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Sightseeing in Santorini

The capital town of the island is Fira, which is the undisputed centre of the tourist business and night life. Packed with restaurants, bars and clubs, hotels and shops, picturesque Fira, has become a busy town crowded every day with visitors. Take a stroll around the bustling narrow streets and enjoy the view of the caldera and the black islands of Palaia and Nea Kameni (the most recent part of land that was created in the Mediterranean Sea) and get your first striking sight of the volcano. Walk down to the little harbour of Mesa Gialos, among the rocks at the bottom of the cliff, and admire the impressive little houses perching on the rock. There is an impressive cable car to bring you back to the top of the cliffs.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira is one of a kind and also one of the most important in Greece since it tells the story of the prehistoric island through the wall paintings of the archaeological site of Akrotiri and well-preserved artefacts that date back to the late Neolithic period. Open daily except Mondays.

Be sure to make a stop at the Archaeological Museum, that is housed in the Gyzi Megaron building in Fira, to admire the unique Santorini archaeological collection as well as the museum’s pride and joy – a huge volcanic rock weighing 480 kilos, which according to legend was once lifted by the ancient weightlifter Eumastas.

One visit is never enough to Oia, the most important traditional settlement in Santorini. Famed around the world for its sunsets and its cave houses dug on the caldera cliff it is stunningly unique. Descend the two hundred steps to the old harbour, Ammoudi, with its pretty fish taverns.

Akrotiri is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It is an extremely significant prehistoric settlement - an entire Neolithic village founded in the 5th millennium BC that was destroyed in the earthquake that struck just a few days before the volcano erupted. The settlement, which was discovered in 1967 by the archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos, is located fifteen kilometres south of Fira, close to the village of Akrotiri. A must-see.

Visit picturesque Imerovigli, now almost joined to Fira. The community, which is located at the highest point of the Caldera, was, throughout the Middle Ages, a vantage point looking out over the whole area – hence its name: ‘’imerisia vigla’’ – daytime observation point. It is a popular, but a little quieter resort than Fira. Stroll through its cobbled streets and enjoy the spectacular sunset.

Emporeio, a famous medieval community, is the largest village on the island, lying in the shadow of the Venetian castle above the town. Stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the architecture of the houses, which seem to be carved into the soft rock.

Visit Pyrgos, the highest village on Santorini and until 1800 the capital of the island, towering above on the slopes of Profitis Ilias mountain. Pyrgos has traditional houses and mansions built around the Venetian Castle and many churches. Climb up to the Profitis Ilias Monastery, built in the early 18th century, where a picturesque feast day is celebrated on 20 July.

Learn about the history of Santorini’s famous wines, at the Wine Museum, in Vothona. This is the only underground museum in Greece, carved into a natural cave 8 metres below ground level. Along its maze of passages, which is 300 metres in length, you can follow in a unique way the history and development of Santorini’s wines from 1660 to 1970.

Excursions

You can take a little boat from Mesa Gialos, the old harbour below Fira, to visit one of Europe's active volcanos. The crater of this impressive volcano submerged the island of ancient Strongyli, as Santorini was formerly called, and destroyed the Minoan civilisation in 1613 BC giving rise to Santorini’s particular geomorphology. It would be a shame not to feel the scorching of the earth and swim in the warm thermal waters of the sulphurous springs of the jet-black islands Palaia and Nea Kameni.

You can take a little boat to neighbouring Thirasia from Ammoudi, below Oia, or from Mesa Gialos. Before the great eruption of prehistoric times the little island was part of ancient Strongyli together with Aspronisi and was afterwards separated from the island. Untouched by tourism, Thirasia has three beautiful traditional communities and deserted beaches with crystal waters, - where you can relax, providing a good alternative to the hustle and bustle of Santorini.

Beaches

Santorini has lots of beaches, famed for their clear water and the distinctive dark volcanic colour of their sand.

Among your many choices are: famous, cosmopolitan Perissa, the much-photographed Kokkini Paralia (Red Beach) which takes its name from the imposing deep-red rocks surrounding it, popular and busy Kamari, with its black sand and excellent amenities, Aspri Paralia, the White Beach, and Monolithos – excellent if you have children with you – with its shallow waters and black sand.

You should also swim at Vlychada, where the volcanic rocks seem to be carved by hand almost down to the coast and at Mesa Pigadia.

If you’re looking for some solitude, try less well-known beaches like Koloumbos or Plaka.

At Kamari beach you will find a Wind Surfing and diving school.

Food in Santorini

Santorini has the reputation of a refined gastronomic paradise, both for its local products and wines and for its service. Every village on the island boasts gourmet restaurants in atmospheric settings, traditional little tavernas, inspired great chefs and superb service. Most of the luxurious restaurants are in Fira and Oia.

Santorini’s tradition for fine wines goes back to very ancient times and today its vineyards are the oldest in Greece, favoured by the island’s climate and the volcanic soil. Try the local labels and buy whatever enchants your palate from the wine cellars and wineries.

The famous fava beans of Santorini are noted for their bright yellow colour and fragrance. You can find them in all the island restaurants.

The Santorini tomatoes, no bigger than a cherry, were first brought from Egypt to the island thousands of years ago and have been grown here ever since.

Try the tomato puree, the white aubergine, the caper and the fragrant thyme.

The anhydrous fleshy Santorini tomato gives amazing flavour to the island’s tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters). Also delicious is the island salted meat known as ‘’apokti’’.

This almost eerily beautiful landscape with its centuries-old history, the jet-black earth with the steep cliffs, the picturesque cobbled streets with the whitewashed dug out cave houses, are hard to find anywhere else in the world. Santorini’s uniqueness has made it one of the most popular destinations not only in Greece, but also worldwide.

Book your flight to Santorini with Olympic Air and travel to the island that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Transport from Santorini airport

The airport is in the eastern part of the island, 6 km from Fira. You can catch a KTEL bus into Fira from outside the airport arrivals terminal, where you will also find a taxi rank. (Get your ticket on the bus from the conductor). Information on bus schedules at: https://www.ktel-santorini.gr/index.php/el