Perivolos, on the southeast coast, looks different to your typical white-sand Greek beach: long stretches of black sand and dark pebbles meet clear, deep-blue water. The beachfront is lined with stylish beach clubs and relaxed tavernas, where sunbeds sit just steps from the water and long lunches easily turn into late afternoons. Some spots lean towards music and cocktails, while others remain laid-back, making it easy to choose your pace. It’s also one of the island’s main centers for water sports, with jet skiing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing all readily available for those wanting something more active than a day on the sunbed.
Where to Go in Santorini
One of the most popular Greek islands, and one of the world’s top spots for honeymooners, Santorini offers plenty when it comes to romance. However, just about everyone will find something to enjoy here. Wine enthusiasts can sip fresh vino made from grapes grown in the volcanic soil, while outdoor adventurers can lace up their boots and hit hiking trails or dive into myriad water sports.
Sailing around the island’s shoreline is one of the must-dos here, ideally capped off with a sunset, but you’ll also find a Pompeii-like ancient settlement that offers a glimpse of life nearly 3,700 years ago. Of course, it’s also famous for its whitewashed architecture and blue-domed churches, along with colorful beaches that include, black, white and even red sands.
Eager to learn more? Read on for our top pick of the best places to visit in Santorini.
Oia Village
Oia crowns the northwestern cliffs and is the Santorini you’ve seen everywhere… whitewashed cottages, blue domes, cascading terraces, and a golden glow at dusk. Its maze of marble-paved streets invites you into tiny boutiques, inviting tavernas, and breezy galleries. Here, stunning sunset are a nightly event, with visitors and locals gathering for what’s truly one of the world’s most enchanting views: sparkling sea, a dramatic volcano, and Thirassia Island. Don’t miss an early wander to enjoy the calm before sunset crowds gather, and take time to explore the Maritime Museum for a peek into Oia’s seafaring past.
Fira
Fira is Santorini’s eclectic capital, and one of the most fascinating places to visit on the island. It balances on the caldera cliffs and offers enviable volcano views (along with mesmerizing sunsets, of course). Highlights include the Prehistoric and Archaeological Museums, which shed light on Santorini’s unique history, and a walk down to the Old Port. Just remember, it’s 587 steps, but the views are more than worth it. You’ll also find many art galleries, the largest shopping center on the island, and the widest selection of dining and entertainment options.
Pyrgos
Pyrgos is a small, traditional village (known as a Kasteli) located in the center of the island near Fira. The cafes and restaurants serve fabulous fare at inexpensive prices and as you stroll the cobbled streets, you’re unlikely to run into tourist crowds. Life here moves at a gentle pace, and while it has recently gained popularity, it still retains an authentic, lived-in feel. It’s the perfect spot to settle down watch the sunset without the crowds of Oia: simply grab a seat at a rooftop cafe and watch the lights of the island flicker on below you.
Ammoudi Bay
Descend roughly 300 steps from Oia and you’ll reach Ammoudi Bay, a lively harbor where fishing boats drift by and seafood tavernas line the water’s edge. The food – especially just-caught fish and sun-dried octopus – is as fresh as it gets, best enjoyed while soaking in the stunning sunset view. Wander along the shoreline path for breathtaking panoramas, and if you’re feeling adventurous, swim out to the tiny island crowned by a white church just offshore.
Megalochori
Megalochori is often described as one of Santorini’s most traditional villages, where life moves at a slower pace away from the caldera crowds. The surrounding countryside forms the heart of Santorini’s wine region, where the indigenous Assyrtiko grape is grown in distinctive basket-shaped vines designed to protect against strong winds. Nearby wineries such as Gavalas and Venetsanos offer tastings of a tipple (or two) with views across the volcanic landscape.
Finikia
Finikia is one of Santorini’s best-preserved traditional settlements, with cave houses and low buildings painted in muted tones of ochre and pink. Historically, this was where Oia’s farmers and winemakers lived, and much of that character remains today. Narrow pedestrian lanes wind between courtyards filled with bougainvillea and cacti, and with no vehicle access in the village center, it remains notably peaceful. It’s a good choice if you want easy access to Oia’s restaurants and sunset viewpoints while staying somewhere noticeably quieter at night.
Thirasia
Across the caldera sits Thirasia, once part of the same island as Santorini before the volcanic eruption reshaped the landscape. Today, it offers a glimpse of what Santorini may have felt like decades ago: quiet, rugged, and largely untouched by mass tourism. Boats run from Ammoudi Bay and Fira’s Old Port, bringing visitors to the small harbor of Korfos. From there, a steep walk leads up to the village of Manolas, where sweeping views back toward Santorini reward the effort.
Firostefani
Firostefani suits travelers who want to be within easy walking distance of Fira’s restaurants, bars, and transport links, but without the late-night noise and crowds. The village follows the cliff edge, connected by the caldera path that runs between Fira and Imerovigli, making it ideal for scenic walks. The blue-domed Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, with its distinctive three bells, is one of Santorini’s most photographed spots, yet much of Firostefani has a calmer atmosphere than the capital just minutes away.
Emborio
Emborio takes the crown as Santorini’s largest village, yet it remains surprisingly overlooked by visitors. Located in the south near the beaches of Perissa and Perivolos, it’s particularly appealing for those interested in architecture and history. At its center lies one of the island’s best-preserved Kasteli settlements, where tightly packed houses form defensive walls and narrow streets twist into a maze-like layout. The result feels almost cinematic, with curved walls, hidden staircases, and unexpected corners at every turn.
Perivolos Beach
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Further Reading
Exploring Santorini’s Villages: Beyond Oia & Fira
Santorini attracts over two million visitors every year as a bucket-list destination for many travelers. It's a top destination for honeymooners but it offers something for nearly everyone, from striking natural beauty that includes a dramatic caldera and unique beaches...Read More
Santorini Away from the crowds
Santorini is one of the most popular destinations in Greece and for good reason. In 2022, there were over 750,000 arrivals on Santorini island, however it's still possible to experience the island away from the crowds. Here are some off-the-beaten-path...Read More
48 Hours in Santorini
Santorini, the Cyclades southernmost island, is a bucket-list travel destination that everyone should experience at least once during their lifetime. Postcard-perfect images of its whitewashed, cave-style homes and blue-domed churches that spill down the rim of the ancient caldera, surrounded...Read More
Santorini’s Top Day Trips: Best Excursions to Neighboring Islands
Santorini is one of the most visited islands on any Greece vacation. Often ranked among the world's top destinations, it's renowned for its stunning caldera, glorious sunsets, colorful beaches (including a stretch of fiery red sands contrasted by brilliant sapphire...Read More
Santorini’s Top Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Snorkeling & Beyond
Santorini really needs no introduction as one of the world's most famous islands. It's a top destination in Greece for travelers of all types, especially popular among honeymooners and other romance-seeking couples. But there is also a wealth of outdoor...Read More
Santorini’s Wine Culture: A Journey Through the Island’s Vineyards
Santorini is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, while whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches spill down the caldera, created by a massive 1600 BC volcanic eruption. The island also has mineral-rich volcanic soil producing unique wine varieties with exceptional flavors...Read More
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