Santorini is a favorite travel destination for many of our readers. It has enough things to do and must-see attractions to fill anyone’s travel itinerary. To help get you started, here’s a “top 10” list.

1. See the sunset from Oia

The village of Oia is located on the island’s northwest edge. The sunset here is world-famous. The village itself is both beautiful and picturesque. But you must see the sunset from the ancient ruins of the Agios Nikolaos castle.

Crowds of tourists gather there for this experience so get there early. Watch the sky transform into a virtual painter’s palette of inspirational colors. The view of the sea and nearby volcano are also said to be breathtaking. Be sure to explore the entire island and see all of Santorini’s beauty.

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2. Catch the caldera

Santorini’s natural beauty is largely due to its distinct terrain morphology. Witness the Santorini caldera, a large, mostly submerged cauldron-like hollow or sinkhole born of a powerful volcanic eruption, there in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. The caldera is found 120 kilometers (74+ miles) north of the isle of Crete in Greece.

This volcanic complex, reported to be the most active section, includes the volcanoes of Santorini, Nisyros, Milos, and Methana. Enjoy the best views from the villages of Fira, Firostefani, and Oia. You can even see Santorini’s caldera by air.

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3. Take a boat trip to the volcano

Santorini’s famous volcano is arguably the island’s top tourist attraction. This active volcano in the beautiful Aegean Sea is said to be a truly amazing sight. Veteran visitors recommend signing on for a boat trip and visiting the pair of residual islets there.

Go exploring and learn history as well. The volcano was a major factor in the evolution of the island. The boat trips to the volcano generally offer passengers the opportunity to go swimming in the naturally heated water of the volcano’s hot springs too. It provides travelers a different perspective and an impressive view of the area.
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4. Hit the Red Beach

Even the distinctive features of Santorini’s beaches were impacted by ancient volcanic activity. Red Beach is a famous example of this. Unsurprisingly, it is reputed to be Santorini’s most photographed beach.

Between the dark blue water, and the red tinge of the sand, rocks, and cliffs, the landscape is unique. Additionally, this is a great place to go snorkeling. If you’re a beach bum, there are companies that offer excursions to both this beach and the White Beach. Indeed, some tours will take you to the beaches, the previously-mentioned volcano and its healthy hot springs too.

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5. Visit a winery

American writer Ernest Hemingway once said: “Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world . . .” If you share that belief then you have yet one more reason to visit Santorini. Santorini actually has quite a long tradition of winemaking.

Wine is Santorini’s most popular product. It’s due to the rich volcanic soil. This Greek isle has a number of different noteworthy wineries that offer winemaking tours. Indulge in a memorable experience. Partake of the island’s numerous varieties of wine and their local delicacies too.

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6. Sample all the local cuisine

Some say the fertile, volcanic soil of Santorini produces food unique that is like nowhere else. Visit one of the traditional taverns there and sample such local dishes as capers with wine, fava, Greek salad, melitzanosalata (which is made with white eggplants), and tomato fritters. Stop at a sea tavern and eat fresh fish and other seafood.

Those in the know say that Greek dishes made with fresh local food make a meal even more memorable. They also note that eating at little local places will give you a much better chance to experience Greek hospitality.

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7. Visit the Akrotiri archaeological site

Travel to the quaint village of Akrotiri. There you will be able to view the impressive excavations of the prehistoric Akrotiri settlement. Here you will be able to step into a prehistoric era and walk amongst the ancient debris of the olden village,

It is said to be in remarkably good condition. In fact, experts have confirmed this must-see spot to be “a prominent archaeological site” that is rife with history. Some of the more significant discoveries are already on exhibit at the popular Museum of Prehistoric Thera, located in Fira.

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8. See the view from Prophet Elias Monastery

Those with a more spiritual bent will surely wish to see the popular Prophet Elias Monastery. The monastery of Prophet Elias is said to look a lot like a military fortress with a bell tower. The monastery can be found on the very highest point of the entire island on a mountaintop.

Obviously, an added perk of coming here is the incredible panoramic views of the island. If you enjoy photography, get here at sunset. Travel writers say that it’s so incredible it fills those who see it with a sense of rapture.

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9. Go cliff-jumping at Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay is not a beach, but it’s perfect for swimming.  The quaint, little port of Ammoudi can be found at the edge of the earlier-mentioned Oia village. There are several taverns there by the sea that are unsurprisingly praised for their fresh seafood.

It includes a lovely walking path that leads right to the beautiful, welcoming, clear water. Work up your courage and go and jump from the towering rocks there. Diving veterans say it is a truly “memorable experience.” Simply swimming in the inviting water here and seeing all the surrounding scenery is rewarding enough even if you fail to leap from the rocks.

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10. Take in the view from a castle

There are five Venetian castles on Santorini. They’ll take you back to a time when pirates laid waste to this isle. They are situated in the little villages of Akrotiri, Emporio, Imerovigli, Oia, and Pyrgos.

You can get a great view from some of them too. Explore their towers and chambers. Walk around the grounds and be carried back through time.

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