Is it too early to start planning for next summer? Even though we don’t know when the covid pandemic will end, I’m getting eager to travel again. So whats better than aspiring to travel to incredible places, like Santorini, Greece? Planning! It’ll also give you (and myself) a little inspiration for the future. Therefore I decided to create a list of 10 incredible things to do in Santorini for the following summer in hopes that it gives us enough time for things to get back to normal.
This list of things to do in Santorini is in no particular order. Nevertheless, I hope to one day do every single one. Let’s start designing our summer because it will be here faster than you think.
1. The Archeological Site of Akrotiri
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Santorini, look no further than Akrotiri’s archeological site. You’ll feel like Laura Croft in Tomb Raider and discover the lost city of Atlantis at the same time.
A volcanic eruption destroyed this area around 16th century BC. The eruption preserved art, monuments, and many objects.
Even though Greece has many ancient monuments to behold, Akrotiri is something out of a movie.
2. Immerse Yourself in Imerovigli
Imerovigli, roughly translated as the “day lookout.” This is a small village with houses carved into the hillside. This village is historic and very well preserved. It’s an important city because it used to protect Santorini from pirates back in the day.
Don’t be fooled. Many of the structures in Imerovigli are actually pricey boutique hotels. Make sure to come here, explore the tight corners, bleach-white walls, and stunning views.
Although Imerovigli has incredible views, there’s one place in Santorini where people congregate to watch the sunset.
3. Watch the Sunset Next to the Iconic Blue Domes in Oia
There are many iconic blue domes in Oia. You’ll see so many you might get bored. But wait, lets not actually get bored. Let’s mix things up a bit.
For this item, let’s find that impressive blue dome with the best view of the city and watch the sunset. Although this spot is very popular with tourists, it’ll definitely be worth it.
You’ll learn that this sunset is probably the most stunning sunset you will ever see.
Once the sun completely disappears behind the oceans, you’ll hear the roar of applause from onlookers like yourself. I don’t know about you, but I’m already getting goosebumps. Now I really need to see this sunset.
It’s best to arrive an hour early to beat the crowd. Bring a little food, maybe a little wine. Take some pictures, or make a video, but don’t forget to soak in the memories. These memories will last a lifetime.
This incredible spot is near one of those beautiful blue domes in the city. Therefore, if you’re looking for this sunset outlook, make sure to find the Panagia Platsani church located at 847 02, Oia, Greece (that’s the address of the church.) This beautiful church is located on a square with other shops and restaurants around it. The outlook is directly in front of it.
4. See the Ancient Ruins of Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera is a ruin that dates back to the 9th century BC. Its located off a step mountain in Santorini. Check out the Hellenistic temples and parts of Roman and early-Byzantine monuments, including a cathedral and a theater.
Although it might be a hike to get to these ruins, it seems promising. I am definitely putting this on my list of things to do in Santorini when the time comes.
5. Where there are Volcanos, there are Hot Springs
One of the fun things you can do on any Greek vacation is a boat tour. However, Santorini boat tours are a little different because they also have hot springs nearby. In other words, book a boat tour that leaves Old Fira. It heads into the hot springs where they allow you to jump off the boat, swim a little, and enjoy the cold Mediterranean water and the heated hot springs.
If you’re interested, the boat tour can also take you to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni.
6. Stay in a Santorini Cave Room
Make your Santorini trip unique and memorable when you stay in a cave room. Sleep in a room carved out of the hillside with bleach-white walls. A cave room is as unique as it gets in Santorini. Depending on which hotel you’re in, you’ll have an array of experiences.
Certain hotels have their own terrace with views you’ll never forget. Other hotels have incredible nooks and great restaurants. If you play it right, you’ll also have access to a private plunge pool.
These cave rooms are incredible, Instagramable, and you get 360-degree panoramic views. Even if all you do is stay inside your hotel the entire time, it might be worth it in a place like this.
7. Sunbathe at Red Beach
Red Beach is near the southern tip of Santorini. The iron in the cliffs makes it red, which is how it gets its name. It’s stunning to see the red cliffs against the turquoise Mediterranean water.
Although if there’s anything I learned is that this beach is rocky, so swimming in the water isn’t the best unless you have proper water shoes.
I was also informed that fish in the water are somewhat aggressive and will peck at your legs if you’re standing still. Make sure to move around often to keep those tiny fish at bay.
8. Enjoy a Drink in a Unique Santorini Beach Bar
While researching, I stumbled upon a cute, unique, and tucked away, bar-restaurant off Santorini’s beaches. Its called Katharos Lounge Vegan Meze Bar. Although they are an entirely vegan restaurant, it doesn’t stop this off-the-beaten-track venue from offering a spectacular list of food and beverages.
Katharos Lounge focuses on vegan tapas for sharing. They also host morning meditations and often have art exhibitions.
At times they have live DJs spinning those intense beats as the party goes on into the night.
Katharos Lounge is located at Katharos Beach, Oia 847 02 Greece, just far enough from the beach and slightly out of reach from the mobs of tourists. However, that doesn’t mean others haven’t found it. So if you’re headed from Oia to Ammoudi, make sure to take it all in, take that breather and drink a cocktail at this beautiful gem.
9. Love the Art at Santorini Arts Factory
I found an incredible museum that has all kinds of fantastic art. Its called the Santorini Arts Factory.
The museum essentially repurposed an old tomato factory on Vlychada Beach, which means the building itself is cute and artsy all on its own.
The museum has a lot of artistic events, from dances to interactive events that let you mix and match chemicals to learn about physics and chemistry.
Apart from their incredible exhibitions and art shows, their shop has the cutest set of tote bags from local artists. They’re so cute and well made they look like designer bags.
10. Amoudi Bay
Amoudi Bay is about 300 steps or so below the city of Oia. It’s a cute little coastal area with water as clear as pool water. The restaurants serve the freshest fish you’ll ever taste right next to bustling Greek taverns.
Amoudi Bay is the picture-perfect place you’ve been looking for. It’s cute and colorful, and you’ll probably want to take a million pictures just to capture it. Apart from all the draw, people come here to see the sunset as they eat dinner.
However, if you’re into beach adventures, make sure to get your travel-junkie adrenaline pumping and jump off some cliffs and into this pristine turquoise water.
Let me break it down for you:
Its never too early to plan for a trip. Especially during these times, planning provides a healthy goal for the future. Until we can head into the unknown again, we can aspire to be in beautiful places. So I hope this list of things to do in Santorini can help you feel like better days are yet to come.
In case you want the short version of the list of things to do in Santorini:
- Akrotiri
- Imerovigli
- Ancient Thera
- Swim in the hot springs
- Stay in a Santorini cave room
- Watch the sunset next to iconic blue domes in Oia
- Sunbathe at Red Beach
- Enjoy a drink in a unique Santorini beach bar
- Love the Art
- Amoudi Bay
The only Greek island I’ve been to is Aegina. But I’m hoping to make Santorini a reality soon.
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