What to see in Santorini?

The island of Santorini is the most extraordinary in the Aegean Sea, and every year, many tourists come to enjoy its wild beauty. Its landscapes are fascinating and at the same time intimidating because everywhere there is a reminder of the powerful eruption that changed the ancient island's appearance, creating new islets in a short time or causing them to sink. There are many things to see and savor. Ideally, one should visit not during the high season and stay for more than a day, although the classic boat trip, perhaps from a nearby island, still allows you to savor the spirit of Santorini. Below is a list of the main attractions of the island.

Thira
It is the picturesque capital of the island, full of white houses, narrow alleys, and staircases that stretch along the ridge of the cliff. It is not ancient because it was completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1956, but it has maintained the architectural style of the Cycladic villages. Located right above the old port, it can be reached from there by cable car, mule, or with a strenuous but characteristic climb of 580 steps.

Archaeological Museum of Thira
It contains findings from the ancient cities of the island, especially ceramics and sculptures.

Oia
The most picturesque and photographed village on the island. In addition to its architecture, it is renowned for its spectacular sunsets (the best place is the ruins of the castle). The village is much quieter than Thira and also more exclusive. In the past, it was mainly inhabited by seafarers who built their houses by digging them directly into the rock and providing them with barrel roofs. For some years now, these houses have been restored, further characterizing the village.

Minor Islands
All the islands of Santorini surrounding the old crater are very interesting for their almost "lunar" appearance and can be quickly reached by boat. Thirasia is the only inhabited one and has two charming white villages, while Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni offer a great view of Santorini (volcanic activity is still ongoing on Nea Kameni).

Archaia Thira
Two hours on foot from present-day Thira or 40 minutes from Perissa beach are the ruins of the ancient fortified capital built after the eruption in an almost inaccessible position. It was inhabited by the Dorians, the Ptolemies, the Romans, and the Byzantines, and its ruins are in a very panoramic position.

Akrotiri
An archaeological site where the old capital Kallistè was found, buried under meters of lava like Pompeii. Frescoes of particular interest were found here and later transferred to Athens. According to some beliefs, Kallistè was the ancient Atlantis with its great civilization, completely destroyed in a single day.

Pirgos
A beautiful village with a fortified settlement where the population took refuge when they spotted pirates coming from the sea.

Emborion
A beautiful fortified village where Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir took refuge to write.

Byzantine Monastery Episkopi
Located in Mesa Gonià, it includes the beautiful Church of the Madonna with frescoes.

Monastery Profitis Ilias
Located at the highest point of the island, it offers a beautiful panorama up to Crete (on clear days).