What is Santorini famous for? History, sights and everything you need to know

Santorini is primarily famous for its caldera, the result of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history, around 1600 BC, which forever changed the island's shape. The white settlements of Fira and Oia, built on cliff edges over 300 metres high, offer some of the most photographed sunsets in the world. Additionally, the island is renowned for the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, a Minoan settlement buried in lava, for its volcanic vineyards that produce the crisp Assyrtiko wine, and for beaches with black or red volcanic sand, which are not easily found elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

In brief

• Caldera formed by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history
• Sunsets in Oia, among the most famous worldwide
• Prehistoric city of Akrotiri, buried under lava
• Assyrtiko wine from volcanic soil and 'kotsaki' trained vineyards
• Beaches with black and red volcanic sand

Why Santorini is famous

The caldera and the volcano

Santorini's current form is due to the Minoan eruption, one of the most violent volcanic eruptions ever recorded, around 1600 BC. The eruption destroyed the centre of the ancient island of Strongyli, creating the present-day caldera, a huge marine basin about 12 km in diameter. At its centre, the volcano remains active, with Nea Kameni being the most recent volcanic islet formed by eruptions in the 20th century. Accessible by boat, it offers a walk among black lava rocks and hot springs.

The prehistoric city of Akrotiri

Akrotiri was a flourishing Minoan city buried under layers of volcanic ash after the eruption, preserving buildings, frescoes, and streets in exceptional condition, like a “Pompeii of the Aegean”. The absence of human skeletons suggests that the inhabitants managed to evacuate the city before the final catastrophe. Excavations, which began in 1967 by Spyridon Marinatos, revealed multi-storey buildings with a sewage system and frescoes that are now exhibited at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.

The sunsets of Oia

Oia, built on the northwestern edge of the caldera, is considered a landmark for one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world, as the sun sets directly over the open sea, behind the volcano. Every evening, dozens of visitors gather on the steps and castle ruins to watch the phenomenon. The blue-red colours of the sky, combined with the white houses and blue domes of the churches, have made this image synonymous with Greek island beauty worldwide.

The architecture with cave houses

Due to the lack of timber and the need for protection from strong winds, the inhabitants of Santorini developed a unique architectural style, the 'yposkafa' or cave houses, dug into the volcanic rock. These 'carved' houses maintain a stable temperature in summer and winter. Today, many have been converted into luxury hotels and residences, retaining however the characteristic curved roof and the white, blue, or ochre colours that have become the most recognisable architectural style of the Cyclades.

The volcanic wine and Assyrtiko

The vineyards of Santorini are cultivated on volcanic soil, rich in silicate minerals, using the unique pruning technique called 'kotsaki' or 'stefani' (wreath), where the vines are woven in a circular shape close to the ground for protection from the wind and moisture retention. Some vineyards are considered among the oldest in Europe, as phylloxera never managed to survive in the volcanic soil. Assyrtiko, the main variety, yields dry white wines with intense acidity and a salty taste, while Vinsanto is the island's characteristic sweet wine.

The volcanic beaches

The island's volcanic substratum has created beaches with unusual sand colours. Red Beach, beneath red cliffs of oxidised lava, and Kamari Beach with its black pebbly sand, are among the most popular. Vlychada Beach stands out for its white cliffs shaped like natural sculptures, a result of volcanic ash erosion. These beaches, different from the typical Cycladic white-sand ones, add another unique characteristic to Santorini's geological identity.

Sights not to be missed

Oia

The most photographed settlement on the island, with narrow cobblestone streets, blue-domed churches and houses carved into the rock. Oia Castle is the most popular spot to watch the sunset.

Fira

The island's capital, built on the caldera's edge, accessible from the port via cable car or the 587 steps with donkeys. It gathers shops, restaurants, and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

Archaeological site of Akrotiri

The buried Minoan city, now covered by a large metal roof that protects the excavations. Visitors walk among streets and buildings at least 3,600 years old.

Volcano and Nea Kameni

A small volcanic islet in the centre of the caldera, accessible by boat from Ammoudi or Fira. A walk to the crater and swimming in the hot springs of nearby Palea Kameni is a classic day trip.

Pyrgos

A traditional settlement in the island's interior, with a Venetian castle and panoramic views of all Santorini. Less touristy than Oia, it retains a more authentic Cycladic village atmosphere.

Local gastronomy: what to try

• Domatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters) — Fried fritters made from Santorini's small, sweet tomatoes, onion, and mint, a classic meze in every tavern on the island.
• Santorini Fava — A puree of yellow split peas with PDO status, served with onion, olive oil, and sometimes capers.
• Assyrtiko — Dry white wine from volcanic vineyards, with intense acidity and a salty, metallic aftertaste, perhaps the most recognisable wine of the Cyclades.
• Vinsanto — Sweet wine from sun-dried Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Athiri grapes, often aged for years in barrels, ideal with dessert.
• Chlorotyri — Fresh, soft goat and sheep cheese, characteristic of the local dairy tradition, often served with honey.
• Santorini Capers — Wild capers gathered from the island's hills, used in salads and as an accompaniment to fava and tomato fritters.

Beaches, nature and landscape

Red Beach

A beach near Akrotiri with red cliffs of oxidised volcanic lava towering over the turquoise waters. Access is via a short path and the rocks require caution.

Kamari Beach

An organised beach with black pebbly volcanic sand on the southeast of the island, in the shadow of Mesa Vouno mountain, with plenty of sunbeds and restaurants.

Vlychada

A beach with white cliffs formed by the erosion of volcanic ash, creating a lunar landscape next to dark sand and the nearby fishing harbour.

Caldera and volcano

The caldera itself, with depths of up to 400 metres in places, is a unique geological phenomenon accessible by boat, while the hot springs near Palea Kameni offer swimming in sulphurous waters.

When to visit

The best time to visit is from late April to mid-June and in September-October, when temperatures are pleasant and the island is less crowded compared to July and August, months with intense tourist traffic and high accommodation prices. Winter is mild but many accommodations and restaurants close, with Santorini taking on a more local, quiet character. Spring additionally offers blooming vineyards, while autumn combines warm seas with milder light for photography in the caldera.

How to get there

Santorini Airport serves direct flights from Athens, lasting about 45 minutes, as well as seasonal direct flights from several European cities in summer. Alternatively, ferries from Piraeus take from 5 hours with high-speed vessels to 8-9 hours with conventional ferries, and there are also connections to other Cycladic islands such as Mykonos, Paros and Ios. Athinios Port is the main arrival point, with Fira accessible by road, cable car or the traditional steps.

Where to stay

Fira and Firostefani suit those who want a central location with easy access to shops and caldera views. Oia suits couples looking for luxury accommodation and the famous sunset nearby, with higher prices. Kamari and Perissa, on the east side, offer more affordable options by the sea, while Pyrgos and Emporio suit those who prefer a quieter, more authentic village atmosphere.

• Where to stay in Santorini: The 6 best areas and hotels [2024 Guide]
• Romantic hotels for couples in Santorini
• Hotels with a pool in Santorini: Our guide
• Hotels with a spa in Santorini: The complete guide

Practical tips

• Book accommodation many months in advance if you want a hotel with a caldera view, especially for the months of June to September.
• Visit Oia early in the afternoon, as the best viewing spots fill up quickly before sunset.
• Rent an ATV or car to explore beaches and villages away from the main tourist hubs.
• Try the wine at one of the island's wineries, many of which offer wine tasting with caldera views.
• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to descend the steps from Fira to the old port.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days are needed for Santorini?

Three to four days are enough to see the main sights, such as Oia, Fira, Akrotiri and one or two beaches. Those who want to combine relaxation, wine tasting and a boat trip to the volcano usually prefer five to six days for a more leisurely schedule.

Why is the sand in Santorini black or red?

The colour is due to the island's volcanic origin. Black sand comes from lava and volcanic rocks, while red is due to the oxidation of iron-rich minerals in the rocks around beaches like Red Beach near Akrotiri.

Is a visit to the volcano worth it?

Yes, the boat trip to Nea Kameni offers a short walk to the crater and the opportunity to swim in the hot, sulphurous springs near Palea Kameni. It is one of the most popular daily activities and is usually combined with a stop at another caldera island, such as Thirassia.

Where can one see the best sunset?

Oia is the most famous spot, but it gets very crowded; alternatives with equally good views and fewer crowds include Pyrgos Castle, Firostefani and several bars with terraces along the caldera in Fira, where the view is almost as impressive.

Is Santorini an expensive destination?

Yes, compared to many other Greek islands, Santorini has significantly higher prices for accommodation and dining, especially in caldera-view accommodations in Oia and Fira. More affordable options are available in Kamari, Perissa and the island's interior.

What is Santorini's connection to Atlantis?

The Minoan eruption of 1600 BC and the destruction it caused to the Minoan civilization have been linked by many researchers to Plato's myth of Atlantis, although this is not a confirmed historical or archaeological fact, but merely a popular theory.

Santorini is famous because its very landscape is the result of one of antiquity's most violent natural disasters, now transformed into one of the most recognisable destinations in the world. The caldera, the sunsets, the wine and the archaeology combine to create an experience that is hard to compare with any other Greek island, which is why it consistently remains among the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean every year.