This beautiful Greek island doesn’t need much introduction. Nestled in the southern Aegean Sea, this island is well-known around the world for its whitewashed houses with bright blue dome-shaped roofs. Though Santorini is well known for its romantic cosy shoreline houses, there are more exciting things to do in Santorini, Greece that doesn’t make the news. Here’s what we’d recommend doing…

Top Things to do in Santorini, Greece

1) Hike from Fira to Oia

They say that good things come at a price, but not in Santorini. This hiking trip is one of the best things that you can do whilst there and it’s completely free! The hike takes around 3-5 hours which is entirely dependent on your hiking speed and the number of selfies and pictures you take along the way.

This hike is filled with breath-taking views and you will find yourself stopping every now and then capturing the moments. After all, who is in the hurry to complete the hike? The hike starts from Fira, then takes you North to Firostefani followed by Imerovigli and then to Oia. Soft sole running shoes, water bottles and a fully charged camera/mobile phone for pictures are highly recommended. We’d also suggest bringing along a portable charger.

2) Santorini wine tour

How good is a trip without a glass of wine or two or more? When visiting Santorini make sure you sign yourself up for a winery tour. Santorini wine is famous for its taste and the wineries are one of its kind. It’s definitely an experience you don’t want to miss out on whilst in Santorini, Greece.

3) A cable car ride to remember

Descending from Fira to the old port in Santorini, Greece or the other way around can be achieved in three distinct ways. One is to walk the tiringly long stairs which has around 600 steps, the other is to take a piggyback ride on an overworked donkey. The best one of them all is to take the cable car ride. The cable car ride in Santorini is relaxing and gives you spectacular scenic views. The ride costs around 5 euros one-way and takes around 40 minutes to make a round trip.

Credit: Santorini View

4) Rent an ATV to drive around

Santorini has limited options for conveyance so, therefore, hiring an ATV is one of the most exciting things to do in Santorini, Greece. For around 45 euros a day, you can pick up an ATV to cruise around the island on open roads with cool ocean breezes blowing your hair. ATV rental shops can be found in almost all the main towns on the Island.

5) Santorini Salad – A must try local cuisine

Food in Santorini is great. The aroma of the local delicacy will lure you in. Make sure you indulge in the Santorini salad. Famous across the island and beyond, this salad uses traditional Santorini ingredients such as juicy crispy cucumbers, sundried tomatoes and capers.

6) Take a helicopter tour between Mykonos and Santorini

Helicopter excursion is one of many exciting things to do in Santorini, Greece

Enjoy a comfortable helicopter ride to your chosen destination along with some of the best views of the Aegean Sea and the Greek Cyclades Islands. Highly recommended if you haven’t done a helicopter ride before. A helicopter ride with such breath-taking views will for sure leave you speechless. Once in a lifetime opportunity.

7) Visit the calm and cosy Megalochori

If you need a break from the bustling cities of Oia and Fira on Santorini, Greece, then Megalochori is the best place to go. The town is quiet with very few people around and can be easily explored on foot within a few hours. There are photo opportunities in almost every corner and since not many tourists come here, the locals are more welcoming than usual.

8) Fish Spa

While exploring the beautiful town of Fira, stop by any of the therapy centres. Just put your toes in the water and see the hungry tiny Garra Rufa Fish gently eat away the dead skin on your toes. The result is smooth silky toes. A fish spa is a unique way to relax after long trekking in the city.

9) A sunset to remember

Credit: Thomas Cook

Make sure you watch the sun go down in Santorini as it will be one of the best things that you will be recalling and telling your friends and family once you’re back home. The view from Oia’s Byzantine castle gives a better view than all the other spots on the island.

10) Candlelight dinner

Many of the restaurants in Santorini overlook the caldera which gives an enchanting view at night with streetlights and houselights glowing in the darkness of the sea. A candlelight dinner with your significant other at a spot overlooking a beautifully lit caldera is the perfect way to end the night.

11) Sleep in a windmill

Staying in a windmill villa in Imerovigli is a fantastic idea. It’s an experience that you’ll remember. These villas are located at just 10 minutes’ walk from the beach. The villas have a private pool, terrace, hydro-massage jets and a beautiful panoramic view of the calm Aegean Sea. All the couples heading to the island, make sure to have at least one night at these beautiful and romantic hotels on the island.

Santorini, Greece is one of those places that will first leave you speechless and then turn you into a storyteller. With so many exciting things to do in Santorini, Greece, this destination should definitely be ticked off from your travel list as soon as possible.

Gareth O'Sullivan