Santorini or Thira is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, perhaps one of the most photogenic on the planet, because of the unique natural landscape that takes your breath away no matter how many times you go and which was formed thousands of years before the huge volcanic eruption of its volcano.
What should I see in Santorini, if I go for one day?
I have visited the island 4 times but only the last two I was able to see what are perhaps not the most advertised spots of Santorini, the highlights we call. And what are the things you should see if you have, for example, only one day on the island?
- To walk in the alleys of Fyra, the capital of the island, and at the village of Imerovigli. You can go from Fyra to Imerovigli by following the footpath build over the ridge of the island.
- to visit Oia and, why not, find out for yourself whether the sunset justifies its name for the “most beautiful sunset of the world”.
- Visit Kokkini Paralia beach and Kamari or Perissa seaside settlements and beaches on the eastern side of the island, to see their huge beaches with large black pebbles.
- And of course drink your coffee or enjoy dinner with a view of the unique Caldera (Nea Kammeni, the black volcanic little island with its active crater) and the Aegean Sea.
- And if you are younger, or feel like :), check out Santorini’s nightlife with its endless bars and clubs for almost all tastes.
Sightseeing and activities in Santorini.
This is what I had done the first times I was on the island. Of course, now that I think about it, it might have seen less than half of what Santorini has to offer. Let’s start with the b-sides of the island, which are not the only ones as you will understand
Archaeological museum in Fira
Don’t miss it, with exhibits from different millennia and especially from Akrotiri, the prehistoric settlement that was covered and buried for thousands of years by the Minoan eruption, that’s the name of the eruption of Santorini that happened around 1,610 BC. and which ranks as the second largest explosion in human history (wikipedia’s article)
The prehistoric settlement at Akrotiri
Another not-to-miss activity is the visit to the prehistoric settlement at Akrotiri. Travel back in time, more than 3,600 years ago!!!, to one of the most important archaeological sites in the world! It’s a shame to go all the way to Santorini and miss this one. Perfectly combined with a swim at the unique Kokkini Paralia beach (red beach)
Ancient Thera
Climb and walk in Ancient Thira, the city founded in the 8th century BC. by the Dorians. Do I need to tell you anything else? Well then, since it is built on the Mesa Vouno hill it offers the best view to the Aegean, Perissa and Kamari as well as the island of Anafi (which I visited the same year) the view of which I enjoyed from the theater of Ancient Thera.
If you get tired, the two largest beaches of Santorini, Kamari and Perissa, are just under this hill, so you can combine it with a dive in the deep dark waters of the Aegean sea.
On the island of Thirasia
Be sure to go to the second island of the caldera, the beautiful Thirasia. See how Santorini was before mass tourism and enjoy its quiet pace. I visited Thirassia taking a small boat from the small port of Oia village and on my way back in the evening i stayed there to enjoy the view of the renowned Oia’s sunset.
SkaroS rock
If you go to Imerovigli, you should, don’t stay on the “view balconies” but walk on the path that leads to the characteristic big rock of Skaros.
Wine and fava beans
If you like the unique wine of the Theraic land you can visit a winery or a local producer, and of course taste the Santorini fava, a very famous and tasty legume for which Santorini is very famous in the gastronomy world.
beautiful Pyrgos village
Do not miss it. Santorini is not only Chora, Imerovigli and Oia. After what I have told you, I think I got the message across. If not, a visit to the beautiful village of Pyrgos will convince you.
Should I go to Nea Kameni?
I think you already have enough to fill your days. And yes, I didn’t talk at all about the visit to the crater of Nea Kameni, i.e. the volcano of Santorini. The small island crater, in the center of the Santorini caldera, was created only in 1570AD and is the most recently created piece of land in the Mediterranean Sea (I just learned about it from Wikipedia).
The reason I did not mention Nea Kameni is that I have left it in my mind for the 5th time I will go to Thira, you know, just to have another good reason to visit this majestic island. Now whether it’s worth doing it on the first day you go to the island or the last, I leave that up to you.
Maybe think about the weather, I’ve heard that on hot summer days it’s not ideal to walk on the crater of an active volcano. Keep in mind that during high season it can be very crowded but i have not done it yet so again, I leave it up to you 🙂
Accommodation in cosmopolitan Santorini
There are endless options for accommodation in Santorini. Of course, you should understand that the availability is limited due to the global demand for the specific destination in Fira (Chora), but the prices are always stingy compared to other beautiful destinations in the Cyclades.
The most popular accommodation destinations in Santorini are
- Fira (Chora)
- Imerovigli,
- Oia (sunset views)
- Akrotiri and the seaside villages of
- Kamari and Perissa
Clicking on the links above will take you to the booking.com page for that location. Or you can simply consult Santorini’s accommodation map just below.
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