Santorini has been our big dream probably forever, but we were always a bit held back by both the prices and the crowds. In this regard, it can be said that the pandemic was a blessing in disguise – the choice of destinations was very limited, there were really few people around, and the prices were also slightly more pleasant than usual. Santorini totally stole our hearts! It’s time to share and describe 10 places to see in Santorini. We also have to admit that we will have to come back to Santorini because we didn’t manage to visit all the places on our list.
Oia – 10 places to see in Santorini
Does Oia need any introduction? It was clear that when writing about 10 places to see in Santorini, Oia had to be on the podium. Most likely, most of the photos you have seen from Santorini were taken in Oia, a picturesque, white town located on the northern end of the island. Crowds gather in Oia from early in the morning, so it’s worth getting up for sunrise and taking a walk through the streets, but at that time you will already see many photographers and bloggers taking pictures.
After Oia, it’s nice to wander around and discover all those picturesque nooks and crannies on your own, we’re sure you won’t miss anything! We also recommend staying in Oia for at least one night, despite being the most expensive place on the island. You can then sit in a private pool or jacuzzi and gaze at the town without being trampled by crowds of people! It’s not cheap, but it’s really worth every penny!
It is said that the most beautiful sunsets can be observed from the ruins of the Byzantine castle, but we didn’t make it there ourselves because we were too comfortable in the jacuzzi… We watched the sunset from the vicinity of the Aspaki hotel, from which you can also see everything beautifully. However, if you choose to go to the castle, it’s worth coming a few hours earlier to get a good spot, because crowds gather there every day! Apparently, when the sun sets, everyone applauds in appreciation of the spectacle.
Amoudi Bay – 10 places to see in Santorini
Amoudi is a bay with a fishing port and several restaurants, located 300 steps away from Oia, but not everyone makes it to this place. Amoudi has its own life, and you can often see octopuses drying at the restaurants, creating a great atmosphere. It’s worth going to Amoudi for lunch or dinner, as every restaurant serves fresh fish and seafood. At the end of the post, you will find a few words about the restaurant we chose to visit.
Fira – 10 places to see in Santorini
Fira is located at the top of the caldera cliff and serves as the capital of the island. It’s not as charming as Oia, but it’s also worth a visit. Due to its function, it’s easy to catch a bus to various parts of the island from there, including the bus to the port or airport. If you’re planning a more budget-friendly trip, it’s worth considering Fira as a place to stay because it’s definitely cheaper than Oia.
We also noticed that hotels there are much more likely to have infinity pools, which are not as popular in densely built Oia. A picturesque 10-kilometer walking trail leads from Fira to Oia, but due to lack of time, we only walked a small part of it.
Three Bells of Fira – 10 places to see in Santorini
The distinctive church with a blue dome and a bell tower with three bells is the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Three Bells of Fira. The church is actually closer to Firostefani than Fira and is on the way from Fira to Oia. The Three Bells of Fira is supposedly the most photographed church in Santorini. It’s worth going there for the picturesque views!
Imerovigli – 10 places to see in Santorini
Imerovigli is another village located between Fira and Oia. Imerovigli is located on a hilltop and is definitely a quieter place than Oia. From Imerovigli, there is a great view of the rock with a characteristic shape called Skaros Rock. There is a walking path from the village to the rock, and on the way, there are ruins of the Venetian Fortress. Imerovigli is another budget-friendly place to stay compared to Oia.
Megalochori – 10 places to see in Santorini
If you are bothered by the crowds of tourists, head to the village of Megalochori. Megalochori is not located on the cliff, so there are no spectacular views of the caldera. However, it is peaceful and more local. Megalochori is home to a characteristic bell tower with 6 bells, which poses gracefully for photos.
Beaches in Santorini – 10 places to see in Santorini
Santorini does not offer sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. Instead, there are black, red, and white beaches. The beaches stretch along the entire eastern and southern coast of the island, while on the other side (the inner side of the “half-moon”), there are cliffs and picturesque white towns. Black beaches are among the most popular. We didn’t manage to reach the white beach at all, as it is only accessible by sea and you have to go there by boat or kayak. Look for more information in local travel agencies.
Black Beach in Perissa – 10 places to see in Santorini
There is definitely no shortage of black beaches in Santorini! You can find your favorite one yourself 🙂 We went to the one in Perissa because it was the most convenient for us. The beach in Perissa is long and wide, and Perissa itself is a good place for budget accommodation. This part of the island is definitely less desirable, there are no cliffs and breathtaking views, the villages are white, but with this terrain they don’t make such a big impression.
Kokkini – Red Beach – 10 places to see in Santorini
We arrived at the red beach from the wrong side and had to walk along a not very safe part of the coast (rockslides) just to see it. We think that the pictures we saw made a greater impression on us than the beach itself. Fortunately, there is a restaurant on the “wrong” side that we had on our list and it turned out to be a hit – you will find the details at the end of the post.
Akrotiri Lighthouse – 10 places to see in Santorini
Among the 10 places to see in Santorini, the Akrotiri lighthouse could not be missed. The furthest western point of the island and another great place to watch the sunset. The lighthouse and its surroundings are very picturesque!
Taxiarhis Church – 10 places to see in Santorini
A place we would describe as a “hidden gem,” that is the area around the Taxiarhis church, we found by accident. We wandered around the island looking for a cool, picturesque spot for sunset without crowds of people and we stumbled upon it. We debated for a long time whether to even share the details of this place, as it is not very well known. However, let it be – the Taxiarhis church is one of the coolest sunset spots we’ve been to.
If you are interested in other places in the Cyclades, we invite you to read about Syros.
