Santorini places to visit offer an escape into the world of blue and white buildings with your loved ones. You will cherish those moments forever! Imagine walking with your loved ones on a narrow winding pathway and having a spectacular view of whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches! For the right romantic spot, we suggest you visit Santorini.
It is estimated that around 30 million international tourists visit Greece. It has a total of 227 islands with the connectivity of six international airports. Most of the visitors head to the popular six islands, out of which Santorini island stands as one of the best honeymoon destinations. Earlier, Santorini was popularly known as “Kalliste” by the 13th century Latin Empire meaning “the most beautiful one”, it is the largest island of the Cyclades group of islands in Greece.
Santorini is formed by a massive volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago. For years, Santorini served as the perfect romantic destination for couples to experience the views of Thirassia Island, enjoy the sunset from the exotic Oia coastline, and embrace modern architecture.
Table of Contents
Best Places to Visit in Santorini
There is a long list that goes on in choosing Santorini as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. The place is blessed with an exotic coastline, historical richness, wine yards, food, and much more. Therefore, we have decided to handpick romantic places to visit and things to do in Santorini with your loved ones.
Amazing Sunset in Oia village
Previously known as Apano Meria, Oia once served as one of the two harbors of ancient Thera. It is one of the most popular Santorini places to visit. It witnessed economic prosperity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries because of the trading between Alexandria and Russia.
The village is famous for its white-washed buildings and charming blue-domed churches. The cliff houses and restaurants are built into carved niches facing the sea to keep it cool in summer and warm in winter. The pathways in the town are narrow and always filled with tourists.
The boats and ferries for trips to Therasia and around the island start from here. To preserve the traditional settlements, most of the houses on the edge of the caldera are restored into hotels and restaurants.
The ruined castle, Fort Londsa, sits at the pinnacle point of Oia, which gives a complete 360-degree view. Oia serves as one of the best honeymoon destinations in Greece vacation. One cannot miss the special event of the sunset view from the Sunset Seranade point in Oia every evening!
Explore Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Akrotiri is a Cycladic bronze settlement that was destroyed in the Theran eruption during the 16th century BC. It can be traced to the 5th century BC settlement when human habitation was dependent on farming and fishing activities. Further, the settlement served as a focal point for the trading of copper and was enriched with high craft specialization with an improved drainage system and paved streets.
The archaeological site is famous for the frescoes art and a large variety of artifacts, mostly pottery. Large jars and vessels were used for the storage and transportation of goods, cooking food, and drinking.
They produced furniture such as tables, chairs, and beds; while the highly decorated offering table with a plaster cast on wood was a common finding. With the support of local communities, one can now explore mountain hiking or biking on the path that connects the modern settlement to the Akrotiri Archaeological site. It is one of the ancient Santorini places to visit.
Santorini best Honeymoon Destinations in Greece Fun at Kamari Beach
Located at the foot of Messa Vuono Mountain, Kamari Beach is one of the best Santorini places to visit. The beach, composed of black volcanic sand, is stretched 5km long and is considered one of the three longest beaches in Santorini.
Provided with ample parking space, the beach is accessible by bus from Fira. Kamari Beach is generally crowded; however, it is clean and well-maintained. It is awarded the Blue Flag for its deep crystalline waters.
You must try water sports like surfing, paddle boats, and windsurfing. If you’re a daredevil, you can experience the deep dives. There is availability of sun loungers, water sports, nightclubs, and bars.
Don’t forget to wear protective footwear, as the pebbles on this beach are sharp. Along the long parallel promenade, you can explore local shops and seafood and have a pleasant time with your loved ones.
A Magical Place – Pyrgos village
Pyrgos village is at the highest altitude in Santorini. It is one of the magical Santorini places to visit. It is believed to be its former capital in the mid-18th century by the locals. However, it is not true. The name Pyrgos is derived from the Greek word meaning “tower”. To protect Pyrgos village from outsiders, it is surrounded by fortification.
Pyrgos village is composed of small white-washed traditional houses, churches, vineyards, and narrow paved pathways. In 1995, this hillside settlement was declared and protected. At present, it is described as a quiet place.
A memorial plaque is set up near the entrance of the castle to commemorate those who died in World War II. There are so many steps to walk in Pyrgos villages. If you’re interested in walking through this narrow winding pathway, you would surely love it.
Hike on Skaros Rock
Skaros Rock is located opposite the village of Imerovigli and witnesses good tourist footfall. It is believed to be one of the largest settlements in Santorini at one time serving over 700 human habitats. In the 13th century, a fortress along with the Chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti at its front side was established on this large volcanic rock formation.
You can reach Skaros Rock within a 30-minute walk from the Imerovigli bus stop. Skaros Rock is exposed to the winds, and therefore, we recommend you carry sweaters and water bottles. Due to the high and uneven pebbles on the rock formation, you must surely wear protective shoewear. It is one of the adventurous Santorini places to visit.
Explore Ancient Thera
Once served as a great ancient civilization, Ancient Thera is considered the most important historical period and one of the popular Santorini places to visit. It was the religious and cultural centre for the people of Santorini.
With a soaring height of 365m, this civilization is located between the beaches of Perissa and Kamari, on the top of the Mesa Vouno Mountains.
Established during the 8th century BC by King Thera, later it served as a military and naval base of Egypt in the 4th century BC. The settlement comprised several public buildings like churches, pagan temples, theatres, and markets with an extensive drainage system and paved pathways.
The excavation findings of the site include ceramics, clay pots, and statues. You will understand the culture and human settlement of ancient Santorini here.
Visit Akrotiri Lighthouse
Built-in the 19th century by a French company, Akrotiri Lighthouse is one of the best Santorini places to visit, which offers beautiful sunset views. It sits on the top edge of the cliff and has completely white-washed walls. The lighthouse was powered using petrol fuel.
However, its operations were stopped during World War II. It takes around 30 minutes to travel from Feri to Akrotiri Lighthouse. You need to remember that there is no bus service to this place. You can hire taxis, rental cars or two-wheelers to reach this destination. It is one of the ancient Santorini places to visit.
Best Adventure Things To Do In Santorini
Bring out the adventure freak in you! The island surrounded by sparkling blue water is the first thing that comes into our mind when we think about a Greece vacation. Let’s see what adventurous things to do in Santorini.
Swim in the Santorini hot springs and play in the red mud
The natural hot springs in Santorini are found on the eastern side of the Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni volcanic islands. It is famous for its natural mud bath.
These hot springs, with a temperature of about 30 to 35 degree Celsius serve as therapy for the visitors as it is considered good for the skin.
We recommend that you wear old or dark-colored swimwear as the iron and manganese present in the water can leave orange stains. It is one of the best Santorini places to visit.
Horse riding in Santorini
Horse riding is one of the best things to do in Santorini. Enjoying the breathtaking landscapes while horse riding will give you unforgettable memories. It is available in many places ranging from black sandy beaches to Caldera cliffs.
There are special types of horses available in Santorini, namely Leopard Appaloosa horses, Andalusian show horses, and Shagya Arabian horses.
There are several operators which provide horse riding services which include Efippos Horse Farm, Santorini Horse Riding, and Maris Horse Riding Santorini. Special veterinary care is taken by these operators to ensure the health of the animals.
Jumping off a cliff
If you’re an adventure freak, then you must surely try this thrilling jump off a cliff near Oia. Amoudi Bay is one of the best Santorini places to visit. You need to walk for 15 minutes down from Oia to reach this spot.
Dive into the crystal clear water and head towards Saint Nicholas Island. We recommend you wear protective shoes as the rocks are very sharp. You’re most lucky if your loved one is also an adventure freak. Hold your hands together and plunge into the water.
Adventurous water sports
Experiencing thrilling water sports is one of the best things to do in Santorini. Santorini is known for its diving sports. Go scuba diving to witness the beauty of Santorini volcanoes, the cliffs, and the coastline. To add more excitement to your bucket list, go for a Jet Ski tour around Santorini volcanoes.
To ensure safety, some of the best services of the Jet Ski Tour include the Extreme Volcano Tour, the Volcano Tour, and the South Coast Tour. In addition, these services provide motorboats with emergency help. Even photographers will be on board to capture your pictures.
Questions about Santorini Vacation
What is the best time to visit Santorini for honeymoon couples?
The ideal time to visit Santorini for your honeymoon entirely depends on you. We strongly recommend that you visit Santorini during the spring and autumn seasons, i.e., June to September. The prices of stay, transport, food, and everything are expensive during this time. However, you can experience a perfect sunbath with your loved ones. Apart from that, you can plan to visit Santorini from April to October when the prices are not so expensive with less crowd.
Is Santorini safe for couples?
Yes. Santorini is definitely one of the safe honeymoon destinations for couples. However, there are risks that happen everywhere, like vehicle accidents and falling rocks. Moreover, Santorini is famous for wines, you will come across drunk people at night times which can be considered a risk.
We strongly recommend you not drink alcohol and drive. It is better to wear a seat belt. You can make use of local public transport to be more safe. The paved walkways in Santorini are narrow, with loose gravel here and there. It is not the right place to learn motorbikes, as the locals drive fast here.
Which outfits should you carry in Santorini?
The choice of outfits varies depending on the season you visit. If you are visiting from June to September, the place will have hot and humid weather. You need to carry a swimming suit while spending time on beaches. Irrespective of when you are visiting, carry sweaters and jackets, as the nights in Santorini are cold.
Pack the most colorful outfits of your choice during the daytime to capture the best couple pictures. You must carry protective footwear as there will be sharp pebbles on beaches as well as while hiking on the rocks.
Do you need to get a covid test to visit Santorini?
No. At present, all travelers, regardless of their country of origin, can enter Santorini without a covid test. The Greek authorities are following health protocols and safety measures as the priority in all the hotels, restaurants, and tour operators; to ensure the safety of travelers.
If you’re still more concerned about any transmissible viruses, then follow social distancing as they are several outdoor places. To know the existing situation, please go through the Santorini visa website.
What are the best hotels in Santorini to plan a honeymoon on a budget?
There are unlimited hotels ranging from budget to expensive for your stay in Santorini. For the couples, we recommend some of the best honeymoon destinations hotels namely Katikies, Cosmopolitan Suites, and Charisma. It is better to book hotels within six to ten months in advance as there will be a heavy rush.
What is the minimum cash to be carried in Santorini?
There is no limit to the cash you need to carry on a Greece vacation. It always helps in emergency cases when online transactions fail. We recommend carrying at least 10,000 euros to be in a safe condition.
Most of the shops accept credit cards; however, small shops prefer to take cash. It is better to do currency exchange at Santorini Airport for no further inconvenience.
What is the convenient mode of travel to roam around Santorini?
Santorini island is small in size, which makes the distances between places very short. The best way to experience Santorini is by bus or on foot. A comprehensive bus network covers the entire Santorini with frequent service.
Taxis, rented cars, and rented two-wheelers are affordable in Santorini. You can avail of these services from Santorini Airport and almost every place.
Be careful in peak seasons as the rent price of these services increases; you need to face increased traffic and inadequate parking space. Hiring a two-wheeler is best if you want to explore the narrow-paved pathways.
To sail around the island, you can opt to Cruise or even rent small boats. In addition, you can avail of Santorini cable car service from the Santorini old port to Feri.
Bottom Line
You can plan your trip depending on your budget and travel to the most romantic places. You have many things to do in Santorini. Eat local Greece cuisine, explore adventures, experience the nightlife, and make the best out of this Santorini vacation. Indulge in all these activities to cherish the moments forever. Make sure your Santorini vacation stays in your heart forever.
- 8 Best Turkey Honeymoon Vacation Places – Romantic Things to do in Turkey - July 15, 2023
- 7 Best Santorini Places to Visit – Santorini Vacation Guide - July 14, 2023
- New Zealand Vacation Guide – 21 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand - December 11, 2022
