Visiting Santorini for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

Santorini came into being when the island of Thera blew up around 3,600 years ago, and taking to the water lets you see not only the other islands that ring the sunken caldera, but also the Nea Kameni volcanic crater, undersea hot springs, and much more.

A catamaran cruise is a classic choice (particularly at sunset), and many options come with a meal, open bar, and snorkeling gear on board. Alternatively, you can choose to explore by speedboat, tour by traditional wooden caïque boat, or catch your own dinner on a chartered fishing trip.

Santorini is famed for the colors of the setting sun, and there are five main Santorini sunset spots to choose from on the caldera’s edge. Oia is by far the most popular option, and many Santorini tours include a stop in Oia for sunset. But you can also catch it from Fira, Akrotiri, Firostefani, and Imerovigli.

Inland, head to Pyrgos, which offers views across the island as well as the ocean, unlike the caldera villages where you can only see the sea. Many travelers opt to enjoy a sunset cruise with a glass of something cold in hand, or pick a hotel with a sunset view. Or, best of all, you can choose a different venue every day to experience every viewpoint there is.

A vineyard on Santorini is like nowhere else on earth, with vines pruned into circular baskets to protect them from the heat of the sun and the abrasive action of volcanic sand on the wind. Unique varietals thrive in the mineral-rich soil, producing wines with distinctive flavors that also happen to be immune to the phylloxera bug, the destructive insect that devastated European vineyards in the 19th century.

In short, Santorini wine tours are a must for anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind wine experience. Opt for a multi-winery tour, visit the wine museum, or tour just one winery—options include sunset tastings, tastings with dinner, and food tours with wine tasting.

Related: Visiting the Wineries of Santorini Made Me See Greek Wine in a New Light

Not all Santorini villages are created equal, and finding the perfect Santorini photography spots can be challenging, particularly during the hectic high season. A photography tour or a photo shoot with a local professional can help you find the angles other travelers miss.

Other options to help beat the photo lines and get shots without the crowds include private Instagram tours and the ever-popular flying dress shoots, with overlength dresses that billow dramatically on the breeze.

Insider tip: Flying dress shoots can antagonize locals, but a few things can help you avoid any problems. Don’t act inappropriately on church grounds and don’t ask people to move out of your way so you can get your shot.

Even if you’re not a dedicated hiker, Santorini’s Fira–Oia hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in Greece and an absolute must-do when in Santorini. It runs along the rugged edge of the volcanic caldera between the island’s capital, Fira, and Oia, a village famed for scenic sunsets and upscale hotels.

Hike in a small group, join a private tour, or take it independently, at your own pace. But no matter what your group size, for the most epic photo opportunities, be sure to visit at sunset.

A Greek cooking class is one of the most popular Santorini cultural experiences, and from cliff-edge terraces to vineyard-backed kitchens, Santorini offers sublime venues to discover the flavors of Greek cuisine. Master simple classics such as souvlaki kebabs, Greek salad, and stuffed vine leaves, or learn to layer the perfect moussaka at an intimate cooking class—most include pairings with Santorini wines. You can even learn to cook in the kitchen of a traditional cave house for an authentic Greek culinary experience.

Related: 15 Traditional Greek Foods and Drinks To Try on Your Next Trip

Beaches in Santorini are rightly famous for the colors of their volcanic sand. The island boasts a White Beach, which can only be reached by boat, a range of black-sand beaches, including Perissa Beach and Perivolos Beach, and the striking Red Beach, a photo must.

Many catamaran cruises include photo stops offshore from Red Beach and White Beach, while you can discover some of the island’s black-sand beaches while horseback riding.

Santorini isn’t top of the list for history buffs designing a Greece itinerary, but the island’s ruins and museums provide a fascinating insight into life on Thera before the volcano erupted. Discover the Akrotiri archaeological site (a Minoan town buried for millennia under layers of volcanic ash), soak up Aegean views from ancient Thera, relive the town’s destruction at the Lost Atlantis Experience, or check out archaeological finds at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira.

There’s plenty to learn, but guided archaeology tours or history tours can help you make the most of the mysterious sites.

If Santorini village visits are on your island bucket list, don’t miss out on the island’s highest point—1,857-foot (566-meter) Profitis Ilias, home to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias (Moni Profitou Iliou). The monastery itself is not spectacularly beautiful (think: fortress-style rather than blue-domed classic), but the views across Santorini to the Aegean more than make up for it, particularly in the golden light of sunset.

Be sure to dress modestly—it is a working monastery, after all—and double check its operating hours before making the windy drive up, as it is occasionally closed to the public.

Many travelers have been unpleasantly surprised by the harsh conditions faced by Santorini’s donkeys and mules (although horses have generally been well cared for). In between Emporio and Akrotiri, the Santorini Animal Welfare Association (SAWA) takes in stray dogs and cats, as well as donkeys and mules that have finished their working lives, and gives them a new lease of life. You can volunteer for stints of two weeks or longer, swing by to walk the dogs on the beach, or even adopt a pet and bring them home with you.

Greek food has traveled around the world, but it hits differently on its own turf, particularly when paired with local Santorini wines. That means taking a food tour is an absolute must when on the island.

Discover Santorinian delights such as fresh “chloro” cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and honey, alongside Greek classics including stuffed vine leaves, souvlaki, flaky phyllo pies, and loukoumades donuts, on a food tour with tastings. Not sure where to start? You can always book a private tour to make sure you hit all the most delicious spots on the island.