The center of the city, where are located the central bus station and the taxi station, and most clubs and commercial shops, lies in a ten minutes walk by foot through the paved pedestrian streets.
A - must do - walk is towards Firostefani, following the “fridi”, the paved pathway that stretches along the top of the caldera, with a really special and an ever exciting sunset spot. Before arriving to the “plateia” of Firostefani, you are passing by the Catholic church of Panagia from the yard of which you may stare at the ever changing view of the Santorini archipelago.

Akrotiri, in the south, a roughly 3,500 year old Minoan town preserved in volcanic ash like Pompeii, is one of Santorini's "must-sees". The excavation site is covered by a roofing system, which makes it something that you can happily visit no matter what time of year. The ruins are extremely well preserved. Streets, buildings, stairs and even second floors of buildings are still visible. Visitors can view Minoan pottery and frescoes, and with a little imagination, feel what it would have been like to live in ancient Greece.
Ancient Thira, the Classical city of the island is on Mesa Vouno, 396 m. above sea level. It was founded in the 9th century B.C. by Dorian colonists whose leader was Theras, and continued to be inhabited until the early Byzantine period. The preserved ruins belong to the Hellenistic and Roman phases of the city. The residential area and the larger part of the cemeteries were excavated by German archaeologists between 1895 and 1902. The cemeteries on the NE and NW slopes of Sellada were excavated by N. Zapheiropoulos in the years 1961-1982.

The beaches in the northeast, from Monolithos to Vlyhada, are the most organized. Those in the north, around Oia, are less crowded. Starting from Akrotiri and the Red Beach, the string of unique beaches which fringe the Caldera become progressively more deserted.
Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Perivolos is situated on the south shore of the island. It is a beach of fine black pebble, with clear water that suddenly becomes very deep. Perivolos is the liveliest beach on the island and boast some excellent fish taverns.
Perissa is the neighbouring beach of Perivolos, and has developed in the style of a beach resort. It was one of the first beaches to be developed on the island. It’s is host to organized activities such as diving, parasailing and jet skies can be hired.
Kamari is a popular beach and frequented by people from all over the world. Many shops and restaurants line the traffic free beach front.
Vlyhada has a wild beauty with its fantastically shaped white pumis boulders, which have been sculpted into works of art by the wind. If you are after a quiet beach – this is the place to go. A small snack bar serves lovely fresh juices and light meals.

Fira is the capital of Santorini. It can be found on the west coast of the island, on the Caldera cliffs opposite the volcano. Modern day Fira is the cultural and commercial center of the island. There is much about Fira worth looking at. Apart from the museums, galleries and cultural events, it has the island’s largest shopping center. Fira heads the nightlife section – many bars and cafes are actually on the Caldera, whilst other, as well as the large clubs, are tucked into the quant cobbled streets weaving through the town. The whole of Fira is connected by a footpath at the cliffs edge that starts just above the Archaeological museum and finishes up on the hill at the Nomikos Centre. The volcano can be seen from every point, as can the mesmerizing sunsets. Sunset time in Santorini seems to be the only hour of the day when everything and everyone stops moving.
Ormos (Old Port) is at the bottom of the Caldera cliffs in Fira. The little harbour has taverns and small shops. To reach the Old Port you can walk down 600 stone steps, hop on a mule or take the Cable Car which leaves from the top part of Fira. The large cruise liners drop anchor at Ormos and the passengers are ferried to shore in small boats managed by the Boatmen’s Union. One can spot small fishing boats, the kaikia as well as several pleasure boats, which depart daily for excursions to the Hot Springs at Palia Kameni. Perhaps the only way to grasp the essence of Santorini is to experience the island from the sea point of view.
Imerovigli The name of this village belongs to the days of the pirates and the literal translation is “To Guard by Day”. Its position at the highest and most central part of the Caldera give it visual command of the whole area. Imerovigli has views of the volcano with breathtaking sunsets and tranquillity. There is a main square which leads up to the Caldera and the traditional hillside cave settlements. The largest part of the village was destroyed in the 1956 earthquake. Imerovigli has since been restored and is home to some of the most beautiful hotels and homes on the island.
Oia is a traditional settlement in the north of Santorini. The village is approximately 150 meters above sea level. Oia was severely damaged in the 1956 earthquake and much work has been involved to implement its restoration. The beauty of Oia is unsurpassed. In fact, it is almost impossible to describe in words. Sugar cubed houses tier the hillside, interspersed by splashes of rich okra, deep fuchsia, cobalt blue, oyster pink and earthy red. Smooth winding paths interconnect, interrupted now and then by a small church, and at every corner there is something new to discover. Oia is one of the most photographed places in Greece. It has inspired artists, poets and every visitor who visits Santorini.
Ammoudi port can be reached by car – you have to circle around the bottom road of Oia village – or by walking down 235 steps, or by catching a ride on the back of a mule. At the bottom lies a small postcard perfect harbour, complete with brightly painted traditional fishing boats and lively waterfront taverns. A footpath past the taverns takes you around the base of the mountain to an excellent diving area.
Armeni port is smaller than Ammoudi. In bygone days it used to be a base for wine trading. To get there you can catch a boat from Ammoudi, or walk (!) down 291 steps to the quiet harbour below. Mule rides are also available. There is a tavern to have a light meal.
Pyrgos – For a pure slice of traditional Santorini, they don’t come any better than Pyrgos. If you want to go somewhere for the real Greek deal, Pyrgos is it! Sitting at the highest point in the middle of the island, the views are fantastic. This gorgeous whitewashed village is beautifully unspoilt and arguably one of the prettiest places on the island. The village swirls around the remains of the Venetian Castle – Castelli – to a charming jumble of winding lanes and churches with distinctive blue domes – which by the way are car free.

The vineyards of Santorini are thought to be the oldest in the world still under continuous cultivation, however actual age of the vines is under debate. The vines are grown in the “koulara” method, meaning they are woven into continuous circles to form a basket for protection from the strong winds and summer sun. After many years of such training, the nutrients must pass through several meters of vine to finally reach the grapes, which greatly affects the yields of these old vines. Eventually the yields become so low, that the basket is cut completely off at the root of the plant near the surface of the soil.