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Looking for the best things to do in Santorini? You’re in the right place!
Santorini is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, with whitewashed villages, volcanic landscapes, and unreal sunsets. Whether you’re here for stunning views, rich history, or amazing Greek food and wine, there’s something for everyone.
After exploring Santorini extensively, I’ve discovered the absolute best experiences this island has to offer – from private catamaran cruises and volcanic hot springs to wine tasting and horseback riding on the beach. These must-do activities are guaranteed to make your Santorini trip unforgettable!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Santorini was this luxury catamaran cruise! We sailed along the coast to incredibly scenic spots and went swimming and snorkeling.
Plus there’s a delicious Greek buffet meal with wine, a stop at the Santorini Hot Springs, and the tour ends by watching the sunset from the water!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Santorini, Greece
- 1. See Santorini’s best sights on a private, customizable tour
- 2. Enjoy Santorini’s stunning coastline on a catamaran cruise
- 3. Try Santorini’s famous wines
- 4. Go sea kayaking
- 5. Learn how to cook authentic Greek cuisine
- 6. Ride horses to Black Sandy Beach
- 7. Taste your way through Santorini
- 8. Go fishing on a private charter (with snorkeling and BBQ!)
- 9. Explore Santorini’s coast and the Aegean Sea on a private catamaran cruise
- 10. Visit the Santorini volcano and hot springs on a sailboat
- Where to Stay in Santorini, Greece
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Santorini, Greece
1. See Santorini’s best sights on a private, customizable tour
- Duration: 4 – 8 hours (depending on option selected)
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Private tour of Santorini customized to your interests, choose to visit beaches, villages, or scenic viewpoints with your private guide/driver
- Inclusions: Private local guide/driver, bottled water, hotel/port/airport pick-up/dropoff
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Santorini is one of those places where every turn is postcard-perfect, so why settle for a rigid itinerary when you can design your own adventure? That’s exactly what we did on this private tailor-made tour, and it was the perfect way to explore the island on our own terms!
Our personal guide and driver, Vasilis, was amazing—seriously, this guy knows everything about Santorini! Before setting off, he took the time to understand what we were most interested in, so we got a completely personalized itinerary. Whether you want to visit historic sites, relax on black sand beaches, explore charming villages, or go wine tasting, this tour is fully customizable to your interests.
We opted for an afternoon departure, hitting up Pyrgos for panoramic views, the famous Red Beach, and a stop at a local winery before ending the day in Oia for the legendary sunset. And let me tell you, it was breathtaking!
With multiple start times and durations available, you can choose the option that works best for you. If you want a stress-free, personalized way to explore Santorini, this tour is the way to do it – there’s a reason it has over 1,000 5-star reviews!
Check out all of the amazing stops and reserve your private tour here!
2. Enjoy Santorini’s stunning coastline on a catamaran cruise
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am or 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Enjoy a catamaran cruise around Santorini, go swimming and snorkeling, indulge in a Greek buffet lunch or dinner with wine, relax in the Santorini Hot Springs
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, buffet meal, wine, soft drinks/water, snorkeling equipment
- Rating: 4.8 stars (read the 3,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
One of the highlights of our last Santorini trip was hopping aboard this luxury catamaran cruise. Seeing the island from the water just hits differently, and if you want a mix of relaxation, adventure, and incredible views, this is it!
The cruise offers both morning and afternoon departures, but if you can, go for the afternoon – watching the sunset from the water was incredible. We sailed past Red Beach and White Beach, stopping to swim and snorkel in the stunningly blue waters (the crew provides all the gear!).
Another stop was at the volcanic hot springs, where we relaxed in the warm, mineral-rich waters. It was absolutely worth the short swim to get there!
Back on board, we were treated to a delicious Greek buffet, complete with local white wine. As the sun set, the catamaran drifted toward the caldera, giving us unforgettable panoramic views of Santorini’s coastline. Watching the sky explode in shades of orange and pink while sipping on a glass of wine was the perfect way to end the day!
The tour also includes hotel transfers, making it completely hassle-free. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this catamaran cruise is an unforgettable way to experience Santorini’s beauty. If you still need more convincing – just have a look at the thousands of 5-star reviews!
Learn more about our favorite Santorini tour and secure your spot here!
3. Try Santorini’s famous wines
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 12 pm
- Highlights: Tour 3 local wine estates and sample 12 different wines, enjoy tapa and cheese pairings, learn about the wine-making process, visit a cliff-top winery with views of the Aegean
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, guide, wine tastings, snacks, mineral water
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you love wine, this Santorini wine tasting tour is an absolute must! We spent an afternoon visiting three of the island’s top wineries, sipping on incredible local wines, and learning all about what makes Santorini’s wine scene so unique.
During the tour, we tasted 12 to 15 different wines, including Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and the famous sweet Vinsanto. The Assyrtiko whites were crisp and refreshing, while the Vinsanto was rich and dessert-like – easily one of my favorites! The tastings were also paired with local cheeses, olives, and bread, making the experience even better.
One of the best parts of the tour was how fun and informative our guide was. They shared fascinating stories about Santorini’s winemaking traditions and explained how the island’s volcanic soil gives the wines their unique flavor. Plus, the small group size made the whole experience feel intimate and relaxed.
The final stop was at a cliff-top winery with stunning panoramic views of Santorini’s coastline. Sipping wine while taking in the scenery was the perfect way to wrap up the experience! Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just love a good glass, this is such a fun way to experience Santorini’s wine culture.
Read the thousands of 5-star reviews and reserve your spot here!
4. Go sea kayaking
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 12 pm or 4:30 pm
- Highlights: Explore Santorini’s south coast on a guided sea kayak trip, swim and snorkel in hidden spots
- Inclusions: Kayaking equipment, guide, snacks, sunhat, drybag, snorkeling equipment
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous way to experience Santorini’s coastline, this sea kayaking tour needs to be on your itinerary! Our friends recommended it to us, and after doing it ourselves, it’s easy to see why. It was hands down one of the most fun things we did in Santorini!
Starting at Red Beach, we paddled along dramatic volcanic cliffs, weaving through hidden sea caves and remote coves that you can’t reach any other way. The guides were amazing—super friendly and made sure everyone felt comfortable, whether it was your first time in a kayak or not.
One of the highlights was exploring secluded beaches only accessible by water. We took breaks to snorkel in the turquoise waters, spotting vibrant marine life with the provided snorkeling gear. We even stopped on a beach to enjoy a delicious homemade picnic before paddling back.
Between the incredible views, peaceful hidden spots, and the thrill of kayaking along Santorini’s coastline, it’s easy to see why this tour has so many 5-star reviews. If you’re looking for a fun and active way to see a different side of the island, this is it!
Secure your spot on this popular tour here before it sells out!
5. Learn how to cook authentic Greek cuisine
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 11:30 am
- Highlights: Learn to cook classic Greek dishes from a professional chef in a small-group setting, enjoy the dishes with local wine
- Inclusions: Professional chef, ingredients & equipment, lunch, water, wine, recipes
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 780+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Attention foodies! If you’re looking to dive deep into Greek cuisine, this hands-on cooking class in Santorini is perfect for you! We had an absolute blast learning to prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of a professional chef.
The class kicked off with a warm welcome and a brief introduction to the rich culinary traditions of the island. We then rolled up our sleeves and got to work, crafting classic Greek favorites like moussaka, tzatziki, Greek salad, and tomato fritters. The chef’s instructions were clear and engaging, making the experience both educational and fun.
One of the highlights was discovering the secrets behind the perfect moussaka—layering eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce to create a mouthwatering masterpiece. We also mastered the art of balancing flavors in tzatziki and learned the importance of fresh, local ingredients in Greek salads.
After all the cooking, we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, paired with local wine of course! Sharing this delicious meal with our fellow participants made it even more special.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this class offers a fun and immersive way to experience the flavors of Santorini. Plus, you’ll leave with new recipes and skills to impress your friends back home!
Check availability for this highly-rated cooking class here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Ride horses to Black Sandy Beach
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: Multiple start times available
- Highlights: Horseback ride along Santorini’s Caldera Beach and the black sands of Eros Beach, take in views of the volcanic landscapes and the Aegean Sea, ride in and out of the water
- Inclusions: Guide, safety equipment and instruction, bottled water, digital photos (with your own equipment)
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Santorini on horseback? Yes, please! This scenic ride to Eros Beach was one of the most unique and peaceful ways we experienced the island.
The tour starts near Caldera Beach, where we met our friendly guides and got matched with our horses. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a total beginner, the guides make sure you’re comfortable before setting off along the scenic trails.
We followed rugged volcanic paths, taking in breathtaking views of Caldera’s towering cliffs and the shimmering Aegean Sea. As we made our way toward Eros Beach, the landscape opened up to reveal one of Santorini’s most striking black sand beaches. And the best part? We got to ride right along the shoreline—and even into the water!
The guides were super helpful and also acted as photographers, capturing amazing shots with our own devices, so don’t forget to bring a camera or phone!
With multiple departure times available, you can opt for a morning ride for cooler weather or an afternoon ride for that golden-hour glow. If you’re looking for a unique way to soak in Santorini’s coastal beauty, this horseback adventure is a must!
Don’t miss out on this horseback adventure, book your spot here!
7. Taste your way through Santorini
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Visit local food spots to try a variety of Greek specialties such as souvlaki and Greek coffee, pair your food with Santorini wine, explore Firostefani village and take in amazing views
- Inclusions: Guide, food & drink samples, bottled water, map of island, farewell gift
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 360+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If wandering through scenic streets, tasting incredible local dishes, sipping on wine, and learning about Santorini’s food culture sounds like your kind of thing, then this Santorini food tour is a must!
Our guide, Lena, was fantastic—warm, knowledgeable, and full of great recommendations. She took us through Firostefani Village, pointing out hidden gems and sharing stories about Santorini’s rich food traditions.
Along the way, we stopped at local tavernas, bakeries, and specialty shops, tasting everything from souvlaki and tomato fritters to creamy fava and fresh seafood. Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, out came the loukoumades—Greek honey-soaked donuts that were absolutely delicious!
No Greek food tour is complete without some local wine, and we got to sip a crisp glass while soaking in the caldera views. The pacing was perfect, with plenty of time to enjoy the food, chat with fellow travelers, and take in the stunning scenery.
By the end, we were stuffed and happy, with a whole list of new favorite foods and spots to revisit. If you love Greek cuisine and want to experience Santorini like a local, this tour is a must. Just be sure to come hungry!
Reserve your spot here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
8. Go fishing on a private charter (with snorkeling and BBQ!)
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 9 am or 3 pm
- Highlights: Go fishing on a customizable private boat tour, swim and snorkel in secluded spots, sail around the grand Nea Kameni volcano, enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks
- Inclusions: Captain/guide, fishing and snorkeling gear, snacks, beverages (including alcoholic)
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Santorini’s coastline on a private fishing boat? Count us in! This customizable fishing tour let us choose our own adventure—whether it was fishing, snorkeling, or just cruising around the caldera. Our captain tailored everything to our preferences, making it a truly personalized experience.
We set off from Ammoudi Bay, with the dramatic cliffs of Oia towering behind us. Our captain was fantastic, sharing insights about Santorini’s volcanic history as we made our way toward Nea Kameni, an island formed by volcanic eruptions. We spent some time fishing in the surrounding waters, and with a little luck, we reeled in a grouper!
After fishing, we anchored at a quiet spot for a swim and some snorkeling in the crystal-clear Aegean. Then came the best part—a delicious meal on board, featuring our fresh catch alongside traditional Greek dishes. And with unlimited wine and beer flowing, relaxing on deck was pure bliss!
With morning and afternoon departures available and room for up to 10 people, this tour is as laid-back or active as you want it to be. Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or just want a private escape on the water, this experience is well worth it!
Secure your private fishing tour here and don’t pay until just before you leave!
9. Explore Santorini’s coast and the Aegean Sea on a private catamaran cruise
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am or 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Sail around Santorini on board a private catamaran, snorkel in the sea, sunbath on secluded beaches, swim in volcanic hot springs, enjoy a barbecue meal with wine and beer
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, lunch/snacks, soft drinks/alcoholic beverages, snorkeling equipment, towels
- Rating: 5 stars (read the 440+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a luxurious way to explore Santorini’s coastline and waters, this private catamaran cruise is it! With room for up to 15 people, this tour is perfect for groups, whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a private and personalized escape on the water.
We set sail from Vlychada Marina, cruising past the famous Red and White Beaches, where we jumped into the crystal-clear water for a swim and some snorkeling (all gear is provided!).
We also passed Indian Rock and the Venetian Lighthouse, taking in Santorini’s incredible volcanic landscapes. One of our favorite stops was the volcanic hot springs, where we soaked in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
Back on board, the crew prepared an incredible BBQ meal, complete with fresh local dishes (did someone say garlic prawns?!) and unlimited Santorini wine, beer, and soft drinks. And since we chose the sunset cruise, we ended the day watching an incredible sunset over the caldera—a true bucket-list moment!
With daytime and sunset departures, this private catamaran cruise is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. If you want to see Santorini from the water in the best way possible, this is it!
Check availability and read the glowing reviews here!
10. Visit the Santorini volcano and hot springs on a sailboat
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Explore the volcanic islands around Santorini by boat, hike up to the crater of an active volcano (own expense), visit Palea Kameni and swim in the naturally heated pools
- Inclusions: Tour guide, boat cruise
- Rating: 4.1 stars (read the 1,030+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Santorini’s geological wonders doesn’t have to break the bank. For just €30 per person, we embarked on this scenic cruise aboard a classic sailboat, offering a unique viewpoint of the island’s natural beauty!
Our journey began at the Old Port of Fira, where we set sail toward the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni. Here, we had the option to hike up to the active volcano’s crater—a trek that comes with an additional entrance fee but is well worth it for the breathtaking views and the chance to witness the volcano’s raw power up close.
After the invigorating hike, the boat took us to the Palea Kameni hot springs. Jumping into the warm, mineral-rich waters was both relaxing and rejuvenating. It was the perfect way to soothe any tired muscles from the earlier hike.
This tour is ideal for those keen on experiencing Santorini’s unique geological features and beautiful coastline without breaking the bank. The combination of sailing, hiking, and soaking in natural hot springs made for a memorable and affordable adventure!
Read the itinerary details and secure your spot here!
Where to Stay in Santorini, Greece
Now that you know all the best things to do in Santorini, it’s time to find a place to stay! Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference in your trip, so to help you out I’ve listed the top options for every budget range below!
Luxury – $$$
Santorini Kastelli Resort is a luxurious 5-star stay just a short walk from Kamari Beach. This resort features 2 swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. With elegant rooms and suites with private terraces, it’s a peaceful retreat while still being close to shops, restaurants, and the island’s famous attractions!
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually start between €150- €300 per night. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Loizos Stylish Residences is a great mid-range option in Fira, just a short walk from the town center and stunning caldera views. The hotel also offers a range of modern rooms and apartments, some with kitchenettes, balconies, and even private hot tubs! Guests can also enjoy an outdoor pool, making it a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Santorini.
Prices usually start around €140 – €200 per night and you can book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Porto Castello is a budget-friendly hotel located in Exo Gialos, just a short drive from Fira. The hotel offers simple, comfortable rooms, each with a private bathroom and balcony. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a free shuttle service to the town center, and easy access to Santorini’s main attractions.
Rooms can start as low as €50 per night. You can reserve your room here on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of the hotels in Santorini here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide on the best things to do in Santorini has been helpful! I can’t wait for our next trip here – this place is pure bliss. From the food to the sunsets and everything in between, Santorini is sure to capture a piece of your heart!
Before your trip, have a look at all our other blogs here. We have travel guides, itineraries, and tour recommendations for places all over the world! I picked out a few below for you while you’re in this part of Europe!
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