Interesting Facts About Santorini Greece
Top 11 Things to Do in Santorini Greece
Santorini is a stunning Cyclades island in Greece. Its volcanic landscape has shaped its rugged terrain and its beaches are made up of black lava pebbles. The island’s main towns of Fira and Oia are located above the caldera and overlook the sea and small islands to the west.
1. Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri
If you’re looking for an incredible archaeological site, you should definitely visit Akrotiri. It’s an old town that was once part of the Minoan civilization. This ancient city is now considered one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Greece.
The first people to occupy the site were inhabitants of the Late Neolithic period. Eventually, the town grew into a port of great importance in the Aegean Sea.
Akrotiri was a wealthy seafaring community that was connected with several foreign cultures. In addition to the Mediterranean, it was also in contact with Egypt, Cyprus, and Syria.
Residents lived in multi-story houses with upper floors dedicated to everyday living. They also had balconies and underfloor heating. Several of the rooms in the settlement were decorated with fine frescoes.
Some of the best of these frescoes can be seen in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. Others are on display at the archaeological museum in Thira.
Akrotiri is a beautifully preserved time capsule of Bronze Age civilization. Its ruins need protection from the harsh rays of the sun. Fortunately, they are covered with a bioclimatic roof that prevents them from deteriorating.
2. Zoom along the coast on a jet ski
Jet-skiing in Santorini is an unforgettable experience. This is an activity that can be done by both novices and experienced water skiers. There are several companies in Santorini that offer jet-ski tours. You can rent multiple jet-skis at the same time if you want.
Some of the most popular places for water sports include Red Beach and Perissa Beach. These beaches are located on the south coast of Santorini. They feature dark red sand that is ideal for swimming.
A jet-ski tour in Santorini is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. It will give you a view of the island from a whole new perspective.
The tour begins in Perivolos. From here, you’ll start your journey westward and head toward some of the most spectacular sites on the island. Your guide will provide you with a safety briefing, snorkeling equipment and instruction.
You’ll also see the famous Mesa Pigadia beach. After you’ve completed the tour, you’ll get a free soft drink and a picture of your adventure.
In addition to jet-skiing, you can try other fun activities. Santorini is a great place to take a kayak or go horseback riding.
3. Go horse riding on peaceful Eros Beach
If you want to do something different on your trip to Greece, consider horse riding on peaceful Eros Beach. Located on Santorini, this is one of the best ways to experience the sand and sea.
Horse riding is popular in Santorini, especially in smaller groups. It can also be arranged privately. There are three main areas in Santorini where you can go horse riding.
Firstly, there is the Akrotiri lighthouse. The lighthouse is a very romantic landmark and a perfect example of Greek charm. This lighthouse is located opposite Oia.
Secondly, there is the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. This site is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It was once a prehistoric settlement covered in volcanic ash. You can see evidence of the site at the museum.
Finally, there is the Lost Atlantis Experience. This museum features an interactive exhibit and tells the story of the ancient city of Thera.
Finally, there is the Vlychada tomato museum. The tomato is a significant agricultural item on Santorini. This is the place to be if you want to learn more about the history of the island.
4. Swim in exotic hot springs and hike up a volcano
The volcanic island of Santorini is the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing and calming experience. Visitors can enjoy fine dining and local delicacies, while also enjoying the unique landscapes and beaches of this Greek island. Guests can swim in exotic hot springs, hike up a volcano and enjoy spectacular sunsets.
Hot springs are areas where hot rocks are contacted by water from deep inside the Earth’s crust. This water is then circulated to the surface, where it mixes with seawater to create a warm and sulfur-scented pool. Some of the best hot springs in the world are in Europe.
The volcanic island of Santorini has several hot springs that bubble into the sea. Several agencies offer one-day excursions that include swimming in the waters, hiking up a volcano and having a delicious meal on board a boat.
A cruise can be the most ideal way to enjoy the sights of this volcanic island. Guests can choose from a 3-day, 4-day or 5-day trip that includes accommodation in a 3- or 4-star hotel, transportation to and from Athens and a visit to an ancient ruins site.
5. Spend the afternoon sea kayaking around Red Beach
Sea kayaking in Santorini is a great way to experience the island’s spectacular coastline and enjoy its beauty from the sea. The island offers a variety of different sea kayaking tours. This type of water sport is a popular activity among visitors to the island.
A number of boat tours depart daily from Kamari or Athinios. These excursions offer visitors an opportunity to explore the volcanic coastline of the island and experience the crystal clear waters of the Aegean.
Depending on the weather, there may be stops at beaches and hot springs. The most popular of these excursions is the Volcano tour. It provides a fantastic overview of the island.
Another popular activity is the Fira-to-Oia hike. Visitors can walk down to the port of Fira and up to the Old Port. However, the hike can be very crowded in the afternoon. There are also cliff-jumping opportunities, as well as cooking classes.
Sea kayaking around the southern tip of the island is another fun way to view Santorini. The excursion includes swimming and snorkeling in the beautiful clear waters.
6. Chill out in picturesque Ammoudi
If you are planning to visit the picturesque island of Santorini in Greece, then you should definitely check out the Ammoudi Bay. This bay is located near the town of Oia and is known for its fishing and sunset.
The best part about this Bay is the small port and the amazing view it provides of the Aegean Sea. During the day, this little bay offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. In the evenings, you can catch the sunset while dining on a plate of fresh seafood.
This small bay has many amenities, including several restaurants that offer excellent food and drink. Some of the best things to do include swimming and diving. Depending on your skill level, you might even want to try your luck at cliff jumping.
Another good reason to visit this bay is because it is the most convenient to get to by car. It is also the best place to see the famous Santorini sunset.
One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is not planning enough time in this lovely town. Located in southern Greece, this town is the perfect place to stop and take in its many charms. From its gorgeous beach, to the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, there is no shortage of things to see.
There are some great options to choose from, ranging from luxury hotel to quaint boutique villas. You can find small accommodations with balconies and stunning views of the bay.
7. Admire the sunset from Oia
If you want to watch the most amazing sunset in Santorini, the village of Oia is the place to be. It has a spectacular view of the caldera and the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. The village also has plenty to see and do besides watching the sun go down.
During the day, you can take a stroll along the cobblestone lanes of this lovely village and see the whitewashed houses, dotted with windmills. As the sun sets, the colorful buildings become lit up with orange and red hues.
Another impressive sight is the ruins of a Venetian fortress that used to sit on top of the Caldera. This makes for an awesome photo op.
Seeing the sunset from Oia is definitely a bucket list item. However, it’s a good idea to do your research first. There are numerous apps that can tell you exactly when the best time to view the Oia sunset is. So, what is the best way to do this?
In my opinion, the most effective way to enjoy the Santorini sunset is to visit the Oia castle. It is the most popular spot to view the sun set. But you should keep in mind that it can get pretty crowded. Therefore, it is better to be a bit early if you want to avoid crowds.
There are several other great spots to catch a sunset in Santorini. I recommend visiting Ammoudi, which is a fishing village located in the foothills of Oia. Besides being an ideal spot for sunset dinner, it also has a great view of the volcano.
8. Explore the Castle of Agios Nikolaos
If you’re visiting Santorini, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Castle of Agios Nikolaos. This castle was built during the Venetian occupation of the island, and today it’s one of the most popular places to see the sunset. The castle has maintained its eternal beauty for hundreds of years, and visitors can get a spectacular view of the caldera.
While you’re here, don’t miss out on the museum. The museum houses ruins from many of the historic villages of the island. You can take a look at the exhibits in multiple languages. It’s a great way to learn about the island’s past.
The castle was also the site of a Turkish invasion in 1577, which damaged it severely. Nowadays, it’s been converted into accommodation.
When you’re in Agios Nikolaos, don’t forget to take a trip to the nearby olive groves. There are plenty of tours that offer the opportunity to go out to the fields, as well as the opportunity to buy some fresh Greek olive oil.
Another place to explore is the small satellite village of Finikia. This small town has cobblestone pathways and traditional restaurants. For a little more adventure, you can take a walk around the lake. In the summer, the lake is especially beautiful, and it’s fun to watch the ducks.
Other places to visit include Skaros Rock fortress. This ancient castle was built to protect the town from pirates.
9. Tee off in style at the golf course
The golf course in Santorini, Greece is a sight to behold. This island in the Aegean Sea is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, scenic beauty and historical sites. While most visitors choose to stay in the main towns, the islands of the north and west are full of boutique hotels and luxury villas for those who desire a bit of exclusivity.
The Golf Club in Santorini, Greece is tucked away on a remote cliffside on the eastern side of the island. Although it is the smallest of the four courses, it still offers an impressive number of holes. It is a great test of stamina and mental agility. Some of the more challenging holes are located atop the island’s highest point.
The golf club in Santorini, Greece also boasts some of the island’s most luxurious accommodation. The Westin Hotel is a short walk from the clubhouse. They are also known for their culinary offerings, with a plethora of wine and dine options.
There are several notable attractions to be found in Santorini, including the city of Fira, which is the capital of the island. It is home to one of the most popular attractions, the Museum of Archaeology. Other noteworthy sights include the Oia Cathedral and the caldaric crater, both of which can be visited on foot. In addition to a tidbit-filled itinerary, guests can enjoy golf on the club’s many fairways.
10. Head below the surface with a scuba diving session
Scuba diving is a fun and exciting way to explore the marine life of Santorini. From the unique rock formations in the caldera to the technicolour reefs, there is plenty to see. However, some divers opt to hire a professional guide to show them the best of the best.
The Santorini scuba diving rumor mill claims that the island has more than two dozen dive sites. Some of these include the infamous WWII boat. Others include the Adiavati reef and Gialos reef.
There is also the underwater Memorial Plaque of Jacques-Yveau. But what does the plaque really mean?
The site is about 200 meters deep and has a number of impressive dives. In the words of the owner of the site, “The site is a real gem.”
If you have a knack for scuba diving, you can sign up for a course. Contact a local school for details. You will also need a medical certificate and a French level two certification.
A trip to the Santorini scuba diving sites should be on your to-do list. Although the island is famous for its dramatic vistas, there are plenty of other things to do. Its scuba-friendly beaches encourage a little snorkeling and some kite-surfing.
While the island’s dive sites are not as plentiful as those of the other Greek islands, there are still plenty to choose from. Maureen’s Cove is a popular spot to explore.
11. Get a little buzzed on a wine tour
Santorini is one of the most famous wine destinations in the world. It is home to some of the oldest vineyards in Europe. These are known for their excellent wines.
A wine tour in Santorini is a great way to learn more about the island’s vineyards and grapes. You will also learn about the island’s history of wine making. The tours are organized and feature a dedicated guide who will explain the process.
Wine tasting tours will let you sample up to 15 different varieties of wine. While most visitors opt for whites, the island does produce some amazing reds. Some of the best reds come from the Mandilaria grape, a type of traditional Cyclades red.
Visitors can also check out the famous Santorini Wine Museum at Koutsoyannopoulos Winery. This underground cellar is 8 meters deep and includes easy-to-understand explanations of the wine production process.
Besides the museum, Koutsoyannopoulos is also home to the oldest winery in Santorini. Canava Roussos was founded in the 1800s and produces blended red Nama.
There are several wineries to visit in Santorini, but it is recommended to book an organized tour. Many of the wineries are located in the Megalochori area, near the ferry ports.
The best-guided tours include a visit to two traditional wineries, as well as a sunset & wine tasting experience. Make sure to ask a lot of questions and enjoy your time.
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