Top Santorini Attractions: 5-Hour Custom Private Tour with Local

Oia. Lovely Oia are the perfect place to relax in Santorini with its pastel-colored houses, windmills and churches with domes descending the hillside. This is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the island, but if you are staying elsewhere, it is definitely worth a visit during a day trip. There are many panoramic viewpoints, including the Castle of St. Nicholas and churches with blue domes. And don't miss the famous sunset in Oia, although the city is the most popular place on the island where you can watch the sunset, so it can be very busy here.

Firostefani is a small village located north of the capital Fira on the west coast of Santorini. This is a kind of continuation of Fira, as it is difficult to understand where Fira ends and Firostefani begins. Firostefani offers the same breathtaking view of the Caldera as from the capital, but in a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, and this is what makes it a great option to stay, as it is only a 15-minute walk from the center of Fira, which means that you can plunge into the nightlife from the main city. but still get some peace. The coastal path between Firostefani and Fira is a wonderful and popular walk, especially in the early morning or evening when it is not too hot.

Imerovigli. Since Imerovigli is a preserved traditional settlement, the architectural style of the building remains unchanged, mainly in Cycladic and mainly local, Fira style. Today Imerovigli is one of the most developed tourist destinations in Santorini with first-class hotels, restaurants and other shops, which are visited by tens of thousands of people around the world every year.

Akrotiri Red Beach. Red Beach is an amazing and impressive colorful beach. Its name is an eloquent sign of what visitors encounter when approaching it. Towering red rocks in the background and reddish sand with black pebbles on the coast create a unique landscape and testify to the volcanic activity of the island. The best view of the beach opens when you approach and leave. From the top of the cliff there is a stunning view of the beach, and this is a great place for photos. The beach area itself is a rather narrow strip, sometimes covered with rotting sea grass, but it's nice to swim in the sea. However, the sea is rocky and steep to get in and out. A small bay formed by rocks is relatively calm, except when the south winds blow, but even then the waves do not prevent visitors from enjoying swimming. Umbrellas and sun loungers are at guests' disposal, as well as a free place for laying towels. Because of its small size, it becomes quite crowded.

Akrotiri Archaeological Site. Akrotiri is one of the most famous villages of Santorini, known all over the world for the remarkable archaeological discovery of a prehistoric settlement, which today can be visited at a unique archaeological site. The village has about 500 inhabitants and its most characteristic attraction is Casteli, a medieval castle built on the highest point. The modern city is located on the southern tip of the island, in close proximity to one of the most famous beaches of Santorini - Red Beach. Akrotiri can be reached by a beautiful route with a wonderful view of the incredible volcanic landscapes of Santorini. Traditionally built around an old castle, the village itself does not disappoint its visitors. Tiny, whitewashed Cycladic houses with their neat courtyards, shining roofs and colored domes of churches are an excellent backdrop for a walk through the narrow streets and allow the visitor to experience the taste of real village life.

Perissa Black Sandy Beach. Since Santorini is not known for its beautiful beaches, Perissa Beach is a pleasant surprise. Covered with black volcanic sand, Perissa is a magnificent beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. It is located on the southeastern coast of Santorini and extends at the base of the massive cape Mesa Vuno, sharply projecting into the sea. At the top of the mountain is the ancient city of Tyre. Perissa is one of the most cosmopolitan beaches on the island, which stretches for miles. In fact, it merges with Perivolos Beach, and together it is a beach with a length of more than 7 kilometers. The water is very clear, a gentle descent it and a beautiful color. The coarse black sand is pleasant to walk on and sparkles like sparkles, but in summer it can be very hot here.

Mount Profitis Ilias, located less than five kilometers (3.1 miles) from the village of Pyrgos, is the highest point of the island. And right on its top stands the monastery of the same name. Built in 1711, the Profitis Ilias Monastery, one of the oldest on the island, is a stunning example of Cycladic architecture at its best.

Argyros Estate Winery. The beautiful and modern Argyros winery estate is located on the outskirts of Episkopi-Gonia, about 5.5 km southeast of Fira. Argyros' spacious tasting room with ocean views is located in the heart of their grape estate. As with most wineries in Santorini, the main grape variety produced and used here is the white Assyrtico grape, although Argyros is also used to make a delicious Aydani wine, and their ruby-red Mavrotragano received 93/100 Parker points in Wine Advocate.

Pyrgos Kallistis Traditional Village. The village of Pyrgos in Santorini is the highest mountain settlement of the island. It is located on the slopes of Prophet Elijah Mountain and offers 360-degree views of the mainland, volcano and sea. Many consider him to be the hidden gem of Santorini, as he managed to distance himself from the radical development of tourism and clusters of travelers.

Megaochori Traditional Village. The sights of Megalochori are two impressive churches standing on the central square of the village. The Church of the Introduction of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a wooden iconostasis and Byzantine icons of the Russian school and the church of Agia Anargiri celebrate July 1, the day on which a big holiday takes place in the village. The village has been mentioned in written sources since the mid-17th century. It also appears on the map of 1801. Finds in the wider area indicate that it has been inhabited since the early Cycladic and Late Cycladic periods.

Thera main town. Fira has been the capital of Santorini since the 18th century and the most cosmopolitan settlement on the island. Before that, the capital was Skaros in Imerivigli, which used to be one of the citadels of the island. When Skaros was gradually abandoned, the inhabitants moved to Fira, which was then founded as the new capital. The city is located in the middle of the western part of the island, directly above the caldera and opposite the volcano, overlooking the sunset. It is a city of picturesque alleys, whitewashed houses carved at the foot of the caldera, numerous corners with breathtaking views, rich history and enchanting beauty. The volcano is visible from any point, as well as fascinating sunsets. The central square of Fira is called Platea Teotokopoulou, where there is a bus stop and a taxi stand, as well as banks, pharmacies and various other shops. The Fira port below is the place where cruise liners anchor. Small boats come for passengers and take them to a small port, where they have three options: climb the mountain by cable car, climb on a donkey or walk, which only people who are fit enough and in perfect shape do.