Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a stunning destination on the edge of a caldera or volcanic cliff. Apart from the quaint cobbled streets and superb views, Fira offers travellers several notable museums, a lively nightlife and great dining options. During the peak season, Fira can become crowded. Nevertheless, the town is still worth a visit.

What many call Santorini’s most charming town, Oia, is a must-visit for guests to the island. Well known for its colourful houses clinging to an almost sheer cliff, Oia is just right for catching a stunning Santorini sunset and capturing a few vibrant pictures. Oia also boasts historical sites including the ruins of a Venetian castle.

With its distinctively relaxed atmosphere, the picturesque town of Kamari provides a nice alternative to the busyness of larger centres like Fira. Best-known for its long stretches of black-sand beaches, a remnant of the island’s volcanic history, Kamari is the perfect place for travellers wanting to slow down the pace for a while.   

Vothonas has some of the most interesting examples of early Greek architecture as the village was literally carved from the mountainous ravine rock. Walking through the tangled pathways, visitors can admire the ornate detail of the houses, from engraved doorways to perfectly domed rooftops. Only four miles from Fira, Vothonas draws few crowds and is sparsely inhabited, allowing visitors to enjoy the town in relative peace. 

For the best views of the entire island, visitors should head to the town of Pyrgos. Santorini’s highest point, Pyrgos is steeped in history and is home to many beautiful religious buildings including a wonderfully decorated monastery atop a hill.

Located in the centre of Santorini Island, Santorini Volcano is piece of Greek history that cannot be missed. Its eruption in the late Minoan period was the cause of the civilisation’s destruction and can be credited for creating the Santorini we know today.

Locals refer to the two small volcanic islands as Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. Tours depart from the mainland for both islands daily, allowing travellers to set foot on these landmarks. Visitors to Palea Kameni should remember to pack bathing suits as the island has a popular hot spring which can be enjoyed by all.

For more insight into the Santorini of old, visitors should pay a visit to the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. Home to several intriguing artefacts which were excavated from the ancient Minoan settlement of Akrotiri, the museum provides a comprehensive guide to the island’s history and archaeology. From beautiful wall paintings to archaic figurines, the museum is a great place for those interested in the island’s past.

Another important settlement in Santorini’s history is Ancient Thira. Inhabited as early as the 9th century BC and excavated in 1896, Ancient Thira is today a fascinating historical site. Located in Mesa Vouno, which sits 396m above sea level, the ruins of Thira offer tourists a rare chance to roam the streets of an excavated ancient city, but also to experience the stunning views of the coastline below.

A museum of a different kind, the Folklore Museum in Fira is located in original cave houses built in 1861. While many museums on the island deal with the region’s interesting archaeology, the Folklore Museum explores the equally interesting culture. Everything from Santorini’s wines, housed at a traditional winery, to traditional workshops in ancient trades like carpentry and shoemaking can be experienced in this quaint museum.

The best part about Santorini’s nightlife is that it is mostly located along the Caldera. This means visitors can party the night away to the backdrop of one of the world’s most amazing views. The nightlife is best experienced during summer when tourist season is at its peak and all establishments are open.

Unsurprisingly, most of the island’s nightlife is situated in the largest and busiest city, Fira. Oia also has a good selection of clubs and bars, and makes for a nice change from the capital. Visitors to these towns will find everything from swanky clubs blasting pumping favourites to sophisticated wine bars with a slower tempo.

For travellers looking for something a little different, Santorini hosts a range of festivals throughout the year which cater for every taste. A notable festival which should not be missed is the annual Santorini Jazz Festival, which takes place just outside of Fira. Held in July, the festival features both local and international acts, and has been in operation for over 10 years. During the festival, classical music performances can be enjoyed at the Nomikos Centre.

The open-air cinema in Kamari is another great way to spend an evening without getting home at daybreak. The cinema tends to show the latest Hollywood blockbusters but the experience is made special by the beautiful natural settings. Seat numbers are kept to a minimum, which makes for a rather intimate and unique night.

Santorini’s varied cuisine is a highlight of most visitors’ stay on the island. With strong Mediterranean flavours like olives and herbs, and a range of breads, the cuisine ensures dining out in Santorini is always a special occasion.

Greece’s cuisine varies starkly from region to region, and Santorini is no different. There are a few local specialities which every guest should try. Some favourites include white eggplant, which is usually grilled, fava (yellow lentils that have been pureed) and domatokeftedes (tomato fritters made with mint, fried in olive oil and served with fava beans).

Santorini’s selection of fish dishes is wide. Many tavernas close to the beachfront serve a fish of the day that has been delicately grilled. Other dishes include achinosalata (sea urchin eggs cooked with lemon and olive oil) and stakomacaronada (spaghetti with lobster).

There are also a few national dishes which can be found across the island. A favourite with locals and tourists alike is moussaka (an egg plant-based, oven baked dish topped with white sauce) as well as souvlaki (grilled meat and vegetables on a skewer).

The traditional Greek liquor called ouzo (an aniseed-flavoured spirit) flows freely across the island but there is also a range of wines from which travellers have their pick, including the local dessert wine of Vin Santo. Greek beer brands Mythos and Alpha are sold in several bars and some restaurants, but tourists will find that locals generally prefer other, better-known European brands.