's unusually well preserved and frequently compared to Pompeii. The place is loaded with remnants of buildings, drainage systems, pottery, all showing that the island was indeed thriving prior to the notorious explosion.
5. Red Beach
Located close to the Akrotiri site, you'll see the renowned Red Beach lying below a stunning red cliff wall. A pathway from Akrotiri town makes the beach accessible. In addition, you can board a bus or drive and park close by prior to starting down a rocky route to get to the beach. Also, various ports such as Perissa port, allow you to reach this beach by boat.
But know that since the little beach becomes crowded in summer, try to come early to grab a great spot for fine contrasting vistas of the reddish rocks against the turquoise water. However, be aware that this beach tends to have landslides, and certain areas are off limits.
6. Ancient Thira
Take a look at the ruins of Byzantine structures, foundations of Roman, and Hellenistic temples at ancient Thira, situated on the island's southeast coast. Ancient Thira dating back to the 9th century BC, among these ruins there are old administrative buildings, religious sites, a gym, and a theater. Discoveries are shown in the archaeology museum of Fira.
7. Archeological Museum, Fira
Located near the cable-car upper station in Fira, the little archaeological museum exhibits finds originating from Ancient Thira, encompassing eras such as from the Dorian to Byzantine. You'll see inscriptions dated from the Roman times, pretty ceramic pottery, and clay figures of animals showcased at this museum.
8. Museum of Prehistoric Thira
This museum displays notable discoveries from the Akrotiri archaeological site but in a now modern white structure standing near the Mitropolis church. A foremost tourist attraction happens to be the Blue Monkeys wall fresco. Also, look at ancient artworks such as painted ceramics, marble figurines, weapons, and tools.
9. Pyrgos
Pyrgos used to be the island's capital prior to Fira taking the honor in 1800. The little village of Pyrgos, situated in the center of Santorini, comprises whitewashed Cycladic cottages erected around the remains of a medieval castle. Once a sleepy and nearly forgotten town, it has from 2004 begun to cater to upscale tourism by the opening of many little, hip eateries and boutique hotels.
10. Profitis Ilias
Take a road from Pyrgos to the top of Mt. Profitis Ilias, where the great 18th-century Profitis Ilias Monastery stands.
As you enter the sanctuary, you'll see the church's elaborately carved iconostasis. Stop by the museum exhibiting the crozier and miter of Patriarch Gregory V, whom the Turks hanged in Constantinople in 1821. Highlights here include the monastic archives, library, and the kitchen. The place operated one of the several secret schools during the difficult Turkish era.
