Santorini is one of the most dynamic islands I’ve ever seen. Yes, it’s super touristy, and not known for its beaches, unlike most other Greek islands. That being said, if you’re visiting Santorini in conjunction with lots of other islands with pristine beaches, you will be ready to spend a few days here to mix it up and experience the magic of Santorini. I’ve been 3 times and will always return for more. Santorini is a must on your Greek island hopping adventure!
1. Where to Stay in Santorini
I like to stay right in Thira or Fira. It’s the island’s main town, and it’s much more chill and upbeat than Oía. There are a lot of great restaurants and bars and the overlook is insanely gorgeous.
You can, of course, stay in Oía, in one of the fancy hotels with the iconic infinity pools on the cliff’s edge. This would be fabulous, but much more expensive.
Oía is extremely pricy and very bougie. Most people choose that side of the island for their honeymoon or a romantic getaway, which, it’s great for. I simply prefer the energy that Fira provides.
2. Santorini’s Best Beaches
The most iconic beaches in Santorini are the Red and Black Beach.
Red Beach
Red Beach is made up of beautiful red volcanic rock! This is my favorite beach in Santorini. The red rocks in juxtaposition with the turquoise water is a gorgeous combination! This beach is a must-see of Santorini.
Black Beach
Also known as Perissa, is not my favorite. It’s been a while since I’ve been. I decided not to go the last few times in Santorini. It does have beach bars and restaurants, which is nice! Red Beach doesn’t have anything on it, so Black Beach is good if you want food and drinks with a pretty view, but the beach itself isn’t the most incredible.
Black Beach is made of black volcanic rocks and, when I went, the water was quite rough. I’m sure it’s much more enjoyable on a calm day. There’s a beach club on it called East Breeze that’s definitely worth checking out! It’s owned by the same family that owns my favorite bar in town (The Highlander).
3. Must See of Santorini – Amoudi Bay!
Amoudi Bay is incredible! This is my favorite spot in Santorini! It’s the most beautiful little fishing bay, lined with adorable seafood restaurants and the water is a gorgeous multicolored turquoise! It’s actually the prettiest water in Santorini. Amoudi Bay is the perfect spot to swim and eat, or swim while you wait to eat!
If you walk a bit further, past all the restaurants, there’s a path that leads around the mountain to the cliff jumping spot! It’s beautiful! Just swim across to this cliff in the middle of the bay, climb up it, and jump off the platform on the rock! You’ll see others doing it, so you know you’re in the right spot.
The view from here to the top of Santorini is magical! The sunsets in Amoudi Bay are nothing short of spectacular as well! If you love cliff jumping, seafood, and jaw-dropping sunsets, definitely make time for Amoudi Bay!
*Disclaimer–Checkout the ground in the picture above. If you go cliff jumping, wear waterproof sandals or shoes for this part! These rocks down by my feet hurt so bad, and they’re very hard to navigate around if you’re barefoot.
4. Oía
Right above Amoudi Bay is the little town of Oía, which is the fancy part of the island where all the infinity pools over the cliff hotels are located. This is also where everyone comes to watch the sunset. In the low season, it’s nice, but in high season it gets way too crowded for sunset. It then turns into a zoo of people trying to get out and drive back to Fira afterward. I would suggest leaving before the sunset is fully over to beat the crowd back. Better yet, just watch the sunset down in Amoudi Bay.
5. Best Place to Watch the Sunset in Santorini
In my opinion, Amoudi Bay is a much better place to watch the sunset than Oía, because not many people know about it and the view is insane!!! You can swim till sunset starts, then sit up on the gorgeous cliff and watch the sun reflect on the turquoise water and light up the bright red rocks of the cliffs behind you. It’s stunning!
Afterward, you can eat at one of the adorable seafood restaurants and wait out the crowd. By the time you start driving back to Fira after dinner, the crowd will be long gone.
6. Favorite Restaurants in Fira, Santorini:
My favorite restaurant is right in Fira town, its called Nikolas Taverna and the food and staff are incredible! Another really fun restaurant is actually an outdoor movie theatre located right on the cliff in Fira overlooking the water. The view is awesome here! It’s a great place for dinner, drinks, sunset, and watching a super Greek movie! We watched “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” here and loved it! It’s called the Volcan Cinema.
7. The Best Cheese Shop on the Island!
The BEST cheese on the island is in this little snack shack. It’s right as you exit Fira town, by one of the ATV rental offices. It’s called something like Akottpo Self Service. The guy that owns it has been there forever and he’s hilarious. You have to get the fresh cheese that he cuts for you from behind his cheese counter. It’s insanely good! He’ll let you sample it first so you can decide which you like!
To Summarize!
No matter how many times I go to Greece, I will always be left wanting more! More of the pristine beaches, more incredible food, more crystal clear stunning water, more amazing wine, need I say more?
Island hopping in Greece is always a good idea! With so many islands to choose from and explore, you can go every year and still be left wanting more. Use this itinerary as well as my Ios, Milos, Zakynthos, Paros, and Mykonos guides as a starting point for your first Greek adventure. I promise it won’t be your last!
Do you have any further questions regarding Santorini? Feel free to write them in the comments below, and as always, have fun when you go!
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