There is nothing quite like Santorini in the summer. The Cycladic island is picture-perfect in just about every way, from its multicoloured cliffs to whitewashed buildings – it’s easy to see why many people flock here every summer. Whether it’s your first time in Santorini or you’ve visited multiple times before, we’ve put this guide together with all the fun things to do during the warmer months of the year.
Take a sunset tour
Oia is known as the best place to watch the sunset on the island, but that also makes it one of the busiest areas. If you’re looking to beat the crowds, why not book a boat tour, sail out on the seas and watch the sunset in magnificent fashion? Some tours also offer dinner and drinks, while others focus solely on letting you soak up the moment as day turns into dusk.
Visit Amoudi Bay
Hidden on a rocky cliff nearby Oia, Amoudi Bay is a little fishing area with quaint taverns serving up whatever they caught that day. Reach Amoudi Bay by descending 300 steps, at which point you’ll meet the glistening Mediterranean waters and friendly locals. The word “idyllic” has never been more apt.
Spend some time in Oia
Oia is one of the most charming areas of Santorini. It features the signature cave houses, is perched over the caldera’s northern rim, and features many restaurants with terraces, art galleries, a maritime museum, and even the ruins of a Byzantine castle. There are no cars either, which means you can stroll around at your own leisure without any noisy vehicles in the background.
Fira
Whether you’re spending an extended period of time in Santorini or doing some island hopping after booking a ferry with Ferryscanner, make sure you visit Fira. It’s the capital of the island and a scenic Cycladic town with boutique shops and hotels featuring infinity pools where you can dip your toes and enjoy the fantastic scenery.
Hit the beaches
Almost all of the beaches on the island feature dark-grey volcanic sand and are well worth your time if you fancy catching a few rays. Kamari is perhaps the most well known with its perfectly manicured shape. Other popular options include Perivolos, Baxedes and Kouloumbos. In other words, you’re spoilt for choice.
Taste the cuisine
The food in Santorini will leave your mouth watering, whether you’re trying local seafood or other tasty treats on the menu. Selene is a popular spot set upstairs in an old arcaded house. It’s a place to go for a special occasion with its local cuisine and sweeping views of the Santorini skyline.
Be like a local in Pyrgos
Pyrgos is the largest preserved village on Santorini, expertly blending a vibrant atmosphere with medieval charm. Set atop a hill filled with greenery, Pyrgos has those iconic Cycladic houses, fortified walls and tasty taverns serving up a treat or two.
Summer in Santorini
It’s hard to beat summer in Santorini, whether you’re soaking up culture in Oia, feeling the buzz in Fira or discovering one of the beaches. It’s an island filled with luxury, and somewhere that should be at the very top of your list when it comes to discovering the best of Greece.