Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. In the 16th century BC, it was destroyed by a volcanic explosion, which permanently changed the terrain. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its two principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). They overlook the sea, small islands to the west, and beaches of black, red, and white lava pebbles.
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1. Oia
Oia is a picturesque town on the northwestern tip of Santorini, a Greek Aegean island. The town has whitewashed houses carved into the rugged clifftops, and overlooks a vast caldera filled with water. It is the most popular town to visit in Santorini because of its sunsets. That doesn’t mean there is nothing to do during day time. Here is the list places on the map for photo stops.
Church of Panagia Platsani
It is one of the famous church located on the main square of Oia.
Blue Domed Church
The most photographed location of Santorini is the famous blue dome church. There was a big line at this location even during the day.
We can also see the famous Blue dome churches from Oia castle at sunset.
Church of Agios Nikolaos
Windmills of Oia
This is another famous landmark of Santorini.
Castle of Oia
Castle of Oia is the most popular spot to watch the sunset.
The view of the windmills at sunset from Oia castle.
There were many people here, so try to get here at least an hour before sunset to get a spot. If you stay in Oia, you can watch the sunset from your hotel balcony.
Oia Steps
You can walk or take a donkey ride on the Oia steps to go down.
Ammondi Bay
You can get to Ammondi Bay through the Oia Steps, a little bay with a port situated below a cliff. You may eat at several excellent seafood establishments there while admiring the sunset.
2. Fira to Imerovigli
Here is the list of things to see on the walk from Fira to Imerovigli on the map.
Fira
Fira is the capital of Santorini and is in the center of the island. You can start your walk from Fira or in opposite direction.
You can enjoy beautiful views of the caldera on your walk.
Karavolades Stairs You can use the stairs or donkey ride to get to the old port. A lot of boat tours start from there too. The tender port is also at the old port if you are coming by cruise ship.
You can also get to the old port by cable cars. It normally have long lines so add some extra time if planning to use the cable cars.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, located in Fira, is one of the Roman Catholic Churches. It was damaged by the earthquake in 1956 and rebuilt and renovated in 1970.
Catholic Church of Saint Stylianos is another catholic church in Fira located on the cliff.
Three Bells of Fira
Church of the Resurrection of the Lord is another famous blue-domed church in Imerovigli.
Skaros Rock is a rock formation and collection of ruins on the Greek island of Santorini.
You can watch the sunset along the path depending on what time you walk. Here is the sunset from Fira.
Fira in night.
There are also a lot of restaurants to choose from for all budgets in Fira.
3. Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Akrotiri Excavations, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the area. You can learn about its vast structure and how it was once inhabited by 200 families and preserved under the volcano’s lava. It is also referred as Pompeii of the Aegean.
It costs 12 euros per person, and tickets can be bought on-site or online. It is located on the island’s south end and can be reached by rental car or bus from Fira. You can also have a guided tour to visit the site.
Pithoi Storeroom because of large storage jars found here.
House of the ladies A three story building named after the wall painting.
4. Red Sand Beach
It is located near Akrotiri and can be walked by following the walking path on a rocky hiking trail. There is also parking closer to the hiking trail if you plan to visit by rental car. You can also visit Red Sand beach by boat and enjoy the magnificent view of the beach from sea.
There is also a white Sand beach closer to Red Beach, which can be reached by boat only.
5. Black Sand Beach
The black Sand beach, also called Kamari beach, is on the east side of Santorini. It can be reached by rental car or public bus. You can also take the island tour, which visits the island’s highlights.
6. Volcano tour
The volcano tour is one of the most popular tours on the island. You can book it through your hotel or book it online. Check out the details here. You can also check out the highlights tour of Santorini here.