10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Santorini (+ Helpful Tips)

Planning a trip and wondering about the best places to visit in Santorini?

You’re in the right place! In this Santorini travel guide, I’m going to take you through the top 10 must-see spots on this amazing island.

Santorini is like a postcard come to life, with stunning views, volcanic beaches, and charming towns.

It’s not just about the blue-domed churches and sunsets – you’ll also enjoy delicious Greek food, local wines, and the warmth of the people.

I spent a week driving around the island, checking out both the well-known spots and some hidden gems. It was an unforgettable experience that completely changed how I see the Greek islands!

In this guide, I’m also sharing some tips from my own experience – like how to get around, where to stay, and all the practical stuff you won’t find in generic travel guides.

Ready to dive into the best of Santorini? Let’s get started!

1. Oia: One of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Santorini

Oia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Santorini, definitely worth checking out. It’s known as the cultural hub of Santorini because it’s got some really unique stuff going on.

When I first walked through Oia’s winding streets at sunrise, I literally stopped and stared – the golden light hitting those blue domes was better than any photo I’d ever seen.

That’s where you’ll find the fanciest hotels with killer views of the caldera, plus tons of spots perfect for snapping Instagram pics.

It’s up at the tippy-top north end of the island, which makes it perfect for catching sunsets – some of the best in the world, they say.

Here’s what I learned: if you really want to soak in the vibe of this place, go at sunrise instead.

That way, you’ll dodge the big crowds and really take in the beauty of the town without feeling rushed. Trust me on this – watching Oia wake up is magical.

Pro tip from my experience: The Castle of Oia (the ruins) has the best sunset views, but arrive 90 minutes early to secure a spot. I made the mistake of showing up 30 minutes before and couldn’t find anywhere to sit!

2. Vlychada Beach

Another must-visit spot on Santorini is Vlychada Beach, located in the island’s southern part.

This awesome beach is super long and wide, and what makes it stand out are these massive rocky cliffs that look amazing against the dark sand.

When I stumbled upon Vlychada, I felt like I’d discovered another planet. Those white limestone cliffs carved by wind and sea create the most dramatic backdrop I’ve ever seen for a beach day.

It’s perfect if you’re trying to get away from the crowds and just chill out. They’ve got everything set up nicely, and there’s another cool spot called Eros along the way.

If you’re dreaming of having the place to yourself, your best bet is to go early in the morning. I arrived around 8 AM and had the entire beach to myself for two hours – absolutely worth the early wake-up call!

3. Imerovigli

No trip to Santorini is complete without swinging by the cute village of Imerovigli. People say it’s the prettiest spot on the whole island, and I completely agree.

It’s up high, so you get awesome views of the volcano and this cool rock called Skaros that’s great for hiking and snapping pics.

In my opinion, it’s the best place on the island to watch the sunset. Plus, there aren’t as many tourists here compared to Oia, and you can find cheaper places to crash.

What makes Imerovigli special is how peaceful it feels – you get all the dramatic caldera views without the tourist chaos that you’ll find in Oia. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and really soak in those famous Santorini views.

4. Red Beach

Another awesome spot you have to check out on Santorini’s map is probably the most famous beach there – Red Beach. It’s near the Akrotiri ruins and it’s just stunning.

What makes it special are these huge red lava rock formations, mixed with black sand and blue water. When I first saw it, I couldn’t believe the colors were real – it looked like a painting.

Loads of people come here, so it’s best to get here early in the morning. The path to the beach is kinda twisty and covered in gravel, so make sure you’ve got on the right shoes.

Warning from my experience: Don’t attempt this hike in flip-flops like I did! The path is rocky and steep. Proper walking shoes are essential, and bring water – there’s no shade on the way down.

5. Megalochori

Another really cool place you must check out in Santorini is definitely Megalochori. It’s a small but super cute village just a few kilometers south of Fira.

This village is known for its pretty, twisty streets and those classic Greek white houses.

And don’t forget the churches with the blue roofs and the typical Greek bell towers – they make awesome pics.

Life in the village mostly happens around the main square. You should definitely stop there for a bit, grab a cup of traditional Greek coffee, and soak up the vibe of this charming spot.

I discovered Megalochori by accident when I took a wrong turn, and it ended up being one of my favorite discoveries.

The village feels completely authentic – locals still outnumber tourists, and you can actually hear church bells instead of camera clicks.

6. Perissa Beach

If you’re into beach time, you’ve got to check out Perissa. It’s over in the southeast part of the island and it’s a big hit for summer fun.

Perissa’s got one of the best beaches around, all organized and even snagged a Blue Flag. Plus, it’s a hotspot for water sports fans.

Along the beach, there are tons of taverns serving up tasty Greek grub and other treats.

And since it’s cheaper to stay here than in Oia, it’s a great launchpad for checking out this side of the island.

This became my home base for three nights, and I loved how relaxed it felt compared to the clifftop villages.

The black sand gets hot quickly, so bring beach shoes – I learned this the hard way when I practically danced across the sand to reach the water!

7. Pyrgos

Another gorgeous spot you’ve got to check out in Santorini is Pyrgos, a medieval village sitting on a hill. This place blows everyone away who visits.

In Pyrgos, you’ll find stunning white houses, grand Byzantine churches, and the remains of an old Venetian castle.

The steep streets are packed with cozy taverns and shops selling souvenirs.

Nearby, you’ve also got the Prophet Elias Monastery, and up on the hills around, they grow Assyrtiko grapes, which are key for making top-notch Greek white wine.

Climbing to the top of Pyrgos village for sunset was one of those moments that reminded me why I travel.

You get 360-degree views of the entire island, and the golden hour light transforms those white buildings into something magical.

8. Akrotiri

History buffs should totally check out Akrotiri. It’s where there used to be this ancient settlement that got wiped out by a volcano eruption back in the late 17th century BCE.

Nowadays, Akrotiri’s like the “Pompeii of the Aegean Sea“-super important for archaeology in Greece.

When you wander around the digs, it’s like stepping back in time and discovering all sorts of cool stuff about how people lived way back when.

Walking through those preserved streets gave me chills – you can see pottery, frescoes, and even ancient plumbing systems. It’s incredible how advanced this civilization was 3,600 years ago.

After you’re done with Akrotiri, make sure you swing by the lighthouse. You get awesome views of the Aegean Sea from there, and it’s the perfect spot to catch the sunset.

9. Fira

When you’re in Santorini, you’ve got to visit its capital, Fira. Just like Oia and Imerovigli, it’s got killer views of the volcano, especially at sunset, and tons of cool stuff to do.

Right smack dab in the middle of Fira, you’ve got loads of restaurants to choose from, tons of souvenir shops, awesome nightlife, and more hotels than you can shake a stick at.

Plus, it’s super easy to get around the rest of the island from here.

If you’ve got some free time, head on down to the adorable Old Port at the bottom of the city.

You can get there either by taking the cable car (€6 one way) or hoofing it down 600 steps. Trust me, the cable car is worth every euro – I tried the steps once and my legs were shaking by the bottom!

Fira became my favorite spot for evening strolls. The main pedestrian street comes alive after sunset with street musicians, artists, and the most incredible mix of aromas from all the restaurants.

10. Amoudi Bay

Another must-see spot on the island is Amoudi Bay, located just below Oia. It’s famous for its stunning sunsets and cliff jumping if you’re feeling adventurous.

After all the action, you can chill at one of the nearby taverns and dig into some fresh seafood with a killer view (make sure to book a table ahead of time).

Just know, to get down to the bay from town, you’ll need to tackle around 200 steps, so be ready for a bit of a climb.

I’ll never forget my evening at Amoudi Bay – watching brave locals and tourists jump off the cliffs while I enjoyed grilled octopus and local wine. It perfectly captured the adventurous spirit of Santorini.

Helpful Tips

How to Get to Santorini, Greece

From Europe

If you’re heading to Santorini from Europe, the fastest and easiest way is to fly directly there.

Lots of European cities offer direct flights, especially in the busy summer months. You can jet off from places like London (~ 3.5 hours), Paris (~ 3 hours), Frankfurt (~ 3 hours), and Milan (~ 2.5 hours).

Another option is flying into big European hubs like Athens International Airport (~ 3.5 hours from London), then catching a connecting flight to Santorini (~ 50 minutes).

Or, if you’re up for it, you can take ferries from Athens or nearby Greek islands.

From the USA

Now, if you’re flying from the USA, there’s no direct route to Santorini.

You’ll likely land in cities like London, Paris, or Frankfurt first, then hop on a flight to Santorini.

Flights from New York to London, Paris, or Frankfurt take about 7 to 8 hours, then it’s another 3 to 4 hours to Santorini.

Flying is quicker, but some travelers enjoy the scenic ferry ride.

Just a heads up, the flight from Athens to Santorini is around 50 minutes, while ferry travel time varies from 5 to 13 hours, depending on the ferry type and weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit Santorini, Greece

Santorini is one of the hottest spots around the globe.

The island gets jam-packed during the summer, especially in July and August, when it’s sweltering hot and prices shoot up.

That’s why I reckon the best time to hit up Santorini is in the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October).

During these months, prices are better, the weather is nice, and there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy a more relaxed vacation.

I went with September, and it was spot on! Here’s why:

• Fewer tourists than peak season
• Great weather (25-28°C/ 77-82°F)
• Warm sea, perfect for swimming
• Prices are lower than in July or August

Insider tip: Late September was perfect – the sea was still warm from summer, but the crazy crowds had gone home. I could actually walk through Oia without bumping into people every few steps!

How to Get Around Santorini, Greece

Getting around Santorini is pretty chill, and there are a few ways to do it depending on what you’re up for:

Public Buses

Cheap and reliable for getting around between towns and main spots. Tickets are about €1.80-2.50 per ride.

Buses run every 30-60 minutes during peak season (June-September) and every 1-2 hours off-season.

ATVs/Scooters

Super fun and gives you the freedom to explore on your own. Rentals are around €25-35 per day for a scooter and €35-50 for an ATV.

Just make sure you’ve got a category B or A driving license, depending on what you rent.

And watch out for strong winds – they can make riding a bit tricky. I ended up skipping that option after seeing tourists struggling with the wind on the cliff roads!

Car Rental

I rented a car to see the whole island. It was super convenient for hitting up less touristy spots, though parking can be tricky in busy areas.

Prices start around €40-60 a day for a small car.

From my experience: Book parking in advance for Oia and Fira, especially during sunset hours. I spent 45 minutes looking for parking in Oia before finally walking from a spot 1 km away.

Taxis

Not the cheapest, but perfect if you want to skip driving. A ride from the airport to Fira is about €30, to Oia about €40. You’ll find them at the main squares in the bigger towns.

Walking

Great for exploring the towns and taking in the views. The walk from Fira to Oia (about 10 km/6.2 miles, 2-4 hours) is definitely worth it – it was hands down the highlight of my trip.

Boat Tours

A must for checking out the island from the water and discovering hidden gems.

A basic caldera tour costs €35-50 per person, and a full-day tour with lunch will set you back around €80-120.

Where to Stay in Santorini, Greece

On Santorini, you’ll find plenty of places to stay.

If you’re into nightlife and want to catch those killer sunsets, Fira’s your spot. For fancy hotels and epic views, Oia is where you want to be.

And if you’re all about the beach, Perissa and Kamari have got you covered with hotels right by the black sand shores.

Personally, I stayed in two sweet spots on Santorini – Oia and Perissa, and both gave me completely different but amazing experiences.

Nostos Apartments, Oia

In Oia, I checked into Nostos Apartments, a classy joint I would totally recommend to anyone after a memorable stay right in the heart of town with jaw-dropping views.

This place has a cool pool on the edge of a cliff and apartments with killer caldera views. Plus, they serve up breakfast right to your room every morning – the perfect way to start the day!

What made it special: Waking up to that caldera view every morning made me feel like I was living in a dream. The staff even gave me tips on the best local spots that weren’t crowded with tourists.

Kouros Village Hotel, Perissa

When it comes to Perissa, you’ve got to check out Kouros Village Hotel. The rooms are modern and super comfy, and the pool is awesome.

Plus, it’s just a short stroll to the beach, and they throw in a killer breakfast with your stay.

It’s a great spot that mixes comfort with a really cool vibe – perfect for exploring the quieter side of Santorini!

Why I loved it: After busy days sightseeing, coming back to this peaceful hotel felt like a sanctuary. The pool area became my evening relaxation spot with a glass of local wine.

Your Santorini Adventure Awaits

A week in Santorini completely changed how I see travel – it’s not just about checking off famous spots from a list.

It’s about those unexpected moments: watching fishermen bring in their catch at Amoudi Bay, sharing stories with locals over Greek coffee in Megalochori, or discovering that perfect sunset spot that’s not on any Instagram map.

This island has a way of slowing you down and making you appreciate the simple pleasures – volcanic wine tasting while overlooking ancient cliffs, long conversations over fresh seafood, and those golden hour moments when everything feels magical.

Don’t be afraid to stray from the usual tourist trail. Some of my best discoveries happened when I took wrong turns or followed local recommendations instead of guidebook suggestions.

What’s calling you most about Santorini – the dramatic sunsets, ancient history, or maybe that perfect beach day?

Share this guide with your fellow Greek island dreamers and tell me about your own Santorini discoveries in the comments!

Pin it for later!

More articles you might be interested in:

• 15 Absolute Best Things to Do in Milos, Greece (+ Useful Tips)
• 5 Irresistible Reasons to Add Ios, Greece to Your Bucket List
• Everything You Need in a 5-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary (2025)
• Top 10 Instagram-Worthy Places to See in Venice, Italy
• The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Tuscany, Italy You Can’t Miss