Santorini is more touristy than some of the other Greek islands, but its stunning views alone make it worth visiting. There are also quieter, less-traveled areas that are well worth exploring.
About this stop: Beat the crowds, roam by quad, and toast the caldera at dusk.
Suggested itinerary
- Oia can get very crowded, but if you time it right you can avoid crowds. It is best if you can stay on the island and not visit from a cruise ship. This will allow you to arrive Oia at sunrise to view blue-dome in quiet. Get coffee at Meteor Café. The view is stunning.
- Oia will get crowded by mid-morning. I recommend renting a 4×4/ATV and circle the island (all day hire).
- Drive to Perissa on the south coast to see the black-sand beachs and have a swim. Get lunch at the Caribbean-vibe TRANQUiLO.
- Another outing that will take about 3 hours or so is to do the hike from Fira→Oia along the caldera ridge. Remember bring water & a hat. The hike isn't too bad, but the views are amazing
- Return to Oia for golden-hour and some shopping.
- Sunset dinner: choose budget-friendly Strogili or splurge at Gefsis for fine dining. Book ahead of time. It'll be worth it. There is a reason this place is world famous. The sunsets are outstanding.
- If you are on the island for a few days it would be worth getting lunch at Amoudi Bay. Amoudi is a picturesque, tiny fishing port located at the foot of the cliffs in Oia. Pick any of the fresh seafood tavernas and take in the stunning Aegean Sea views. You can take a taxi there, but we took the steep 300-step descent from Oia. It was a little scary, but fun.
