#Santorini 2019 Best Destination in Europe! With its reputation for dazzling panoramas, romantic sunsets and volcanic-sand beaches, it’s hardly surprising the island features on so many travellers’ bucket lists！

#1 Oia

Oia is the very symbol of Santorini, and the most photographed destination on the island.

Things to Do in Oia:

1. See the Famous Sunset

2. Take a Donkey Ride from Ammoudie Bay to Oia

3. Hike from Oia to Fira

4. Explore Oia’s Stairways and Hidden Paths

5. Take a Sailing Tour Across the Caldera

6. Go for a Swim in the Ammoudi Bay

7. Go Shopping for Local Crafts

8. Visit Oia’s Charming Churches

9. Sunbathe at Baxedes Beach

10. Enjoy Local Wines

Getting There:

Take the bus from Thira (Fira) to Oia for around 3.20 Euro， its also possible to reach Oia by taxi, Cars, and Atvs．

#2 Fira

Fira is the capital of Santorini. On the caldera side you get one of the best views of the island and the activity level is enough to keep you entertained for hours.

There are cafes, bars, restaurants, all with views and some with several levels of patios and balconies to make the most of the space they have and the fact that when there are several cruise ships sitting below the town is packed with tourists.

If you enjoy shopping or eating or drinking or hanging out and watching the view then Fira is worth visiting for a few hours in the day or evening. The port of Fira below is where the cruise ships dock, though they don't actually dock.

#3

Red Beach is arguably the most famous and unique beach in Santorini. It’s pretty obvious why it is called “The Red Beach”.

The volcanic lava red rocks, pebbles and red sand that surround crystal clear waters, create an amazing scenery that you won’t find anywhere in the world.

Prepare yourself for some climbing/hiking through the rocks that lead to the beach if you want to go by car.

When reaching the archaeological site of Akrotiri, turn on the right, park in front of the chapel of Agios Nikolaos and continue on foot (no slippers!!).

#4 Kamari

Holidays to Kamari put you within easy reach of Blue Flag sands, ancient ruins and easygoing nightlife. It’s no wonder this seaside town is one of the best-loved on Santorini.

Getting There:

Follow the signs from Fira. It’s very easily accessible by car and by local bus (the local buses are called KTEL).

#5 Perissa

Perissa is basically the end of the long black sand beach of Perivolos. It’s undoubtedly the busiest and the most organised beach of Santorini.

Crystal clear waters, black pebbles, amazing atmosphere, relaxing couches, long music and sun-beds.

It’s really simple to go to Perissa and Perivolos.

It’s about 15km from Fira and there is also a regular bus service. If you have a car, just take the road to Emporio village and follow the signs!

#6 Immerovigli

Immerovigli is a picturesque village situated at the north of Santorini, only 2 km away from the capital of Fira. It is a continuation of Fira and one of the most beautiful balconies of the island.

Getting there: There is a bus stop in the main square which connects south to Fira and Firostefani, and north to Oia.

#7 Nea Kameni

Nea Kameni especially is a pole of attraction for tourists for its healing hot springs. The yellow waters there contain a large amount of sulfur and are characterized for their therapeutic purposes. Today, Agios Nikolaos which is the small cove in Nea Kameni islet is a true health source.

Boat tours around Santorini are popular, and quite easy to book via travel agencies and hotels.

#7 Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi is the small bay below Oia (where the donkeys path is) but it is not really a beach.

Ammoudi is more like an area of volcanic rocks by the sea.

Getting There:

Just follow the donkey path from Oia to the sea and restaurants level (you won’t miss it…everyone is doing that…). Once at the small port turn left and then follow the edge till you find the spot with the rocks where others dive.

#8 Vlychada Beach

Vlychada beach is a unique landscape with massive white rocks and a really relaxing atmosphere.

You won’t find any noisy beach bars or wet sports here though. The beach itself is organised with umbrellas and sun-beds

Getting There:

Take the road to Akrotiri from Fira.

Once there, you will find a sign to Vlychada (Bλυχάδα in Greek).

Unfortunately there are no buses to go there but these things change so you’d better ask some locals because they may have introduced some new bus routes.

#9 Megalochori

In the center of the village, there a wonderful traditional square with taverns, restaurants and trees providing shade for a quick cup of coffee.

Getting There:

Buses can be caught on the main road going south east to Emporio, Perissa and Perivolos or back north to Fira via Pyrgos, Messaria and Karterados.

#10 Emporio

Emporio is the largest village of Santorini.

The village itself has a strong medieval character and most of the houses have been well-preserved. At the entrance of the village stand two lovely, blue domed Cycladic churches with impressive bell tower that dominate Emporio. Source: www.greeka.com

#11 Thirassia

Thirassia, although exactly opposite the Santorini caldera, is a complete contrast from Santorini. Quiet and undeveloped, it is almost untouched by tourism.

Getting There:

Day boat trips from Santorini. You can catch the boats from Athinios Port or Ammoudi Port in Oia. The boats stop at the main harbour of Riva and at Korfos. If you get off at Korfos, you will only be able to reach Manolas on foot or by donkey.

#12 Karterades

Getting There:

The bus stop is on the main road that goes to Fira, with connecting buses to the capital, Messaria, Megalochori, Emporio, Perissa & Perivolos, Exo Gonia and Kamari. Buses pass by for the Aiport and the Port. There is also a bus that goes through Karterados village taking you to the beach area.

#13 Mesaria

Messaria is one of the biggest villages in Santorini with beautiful squares, graceful mansions and elegant atmosphere reminding us of the wealth and class of the 19th century Santorini. Ηas a great number of hotels, cafes and restaurants.

The Argyros Mansion is one of the most distinguished recent monuments of the island of Santorini and occupies an important place within the Messaria community

Map of Santorini