Tom There are so many things to do and attractions in Santorini! Having completed our travels in Greece and Santorini, we found out that besides the gorgeous sunsets, there are so many other attractions to check out on the island of Santorini! In this post, we’ll discover some of these attractions as well one of the best hidden secrets – the best spot to watch sunset in Santorini! Ps: And it’s not Oia! :O
Santorini Attractions #1: White Beach Santorini (Vlychada Beach)
White beach, also known as Vlychada Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in Santorini. There is an “organised beach” (term for beach with restaurant/cafe and beach umbrellas) with a beach cafe right next to it. Though it was a windy day, we were able to see people enjoying a day out sailing.
Santorini Attractions #2: Red Beach Santorini (Kókkini Paralía)
Red Beach or Kókkini Paralía (Literal translation of Red Beach) is one of the most iconic beaches in Santorini. This is because the beach is enclosed by cliffs coloured in red, due to the volcanic structures in the region. However, to get to the beach itself, you’ll have to make a small climb up a semi-rocky pathway and down a similar path down towards the beach. Hence, the beach is definitely not recommended for the elderly or young ones.
Santorini Attractions #3: Black Beach Santorini (Perissa Black Sand Beach)
Another famous beach in Santorini is the Black Beach (aka Black Sand Beach Perissa). Due to the volcanic rocks, the beach is literally black in colour. The downside is that the beach itself is not exactly sandy, more rocky. However, the waters here are clear turquoise and blue. Beautiful. There’s even a hop-on/hop-off boat that comes to black sand beach in Santorini.
Santorini Attractions #4: Akrotiri Lighthouse Santorini
Built by a French company in 1892, the Akrotiri Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouse in Greece. Here, you’ll be able to see this 19th century structure as well as the views that it offers of islands in the vicinity. Remember to park your car at the open area before proceeding up. Otherwise, you might be caught in a jam that would be very hard to get out of…
Santorini Attractions #5: Cavehouse Santorini
While visiting Santorini, you’ll find that one of the most unique and inviting structures in Santorini, would be the Cave Houses. This time, we got to visit Olyra Cave House and experienced a night in a home, dug right out of the caves! Not only was it beautifully decorated, the contours within the house were also clearly visible. Somehow, it felt really homely. To pick things up a notch, try one of this luxurious cave houses in Imerovigli!
Santorini Attractions #6: Tomato Industrial Musuem Santorini
Tomato used to be one of the most important agricultural activities in Santorini. Then, tomato puree was even used as a form of currency! At the Tomato Industrial Museum, you’ll be able to learn about the history of tomato making as well as the modernisation process. If you’re lucky, you might even see the mechanical engineer who made the mechanisation process possible. At 80 years old, this “scholar of Nomiko’s” still visits the premise daily!
Santorini Attractions #7: Pyrgos Sunset & The Famous Blue Top Church (Santorini)
One of our favourite little town in Santorini is Pyrgos. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy the sights of an old town in Santorini and it even has an iconic “Blue Top Church” of its own. Moreover, the sunsets seen here is magnificent as well. Head to Franco’s Cafe to wind down your evenings in Pyrgos.
Santorini Attractions #8: Iconic Shot in Fira – Virgin Mary Orthodox Church-Three Bells
During our visit to Fira, we stayed at the Kafieris Apartments on the Cliff because of the beautiful views that it offers. Little did we know that it is located next to one of the most iconic attractions in Santorini – Virgin Mary Othodox Church – Three Bells of Fira. In fact, when we visited, we overheard a Chinese exclaiming “就是为了这张照片!” – which means “we’re here in Santorini precisely for this picture!”. Shots taken in the afternoon/evening would look great.
Santorini Attractions #9: View of the Santorini Caldera
While we were at Kafieris Apartments on the Cliff, an American couple was getting ready to be wedded in Santorini. The bridesmaids and the bride went up to the rooftop to take photos over looking the Santorini Caldera. The Santorini Volcano (an active volcano by the way), can be seen clearly in the middle of the Santorini Caldera.
Santorini Attractions #10: Fira Old Port
Fira Old Port is located at the foot of Fira City. Today, it is the embarking/disembarking area for the cruises coming to Santorini. To visit Fira Old Port, there are essentially 3 ways (walking – 20 minutes down, by donkey, by cable car / you can find the rates in our Santorini post). However, do note that the walk can be quite treacherous because donkeys are using the same path. This we explained in detail in our Santorini post as well. The walk up would definitely not be suitable for the elderly and very young ones.
Santorini Attractions #11: Fira Donkey
Santorini is known for its donkeys because they are resilient animals that used to help villagers carry loads through the steep and winding pathways. Today, visitors can have a ride on one of these donkeys for 6 euros each way. Though we did not try it, we passed by several groups of visitors who seemed to have enjoyed the ride pretty much.
Santorini Sunsets Attractions #12: Oia is DEFINITELY OVER-RATED
We dropped by Oia because everyone seemed to mention the “unforgettable sunsets in Oia”. However, we were thoroughly disappointed by the crowds that were there. There were SO MANY PEOPLE! Granted, the views were indeed quite nice. However, the crowds does affect the views, the photo-taking and the feeling at sunset (as everyone “competes” for the best spot). Fortunately, we have an alternate recommendation and in our opinion, this is where the best sunsets in Santorini is…
Best Santorini Sunsets Attractions #13: Imerovigli for the Best Sunsets in Santorini
For the best sunsets in Santorini, head to Imerovigli – a lesser known destination on the island. Here, we found a gem at Ampelonas Cafe. The drinks are very affordable and the sunset was very beautiful. From the video, you’ll also be the sunset ships heading out and coming back after sunset. Highly recommended if you want Santorini sunsets without the crowds.
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