Things to do in Santorini

Best Things to do in Santorini

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Santorini? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2025.

With over 1399 activities in Santorini, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 429, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Santorini in December and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Santorini

About Santorini

Santorini is one of those destinations where scenery and history come together in a striking way. The island’s whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and dramatic cliffs are instantly recognisable, while the caldera views remind you that this is a place shaped by nature.

It isn’t only about the postcard landscapes. Ancient ruins, local wineries, and traditional villages like Oia and Pyrgos show different sides of the island. Beaches with black and red volcanic sand make the coastline just as memorable as the hilltop sunsets.

With so many things to do in Santorini, you can plan a trip around relaxation, adventure, or culture and whether it’s walking along the cliffside paths, visiting archaeological sites, or enjoying the food scene, the island offers experiences that feel varied and easy to combine.

Unique Experiences

Flying Dress Photoshoot with Pick-up

This photoshoot gives you that iconic flowing-dress image against the island’s backdrop. It’s one of the more photogenic things to do in Santorini, and perfect if you want memories that stand out.

• Where: Oia and other scenic viewpoints.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 13,000 per person.
• Timing: Sessions run daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, lasting 1 hours and 30 minutes.
• When to Visit: Best from April to October for clear skies and steady light.

Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset

Santorini’s volcanic soil creates unique flavours, and sampling them is one of the fun things to do in Santorini. You’ll visit local vineyards and taste different wines while learning about the island’s traditions.

• Where: Vineyards around Fira and Pyrgos.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 16,900 per person.
• Timing: Departs at 9:30 AM, lasting 4 hours approximately
• When to Visit: May to September is grape season, but tastings run all year.

Secluded Black Beach Horseback Riding Tour

A guided trip to Santorini’s lesser-known black sand beach is one of the quieter things to do in Santorini. You’ll enjoy calm waters and volcanic scenery without the usual crowds.

• Where: Southern Santorini, away from main beaches.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,400 per person.
• Timing: Departs at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM, lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• When to Visit: Best from June to September for warm swimming weather.

ATV Off-Road Volcanic Trails

You should know that riding an ATV across volcanic trails combines adventure and views. It’s among the most exciting 15 unique things to do in Santorini, especially if you want to see the island beyond its villages.

• Where: Volcanic terrain and trails outside Fira.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 13,700 per person.
• Timing: Tours start at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM, lasting 3 hours and 30 minutes
• When to Visit: April to October when trails are dry and safe.

Top Attractions

Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Walking through the preserved ruins of this Bronze Age settlement, often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean,” is one of those must-do things to do in Santorini that takes you deep into the island’s ancient past.

• Where: Village of Akrotiri on the southwest coast.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,850 per person.
• Timing: Open daily 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, except Mondays and Thursdays (then 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM).
• When to Visit: Morning or late afternoon (especially April to October) to avoid the midday heat.

Museum of Prehistoric Thera

If you want to add context to your visit to Akrotiri, this museum is one of the more informative Santorini tourist attractions, with its ancient frescoes and clay artifacts offering a window into early island life.

• Where: Fira, near the main square.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 550 per person.
• Timing: Open daily 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, closed on Tuesdays.
• When to Visit: Best combined with a morning in Fira or after visiting Akrotiri.

Santorini Cable Car

Taking the cable car from the Old Port up to Fira gives you a thrill with minimal effort, and views of the caldera that feel grand without the hike. It’s one of the practical things to do in Santorini, and especially useful for cruise arrivals.

• Where: From the Old Port (Gialos) to Fira town.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 900 one way
• Timing: Summer hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with rides every 20 minutes.
• When to Visit: Early or late when the light is softer and queues are shorter.

Sightseeing Tours

Santorini Half-Day Small Group Tour

This guided tour covers major highlights, from Oia to Pyrgos, offering a broad look at the island. It’s one of the most efficient things to do in Santorini if you’re short on time.

• Where: Across northern and central Santorini.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,800 per person.
• Timing: Departs at 9:30 AM, lasting approx. 5 hours.
• When to Visit: Works year-round, but spring and autumn mean cooler weather.

Santorini's Iconic Villages: Oia, Imerovigli & Firostefani

This trip focuses on scenic viewpoints, churches, and coastal sights. It’s one of the things to do in Santorini that combines photo stops with a relaxed pace.

• Where: Villages like Imerovigli, Firostefani, and hidden corners.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,000 per person.
• Timing: Slots available from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, lasting 3 hours approx.
• When to Visit: Best in April or May when flowers are in bloom.

Day Trips

Island Bus Tour: Majestic Spots of Santorini

This bus tour is one of the best things to do in Santorini for families or groups. It includes stops at monasteries, traditional villages, and viewpoints across the island.

• Where: Highlights include Profitis Ilias Monastery and Megalochori.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,400 per person.
• Timing: Departs at 11:45 AM, lasting 9 to 10 hours
• When to Visit: Ideal in spring and autumn for comfortable sightseeing.

Archaeological Bus Tour to Akrotiri & Red Beach

Visiting the ancient Akrotiri site and Santorini’s Red Beach in one day balances history with scenery. It’s a practical way to combine two of the most famous Santorini tourist attractions.

• Where: Akrotiri ruins and Red Beach.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,200 per person.
• Timing: Starts at 10:50 AM, lasting about 6 to 7 hours.
• When to Visit: May to October, when beach access is at its best.

Boat Tours

Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port

Sailing to the volcanic islets and bathing in hot springs is one of the most classic things to do in Santorini. It’s both relaxing and a reminder of the island’s volcanic origins.

• Where: Nea Kameni volcano and Palea Kameni hot springs.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,100 per person.
• Timing: Boats leave at 11:00 AM, trip lasts 3 hours.
• When to Visit: April to October when seas are calmer.

Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise

A sunset sail with a meal on board is one of the most memorable things to do in Santorini. Watching the sun dip below the caldera from the water is an experience many consider unforgettable.

• Where: Santorini caldera and surrounding waters.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 11,600 per person.
• Timing: Departs at 9:30 AM, lasting about 5 hours approx.
• When to Visit: Best in summer months (June to September) when evenings are long.

Getting Around

• Walking: Villages like Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos open up best on foot. Narrow alleys, cliff paths, steps that suddenly lead to a quiet taverna. If sunsets are on your list, you’ll end up walking anyway, the views reward the effort.
• Buses: Local buses cover most of the island. They’re cheap, they get crowded in summer, but they do the job. Handy when you’re hopping between beaches and towns without wanting to drive.
• ATVs and scooters: You’ll see them everywhere. Good for short trips between villages, a bit bumpy on the roads but fun with the wind against you. If you’ve got a few places to check off in one afternoon, this is the way.
• Taxis: Not many around, so you might wait, but they work well for quick rides. Useful if it’s late and you don’t want to deal with bus timetables.
• Boats: Some beaches and hot springs only open up from the water. Ferries and small boats take you out to volcanic islands or along the coast. It gives you a different view of the cliffs, one you don’t get from land.

Traveller Tips

• Time your sunset wisely: Oia is famous for sunsets, but it gets crowded. If you want a calmer experience, head to Imerovigli. It’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Santorini without the rush.
• Dress for the terrain: The cobbled paths and steep steps can be tricky. Comfortable shoes make your day of Santorini things to do and see a lot smoother.
• Carry some cash: You should know that while many places take cards, small bakeries or family-run shops often prefer cash. It makes simple things to do in Santorini like grabbing a pastry or souvenir easier.
• Plan around cruise arrivals: When cruise ships dock, Fira and Oia fill quickly. Starting your day early or exploring quieter spots gives you a more relaxed take on the best things to do in Santorini.
• Try beyond the famous wines: Santorini is known for Assyrtiko, but don’t skip local reds. Wine tasting is one of those top 10 things to do in Santorini that surprises most visitors.
• Be ready for the wind: The island can be breezy, especially in spring. A light jacket will help when you’re checking off evening things to do in Santorini along the cliffs.