Businesses, flavours and experiences across all the islands — choose a category.
List it for free and showcase it to thousands of visitors.
List now →Discover the beaches, culture, and experiences you must not miss in the Cyclades.
Businesses, flavours and experiences across all the islands — choose a category.
List it for free and showcase it to thousands of visitors.
List now →Discover the beaches, culture, and experiences you must not miss in the Cyclades.
The Pompeii of the Aegean — here the landscape takes your breath away
Santorini's history is inextricably linked to its volcano. Around 1600 BC, one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history shattered the center of the island, creating the caldera and burying the thriving Minoan settlement of Akrotiri under ash.
This settlement, with its two-story houses, frescoes, and advanced drainage system, reveals a remarkable civilization. Many link the disaster to the legend of lost Atlantis.
In antiquity, Dorian settlers founded Ancient Thera atop Mesa Vouno. The Roman and Byzantine periods followed, and after the Fourth Crusade the island became part of the Duchy of the Aegean. The name "Santorini" comes from Saint Irene (Santa Irini), as the Venetians named it.
Volcanic eruptions continued intermittently, forming the islets of Palea and Nea Kameni. In more recent times, after the devastating earthquake of 1956, the island was reborn and developed into one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world.
Monasteries, castles, ancient towns and hiking routes.
The "Pompeii of the Aegean." The prehistoric Minoan settlement was buried under volcanic ash around 1600 BC and was uncovered remarkably well preserved: two-story buildings, squares, a drainage system, and unique frescoes.
At the top of the Mesa Vouno rock, between Kamari and Perissa, the ruins of the ancient city of Thera — with temples, an agora, a theater, and a breathtaking view.
In Fira, it houses the important finds from Akrotiri: frescoes, pottery, and the gold ibex figurine.
Collections from ancient Thera and the Hellenistic-Roman periods, with sculptures, inscriptions, and pottery.
Housed in an old Oia mansion, it tells the island's great maritime tradition through ship models, nautical instruments, and photographs.
At the island's highest peak (567m), the historic 18th-century monastery offers a panoramic view of the entire Aegean.
The imposing Orthodox metropolitan church with its white domes stands prominently in Fira, next to the Catholic cathedral — testament to the coexistence of the two denominations.
The steep rock below Imerovigli, where the island's medieval castle-capital once stood — a short hike with an incomparable view.
The active volcanic islet at the center of the caldera. By boat, you reach the crater, walk across the volcanic landscape, and swim in the hot springs.
In underground galleries, a museum dedicated to the history of Santorini's viticulture and winemaking — the oldest continuous vine cultivation in the world.
At the southwestern tip, a historic lighthouse from 1892 offering a magical sunset far from the crowds.
A Venetian mansion in Fira, today a cultural center with historic engravings and exhibitions.
Featuring objects and scenes from traditional Santorinian life.
The old volcanic islet in the caldera, home to the renowned therapeutic hot springs.
Santorini's volcanic soil yields unique flavors — products with intense character and world-renowned wines.
Accommodation, restaurants, activities and local products of the island.
Locations come live from the official Cyclades business directory.
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The famous beach beneath red volcanic rocks, near Akrotiri.
A secluded beach with white rocks, accessible mainly by boat from Red Beach.
A large beach with black volcanic sand, beneath the rock of Ancient Thera.
An extension of Perissa, with beach bars and water sports.
An organized beach with black sand and a Blue Flag, at the foot of Ancient Thera.
A striking beach with wind-sculpted white rocks — an almost lunar landscape.
A shallow, organized beach on the east coast, ideal for families.
The picturesque little harbor below Oia, with fish taverns by the water's edge and cliff jumping from the rocks.
A secluded pebble beach with striking rock formations near Akrotiri.
A small harbor below Oia, with seafood taverns right by the water.
A quiet sandy beach in the north, far from the crowds.
A secluded black-sand beach on the northeastern coast.
A small picturesque beach with red-black pebbles near Akrotiri.
Santorini has an international airport with flights from Athens and abroad. By sea, ferries dock at the port of Athinios (from Piraeus, 5–8 hours), while the old port below Fira serves cruise ships. It is connected to Ios, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Anafi, and Crete.
The local KTEL bus connects Fira with all the villages and beaches. Due to heavy traffic in summer, car/scooter rentals help — but parking in the caldera area is difficult. The volcano and Thirasia are reached by boat.
Combine Santorini with the neighbouring Cyclades.
Plan your own trip to Santorini, day by day, tailored to you — with the help of the aiTripPlanner.
