The caldera and villages
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Oia sunset | The world's most famous sunset over the caldera and the white houses. | North of the island; arrive an hour before sunset |
| The Fira–Oia caldera trail | A path along the rim of the caldera of about 10 kilometres between white villages and blue domes. | 3 to 4 hours, best in the morning |
| Pyrgos | A hill village of winding lanes with an old castle at the top, quieter than Oia. | Centre of the island |
| Amoudi Bay | A tiny harbour below Oia with fish restaurants on the water. | Steps down from Oia |
The sea and beaches
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The volcano boat trip | A boat to the volcano island and a walk up to its crater, then a swim in the warm springs. | From Fira's old port |
| Perissa and Perivolos beaches | The island's longest beaches, with black volcanic sand and clear water. | South-east of the island |
| Kamari beach | Black sand and pebbles beneath Mesa Vouno, with a promenade of restaurants. | East of the island |
| The Red Beach | A beach beneath rare red volcanic cliffs. | Closed because of the risk of rockfalls; see it from a boat |
Ancient sites
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Akrotiri | A Bronze Age town buried by the eruption, preserved under a modern roof. | €20 April to October, €10 November to March |
| Ancient Thera | The ruins of an ancient city on a mountaintop above Kamari, with sea views. | Mountain road from Kamari |
| The Museum of Prehistoric Thera | Wall paintings and finds from Akrotiri. | Fira |
Tips before you go
- Summer is very crowded; April, May, September and October are the loveliest months.
- The black beaches get very hot at midday, so bring water shoes.
- You need a Schengen visa; Athens is about 45 minutes away by plane.
Hotels in Santorini
Flights to Athens
More places nearby
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Santorini?
The Oia sunset, the caldera trail, Pyrgos, the volcano boat trip, Perissa and Kamari beaches, and the ruins of Akrotiri.
Is the Red Beach open?
No, it is closed to visitors because of the risk of rockfalls; you can see it from a boat.
How much is Akrotiri?
€20 from April to October, and €10 from November to March.
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Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.