Top 10 breathtaking spots in Santorini, Greece
It's no secret that Santorini has some stunning views! I've been fortunate enough to visit this island twice, and experience everything it has to offer. Here is a list of some of the best spots on Santorini that you MUST visit!
Fira, Santorini
Fira is one of the picturesque cliffside towns that is world known. Wander through the colorful corridors where you will find restaurants, shops and homes of local residents. You can also walk along the cliffs from town to town to experience dramatic views that will leave you mesmerized all day! Be sure to book dinner at one of the restaurants for an amazing sunset view!
2. Skaros Rock
Skaros Rock is a short walk from Fira, near the town of Imerovigli. You can hike out onto the rock and look back onto the cliffs. I was lucky enough to be the only one out there when I went. It was completely silent and so incredibly beautiful!
3. Oia, Santorini
Oia is known as having one of the best sunsets in the world. Unfortunately, every time I tried to watch a sunset here it was cloudy. The town is on a cliffside as well. Be sure to make the hike down to the marina, where you can get some fresh octopus and catch a sunset cruise.
4. Perissa Beach
Perissa Beach is on the other side of the island from all of the dramatic cliffs. The beach is covered in black volcanic sand with larger rocks and pebbles in the water. There is a large cliff on the side of the beach that drops into the crystal blue water. You can order food and local beer straight from the restaurants on the beach. It's a great escape from all of the crowds on the other side of the island!
5. Akrotiri
The town of Akrotiri is a short drive from Perissa Beach. There is a museum of the ancient town that is amazingly well preserved. The town was covered in a volcanic eruption in 1627 BC! After visiting the museum, head towards the water to find a small cluster of restaurants that edge right up to the water!
6. The Red Beach
The Red Beach is about 5 minutes away from Akrotiri. It is a short walk from the parking lot, and is usually pretty crowded. The giant red volcanic cliffs make a jaw dropping landscape against the turquoise water!
7. Megalochori
If you're in for a sleepy quiet town full of amazing wineries then head here! Megalochori is full of quiet streets, old churches and small town squares. We ate a delicious meal and headed to a local winery to sip on some delicious wines!
8. The Road to Megalochori
I highly suggest renting an ATV to explore Santorini. The drive along the coast is absolutely breathtaking! Stop along the cliff sides in between Akrotiri and Megalochori to get a panoramic view of the caldera. The caldera is the large volcanic crater that is filled with water. This is what makes up the dramatic cliffs on one side of the island.
9. Volcano Tour
There are many tours that offer a boat ride to the center of the volcano. It is located on an island in the middle of the caldera. It is a quick hike up to the center of the dormant volcano. Some tours will even bring you to the other side of the island, where you can swim in the volcanic sulfur springs.
10. Thirasia
Thirasia is an island near the volcano. Many tours that take you to the volcano will make a quick stop here for lunch. You can dine along the water with a view of the colorful fishing boats.
