Santorini, Greece Travel Community

Must-See Things to See or Do in Santorini?

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AlexiaTravels

AlexiaTravels

Active member
I’m heading to Santorini for three days on my next trip, and I want to make the most of my time there! Since it's a short visit, I’d love recommendations on the absolute must-see sights and experiences that I shouldn’t miss.

Of course, I plan to catch at least one famous Oia sunset, but beyond that, I’m torn between exploring villages like Pyrgos or Megalochori, hiking from Fira to Oia, or doing a caldera boat tour to the volcano and hot springs. Are these worth it, or would you prioritize something else?

I also love good food and wine, so if you have restaurant recommendations for authentic Greek meals or a winery with an amazing view, I’m all ears!

Basically, if you had only three days, what would be your top experiences? Any hidden gems or tips for making the most of my time? Looking forward to your suggestions!
 
If I had only three days in Santorini, I’d focus on a mix of breathtaking views, unique experiences, and amazing food!
  • Day 1: Start with the Fira to Oia hike in the morning—it’s stunning and lets you take in the caldera views at a slower pace. Relax in Oia afterward, explore its charming streets, and end the day with the famous sunset.
  • Day 2: Take a caldera boat tour—it’s totally worth it! Hiking the volcano, swimming in the hot springs, and sailing around the island give you a unique perspective of Santorini.
  • Day 3: Explore Pyrgos for a quieter, traditional vibe and visit Santo Wines for a tasting with a fantastic view. For food, try Metaxi Mas (amazing Greek cuisine in Exo Gonia) and Ammoudi Fish Tavern for fresh seafood by the water.
Hidden gem: The sunset from Skaros Rock in Imerovigli—less crowded but just as magical!
 
My post-grad girls trip to Santorini was absolutely unforgettable. We started our mornings at Galini Café—sipping coffee with the most breathtaking caldera views. Afternoons were for soaking up the sun at Perissa Beach, where the black sand and chill atmosphere were just perfect. Watching the sunset from Amoudi Bay over a seaside dinner felt straight out of a dream. And wine tasting at Santo Wines? Stunning views, delicious wines, and the best way to toast to summer. I put together this Santorini itinerary to make the most of our time—it might be helpful if you're planning your own island adventure!
 
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Where have you found the best traditional Santorini food?

I've been thinking about the food in Santorini and wondering where people have found the best traditional Greek meals on the island. There are so many restaurants with beautiful caldera views, but I'm especially interested in places where the food is the main attraction.

I'd love to try some of Santorini's local specialties, especially tomatokeftedes, fava, white eggplant, and dishes that highlight the island's agricultural traditions. I'm particularly interested in smaller family-run tavernas that serve authentic recipes rather than menus designed primarily for tourists.

Have you discovered any restaurants or tavernas that really stood out? Are there particular villages where you've had especially memorable meals?

I'm also curious whether you've found better traditional food away from the popular areas like Oia and Fira. I'd love recommendations for places that offer a genuine taste of Santorini, including any specific dishes worth ordering while visiting the island!

Best Place to Swim on Santorini?

I'm curious where people think the best place to swim on Santorini is. The island is obviously famous for its views and sunsets, but I don't hear as much discussion about the actual swimming.

I've seen recommendations for Perissa, Kamari, Red Beach, Vlychada, and even swimming from boat excursions around the caldera. They all look beautiful in photos, but I'm wondering which spot people enjoyed the most once they were actually in the water.

Do you prefer the black sand beaches, the more dramatic scenery around Red Beach, or some lesser-known location that visitors often miss? I'm also interested in places with particularly clear water, good snorkeling, or a relaxing atmosphere where you can spend several hours.

If you've been to Santorini, where was your favorite swim? Was it a beach, a hidden cove, or somewhere reached by boat? I'd love to hear your recommendations and why that spot stood out.

Hidden Gems in Santorini?

I’m heading back to Santorini this year, and even though I know it’ll be peak season, I’m still really excited. I’ve visited before and already done most of the classic tourist experiences, Oia sunsets, the volcano tour, Red Beach, winery visits, all of that. This time, I’d love to experience a different side of the island and find some quieter or lesser-known spots.

I know Santorini gets crowded in the summer, but I’m hoping there are still hidden gems if you know where to look. Maybe a peaceful village, a taverna locals love, a secluded swimming spot, or even just a scenic place that most visitors skip.

I tend to enjoy slower experiences more than packed itineraries, especially places where you can really feel the atmosphere of the island. For people who know Santorini well, what are your favorite hidden gems or underrated experiences? I’d love recommendations beyond the usual lists.

Is Akrotiri worth visiting?

I’m heading to Santorini soon, and I keep seeing mixed opinions about Akrotiri. Some travelers say it’s one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Greece, a “Minoan Pompeii” with incredibly well-preserved houses, fresco fragments, and that haunting feeling of a city frozen in time. Others say it’s too restored, too curated, or too quick of a visit to justify the entrance fee.

For those of you who’ve been: is Akrotiri actually worth visiting, or is it more for serious history lovers? Did the site feel immersive, or does the roofed structure make it harder to picture the ancient city? How much time did you spend there, and is it better with a guide?

I’m trying to decide whether to fit Akrotiri into a tight itinerary. I’d love to hear your impressions, was it memorable, educational, emotional, or just “fine”? Any tips for making the visit more meaningful?

How was the airport experience in Santorini?

I’ve been to Santorini a few times, but I’ve always arrived and departed by ferry, never by plane. For my next trip, I’m thinking about flying in or out, depending on how the itinerary shapes up, and I’d love to hear from those of you who’ve actually used the Santorini airport.

How was your experience? Is it as chaotic as some reviews make it sound, or does it just depend on the time of year? I’m curious about everything, check-in lines, baggage claim, the size of the terminal, transportation to and from hotels, even how early you’d recommend arriving before a flight.

I’d also love to know if there’s a big difference between domestic and international departures. Is it worth paying extra for a direct flight, or are the Athens connections smooth enough? Any first-hand details would really help me plan ahead for next year’s trip.
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