Attractions of Santorini Island

The volcano of Santorini is the most famous sight on the island. It stands in the middle of the sunken caldera, right opposite the coastline of Santorini. It is located on the island of Nea Kameni and many tour boats go there from Fira. On the neighboring island of Palea Kameni lie hot springs said to have curative properties.

The caldera of Santorini is undoubtedly a natural wonder. The volcanic explosion that occurred in Santorini more than 3,500 years ago changed the topography of the Mediterranean coast forever.

The sunset of Santorini is probably the most famous in the world and cannot be missed. It is gorgeous from every part of the island, but the sunset in Oia is one of the best things to see during your holiday. Thousands of couples in love come to Santorini every year to see the sunset or get married with this lovely background.

The Castle of Oia comprises one of the most popular viewpoints on the island. It consists of exterior walls, houses, and a small church dedicated to Saint Nikolaos.

Around 20 minutes on foot west of Imerovigli lies Skaros, a strange rock featuring the remains of a Venetian Castle. The area offers beautiful views of the caldera.

Situated in the south part of Santorini, the Castle of Emporio and Goulas Tower are two worth-seeing attractions because of their great architecture. They were built in order to protect the locals from the pirates’ attacks, while the Tower used to serve as a storehouse for the cultivators’ crops in the past too.

Along with the breathtaking caldera in the background, the blue-domed churches constitute the most photographed scenery of the Cyclades, being depicted in thousands of cart postales. 

The Minoan Town of Akrotiri is one of the most important ancient sites on Santorini and one of the famous things to see. It is located on the southern side of the island and the town was found almost intact, covered with layers of ashes. Scientists believe that this town was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Santorini in about 1,650 BC. After many years of being closed down, the site reopened to visitors in April 2012.

Ancient Thera is located on top of a cliff near Kamari. The road is a bit difficult and windy, but this is one of the must-see sights in Santorini. It is situated between Kamari and Perissa beaches and offers beautiful views over the Aegean sea.

TThe Archaeological Museum of Santorini is located on Fira, the capital village of the island. It hosts sculptures, ceramics, statues, small vases, and findings from the ancient cemetery of Thera. The exhibits may not be as impressive as the exhibits of the Prehistoric Museum but it is still worth a visit.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is located in Fira and exhibits findings from the prehistoric times that have been excavated from Akrotiri, the Ancient Thera and other areas on Santorini. Exhibits include ceramics, marble statues, Minoan frescoes from Akrotiri, tools, and weaponry.

Thirassia is a small island just opposite Oia, frequently connected to Santorini by tour boats. This is a remote place with untouched nature and few inhabitants.

Santorini is home to approximately 70 traditional windmills. The one located in Oia constitutes a picture-perfect spot to enjoy the charming sunset.

Tomato-based products are the second most famous thing produced in Santorini after wine. The Tomato Industrial Museum in Vlychada allows you to find out more about the long and fascinating history of tomato production on the island.

 

Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum is a must-experience and boasts everything someone would like to know about the wine-making process.

The Monastery of Prophet Elias is located on the highest peak of Santorini 565m. It comprises an ideal destination for trekking and offers a gorgeous view of the island. The Monastery also hosts a small ecclesiastical museum.

The 3 dome church guarantees breathtaking views of the setting, including the quaint caldera, the Aegean sea, and the photogenic blue-domed churches of Oia.

The Catholic Cathedral is very close to the Orthodox Church. It is located in the Catholic quarter of Fira Santorini and distinguishes for its vibrant colors. The church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The bell tower was rebuilt after the terrible earthquake of 1956 that hit the island.

Theoskepasti chapel is one of the lesser-known yet very enchanting churches in Santorini. Its location ensures panoramic views of the deep-blue waters of the Aegean.

The lighthouse of Akrotiri comprises one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece. Its location on the southwestern side of the island gives an amazing view of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.

The Three Bells of Fira church is a Catholic church dedicated to the Dormition. It dates back to the 18th century, although various modifications have occurred throughout the years.

Located on the hiking path to Skaros Rock in Imerovigli, a few meters below Grace Hotel, Agios Ioannis Chapel is also known as Agios Ioannis o Katiforis (= going downhill) because of its location.

Agios Stylianos Church in Fira is located on the edge of the cliff, offering beautiful views of the village, the sea, and the volcano. Its unique design is what makes it a photogenic religious building.

On your way to Oia’s castle, the small church of Agios Nikolaos with its blue dome will draw your attention. It offers enchanting views of the Aegean and the sunset. 

Located on the highest spot of Akrotiri, this Castle is actually the center of the village. It was built in the Medieval times by the Venetians to protect the island from invasions.

Standing on the edge of the caldera in Fira, the whitewashed Church of Agios Minas (also known as Katofirianos) can be found in the southern part of the old town, overlooking the volcanic landscape & the sea.

Anastaseos church is one of the famous blue dome churches on the island. 

The actual Heart of Santorini is a cute hidden spot located in Megalochori. It is a heart-shaped hole in a rock, through which you can see the Aegean and the volcano.

Bellonio Cultural Centre is housed in a beautiful building in Fira, the capital village of Santorini. It hosts a library with rare editions of the 18th and 19th centuries and frequently organizes cultural events.

Megaron Gyzi is where the Cultural Centre of Thera is housed. The exhibits include old maps, engravings, old photos of Santorini, and a library with rare editions. In summer, many cultural events are housed there.

Shipping constitutes a core aspect of Greece until this day. The Nautical Museum of Santorini offers valuable information on its evolution through the years via tools, documents, and other exhibits. 

Symposion by La Ponta offers a rich and well-rounded experience in terms of local cultural heritage and music tradition.

The beautiful church of Agios Ioannis Theologos stands out for its unique architecture. It lies in Fira at a calm and quiet location, overlooking the caldera, the volcano, and the sea.

Lost Atlantis Experience Museum is the first museum in the world that gives you the chance to learn everything about the myth of the Lost Atlantis through a virtual reality experience.

A 10-minute walk from the small bay of Ammoudi will lead you to the jumping spot Zoodochos Pigi, from where you can swim to the detached islet of Agios Nikolas. The path you need to take to get there is only about 300 meters long

Located in the center of Pyrgos, this castle was built in the Medieval times. Some walls of this castle survive today.

The hot springs of Ammoudi lie very close to Ammoudi Bay and can be approached on foot. The waters are high in sulfur, which is known for its therapeutic properties.

Argyros Mansion is an elegant Neoclassical house, located in Messaria, a village famous for its architecture. This mansion was constructed in 1888 by Georgios Argyros, a landowner, and wine merchant. Today, it has been renovated and works as a museum. It hosts wall paintings, traditional furniture, and other artistic objects.

The Museum of Ancient, Byzantine, and Post-Byzantine Musical Instruments was inaugurated in October 2010. It houses the personal collection of Mr. Christodoulos Halaris, an eminent musician.

The Orthodox Cathedral stands in Fira. Originally built in 1827, the church got severely damaged by the earthquake that hit Santorini in 1956, so it was rebuilt. It has beautiful frescoes painted by the local artist Christoforos Assimis.

The church of Panagia Episkopi is one of the most important Byzantine churches on Santorini. South of Mesa Gonia village, this church was constructed in the 12th century AD and it is dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary.

The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos is located between Firostefani and Imerovigli. Founded in 1651, it hosts important relics and Byzantine icons.

The church of the Holy Trinity has been constructed according to the traditional style. Located in Pyrgos village, it also houses a small museum with Byzantine icons and ecclesiastical clothing.

Located in the central square of Perissa, the church of Holy Cross is among the largest churches in Santorini. It was initially constructed during the 19th century but was reconstructed after the earthquake of 1956.

This small church is located on a hillside above the beach of Perissa, on the way to Ancient Thira. Due to its location, it offers a marvelous view of the sea.

The Folklore Museum of Santorini is located in Kontohori, a suburb of Fira on the way to Oia. It is a private initiative of Mr. Emanouel Lignos and is housed in a typical cave house of 1861. The museum includes an underground winery with a wine press, workshops of traditional jobs, a gallery, and a chapel dedicated to Saint Constantine.

The Dominican Convent is a yellow building in the Catholic quarter of Fira, next to the Catholic Cathedral. It functions until today and is home to twelve nuns of different nationalities.

Near the start of the hiking trail to Skaros Rock lies the chapel of Agios Georgios. The small church overlooks the sea and offers wonderful panoramic views of the volcanic caldera.

Agios Ioannis is a lovely chapel offering wonderful sunset views. Its trademark is a yellow facade. It constitutes the perfect place to enjoy the setting away from the bursting villages. 

Located near the village of Emporio, that whitewashed chapel comprises an ideal ambiance full of tranquility, as well as wonderful sea views. 

Nikos Nomikos Street is the central road of Oia always full of strollers who feel like exploring the alleys. Along it, you will encounter various boutiques, gift shops & other stores.