Alleigh & Andrew
Things To Do
SAFOWI Food and Wine Tours
Santorini's vineyards are full of the white Assyrtico grape which is a must try. If you want to visit multiple wineries, a tour company that specializes in this is best so that you don't need to do the driving. This company is owned by an American from California, who has an extensive knowledge of Santorini and California wines.
Santorini Wine Tour
Santorini's vineyards are full of the white Assyrtico grape which are a must try. If you want to visit multiple wineries, a tour company that specializes in this is best so that you don't need to do the driving. This company is a greek company with extensive knowledge of Santorini wines.
Gavalas Winery
Small traditional, family run, great wines!
Domaine Sigalas Winery
Their winery is set amongst their vineyards. You can also see the sunset from here! They have award-winning wines and a restaurant.
Estate Argyros Winery
Located in Mesa Gonia, they have a stunning building that houses their brand-new tasting room.
Hatzidakis Winery
This is a family run winery. Their tasting room is set amongst the working part of the winery inside a unique cave.
Santorini Brewing Company
This is the first brewery on the island. They brew fresh, unfiltered beers.
Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna
At the base of Oia - quaint harbor with great seaside tavernas offering the very best fresh fish.
Cava Alta
Casual dining in Pyrgos.
Kantouni
Breakfast, lunch or dinner spot in Pyrgos.
Franco's Cafè
Great spot for cocktails in Pyrgos.
Feggera
Recommended restaurant in Megalchori.
Me Taximas
Great greek food in a great location.
Psaraki
Great fresh fish. Location is on the road but you have a view of the harbor and sea below.
NAOS Oia Restaurant - Bar
Fine dining, unusual dishes, Japanese influences.
Ouzeri
Casual dining for lunch or dinner.
Tropical Bar
Quaint bar by day with a view, DJ & dancing at night.
PK Cocktail Bar
Great cocktails with a view.
Tango
Located on the cliffside, this place is open evenings only with a DJ and dancing.
Enigma Club
Late night club for dancing. Some outdoor space but mostly indoors.
Koo Club
Late night club for dancing, mostly outdoors.
Perissa Beach Bars
There are beach bars that continue into the night in Perissa during the summer months.
Santorini Walking Tours
This is a great way to see and learn about the island off the beaten track!
Santorini Open Air Cinema
Catching a movie at the open air cinema is one of the unique treasures of Santorini. It's a garden setting with a bar for refreshments.
Symposion Music and Mythology
Located in Megalchori, this is a cultural center offering tours, music presentations and workshops. Set in a former winery, there is a small wine cafe as well.
Boat Cruises
Boat is a magnificent way to see Santorini. Sail in the caldera, hike the volcano, swim in the hot springs or just enjoy the view of Santorini from the sea. There are half day tours or sunset tours available with traditional boats, catamarans or motor/speed boats.
Beaches
All of Santorinis beaches are either black pebbles or black sand. For easy access in/out of the seaside, Perivolas or Perissa Beach are recommended. There are many beach side establishments for refreshments, dining and night life. Chair and umbrella hire at the beach is available as well. Our planner doesn't recommend visiting Red Beach due to the unstable cliff wall in this area. There is also a small boat that you can take from Akrotiri to White Beach - but beware that the boat drops you off in the water!
Fira Village
The capital of the island and the heart of all activities. It is a commercial center with shops, banks, post office, museums (Prehistoric Museum of Thira, Folklore Museum, Gyzi Museum), churches and main bus and taxi stations. The main square has fast food, pharmacies, and shops. The caldera section has white-washed buildings consisting of cave style or mansions has hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars that overlook the sea, volcano and surrounding islands. The Old Port of Fira is below, which is accessible by either cable car or by walking the 580 steps, or taking a donkey.
Firostefani Village
This is the next village north of Fira, which feels like an extension of Fira. It's only a 5-10 minute walk into Fira from here. Firostefani is mostly residential with many cave houses/hotels all situated on the caldera. There are several quaint restaurants in the small main square.
Imerovigli Village
This is the next village along the caldera after Firostefani. It is the highest elevation along the caldera. It is mostly residential with cave style hotels and mansions all along the caldera. There are several excellent restaurants in this village. Imerovigli has the distinction of being in somewhat of the middle of the C shape of Santorini’s caldera so has a great view of Oia in the north and Akrotiri in the south. For the adventurous, our planner recommends a hike out to the famous rock of Skaros, where once stood a Venetian castle, the oldest castle on the island. Very little remains today but the view is stunning.
Oia Village
This is the northern most village on the island, and one of the most beautiful and famous villages with traditional cave style houses stacked upon each other all along the caldera. In the 1800’s, many ship owners built their houses in Oia. Many of the Captain’s Mansions remain today. They are built in the neo-classical architectural style. There are approximately 70 churches in Oia, numerous boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants. Just down below Oia, there is the beautiful and unique port of Amoudi where there are many fish tavernas right at the water’s edge. Amoudi is accessible from the Oia by 214 steps, donkey or there is also a road that cars can drive on. Oia can be quite crowded at sunset!
Pyrgos Village
Our planner recommends visiting Pyrgos Village for a walk around the walled castle area and lunch or dinner at one of the many great restaurants here. This is also where Andrew and I will be staying (and both our families as well)! Once the capital of the island, Pyrgos has played an important role in Santorini’s history. In 1580, the Kasteli was created. The walls of the houses composed the fortified walls of the village where there was only one entrance. Today many people visit to experience the ambiance of this noble yet quaint village. There are 56 churches and many great cafes/restaurants to enjoy as well. Further up the mountain, perched at the top, is the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, which was built in 1700’s.
Kamari Village
This is a beach community with many hotels and restaurants located along the seaside promenade. The beach has umbrella/chair rental as well as water sports. At the top of the mountain, at the end of Kamari, is the access road to Ancient Thira, where you can see the remains of a Dorian civilization.
Megalchori Village
Located in the interior of the island, Megalchori is a peaceful and traditional village that has retained its ambience and character for centuries. It consists of canaves (wine making cellars), farm houses and mansions. There is one road through the village which is extremely narrow, and most cars cannot pass. It has a unique bell tower overhead. At the main square there are quaint restaurants, tavernas and also the 5-star hotel, Vedema, which has a unique canava style restaurant. The family owned Gavalas Winery is also located in the heart of the village, and the Boutari Winery is located on the outskirts of the village.
Akrotiri Village
Located on the southernmost end of the island, it is an expansive area, with a main village, lots of rural area with great views, some hidden beaches and at the tip of the island is Faros - the island’s light house. Most importantly Akrotiri is well known as the most important archeological site of the island is located there. The Archeological site of Akrotiri, a very elaborate community that flourished in the 3rd millennium BC, came to light during the excavation in 1970’s. The city was covered with ash and was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of 1614 BC. The famous wall paintings of Akrotiri depict a highly developed society. At the site today, you can see the layout of the city, containing multi-storied buildings, artisanal work areas and pottery.