The volcanic activity that defines Santorini contributes significantly to the island’s popular pursuits. From enjoying the unique experience of swimming and sunbathing at the vibrantly colored beaches, exemplified by Kamari Beach, to delving into the exploration of ancient ruins like Ancient Akrotiri, the influence of the island’s volcanic history is evident.
Even the local wine carries the distinctive flavor imparted by Santorini’s volcanic terrain, making a visit to one of the island’s numerous wineries an essential activity for enthusiasts of gastronomy.
For those with an affinity for outdoor adventures, hiking along the caldera from Fira provides a captivating journey, with historical echoes suggesting that the city of Atlantis once stood in this location.
No visit to Santorini is complete without savoring a sunset, whether from the enchanting town of Oia or against the backdrop of Amoudi Bay while dining alfresco. The island’s diverse activities cater to varied interests, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Amoudi Bay
For beautiful views of the caldera, descend the 300 steps from the northern city of Oia to the charming port of Amoudi Bay. Surrounded by striking red cliffs and dotted with white-washed buildings typical to Santorini, this little village features several quaint tavernas serving up the catch of the day.
Aside from digging in the bounty of the sea, visitors can enjoy some swimming here, though the beach is rocky so you should bring appropriate footwear, especially if you plan on cliff diving (a popular activity in Amoudi Bay).
On the small island of Saint Nicholas, seen from Amoudi Bay’s beach, visitors can climb up stairs from the water onto the small, rocky island and jump from a designated point.
Travelers admit there isn’t a whole lot to do in Amoudi Bay, but the quality of the bay more than makes up for the quantity of activities it offers. Visitors were dazzled by the beauty of Amoudi Bay and said merely dining alfresco was all they needed to soak up the site.
Most strongly suggested to plan a trip in the late afternoon, as a sunset from Amoudi is a site to behold.
Ancient Thira
Perched atop Mesa Vouna, Ancient Thira stands as a historical demarcation between Kamari and Perissa. This archaeological site, initially claimed by the Dorians (ancient Greeks) in the 9th century B.C., unfolds its treasures from the Hellenistic (Greek empire established by Alexander the Great), Roman, and Byzantine (eastern Roman empire) periods.
Wander through Ancient Thira, and you’ll encounter remnants of ancient religious sites, a theater, antiquated city administrative structures, and even a gym designed for military trainees.
Recent explorers found the ruins of Ancient Thira to be captivating, although many admitted that the awe-inspiring views of the Aegean Sea proved to be pleasantly diverting.
Those who ventured on foot from the town of Kamari up to Mesa Vouna recommended the scenic walk for those in good physical shape, as the ascent takes approximately an hour with minimal shade along the route.
In addition to the breathtaking panoramas, visitors appreciated the affordability of admission to the ruins, especially when compared to the cost of entry to Ancient Akrotiri.
Red Beach
Since 2013, Red Beach has been under scrutiny for potential landslides, and specific sections of the beach are marked with ropes to discourage visitors from entering. If you feel uneasy about exploring this attraction but still want to admire red cliffs, consider a visit to Amoudi Bay.
Situated less than a mile southwest of Ancient Akrotiri, this beach derives its name from the towering red cliffs and dark sand. Travelers commend the breathtaking scenery, advising you to bring a camera to capture the striking contrast between the brick-red cliffs and the aquamarine water.
While the water may appear inviting, visitors strongly recommend opting for a different shoreline for your beach day. Some even propose skipping this spot altogether for several reasons. Travelers note that there is no paved path to reach the beach.
Visitors must park at a nearby parking lot and navigate a rocky pathway to access the beach. Some expressed surprise at the ruggedness of the path and experienced difficulties without proper footwear.
Travelers also highlight that the beach is small, and unless you arrive early or visit during the offseason, it can become crowded rapidly. Furthermore, the coarse, rocky sand makes it challenging for many visitors to truly unwind and relax.
On the flip side, those who enjoyed their experience at Red Beach recommend hiking to the beach with suitable footwear to appreciate its incredibly unique geography and leaving it at that.
Kamari Beach
Shaped by Santorini’s volcanic history, Kamari boasts one of the Greek Isles’ most distinctive beaches. Positioned approximately 4 miles southeast of Fira on the east coast of the island, this expansive stretch of black sand stands out as one of Santorini’s largest.
The beach is embraced by the town bearing its name, a bustling resort area featuring an array of hotels, restaurants, beachside bars, and shops. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are readily available for visitors seeking comfort on the beach.
Travelers reveled in the crystal-clear blue waters of Kamari, recommending settling down in the southern section of the shore for panoramic views of the imposing Mesa Vouno hill, home to Ancient Thira. This spot provides the quintessential Greek beach backdrop.
Regardless of where you choose to unwind on Kamari Beach, travelers strongly advise donning protective footwear. The sand and pebbly terrain can become scorching under the sun, particularly after a few hours, so bringing sandals is advisable for a day at the beach.
Some visitors even suggested opting for water shoes, noting that the underwater landscape transitions swiftly from sand to slippery solid rock.
Fira to Oia Hike
The most immersive way to absorb the beauty of Santorini is by embarking on a scenic walk, and the unparalleled route from Fira to Oia stands out as the quintessential journey. Spanning 6 miles one way, this hike traverses four enchanting towns: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia.
It’s worth noting that there is no officially marked trail for this hike, except for a few signs according to recent travelers, so the route involves following the roads closest to the caldera. En route, travelers encounter numerous captivating sites, along with breathtaking ocean vistas and picturesque towns.
Notable landmarks include Skaros Rock, a headland that once housed a castle serving as a central meeting place for Christians in the 1800s and is now a popular sunset viewing spot. Additionally, the trail features several churches, including the blue-domed St.
Gerasimos Church, offering splendid views of the volcano. As the journey concludes in Oia, explorers can marvel at the ruins of a Byzantine castle. Recent visitors recommend starting this trek in the morning due to the absence of shade, as the afternoon sun can be intense.
Travelers emphasize the presence of rocky elevation changes throughout the hike, emphasizing the need for sturdy footwear and an ample water supply. Although many completed the hike in three hours or less, completion time varies based on individual fitness levels and the frequency of stops.
Given the photogenic spots along the trail, expect to pause frequently. Despite being considered a moderate and time-consuming hike, travelers unanimously agree that it offers the best way to embrace Santorini’s natural splendor.