The Travel Bloggers Collective — Travel like you belong there
Oia glowing at sunset
Blue domes above the caldera
A white pathway towards the deep blue sea

Greece

Santorini

Caldera views, cliffside villages and waterfront dining.

Oia, Santorini · Photo: James Ting / Unsplash

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Santorini · Most-recommended spots

Where the bloggers agree

47 spots · 3 storytellers

See

Oia

Watch the sunset from this beautiful clifftop town, allowing for plenty of fellow visitors.

3 bloggers recommend
  • Along Dusty Roads logoAlong Dusty Roads

    This photogenic village is an appealing endpoint for the hike. The author recommends exploring early in the morning or later in the afternoon before sunset crowds gather.

    Read Along Dusty Roads's guide
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    Wander narrow lanes and whitewashed steps past blue-domed churches and cozy taverns. The author considers it Santorini’s most beautiful town, despite the crowds.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide
  • Hand Luggage Only logoHand Luggage Only

    Watch the sunset from this beautiful clifftop town, allowing for plenty of fellow visitors.

    Read Hand Luggage Only's guide

Swim

Ammoudi Bay

Walk below Oia to the fishing harbour, waterfront dining and paths towards swimming spots.

2 bloggers recommend
  • Along Dusty Roads logoAlong Dusty Roads

    The author considers this picturesque fishing port beneath Oia the best place to finish the hike, with waterside drinks or lunch. A short walk beyond the restaurants leads to a swimming and cliff-diving spot.

    Read Along Dusty Roads's guide
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    This small harbor below Oia combines clear water with waterfront seafood dining and romantic sunsets. Reach it by road or descend the uneven steps beside Oia’s castle.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

See

Castle of Oia

Continue through Oia to the castle for spectacular viewpoints before descending the steps to Ammoudi Bay.

2 bloggers recommend
  • Along Dusty Roads logoAlong Dusty Roads

    Continue through Oia to the castle for spectacular viewpoints before descending the steps to Ammoudi Bay.

    Read Along Dusty Roads's guide
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    Sit on the castle wall for a memorable sunset. Arrive at least an hour early during high season to secure a spot.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

See

Imerovigli

The author recommends taking time to explore this beautifully situated whitewashed village and its pretty streets, especially if the hike is your only visit.

2 bloggers recommend
  • Along Dusty Roads logoAlong Dusty Roads

    The author recommends taking time to explore this beautifully situated whitewashed village and its pretty streets, especially if the hike is your only visit.

    Read Along Dusty Roads's guide
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    This tranquil cliffside village offers whitewashed houses, blue domes, and expansive sea views without Oia’s crowds. Enjoy views toward Skaros Rock and the volcano.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

Swim

Red Beach

Explore the waters here as part of the author's recommended caldera sailing trip.

2 bloggers recommend
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    Visit for the striking red volcanic cliffs rather than ideal sunbathing conditions. Falling rocks make beach access risky; a boat trip offers an alternative way to see it.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide
  • Hand Luggage Only logoHand Luggage Only

    Explore the waters here as part of the author's recommended caldera sailing trip.

    Read Hand Luggage Only's guide

See

Santorini

Recommended for its blue-and-white clifftop villages, sweeping sea views, and memorable sunsets.

2 bloggers recommend
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    Recommended for its blue-and-white clifftop villages, sweeping sea views, and memorable sunsets.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide
  • Hand Luggage Only logoHand Luggage Only

    Recommended for spectacular sunsets, caldera views and excellent restaurants, despite peak-season crowds and higher prices.

    Read Hand Luggage Only's guide

Hike

Skaros Rock

An optional walking detour from Imerovigli leads to this popular sunset spot. Avoid the detour in strong winds when conditions may be unsafe.

2 bloggers recommend
  • Along Dusty Roads logoAlong Dusty Roads

    An optional walking detour from Imerovigli leads to this popular sunset spot. Avoid the detour in strong winds when conditions may be unsafe.

    Read Along Dusty Roads's guide
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    A short hike from Imerovigli leads to Venetian fortress ruins and a white church overlooking the sea. Climb to the peak for the most impressive panorama.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

See

Agia Ekaterini

The area near this church offers classic postcard views at sunset, as an alternative to the castle.

1 blogger recommends

See

Akrotiri

Explore this exceptionally important, well-preserved ancient city. A modern roof shelters the archaeological remains and provides welcome daytime shade.

1 blogger recommends
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    Explore this exceptionally important, well-preserved ancient city. A modern roof shelters the archaeological remains and provides welcome daytime shade.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

Stay

Ambience Suites

Featured among the author's favorite Santorini accommodation options.

1 blogger recommends

See

Ancient Thera

Visit the mountaintop archaeological site to see the remains of temples, shrines, a church, and a theater.

1 blogger recommends
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    Visit the mountaintop archaeological site to see the remains of temples, shrines, a church, and a theater.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

Stay

Armenaki

The author loved these cliffside cave suites for their exceptional views across Santorini's caldera.

1 blogger recommends

Eat

Brusco

The author recommends lunch at this attractively decorated cafe in the center of Pyrgos. It is also listed among their favorite places for European food.

1 blogger recommends
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    The author recommends lunch at this attractively decorated cafe in the center of Pyrgos. It is also listed among their favorite places for European food.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

See

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The author singles out this cathedral as a worthwhile discovery while wandering Fira.

1 blogger recommends

Eat

Cool Cave

A recommended stop in Ammoudi Bay for cold local beer and ice cream after the hike. The author notes that beer costs €7.50 a bottle.

1 blogger recommends
  • Along Dusty Roads logoAlong Dusty Roads

    A recommended stop in Ammoudi Bay for cold local beer and ice cream after the hike. The author notes that beer costs €7.50 a bottle.

    Read Along Dusty Roads's guide

See

Fira

The author's recommended base on Santorini, with a central location that makes exploring the island convenient.

1 blogger recommends
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    The author's recommended base on Santorini, with a central location that makes exploring the island convenient.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

Hike

Fira to Oia Hike

This 10.5-kilometre caldera walk is the author's favourite way to appreciate Santorini's volcanic landscape, linking whitewashed villages, churches and dramatic viewpoints. Allow half a day to enjoy the stops rather than rush.

1 blogger recommends
  • Along Dusty Roads logoAlong Dusty Roads

    This 10.5-kilometre caldera walk is the author's favourite way to appreciate Santorini's volcanic landscape, linking whitewashed villages, churches and dramatic viewpoints. Allow half a day to enjoy the stops rather than rush.

    Read Along Dusty Roads's guide

Hike

Fira to Oia Trail

Follow a peaceful, pedestrian-only cliffside route with spectacular scenery. The 10.5-kilometer hike takes roughly three to five hours and includes several climbs.

1 blogger recommends
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    Follow a peaceful, pedestrian-only cliffside route with spectacular scenery. The 10.5-kilometer hike takes roughly three to five hours and includes several climbs.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

See

Firostefani

This quieter village adjoining Fira offers a viewpoint over the three-bell church. Its central location also makes it a convenient base for exploring the island.

1 blogger recommends
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    This quieter village adjoining Fira offers a viewpoint over the three-bell church. Its central location also makes it a convenient base for exploring the island.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

Eat

Forno

A recommended stop in Kamari for pizza and pasta.

1 blogger recommends

Eat

Gaia Wines

The author enjoyed learning about harvesting and wine aging during the tasting. Pair the wines with local cheeses and bread on a shaded terrace beside the sea.

1 blogger recommends
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    The author enjoyed learning about harvesting and wine aging during the tasting. Pair the wines with local cheeses and bread on a shaded terrace beside the sea.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

Stay

Hotel Thireas

Included in the author's shortlist of favorite hotels on Santorini.

1 blogger recommends

Eat

Karma

The author includes this Greek restaurant among their favorite places to eat on the island.

1 blogger recommends

Eat

Katharos

This vegan meze bar is one of the author’s recommended dining spots in Oia.

1 blogger recommends

Stay

Kokkinos Villas

Included in the author's favorite accommodation picks on Santorini.

1 blogger recommends

Stay

Loizos Residences

One of the author's selected favorite places to stay on Santorini.

1 blogger recommends

See

Megalochori

Explore alleyways lined with mansions, cave houses, and blue-domed churches. The main square has traditional taverns and cafes.

1 blogger recommends
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    Explore alleyways lined with mansions, cave houses, and blue-domed churches. The main square has traditional taverns and cafes.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

Eat

No Name Grill

A favorite of the author for seafood and Greek dishes in Firostefani.

1 blogger recommends

Stay

Old Castle Ioa

A favorite stay featuring an infinity pool with sea views and white hillside buildings as its backdrop.

1 blogger recommends

Stay

Old Castle Oia

Featured in the author’s selection of favorite places to stay on Santorini.

1 blogger recommends

Eat

Paradox

The author recommends this restaurant for Thai food in Oia.

1 blogger recommends

Eat

Pelican Kipos

One of the author’s favorite restaurants on Santorini, serving Greek and European food.

1 blogger recommends

Swim

Perissa Beach

Relax on this long black-sand beach, with loungers, umbrellas, and restaurants nearby. Rent a bed or spread out a towel before enjoying a refreshing swim.

1 blogger recommends
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    Relax on this long black-sand beach, with loungers, umbrellas, and restaurants nearby. Rent a bed or spread out a towel before enjoying a refreshing swim.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

Eat

Pink Sophia Maria

A characterful stop along the route serving good coffee and juices.

1 blogger recommends

See

Prophet Elias Chapel

A peaceful Greek Orthodox chapel with beautiful icons inside, where respectful hikers are welcome. Seats and tree shade outside make it a useful rest stop after the climb.

1 blogger recommends
  • Along Dusty Roads logoAlong Dusty Roads

    A peaceful Greek Orthodox chapel with beautiful icons inside, where respectful hikers are welcome. Seats and tree shade outside make it a useful rest stop after the climb.

    Read Along Dusty Roads's guide

See

Pyrgos

A hilltop village and castle sunset viewpoint away from Oia’s busiest crowds.

1 blogger recommends
  • Salt in Our Hair logoSalt in Our Hair

    Visit this quieter hilltop village for its castle, picturesque lanes, and panoramic views across both sides of Santorini.

    Read Salt in Our Hair's guide

See

Saint Minas Holy Orthodox Church

Seek out this church while exploring Fira’s atmospheric backstreets and tucked-away religious sights.

1 blogger recommends

Eat

Salt & Pepper

Listed among the author’s favorite restaurants for Greek food in Fira.

1 blogger recommends

See

San Antonio The Unsung

This small blue-and-white chapel makes a peaceful detour with dramatic photographic views and a sense of being away from the crowds. Allow roughly 15 extra minutes.

1 blogger recommends
  • Along Dusty Roads logoAlong Dusty Roads

    This small blue-and-white chapel makes a peaceful detour with dramatic photographic views and a sense of being away from the crowds. Allow roughly 15 extra minutes.

    Read Along Dusty Roads's guide

Eat

Santo Wines

One of the vineyards the author visited and enjoyed for its delicious Santorini wines.

1 blogger recommends

See

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary Holy Chapel

Pause here for views towards Oia after the volcanic ascent. Walking farther uphill from the chapel reveals additional views, although shade is scarce.

1 blogger recommends
  • Along Dusty Roads logoAlong Dusty Roads

    Pause here for views towards Oia after the volcanic ascent. Walking farther uphill from the chapel reveals additional views, although shade is scarce.

    Read Along Dusty Roads's guide

See

Thera

Visit for little bars and restaurants overlooking the caldera.

1 blogger recommends

See

Three Bells of Fira

Stop to admire this landmark church as the coastal trail passes through Firostefani.

1 blogger recommends

Eat

Tranquilo

The author highlights this Perissa restaurant as a favorite for vegan food.

1 blogger recommends

Eat

Venetsanos Wines

Recommended among the island's distinctive vineyards for wine tasting; a guided tour avoids needing to drive.

1 blogger recommends
  • Hand Luggage Only logoHand Luggage Only

    Recommended among the island's distinctive vineyards for wine tasting; a guided tour avoids needing to drive.

    Read Hand Luggage Only's guide

Swim

White Beach

A recommended snorkelling stop on a small-group catamaran trip around the caldera.

1 blogger recommends

Stay

Winery 1870 Hotel

Listed among the author's favorite hotels on Santorini.

1 blogger recommends

Nearby