The Top 10 Best Things to do in Santorini Greece

Oh, Santorini, Greece! That most famous, picture-perfect island in the Cyclades where everyone wants to go at least once in their life and once you get there, you never want to leave. And one thing is sure, you have
plenty of reasons for that!

Only a few months have passed since my first visit and I am already thinking about finding a way of
getting back on the glamorous island, if only for a few days. But who knows what fate has in store me,
but especially for you.

Santorini is a volcanic island shaped like a croissant (or moon if you like that better), embracing the
volcano in charge of its shape. With that being said, what you should definitely do on Santorini Island?

1. Stay in West Santorini

 Book a stay on the Western part of the island so that you can go to sleep and wake up in the
morning with the caldera in mind and in front of your eyes. Choose to stay anywhere in Oia, Fira
or Imerovigli but make sure to book way ahead of time if you want to find availability for your
desired place.

2. Book a restaurant with a view

Book a table at one of the many amazing restaurants and watch the sunset. One of the most
romantic experiences I've ever had, sunset in Santorini is a must and not something you want to
miss. During one of my trips to Athens, I met this lady who was actually from the beautiful island
and she was telling me how every sunset is different and even if you live there, you can't help but
stop and stare. Those few minutes are pure magic and an experience you surely never forget.

3. Visit Nea Kameni Island

 Take the boat and go and visit Nea Kameni Island (the actual volcano) - bear in mind you will
need specific shoes because the soil is dark and so arid. Also, bring some water with you
because the sun is pretty strong here and you will have a good climb to do. Also, very close to
the island you will find some hot springs where you will want to take a dive for sure.

4. Explore Oia 

Even though small, one of the most beautiful cities on the island, Oia offers a lot
of picture perfect places, that is why you will want to spend a full day only running up and down
these narrow and steep streets. If you feel adventurous, take the stairs all the way down to the
water only to come back up on a donkey. Just keep in mind that the stairs are very steep and the
donkeys are not that stable.

5. Eat your heart out

One of the best things in Greece, apart from the magnificent views, is the food! Even
though you will eat a lot of fish, seafood, yogurt, and honey, let me tell you, not once you will feel
like you can't move anymore.

6. Explore Akrotiri

 Learn a little bit of history -one very important archeologic site is Akrotiri. The setting was
destroyed during the volcano eruption, almost 1700 years BC, but because of the ash that
covered the place, many objects, artwork, and frescoes are still very well preserved. This could
be a nice incursion into the past and a way of seeing how people used to live so many years ago
in that same setting.

7. Wine Tasting

Do some wine tasting - because of the volcano, the island's soil is very rich in nutrients making
it a great place for grapes. Even though small, Santorini island has a wide variety of wine
producers with many perfect places to go for lunch or to schedule a tasting. You won't have to
look too far from home. Just make sure to taste the Santo wine 😉

8. Visit Megalochori

 See the traditional life in Megalochori - this small village in the Southern part of the island will
make you feel like you've stepped into the past, in a very traditional Greece. Narrow streets, white
buildings, lower prices. What else would you want?

9. Climb Prophet Elias Monastery

  Climb to the highest point of the island, Prophet Elias Monastery - from here, you will be
mesmerized by the beautiful view, seeing up till the furthest point of Santorini. This would be the
best bellavista point in the whole Santorini and you will need to stop here at least for a few
minutes.

10. Visit Multiple Beaches

 Visit all the different beaches on the island - from red sand beaches, to the white beach and
also very black beaches, Santorini has it all! But don't expect to find sandy beaches, because you
won't be in luck.

All that being said, the small island in the Cyclades is in my view one not to miss, the perfect
destination for a one week vacation, be it during Spring, Summer or Autumn. Whether you are
looking for nightlife, relaxation, slow travel or glamorous spots, you surely won't be disappointed by
all the amazing places you will find in Santorini.

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