Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands. It’s an excellent wedding and honeymoon destination, but history buffs and wine lovers shouldn’t avoid it either.

Just like in the case of any popular island, there are a lot of things to do in Santorini. Here are some fun and interesting ideas for any type of travelers:

• explore all the beaches : black sand, red sand, golden sand…hidden beaches, popular beaches, Santorini has them all. Plan to explore all of them. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a day in nature.




• watch the sunset at Oia: Santorini is known for its superb sunsets. All tourists know this so it will be crowded. But it’s romantic. And a must-do thing.




• go to the Caldera: along with the sunsets and white houses on the cliffs, the volcano is a must-see place on the island. So, take some time to explore the Caldera.




• ride a donkey in Fira: the donkeys are used instead of …taxis. They take travelers from the port up on the cliffs. Yes, it’s not the most comfortable ride, but it’s a must-try thing to do.




• visit the ancient village of Akrotiri : the archaeological site is located near the village with the same name. The interesting Minoan site which has been closed due to a collapsed roof back in 2008 , just re-opened*.




• visit Ancient Thira: it is a 11th century BC Dorian settlement with remains from different periods.




• visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira: it is located in Fira and comprises 500 permanent exhibits on display. It also displays findings from the ancient site of Akrotiri.




• wine tasting: Santorini is known for its wines so don’t leave the island before you taste them.




• camp and hike: there are camping sites in Santorini. Combine the relaxed exercise (hiking) with saving money (staying in a tent) for an excellent experience. You can also rent a bike if you plan to explore a larger area.




• rent a scooter : it’s a must-try activity in Santorini . It’s fun, cheap and offers the independence you need to check out the island. Do keep in mind that the roads are narrow and windy, so you might need a bit of practice at first.




• take a ferry to a near-by island: no visit to any Greek island is complete without experiencing a ferry ride. Choose among the islands located near-by and plan a day trip.

You might also want to read about:

>>Hotels in Santorini
>>Hostels in Santorini
>>The Cyclades
>>Ferries to and from Santorini

Photo credit

Note:*as of April 2012