Where to actually go in Santorini

Lucky's Souvlakis

Restaurant · Fira

A tiny, cheap souvlaki and gyros stop that budget guides send everyone to.

Best for: a cheap gyros

Best time: lunch or late snack

Pitogyros

Restaurant · Oia

A cheap gyros counter in the most expensive village on the island.

Best for: eating cheaply in Oia

Best time: lunch or before sunset

Fira to Oia caldera hike

Walk · Fira to Oia

About 9–10 km along the cliff edge of the caldera through Firostefani and Imerovigli, with the view the whole way.

Best for: the best free thing on the island, photos

Best time: morning, or afternoon to arrive in Oia for sunset

Heads up: Very little shade: bring water and sun protection, and avoid midday in summer.

Oia sunset at the castle

Viewpoint · Oia

The famous sunset over the caldera from the ruined castle at the tip of Oia. Beautiful, and packed.

Best for: the classic Santorini sunset

Best time: sunset

Heads up: Arrive at least an hour early in summer, and eat somewhere cheaper than Oia afterwards.

Ammoudi Bay

Beach · below Oia

A tiny fishing harbour at the bottom of the cliffs under Oia, with a rocky swim spot nearby.

Best for: a swim off the rocks, seafood by the water

Best time: afternoon

Heads up: It is about 300 steps back up to Oia.

Fira

Area · Fira

The main town on the caldera edge: lanes of shops and cafés, the bus hub, and most of the nightlife.

Best for: a base, views, getting around by bus

Best time: any time

Akrotiri archaeological site

Museum · south of the island

A Bronze Age town buried by the volcano, walked through under a protective roof.

Best for: history, a break from the sun

Best time: morning

Red Beach

Beach · near Akrotiri

A small beach under dramatic red volcanic cliffs.

Best for: photos, a short stop

Best time: morning

Heads up: Rockfall risk: access has been restricted at times. Obey signs and do not sit under the cliff.

Perissa and Kamari black-sand beaches

Beach · east coast

Long black-sand beaches lined with cheaper tavernas and bars, a bus ride from Fira.

Best for: a cheap beach day, a budget base

Best time: afternoon

Heads up: Black sand gets very hot: bring sandals.

Caldera boat trip (volcano and hot springs)

Activity · leaves from the Old Port or Ammoudi

A boat trip to walk the volcano crater, swim to the warm springs, and see the cliffs from the water.

Best for: seeing the caldera from the sea, a group day

Booking: Book a day or two ahead in summer.

Best time: full day or sunset cruise

Skaros Rock

Walk · Imerovigli

A short, steep path out to a rock headland where a Venetian castle once stood.

Best for: a short hike with huge caldera views

Best time: morning or sunset

Heads up: Uneven path; wear real shoes.

Pyrgos

Area · inland village

A hilltop village of winding lanes with a view over the whole island and fewer crowds than Oia.

Best for: a quieter sunset, wandering

Best time: late afternoon

Megalochori

Area · inland village

A traditional village with a small square of tavernas and old cave houses.

Best for: a calmer dinner

Best time: evening

Ancient Thera

Sight · above Kamari

Ruins of an ancient city on a mountain ridge between Kamari and Perissa.

Best for: history with a view, a hike

Best time: morning

Heads up: Steep switchback road or hiking path; no shade.

Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Museum · Fira

Frescoes and finds from Akrotiri, the town buried by the volcano.

Best for: escaping midday heat, pairing with Akrotiri

Best time: midday

Vlychada Beach

Beach · south coast

A dark-sand beach under pale, wind-carved pumice cliffs that look like a moonscape.

Best for: a quieter beach, photos

Best time: afternoon

Cinema Kamari

Activity · Kamari

An open-air cinema in a garden, showing films under the stars in summer.

Best for: a cheap, relaxed evening

Best time: evening (summer)

Fira Old Port and cable car

Sight · below Fira

The small port at the bottom of the cliff, reached by cable car or 500-plus steps.

Best for: boat trips, the cliff view from below

Best time: morning

Heads up: Take the cable car or walk; animal welfare groups urge visitors not to ride the donkeys.

Erythrou Stavrou bar street

Area · Fira

Fira's main nightlife lane, lined with bars and small clubs in summer.

Best for: a night out on the island

Best time: after 11 PM

Santo Wines

Bar · Pyrgos

A big winery terrace on the caldera edge known for tastings of the island's Assyrtiko at sunset.

Best for: a sunset tasting with a view

Booking: Reserve a terrace table for sunset in summer.

Best time: sunset