Visiting Oia in Santorini offers a mesmerizing experience unlike any other. Nestled on the northern tip of the island, Oia is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in a myriad of hues, casting a spellbinding glow over the Aegean Sea. Its iconic white-washed buildings with blue-domed churches and narrow cobblestone streets create a picturesque setting that feels straight out of a postcard.
It’s a steep descent to this idyllic port just below Oia in Santorini. Wear good shoes as the terrain is rocky and steep, and you’ll have to go down over 200 steps to get there. Seafood restaurants grilling octopus await you at the bottom, and a trail over rocky terrain will take you to a spot where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and watch cliff jumpers. Amoudi Bay is a great place to unwind, especially at sunset. If you want to skip the walk back up, opt for a taxi back to Oia or splurge for a water taxi.
This scenic hike connecting the postcard-perfect Greek villages, Fira and Oia, is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of Santorini. The island trail brings you along the caldera and Aegean sea, and through other quieter but picturesque towns of Firostefani and Imerovigli. The hike is about six miles and will take you between two to five hours depending on your speed. The trail is not marked and consists of cobbled, paved and dirt paths with slight elevation. Wear sturdy shoes, and start your expedition early so you can end at Oia or Fira in time for lunch.
This idyllic beach in Santorini is famous for its black sand, the result of the volcanic activity that created the island. Calm conditions and crystal-clear waters teeming with fish make for excellent snorkeling and swimming. Enjoy a relaxing day of bathing in the Mediterranean sun and stay until the evening to catch the spectacular sunset over the Aegean sea, framed by the Mesa Vouno mountain. The beach is easily accessible from Fira, the capital of the Greek island.
Visit the Red Beach near Akrotiri for surreal, otherwordly landscapes, where the blue waters and skies contrast against cliffs of red lava rock. The beach is a five-minute hike down to the shore. Here, you can rent an umbrella and a sunbed, or snorkel to explore the underwater formations and fishes. At the top, there are canteens for snacks, plus awesome views of the beach below.
This state-of-the-art facility in Greece houses a modern winery, a tomato processing factory, and a wine tourism center. For the full experience, enjoy a guided winery tour and cellar visit before sitting down for the star of the show—local wines paired expertly with Mediterranean dishes featuring locally farmed produce. Book ahead and visit in the evening for a front-row seat to the sun setting over the expansive volcanic landscape. Be sure to pop by the shop to pick up bottles of your favorite wines from the tasting and tomato paste made from Santorini tomatoes the region is famous for.
Venetsanos winery is located right above the port of Athinios, overlooking the magnificent caldera of Santorini. The winery was designed by the innovator George Venetsanos in 1947. Firstly operated in 1949 and was the first industrial winery on the island. It has a very rich history, unique architecture and amazing views. They offer a tour of the facility and wine tasting.
Seize the opportunity to experience the fun of a traditional 1940s Greek marriage at this interactive Wedding Show in Thira. Prebook to secure your place in the historical venue, and follow the story of a post-war family wedding from the preparations to the reception. Watch a wedding re-enactment before enjoying the live music, singing, dancing, and plate-smashing.