Things To Do In Santorini

Beach activities in Santorini

Santorini is home to some of the most exotic beaches in the Mediterranean. They are not the usual white sand beaches. The grains here are red or black because of volcanic activity. Kamari Beach is the most upscale and touristy one for sunbathing, while Perissa and Perivolos cater to the beach parties and water sports. You must visit Red Beach, if only to lay in the sunbed and click some pictures of the stunning landscape here – top things to do in Santorini. Amoudi Bay has many cavers filled with water where you can swim. You can also enjoy cliff-diving here.

Shopping in Santorini

Fira and Oia are the towns from where most of the shopping is done. Gold Street in Fira has a great many jewellery shops lined up. These two towns have many boutiques for apparels as well. Art of the Loom in Firostefani and Santorini Products in Pyrgos is a good place to pick up wooden trinkets. Pay a visit to Atlantis Books – the best international book shop in the Cyclades.

Here are the best things to do in Santorini.

1. Cruising in the Caldera

More than 3600 years ago, in the 16th century BC, a massive volcanic activity blew the centre of the island on Aegean away and broke the landmass into Santorini, Therasia and Aspronisi, and Kameni Island in the centre. The sea water has filled in the crater over years. Cruising in the caldera is one of the major Santorini attractions. One day excursions to the hot springs of Kameni Island and another tiny island called Thirassia come as bonus.

2. Winery tours

It would almost be a sin to visit Santorini and not indulge in wining. There are a number of vineyards and wine boutiques on the island, some of which are the names behind the world’s best wines. Taste them at their very cradle, learn about the harvesting and wine-making process and enjoy a private lunch at one of them.

3. Swimming  and cliff-jumping at Amoudi Bay

Amoudi Bay is a tiny fishing village, but with the most exquisite beach. Tucked away within rocky cliffs in lower Oia, the water of this beach is translucent turquoise, even bluer in real than you see in pictures. Swimming in between the sea caverns is one of the best Santorini activities, and when famished find a traditional Greek seafood tavernas for lunch. Among the adventurers at heart, cliff-jumping at Amoudi Bay is very popular.

4. Hiking from Fira to Oia

The best way to explore Santorini is by walking and the walk to Oia from capital Fira is the best you will find. The Fira-Oia hike is of 10.5km – not at all lengthy, but is one of the best in Mediterranean. It takes you through towns like Imerovigli and Firostefani, beautiful views of the ocean and caldera, and the popular vantage point during sunset at Skaros Rock.

5. Water sports in Perivolos Beach

Perivolos Beach has a bunch of water sports agencies, and together they offer an assortment of adventures to indulge in. The sea here does not have big waves, so surfing is out of question. But kayaking, jet-skiing, waterboarding, snorkelling and scuba diving are very much in vogue. Keep a day for taking part in these fun things to do in Santorini.