Many of Santorini’s favorite activities, from swimming and sunbathing on molten-dyed beaches. Or go to see an ancient ruins previously covered in ash, are influenced by the island’s volcanic activity.
The volcanic environment affects the flavor of the wine. Visiting one of Santorini’s numerous wineries is a must-do activity for foodies.
Hiking all along the caldera from Fira, in which the city of Atlantis is supposed to have once existed, will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Whatever you do in Santorini, a sunset from Oia or while dining alfresco in Amoudi Bay is a must-see.
Kamari Beach
Santorini’s volcanic past has resulted in the construction some of Greece’s most remarkable beaches, including Kamari. This expanse of black sand, about 4 miles southeast of Fira on the island’s east coast, is one of Santorini’s biggest. The beach is bordered on one side by the town that bears its name, a popular vacation area with several hotels, restaurants, seaside bars, and stores. Visitors to the beach can use the supplied lounge chairs and umbrellas.
Amoudi Bay
Descend 300 stairs from the northern city of Oia to the lovely harbour of Amoudi Bay for spectacular caldera views. This little town, surrounded by dramatic red cliffs and sprinkled with white-washed homes typical of Santorini, has numerous tiny tavernas offering up the day’s fish. Although there isn’t much to do in Amoudi Bay, travellers agree that the quality of the bay more than compensates for the lack of activities. The splendour of Amoudi Bay wowed visitors, who claimed that simply dining outside was all they needed to enjoy the scenery. It is highly recommended that you travel in the late afternoon since the sunset from Amoudi is breathtaking.
Fira to Oia Hike
Walking is the most excellent way to see Santorini, and there is no better path than from Fira to Oia. In addition to breathtaking seaside vistas and attractive cities, tourists will find various sights worth stopping for along the journey. Skaros Rock is one of them. May also find numerous churches around the area, notably the blue-domed St. Gerasimos Church, which gives spectacular views of the volcano. You’ll find Byzantine castle remains to explore when you get to Oia. This route is open to visitors at all hours of the day and night, and there is no charge to use it. However, because of the trail’s rugged surface, it’s best to avoid it at night and during the day, depending on the season.
Ancient Thira
On atop of Mesa Vouna, Ancient Thira separates Kamari and Perissa. The Dorians (ancient Greeks) initially claimed this archaeological site in the 9th century B.C.
It now has remnants from the Hellenistic (Alexander the Great’s Greek empire), Roman, and Byzantine (eastern Roman empire) periods. In addition, you’ll see remnants of ancient religious institutions, a theatre, old city administration buildings, and even a gymnasium for military training as you stroll around Ancient Thira.
Winery Tours
When thinking about famous wine places, one may think of France or Italy. Still, Santorini, believe it or not, is a top wine destination in Europe. That’s because the wine-growing soil of Santorini, which is primarily made up of volcanic material, produces a unique flavor that’s hard to obtain elsewhere.
You may find wineries around the island. However, the majority are centered in Santorini’s central area. Santo Wines in Pyrgos is the island’s largest winery and one of the most popular in Santorini. Patrons who visit a vineyard usually receive complimentary food, such as bread and cheese, and sampling.
Red Beach
Red Beach has been on high alert for landslides, and guests are prohibited from entering certain beach areas. If you don’t want to go to this site but still want to see the red cliffs, go to Amoudi Bay.
This beach, less than a mile southwest of Ancient Akrotiri, is named for its high red cliffs and black sand. Furthermore, many guests found it challenging to rest due to the rugged, stony beach. Those who enjoyed their time at Red Shore, on the other hand, recommended simply trekking to the beach (with appropriate footwear) to take in the scenery and leave it at that.
Ancient Akrotiri
Although this remarkable archaeological site was found in the late 1860s, its structures date to before the 17th century B.C.
This old Minoan outpost, regarded as one of the most significant prehistoric civilizations of the Aegean Sea by the Greek Ministry of Culture, was once a bustling port town. However, a major volcanic eruption later destroyed the city, the same that gave Santorini its current appearance. This has led experts to conclude that the former occupants of Akrotiri were aware of the eruption and evacuated the island.
Now you’re prepared to visit Santorini.
Santorini is the most distinctive of Greece’s dozens of beautiful islands. There are few places in the nation where you can see entire villages being developed on the caldera’s rim, with buildings clinging to the cliffside.
