Unearth The Voyage
Santorini is one of those places that looks almost too beautiful to be real — but beyond the postcard-perfect photos, there’s a whole island waiting to be discovered. Most visitors stick to the famous spots, missing out on the hidden gems that locals actually love.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a return visitor, this guide will help you experience Santorini in a way that feels genuine, adventurous, and unforgettable. Get ready to see this volcanic island through fresh eyes.
Hike the Caldera Trail from Fira to Oia
Your legs will thank you later — probably. The Fira-to-Oia caldera trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in all of Greece, stretching roughly 10 kilometers along the volcanic rim of the island.
Locals walk it at sunrise or in the cooler morning hours to avoid the midday heat, and that’s exactly what you should do too.
Along the route, you’ll pass hidden chapels tucked into cliffsides, wild olive trees, and small terraced gardens that tourists in taxis never get to see. Every bend in the path opens up a new, jaw-dropping panorama of the caldera below.
There’s no filter strong enough to match what you’ll see with your own eyes.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack a light snack for the trail. The path has some uneven and rocky sections, so take your time and enjoy the journey.
When you finally arrive in Oia, treat yourself to a cold Assyrtiko wine — you’ve absolutely earned it.
Explore Villages Beyond Oia and Fira
Most visitors never make it past the famous sunset strip, and honestly? That works out great for the rest of us.
The villages of Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Emporio sit quietly in the island’s interior, offering a side of Santorini that feels refreshingly unhurried and real.
Pyrgos crowns a hilltop with medieval Venetian architecture and some of the best panoramic views on the island — no reservations required, no cover charge, just you and the horizon. Megalochori charms visitors with its wine-producing heritage and a central square perfect for slow coffee mornings.
Emporio, the island’s largest medieval settlement, is a labyrinth of arched passageways and centuries-old stone walls.
Wander without a plan and let curiosity lead the way. Pop into a family-run taverna for a plate of fava or tomato fritters made with local produce.
These villages remind you that Santorini has layers beyond the blue domes, and discovering them feels like finding a secret the island has been keeping just for you.
Go Wine Tasting in Local Vineyards
Santorini’s vineyards look nothing like the rolling green hills you might picture. Here, vines are woven into low, basket-shaped coils called kouloura — a clever technique developed over centuries to protect grapes from the island’s fierce winds.
The volcanic soil they grow in gives Santorini’s Assyrtiko white wine a crisp, mineral character that’s completely unlike anything else in Greece.
Wineries like Santo Wines, Domaine Sigalas, and Gavalas offer tastings with stunning caldera views, but smaller family estates often deliver more intimate, memorable experiences. A knowledgeable local guide can help you understand the difference between a barrel-aged Nykteri and a fresh Assyrtiko without making you feel like you need a sommelier degree to enjoy it.
Pair your tasting with island cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and cured meats for a full sensory experience. Many wineries also offer food-pairing sessions that turn a simple afternoon into a proper celebration of Santorini’s agricultural heritage.
Wine tasting here isn’t just a tourist activity — it’s a living tradition that locals are genuinely proud of.
Take a Caldera Boat Tour at Sunset
Standing on the cliff edge watching the sunset is lovely, but watching the cliffs glow from the water? That’s a completely different level of spectacular.
A caldera boat tour flips the script entirely, putting you out on the Aegean with the island rising dramatically above you on all sides.
Local captains typically run tours that include stops at the volcanic hot springs of Nea Kameni, where you can actually swim in warm, sulfur-tinged water surrounded by ancient lava rock. Some tours circle around to White Beach and the striking Red Beach for views that are simply impossible from land.
Smaller group tours on traditional wooden boats called caiques tend to offer a more personal, relaxed experience than the large catamaran cruises.
Book through a local operator rather than a hotel desk to get better pricing and a guide who actually grew up on the island. Bring a light jacket even in summer — the sea breeze picks up at dusk.
As the sun drops behind the caldera rim and the sky turns every shade of orange and pink, you’ll understand why this is a non-negotiable Santorini experience.
Visit the Ancient Site of Akrotiri
Buried under volcanic ash for over 3,500 years, the ancient city of Akrotiri is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the entire Mediterranean. When it was excavated starting in the 1960s, researchers found multi-story buildings, advanced drainage systems, and vivid frescoes that revealed a sophisticated Bronze Age civilization living on Santorini long before the famous caldera even existed in its current form.
Unlike Pompeii, no human remains were found at Akrotiri — evidence suggests the population evacuated before the massive volcanic eruption that buried the city. That mystery alone makes walking through the site feel oddly personal and haunting.
The preserved frescoes, including the famous “Fisherman” and “Boxing Boys” paintings, are now displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, but high-quality replicas are on view locally.
Hire a licensed guide on-site or book one in advance for context that truly transforms the experience. The site is covered by a large protective roof, making it one of the few Santorini attractions that’s comfortable to visit even in the midday heat.
Budget at least 90 minutes to explore it properly.
Relax at Volcanic Black, Red & White Sand Beaches
Forget white sand and palm trees — Santorini’s beaches are made of volcanic drama. The black pebble beaches of Kamari and Perissa are the island’s most popular, lined with beach bars, water sports rentals, and the kind of laid-back energy that makes an afternoon disappear effortlessly.
The dark sand absorbs heat quickly, so flip-flops are a must.
Red Beach near Akrotiri is arguably the most visually striking beach in Greece, with towering rust-red cliffs plunging straight into brilliant turquoise water. The short walk down to the beach is a little rocky, but the payoff is worth every careful step.
White Beach, accessible only by boat or a very adventurous coastal scramble, rewards those who make the effort with near-total seclusion.
Locals tend to head to the beaches in the late afternoon when the sun softens and the tourist rush thins out. Bring a beach mat, order a cold Mythos beer from a nearby kiosk, and settle in for a slow Santorini evening.
A plate of seaside meze — think grilled octopus, tzatziki, and crusty bread — makes the whole thing feel like a proper Greek holiday.
Dine Where the Locals Eat
The restaurants with the best caldera views are not always the ones with the best food — and every local on the island knows this. The real culinary gems of Santorini are tucked away in the quieter neighborhoods of Emporio, Pyrgos, and the backstreets of Fira, where menus are shorter, prices are fairer, and the food is made with genuine care.
Look for tavernas where the daily specials are written on a chalkboard in Greek — that’s usually a solid sign that something seasonal and fresh is coming out of the kitchen. Must-try dishes include Santorini fava (a creamy split pea puree), tomatokeftedes (local tomato fritters), grilled fresh fish, and slow-cooked lamb.
Pair everything with a carafe of local white wine and you’re set.
Ask your accommodation host where they personally eat on a day off — that question alone will unlock a list of places no travel blog has reviewed yet. Skip the restaurants with laminated menus and English-speaking hawkers at the door.
The best meal you’ll have in Santorini will probably happen at a wobbly table in a narrow alley with a cat watching you eat.
Capture the Iconic Blue Domes & Caldera Views Early
By 10am in peak season, the streets around Oia’s blue-domed churches look like a very scenic traffic jam. Tripods everywhere, tour groups blocking the best angles, and the kind of polite-but-intense competition for the perfect shot that nobody warns you about before you book your flight.
The solution is simple: wake up early.
Between 6am and 8am, Oia belongs to the early risers. The famous three-domed church terrace in Oia is bathed in soft golden light, the cobblestones are empty, and the caldera below catches the first colors of day in a way that feels almost private.
Imerovigli offers similarly stunning early-morning views from the Skaros Rock trail, with zero competition from crowds.
Bring a good camera or use your phone — modern smartphone cameras handle the soft morning light brilliantly. Grab a takeaway coffee from a bakery just opening its shutters and find your spot before anyone else arrives.
The bonus? After your sunrise shoot, you’ll have the rest of the morning to explore while everyone else is still sleeping in.
That’s the kind of local insider move that genuinely changes how you experience the island.
Experience a Slow Sunrise or Sunset from Imerovigli
Everyone knows Oia for sunsets — and yes, it’s stunning. But the crowds that gather there every evening have turned a naturally peaceful moment into something resembling a stadium event.
Imerovigli, sitting at the highest point of the caldera rim, offers the same breathtaking views with a fraction of the foot traffic and twice the serenity.
Locals who live along the caldera often settle onto their terraces in the early evening with a glass of wine and simply watch the sky change. You can do the same at one of Imerovigli’s smaller bars and restaurants, where the atmosphere is genuinely relaxed and the view is arguably better than anything you’d find in Oia.
The Skaros Rock promontory, a short walk from the village center, is a particularly magical spot for watching dusk settle over the water.
For sunrise, Imerovigli faces east over the inner caldera, catching the first warm light of morning before most of the island stirs. Pack a light layer — it gets breezy up on the rim before the sun climbs high.
Whether you come for dawn or dusk, this is one of those moments that quietly becomes the memory you carry home from Santorini forever.
