Santorini is among the Cyclades islands located in Greece’s Aegean Sea. The volcanic island offers beaches made from the red, white and black remnants of volcanic explosions. The stone sharply contrasted against the clear blue waters of the surrounding sea. Settlements on the island are full of history dating back to the 16th century, and offer classic Cycladic architecture and breathtaking views. Just 30 miles square, Santorini begs visitors to day trip to the various villages, beaches and historic sites.
Akrotiri
The village of Akrotiri is among the more quiet and sparsely populated areas of Santorini, located on the southwest coast of the island.
Akrotiri, Santorini, Greece
Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay is a little known small port within Oia, located 300 steps below the iconic white buildings on the coast of Santorini.
Ammoudi Bay, Santorini, Greece
Anafi Island
Anafi Island is among the Cyclades islands, and a short hop from Santorini, making it the perfect day trip for an easy change of pace, less touched by tourism and full of charm.
Anafi Island, Greece
Crete
Crete is Greece’s largest island and offers history, a range of breathtaking natural landscapes, from the ocean and beaches, to the valleys, cliffs and mountains.
Crete, Greece
Emporio
Santorini’s Emporio village is the largest on the island. Built at the base of the Profitis Ilias Mountain, the village was once the center of Santorini commercial activity, hence the name, which translates to “trade.”
Finikia
Santorini’s peaceful village of Finikia is located close to Oia on the northern side of the island. The colorful buildings of Finikia offer a glimpse of Greek architecture from a bygone era.
Finikia, Santorini, Greece
Fira
Fira is Santorini’s capitol, perched Cliffside overlooking the ocean on the volcanic island.
Fira, Santorini, Greece
Firostefani
Firostefani village is a separate village within Fira, Santorini’s capitol. It’s located on the caldera, the remains of the volcano, on the northern side of the island. Firostefani offers spectacular views of the caldera from almost any location within the traditional village, especially at sunset.
Imerovigli
Imerovigli is a small town on Santorini offering dramatic views of both the ocean and caldera.
Ios
The Greek island of Ios is known as a non-stop party island from June through August each year. If you’re looking for quiet, best to visit in the off season.
Ios, Greece
Kamari
The ocean side village of Kamari is located on the southeastern shore of Santorini at the base of the Mesa Vouno Mountain. The miles-long Kamari beach is the main attraction in the area.
Kamari, Santorini, Greece
Megalochori
Santorini’s Megalochori village is located on the southwest of the island and offers breathtaking views of both the ocean and the island’s interior caldera.
Mesa Gonia
Mesa Gonia is among Santorini’s many quaint villages, and is located less than 8 kilometers from the capitol, Fira.
Mesa Gonia, Santorini, Greece
Messaria
Messaria Village dates back to the 17th century, and lies at the center of Santorini, less than 4 kilometers south of Fira.
Messaria, Santorini, Greece
Nea Kameni
Nea Kameni is a small Greek island with an active volcano. The uninhabited island can be visited by boat for tours, hiking, swimming, and snorkeling or diving.
Nea Kameni, Greece
Oia
Oia is among Santorini’s most iconic villages. The location at the northwest of the island boasts Santorini’s best sunset views.
Oia , Santorini, Greece
Perissa
Santorini’a coastal village of Perissa is located at the base of Mesa Vouno Mountain. It’s believed to be the site of the ancient city Elefsina.
Perissa, Santorini, Greece
Profitis Ilias
At over 1800 feet high, Profitis Ilias is the highest peak on the island of Santorini. The peak, which is named for the Prophet Elijah, shares this name with a nearby monastery, built in 1712.
Pyrgos
Pyrgos village is located at Santorini’s highest altitude, approximately 1500 feet above sea level. From Pyrgos, views extend to the green valleys and wine vineyards, the caldera and volcanic rock, and the ocean beyond.
Pyrgos, Santorini, Greece
Red Beach
Santorini’s Red Beach is often acclaimed at one of the most unique and scenic. Located on the southernmost tip of the island, Red Beach is flanked by steep, sharp volcanic hills.Enjoy swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling, or take a boat trip to a nearby dive location, or the adjacent White Beach.
Red Beach, Santorini, Greece
Skaros Rock
Skaros Rock is accessed from Santorini’s Imerovigli village. From the Agios Georgios Church, you’ll find a trail involving some concrete steps that takes visitors to the base of the rock.
Skaros Rock, Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece
The Castle of Agios Nikolaos
The Castle of Agios Nikolaos is a Venetian castle, one among five on the island.
The Castle of Agios Nikolaos, Oia, Santorini, Greece
Thirassia Island
Thirassia Island is located less than a mile from Oia on the island of Santorini.
Thirassia Island, Greece
Vothonas
Santorini’s village of Vothonas is located at the center of the island, just a few miles from the capitol, Fira.
Vothonas, Santorini, Greece
