Introduction
Santorini is Greece’s poster child, an alluring Aegean island that promises gorgeous views and magical sunsets. Picture whitewashed houses clinging to cliffs above a glittering caldera, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Both of these pictures “summarize” (if possible) EmeFai’s trip to this famous island with its romantic sunsets, blue-domed churches and robust culture, proving why it should make your list in 2025. Nature lover or romantic couple or culture vulture: there’s a version of Santorini that’s perfect for you. This guide provides insight into the top 15 things to do, so you can plan your perfect vacation—from visiting picturesque villages to sampling local wines. Ready to find the best things to do in Santorini? Let’s get started.
You can also discover Palace of Versailles.
Wander the Enchanting Towns of Santorini
The charm of Santorini is its villages, each providing something different from island life. Oia, the postcard star, is famed for its shimmering sunsets and signature blue-domed churches. Roaming its narrow, cobblestone streets feels like you’ve stepped into a painting with white buildings popping against the deep blue sea. The happening capital, Fira, vibrates with energy—shops hock handmade jewelry, cafes pour frothy shots of Greek coffee and in-your-face nightlife parties into the small hours. For laid back seclusion, Imerovigli and Firostefani are less popular but calm caldera escapes, ideal for photographers or anyone in need of a quiet getaway. Through 2025, journey during shoulder seasons (spring or fall) to avoid the throngs and savor an elusive authenticity at such scenic destinations.
Watch the World-Famous Santorini Sunset
The sunsets on Santorini are famous, known for their ability to turn the sky into a canvas of orange, pink and gold that attracts visitors from around the world. The classic spot is Oia Castle, where the sun goes down into the Aegean before slack-jawed throngs, which makes it worth a minute of your time for its view alone. Opt for the quieter Akrotiri Lighthouse to find the same glowing licks with fewer people. The Santo Wines Winery has a different take – getting sunset with an glass of dry Assyrtiko wine while overlooking the caldera. A pro tip for 2025 visitors: show up at least an hour early to grab a prime spot, and bring a light jacket — evenings can get cool. This is one of the most romantic things to do in Santorini and a special moment for couples.
Beach Hopping the Red, White, and Black Beaches
Santorini’s beaches are a natural phenomenon, as it is the product of volcanic activity. Red Beach, closer to Akrotiri, is also a must-visit — with its dramatic red cliffs and pebbley shore against turquoise water. It is a short hike to get there, but the view is memorable. With their black sand, Perissa and Kamari Beaches are great for swimming and water sports, and rimmed with sun loungers and beach bars. For a more relaxed retreat, Vlychada Beach has projected rock formations and a tranquil surroundings ideal for some R&R. In 2025, environmental eco-initiatives keep these beaches immaculate, so pack reef-safe sunscreen for your day out on the ocean lest you harm what calls it home. Whether you’re relaxing or on a hike, the beaches are among the best Santorini attractions.
Sail Around the Caldera on a Catamaran
Navigating the caldera around Santorini is something you won’t soon forget. Cruise on a catamaran past soaring volcanoes, secret coves and the island’s well-known hot springs. I adored swimming in the warm, sulfuric waters; it was nature’s spa. Day cruises are family-friendly, and include snorkeling and lunch on board, while sunset cruises add a romantic twist with golden-hour vistas. For those looking to splurge, private yacht tours offer the ultimate in luxury, personalized experience. In 2025, these tours (and all things space-related) are hotter than ever, so book as early as possible — especially during high season (June to August). The sight of Santorini’s cliffs from the sea is jaw-dropping, and everyone wants this to be a highlight of their trip.
Explore Ancient Akrotiri (The Greek Pompeii)
Travel back in time at Ancient Akrotiri, also named the “Greek Pompeii.” Labeled an archaeological park after it was saved from volcanic ash by a cataclysm in 1600 B.C., it offers closer-up looks than at any other point in the history of the Minoan people, with extraordinarily well-preserved ruins, frescos and multistory buildings. Strolling through the covered site, you can almost sense history beneath your feet. Reopened in 2025, new interactive displays make it as much fun for children as adults, and guides animate the stories. Combine with a visit to nearby Red Beach for one ideal day of history and scenery while you’re at it. Wear comfortable footwear, as the paths can be uneven, and don’t overlook the tiny museum to view some of the artifacts up close.
Sip on Real Greek Wine at Nearby Wineries
Santorini’s volcanic soil makes it the source of some of the best wines in Greece and if you are a foodie, stop at a winery while you’re here. From the caldera level, Santo Wines offers tastings with an unrivaled view. I sipped their zingy Assyrtiko as the sea sparkled beneath me. Venetsanos Winery conducts informative tours of the ancient cellars, while Gavalas specializes in indigenous grape varieties and draws on the island’s winemaking history. By 2025, many wineries offer lunch pairings of local cheeses and olives with their wines. Even if you’re no oenophile, the scenery and ambience make these visits worth your while. Make a booking for tasting or even tour upfront, especially during the summer time.
Explore the Archaeological Site of Ancient Thera
If your ancient ruins fixated travel heart is still not satisfied, Ancient Thera is perched high on a hill and has exceptional views over the coasts of Santorini. The ruins, which date from Minoan and Hellenistic times, feature temples, a theater, and homes that offer insight into ancient life. The climb up is not too difficult, but — it’s the reward: panoramic 360 degree views that will make every step worth from the journey thus far. There’s a cable car option in 2025, which makes it more reachable and makes a guided tour seem to offer intriguing context. Pair with a swim at Kamari Beach around the corner to keep cool. Bring water and a hat, since the sun can be brutal, especially in summer.
Local Cuisine & Traditional Taverns Enjoy that local cuisine here.
The food in Santorini is a treat, melding fresh ingredients with traditional recipes. Must-try dishes include fava (a smooth puree of yellow split peas), tomato fritters (crispy and delicately sweet) and grilled octopus, so tender and smoky from the grill. Any meal becomes special when it’s served at Ammoudi Bay, where waves curl up to the shore and cliffs rise up alongside. It’s 2025 and farm-to-table dining is booming, with taverns offering local produce and daily caught seafood. Enjoy with a glass of Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine. Vegetarians will have lots of choices, too, like stuffed vine leaves. For the full experience, opt for a taverna with caldera views — it’s soul- (and stomach-)feeding.
Hike from Fira to Oia
The 10 km path between Fira and Oia is one of the most beautiful things to do in Santorini. Twisting along the rim of the caldera, its views are jaw-dropping for sea, cliffs and villages. The walk lasts about three hours, covering not only whitewashed churches and wildflowers. I began in the morning, not wanting to deal with the heat, and the silence was magical. The path is well-signed in 2025, but with the terrain being uneven, durable shoes are a requirement. Afternoon hikes can mean cooler temperatures and golden light, great for photos. Bring water and snacks with you, but treat yourself to a coffee in Oia. This is a great trail for hikers and lovers!
Discover the Volcano & Hot Springs Tour
A boat trip to Nea Kameni Volcano is a unique way to explore Santorini’s geological core. Climbing the active crater, where steam emerges from the ground, is akin to walking on another planet. Afterward, you can swim in the hot springs where warm sulfur-laced waters form a natural spa. The fact that the water is yellow in color stands out, and it’s fun while being relaxing. Tours also typically stop at Thirassia, a less developed island with lovely villages. Top eco-focused tours This dinosaur tail fossil was discovered at Whaingaroa Harbour during 2018 and is expected to go on public display this year.SUPPLIEDIn 2025 Eco-tours Safety First: Expert guides monitor volcanic activity. You book from Fira’s port and should wear an old bathing suit because sulfur can stain. This should not be missed for those with a love of nature.
Explore Secret Villages & Daily Way of Life
To sample a more authentic Santorini, visit less visited villages like Pyrgos and Emporio. With its medieval character, Pyrgos has narrow streets and a castle on a hilltop that promises sweeping views. I loved sipping a coffee at a local cafe, talking with the residents about island life. With its traditional stone houses, quiet squares and a slow pace of life, Emporio feels like stepping back in time. By 2025, these villages are being celebrated for their galleries and small boutiques but also still less crowded. Hire a scooter or join a guided tour to get around, and make sure you spend time meeting the locals for a richer cultural experience. These are the ideal spots for travelers who want a respite from tourist hubs.
Check out the Famous Churches & Blue Domes
Those blue-domed churches in Santorini are iconic, spotted all over the landscape like jewels. A simple, sleek structure, the Anastasi Church in Imerovigli contrasts well with that magnificent caldera view. A postcard favorite, the Three Bells of Fira, ring softly above the sea. These sites are photogenic — especially during golden hour, when the soft light makes the white walls and blue domes appear even more vivid. Respect for local customs Dress modestly when visiting the churches, thousands of which are now open to tourists. Pair your visit with a walk through surrounding villages for an ideal day of beautiful scenery and culture. These iconic sites represent the spiritual and aesthetic allure of Santorini.
Try Unique Experiences
Santorini offers unique activities to make your trip special. Staying in a cave hotel, dug out of the cliffs, is bucket-list stuff — cool and cozy, like no other hotel I’ve ever seen. Cooking classes allow you to master dishes like fava or tzatziki with local chefs, a fun way to take Santorini home. Photography tours take you to the choicest spots for photographing the island’s natural beauty, and renting an ATV allows you to zip around at will, uncovering hidden nooks. For 2025, new experiences like cliffside yoga or horseback riding on beaches are catching on. The Santorini Experience takes place in October providing running and swimming races for the more adventurous. These pastimes give your trip that little something extra.
Useful travel tips for booking your trip to Santorini:
Planning your 2025 Santorini trip? The ideal time to visit is from April through October, when weather is warm and perfect for beaches and outdoor activities. Skip the busiest months — July and August — for fewer crowds, cheaper prices. Getting to Santorini is a breeze — hop on a ferry from Athens (from the Piraeus port) or fly directly to the island’s airport. Two or three nights is great for nailing the highlights without feeling rushed. There have been minor earthquakes in early 2025, but officials assure the island is safe; check for updates before voyaging. Hire a car or ATV for flexibility, although public buses are also dependable. Be sure to pack light layers for cool evening and plenty of water because it’s sunny. Empower eco-efforts with re-usable bottles and shopping local. You can also search guides like Best Time to Visit Greece and Top Greek Islands to Visit for more inspiration.
Conclusion
Santorini is so much more than its world-famous sunsets. It’s a destination where history whispers out of the crumbling ruins, where volcanic beaches shimmer, and every meal feels like a celebration. With scenic trails to hike and wine to sip with views of its caldera, there are adventures for any type of traveler. In 2025, Santorini warmly welcomes you, matching the everlasting beauty with a sustainable approach geared toward the future. Venture beyond tourist spots — chat with locals, take the road less traveled, and write your own story. Begin your journey to adventure on Santorini today, and prepare for memories that will endure forever.
