TOP 10 things to do in Santorini

Santorini is one of the most touristic island in Greece with its iconic white and blue washed houses. Only 17 000 habitants are living on this small island (76 square kilometre) in the middle of the Aegean Sea. You see its iconic houses in many Hollywood movies like The Sisterhood in Traveling Pants (2005), which was my favourite movie when I was a teenager. Santorini was on my bucket list since then. This summer, my dream finally came true. We have spent 8 nights on this amazing island after spending amazing time on Mykonos and Paros. If you would like to see the main sights of the island I suggest spending at least 4-5 days there. If you would like to relax more on the beaches you should stay longer with a few nights.

Let see the top things what you shouldn't miss it in Santorini:

1. Wandering on the streets of Oia

Oia is the most popular town on the island due to the amazing view to the caldera. You can find here the most expensive and luxurious accommodations because of this insane view. The Three Domes is the most photographed sights on the island. I am sure you have already see many pictures about it.

The sunset was also very beautiful from here. The sunset has thrilled us with its colors starting from yellow to orange and red, after it disappeared on the horizon. I haven't seen such an amazing sunset before.

2. Enjoying the catamaran cruise around the island

Catamaran cruise was such an amazing and chilled experience for us. We have booked the cruise with the Santorini Yachting Club and chose the sunset trip. There were several packages depending on your needs (with/without towel, dinner etc.). The adventure started at Vlychada Port. There were several stops during the trip at Red Beach and White Beach.

We had the chance to swim in the volcanic hot springs as well. We has sailed across the caldera rim and observing the sunset beneath Oia on the sea, what was so amazing. We has listened relaxing music and enjoyed a glass of wine.

3. Hiking all the way from Fira to Oia

Distance: 10 km

Length: 3-5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

When to go: We suggest to go in the morning or late afternoon if you would like to avoid the hot. However we hiked from noon, but we stopped several times as the hot was so unbearable. It was totally worth for the view! Moreover the volcanic rocks was so varied, but the pictures speak for themselves!

I suggest to start the trip from Fira, as this town is located in higher compared to the sea level than Oia. It is easier to do this trip from this direction. The hike is officially start at Atlantis Hotel at Fira. This hotel is really close to the bus terminal, so you will find it easily. You don't need to pay for group trip, the trip is easily doable without a guide. There is only one route so you won't get lost.

4. Swimming in the sea at the Black Sand Beaches

The volcanic eruption has formed this island in the past. This is the reason why you can find black sand beaches in Santorini. The most common 'black' colored beaches are Perissa, Kamari and Perivolos Beach. We have visited the first two, so I highly recommend these ones. The beaches are rocky and pebbly. If you buy a proper shoes, you won't regret it.

There are many restaurants and beach bars around the beaches. The sunbeds set including an umbrella are cheap. If you drink only a cup of coffee whole day, it is also enough. This option is much cheaper here than it was in Mykonos or Paros.

5. Visiting the Red Beach

The beach is officially closed now, due to many stone collapses. You can go there, but it is not so safe. Furthermore, I don't suggest to visit the Red Beach with car. The road to the beach isn't asphalted and you cannot go with car until the beach. You should descend down from the hill by walk at some point of the road, which is quite a trip. If you would like to see this amazing beach I suggest to go with a boat cruise. We also saw the beach this way and it was beautiful that way as well.

6. Swimming at the White Beach

The White beach is located on the west part of Santorini. You will find remarkable and huge white cliffs, however reaching this beach is not easy. There are two ways to get there: using boat from Red Beach or you go by foot from Cambia Beach, but the path isn't easy.

We saw this beach during our catamaran cruise. To be honest, it is worth to go to a catamaran tour and see the best beaches at the same time.

7. Sunbathing at the Vlychada beach

Vlychada beach is so unique, as you see many carved volcanic cliffs. This is natural process carried out by wind and the sea. It is located on the south coast of Santorini only 13 km far away from Fira.

8. Participating in a wine-tasting tour

Santorini is also famous for its wine. The hot and dry weather is in favor for the grape. The island has only 200 mm rain in a year. Its soil is also perfect for growing grape as it is composed of volcanic sand and ashes. The island is even has its signature grape called Assyrtiko. Due to the unique climate, the plants look like a little bushes next to each other in order to absorb every drop of water from every possible source. As the locals said, they let the plant suffer to enhance the quality of the grape.

There are many vineyards on this small island. We has chose Estate Arygyros for wine-tasting which was such a great experience with our own somelier, who showed us around. We saw the manufacturing plant as they were in the middle of the harvesting season. This was strange for us, as the typical harvest time in Hungary is in autumn. The wines were very delicious and we got some snacks next to it. We really recommend to go an visit some vineyards, if you are in Santorini! Estate Arygyros is always a good choice!

9. Visiting Akrotiri Lighthouse

Akrotiri Lighthouse was built by a French company in 1892. The lighthouse is still working now, so it is not possible to walk close by. The view was amazing to the caldera from this point as well. It is very peaceful to see the sea in the full horizon.

10. Visiting Pyrgos

Pyrgos is a good choice if you would like to visit more towns in the island than Fira or Oia. This small village in the heart of island shows a very picturesque view. It was less crowded. It is definitely worth to see it before or after your beach time.

Santorini was our favorite island during our honeymoon. The volcanic nature is varied from black sand beaches to white ones. The wine is so delicious so you shouldn't miss a wine-tasting tour if you are here. The sunset catamaran tour was also great memory for us. All in all it was a great honeymoon trip, which we have enjoyed so much. With all the precautions due to the virus, we have felt safe after all. We were lucky to travel during the summer, who knows when it will be possible to do it again.