7 Amazing Experiences in Santorini

Behold the sights witnessed by the ancient Greeks. The grandeur. The scale. The perspective. An experience which should put the island of Santorini on anyone’s bucket list. Find out below what the best experiences in Santorini are and where to find them.

Perched 1800 feet above the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, lie whitewashed cubical houses. As if witness to generations of untold stories of conquest and valor.

Islands look pretty much the same. They're usually at sea level. Some have clear water. Some not. The exception is Santorini. The experience of being perched up high above the sea makes it different. Perhaps one of the reasons it is considered to be one of the most romantic places on earth. 

It’s very easy to get oriented to the island of Santorini. The three main centers are Thira (also called Fira) in the south, Imerovigli in the middle and Oia in the north. Fira and Oia are the largest and most overrun by tourists. Imerovigli less so.

Do yourself a favor. Go off season (November – April). This allows you to avoid the hoards descending from cruise ships, which create long lines and crowds.

To the southeast of the island are the main beaches. Southwest you will find the famous ancient ruins.

Was this Atlantis ?

There are many theories about the origins of the island. One of them is the legend about the island being the mythical Atlantis.

In Plato’s classic The Republic he speaks of the “ideal state.” Some believe this ideal state was the present day island of Santorini, called Thera in Ancient Greek (source).

Although Atlantis was probably a fictional island, it has represented through literature (source) and myth the symbol of the “lost civilization.”

Although Plato’s Atlantis was probably allegorical, it’s easy to see how Santorini symbolizes the “lost civilization.” Around 1600 B.C. a volcanic eruption destroyed remnants of the Minoan Civilization present on the island (source) .

The above picture is from the ruins of Akrotiri. It was preserved by being buried in volcanic ash for generations, after the great eruption. It was only in the mid 1800s that excavations began which revealed this archeological wonder.

Imagine. A great civilization. Gone in hours. You can be witness – to the before and after. That is why seeing the ruins in Santorini is one of your best experiences while there.

Santorini Architecture

There is a discernable aesthetic in Santorini. In addition to the perspective of being perched 1800 feet above sea level are the whitewashed buildings. But look closer and you will see something more. The buildings are cubical.

Ironically therefore the ancient island is really quite modern in design. Clean lines. White walls. Throw in a splash of dark blue domes.

There is a practical aspect to this architecture. The walls are made of pumice. This is the dust of volcanic rock, containing air-filled volcanic glass. The advantage ? This preserves coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter.

Of course, this is not just useful for living space. It is also ideal for the storage of wine. It is indeed a natural wine cellar. Makes sense. Santorini is home to famous wineries. If you don’t believe me, visit Santos Wineries.

Magic of Ouzo

Given the unique perspective of the island, one of the great pleasures of Santorini is finding a restaurant or café overlooking the sea. Leisurely taking in the mouth-dropping view enhances the food.

You might be surprised by the lack of non-Greek food. Cosmopolitan it is not. While Greek food has never particularly inspired me, you will easily find the basic fare. You’ve got your Greek Salad, Tzatziki, Calimari, pita, the ever-present gyro.

Objectionably healthy I guess. The epitome of the trendy Mediterranean diet: olive oil, nuts, honey, fruits, goat cheeze, lemon juice, herbs.

Yet while eating healthy might give you a long life, Ouzo gives you a reason to live.

Ouzo is the national drink of Greece. It tastes liquorice-like. When mixed with water on the rocks, it becomes cloudy with a blue tinge. In Santorini, as all over Greece, you’ll find locals having Ouzo with appetizers consisting of fresh fish, olives and feta cheeze.

Of course you must find a restaurant overlooking the cliffs and the sea below. However, your meal won’t be complete without Ouzo. You haven’t developed a taste for Santorini until you’ve had one…or perhaps two.

What is Ouzo ?
Ingredients: Anise, grape must, other spices
Proof: 75–90
ABV: 37.5–45%
Calories in a shot: 103
Origin: Greece
Taste: Strong anise, sweet
Serve: Straight, on the rocks, cocktails

Santorini Sunsets

Hiking the Famous Fira to Oio Trail

The value of travel, to me, is to change your perspective on living. The Fira to Oia hike is a good start. Particularly true if you can combine it with a sunset. You will be following the footsteps of ancient merchants, farmers and sailors.


The Fira to Oio hike is arguably one of the best hikes you will take in your life. That seems to be the consensus of friends who are more avid hikers than myself. This is a must do activity.

Santorini is an island which is an inactive volcano. The caldron like hollow which forms with a volcano is called a caldera. The Fira to Oio trail is on the edge of that caldera. This is what gives it its unique perspective.

The full trail (without detours) will take 3-4 hours. It is 6 miles (10 kms) long. The experience of walking the trail is what makes it unique.

Starting off in the urban center of Fira you will walk through narrow walkways. Next, you’ll experience villages with bougainvilleas adding a splash of color against white washed buildings.

You will continue along cobbled paths with Greek Orthodox churches, their Blue domes prominent against the sky, greeting you along the way.

The most amazing part will be when you reach the caldera. As you walk on the edge of the caldera, on one side will be the crater of the volcano; on the other side, views of the blue Mediterranean seas reaching out to the horizon as far as the eyes can see.

Your hike ends in Oia the fashionable destination full of cafes, bars, art galleries and craft shops.

Words don’t do this hike justice. Perhaps this video does a better job. See the first 2 minutes to get the feel of the experience.

Shopping on Cobbled Streets

In contrast to Fira, what Oia is known for is art. You’ll find a plethora of art galleries. Much of the work is inspired by Byzantine art, Greek mythology and ancient Greek art. In addition you can find contemporary Greek art.

This is not to say Santorini only has jewelry and art. It has its share of cheap souvenir shops. Nevertheless, it is in the art galleries and jewelry stores that you will find a sanctuary made unique by the ambience of this magical isle.

In contrast to Fira, what Oia is known for is art. You’ll find a plethora of art galleries. Much of the work is inspired by Byzantine art, Greek mythology and ancient Greek art. In addition you can find contemporary Greek art.

This is not to say Santorini only has jewelry and art. It has its share of cheap souvenir shops. Nevertheless, it is in the art galleries and jewelry stores that you will find a sanctuary made unique by the ambience of this magical isle.

Black Beach

While the sheer height makes Santorini unique, its black beaches are interesting in themselves.

As mentioned above, volcanic eruptions have formed the island and have given it its distinctive characteristics. One of those characteristics is the mixture of volcanic ash with sand, creating black beaches.

There are more than one of these black beaches but my favorite is Kamari. It’s located southeast, down from the heights of Fira. The beach is in front of the town of Kamari which is a popular resort area with beachside bars, restaurants, hotels and shops.

Although the sand is black, the water is a very blue. If you face south you’ll find awe inspiring Mesa Vouno hill, where Ancient Thira’s ruins beckon.