10 things to do in Santorini: Escape the crowds on this beautiful island

Located at the southernmost point of the Cyclades, Santorini (also known as Thira) is known as the most unique island in Greece. What was once round before the massive volcanic eruption in 1450 BC, now takes the shape of a crescent with its impressive and highly visited volcano crater, the caldera, in the middle. Last year, almost 2 million tourists visited the island, with a peak of 18,000 cruise ship passengers per day. It's no secret that it's an ideal destination for weddings and honeymoons, and envy-inducing photos of infinity pools with views one can only dream of regularly appear on social media. However, there is much more to discover on the island, and there are ways to not get lost in the sea of tourists.

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10 Things to Do on Santorini

1. Get Lost in the Streets of Fira

Fira is Santorini's beating heart. As the capital, it occupies a central place that almost all roads on the island lead to. If you're traveling by bus, it will always take you to your destination by passing through Fira. Fira is known for its steep volcanic cliffs and cave houses, and gets crowded during the summer months. Plan your visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid most tourists and wander through the many shopping alleys to discover new viewpoints. Feeling adventurous? Then skip the cable car and donkeys and visit the old port — located more than 270 meters below Fira — on foot, via a staircase of nearly 600 steps!

From Fira, there's a 10-kilometer hiking trail to Oia. This trail runs along the caldera and takes you past beautiful views of the white villages and the sea. The route is clearly marked as hiking trail 9, and it's virtually impossible to get lost. Head here early in the morning when it's not too busy or hot.

^{View from Fira of the remnants of the volcanic eruption: the caldera.}

2. Experience the Rugged Volcanic Landscape

You can choose to admire the rugged volcanic landscape up close by booking an excursion to the caldera. Keep in mind that this is a well-known tourist attraction and that there are plenty of other ways to discover the power of the volcano. The island has many beaches that turn from black to red due to volcanic activity. Visit the Santorini Arts Factory in the village of Vlychada, where you can learn all about the former tomato plantations on the island. These tomatoes are unique in taste and thrive on moisture from the morning mist due to the presence of volcanic soil. The result? The insides of the tomatoes are made up of pure sugar crystals, which are used to make delicious tomato paste. After your visit, head to the nearby fish restaurant To Psaraki and taste it for yourself!

^{A black sand beach in Vlychada with the Santorini Arts Factory on the right.}

3. Taste Unique Wines with a View

Many tourists don't realize that Santorini is also an ideal destination for wine lovers! Santorini wines are cultivated in a unique way: the grapevines are low to the ground and take on a round shape. This protects the grapes from the strong island winds and intense sun. The mineral-rich volcanic soil and lack of rainwater give the grapes a unique flavor, with the main variety being Assyrtiko. The exact number of vineyards on the island is unknown, but one thing is certain: a wine tasting is a whole experience! Enjoy spectacular views, flavorful food, and perhaps the island's greatest pride: the sweet dessert wine Vinsanto at Venetsanos Winery. This vineyard was reopened in 2015, making it both the oldest and the newest industrial vineyard in Santorini.

^{Venetsanos Winery with a view of the Athinios port, where wine was once transported to boats via large pipes.}

4. Wander Among Greek Antiquity

In the southwest of the island lies the archaeological site of Akrotiri: one of the most impressive and important sites of prehistoric settlements in the Aegean Sea. Since 2012, this "Pompeii of Greece" has been open to the public again thanks to its renovated roof. The site, which was buried under volcanic ash for many years, can be admired up close via walkways and guided tours. The excavations will give you a clear picture of what life in the Minoan city looked like around 1500 years before Christ.

^{The archaeological excavation of Akrotiri, where, unlike Pompeii, no human remains have been found.}

5. Archaeological Museum of Thera

For admiring the original frescoes and artifacts, head to the Archaeological Museum in Fira. Plan your visit later in the day to avoid crowds and heat.

6. Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Also visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Here, you'll find artifacts from Santorini's prehistoric period, particularly from the Minoan civilization that flourished on the island around 3600 years ago.

7. Red Beach and Other Beaches

Combine visits to both museums with a trip to the nearby Red Beach. As the name suggests, this beach is known for its reddish sand color, thanks to the volcanic landscape.

Another beautiful beach is Kamari Beach. This is one of the few beaches in Santorini where you can spend a day relaxing on a sunbed with a cold drink in your hand.

8. Watch the Sunset in Oia

You won't be the only one heading to Oia to watch the sunset — far from it! However, there's a good chance this will be one of the highlights of your visit. Located in the northernmost part of the island, picturesque Oia (pronounced ee-ah) is characterized by narrow alleys filled with cave houses in pastel colors. For the best view of the setting sun, secure a spot at the castle in time. Experience the spectacle of pink, blue, and orange hues that make the island even more romantic. After the sunset, wait about an hour until most tourists have left their spots to avoid getting stuck in the narrow alleys leading to the bus stop or parking lot. If you have a bit more budget to spend, book a table at Red Bicycle in advance and ask for a spot on the terrace. The food is delicious, and the view is phenomenal!

Want to really avoid the crowds? Head here at sunrise. It's just as beautiful as the sunset, and around this time, you'll have the place almost entirely to yourself.

^{Left: View of the colorful houses from the Red Bicycle restaurant. Bottom right: Oia after sunset, with the castle in the distance as a lookout point.}

9. Picturesque Villages like Pyrgos and Imerovigli

Pyrgos and Imerovigli are two beautiful villages, each with their own unique features. Pyrgos is located inland on the island. Take a stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets and past its iconic houses. This is Greece at its most authentic.

Imerovigli is perched on a spectacular cliff and offers breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Here, too, you'll see the most beautiful sunsets, and it's the ideal place if you prefer to stay in slightly more luxurious accommodations.

10. Travel to Surrounding Islands

If the crowds on Santorini become too much for you, escape to smaller islands nearby. From the port of Athinios, various boats depart throughout the day to neighboring islands. During my trip, I also visited the island of Folegandros, which is about an hour's boat ride away and has just as much beauty to offer as Santorini.

^{The historic Kastro district in the village of Chora on Folegandros.}

Vacationing on Santorini

As you can see, there's plenty to do on Santorini even if you're not a fan of crowds, making it a delightful island to visit. If you do want to avoid the crowds, consider going in spring or autumn. The temperatures are still pleasant, but the island is much quieter.

How to Travel to Santorini

From the Netherlands, you can fly directly to Santorini from various airports. If you're touring Greece, the island is also easily accessible from Athens by plane or ferry. Santorini is also easily reachable from the surrounding islands. You can inquire about ferry departure times at the port. This way, you can book your passage a few days in advance.

Staying on Santorini

For a cozy and affordable stay on Santorini, you don't necessarily have to stay in Fira or Oia. One recommended option is the Meltemi Village hotel in the resort town of Perissa, located on the southeast of the island. About a 5-minute walk from the hotel, there's an impressive black sand beach and a lively boulevard full of restaurants and shops. From here, you can easily travel by bus or car to the heart of the island in just under half an hour.

Transportation on Santorini

To explore the island thoroughly, it's best to rent a car. With this, you can visit the most beautiful places on the island at your own pace. You can also visit places that are not easily accessible by public transport. Prefer not to drive yourself? The island has a good bus network that allows you to see much of the island.

Best Places to Eat

In Greece, you'll naturally want to enjoy delicious food. Fortunately, you can do plenty of that on Santorini. Here are some of our favorite places:

• FalafeLAND: Here, you can eat incredibly tasty falafel for a good price. Highly recommended!
• PitoGyros Traditional Grill House: A must-visit on Santorini for a Gyros sandwich. The best you'll find at PitoGyros in Oia.
• Karma Greek Restaurant: A cozy restaurant where they serve many vegetable dishes.
• Pelican Kipos Cafe Wine Restaurant: Delicious food and good homemade wine served in a beautiful garden in Fira.
• The Finch: Looking for a breakfast spot in a trendy place? Then you have to visit The Finch in Kamari.

This trip was made possible in part by Visit Greece & I Love Greece! For more information on what to do on Santorini or other Greek islands, visit ILoveGreece.com for more travel inspiration. Or read about the most beautiful places on Rhodes.