Santorini is a set of volcanic islands in the Aegean Sea and are a part of Greece. The islands are also known as Thira or Thera. This was the name of the historical village which existed on these islands. The ruins of Thera are among the best places to visit in Santorini. One of the biggest events on the island was the Minoan Volcanic Eruption, which was responsible for the downfall of Minoan civilization on this islands as well as on the island of Crete. The site of volcanic eruption is also among Santorini tourist attractions. The folklore of Atlantis is also associated with the island of Thera. The Minoan Eruption is considered one of the sources for the legend of Atlantis. Among best things to do in Santorini, Greece is a folklore experience of the legendary Atlantis.
The island itself is segmented by villages. Each village and its surrounding region have their own top things to do in Santorini, Greece. There are a few places to visit in Santorini which are common across all villages. These things to see in Santorini include beaches and incredible ocean view. Your trip to Santorini will be much easier to plan if you understand what villages have to offer. So here we go. Akrotiri holds the Venetian Castle as the most prominent Santorini tourist attraction in the village. La Ponta Tower in Akrotiri has an observation deck great for Santorini sightseeing. Fira is a town located on a cliff with several Santorini attractions. It is also a great place for shopping for souvenirs during Santorini travel. Firostefani also has a great observation deck for Santorini sightseeing. Imerovigil is kind of a resort town where you can kick back & relax. You can also head to this village for a beautiful sunset view when you visit Santorini. On the opposite end of the island to Imerovigil is Kamari. The best time to go to Santorini village of Kamari is at sunrise. You can also enjoy the famous black pebble beach of Kamari on Santorini vacation. The village of Karterados is known for regional architecture. It’s a popular attraction to visit on trip to Santorini.
Though if you are looking for famous white churches among best places to visit in Santorini, you should visit Megalochori village. These churches are a Santorini must see structures. The village of Mesaria is situation at the center of the main island. Mesaria is home to Argyros Winery, one of the most popular places to see in Santorini. Then you have Monolithos village, which is known for its beaches and taverns among places to go in Santorini. Beaches adjacent to Monolithos are not very deep, hence it is a popular Santorini tourist attractions among families with children. Village of Oia, also known as Ia, is known for architecture along the slope of a cliff. The best time to travel to Santorini village of Oia is at time of sunset. As sun rays glide a orange shadow over the village, you get to enjoy a beautiful memory during Santorini sightseeing. The coastal village of Perissa is known for Greek style fishing taverns and pristine beaches. Pyrgos village is home to the highest point on the island and one the best places to visit in Santorini for a great view. Finally you can visit Santorini villages of Vilchada and Vothonas. These are both small villages, the later of which is known for its strange architecture built from rocks.
The Best 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Santorini
1. FIRA
Fira is among the most beautiful places to visit in Santorini. The multicolored (mostly white) houses aligned on the slope of the mountain as it meets the ocean is a marvelous site. This area is also home to many Santorini tourist attractions. This area is specially popular for leisurely strolls among those who visit Santorini.
2. AKROTIRI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
This is the site of ruins of Minoan Civilization. You can remains of mud houses which used to be homes at some point of time. This archaeological site tells you a great deal about the Minoan civilization and their lifestyle.
3. OIA
Like Fira, Oia is again a beautiful neighborhood with a similar appeal. Sunset from Oia is among the most wonderful things to see in Santorini. You can also enjoy infinity pools or a quaint meal at one of the many rustic looking hotels in the area among top things to do in Santorini. Oia, like Fira, is also a great place to explore Santorini on foot.
4. ANCIENT THIRA
The site of ancient Thira or Thera tells the story of the region during Roman and early Byzantine era. The ruins are dated back to 9th century BCE. You can see many archetype roman structures like theatre, temples and so on at these ruins. For those interested in history, this site would be among top Santorini attractions.
5. RED BEACH
The Red Beach is among the most famous places to visit in Santorini. You have tall red cliffs on one side and beautiful blue ocean on the other. In between these two marvels of nature is the Red Beach for you to enjoy during Santorini travel.
6. MUSEUM OF PREHISTORIC THIRA
The museum displays many artworks and artifacts gathered from ancient Thira site and Akrotiri site. The museum itself is housed in Metropolis Church built during 1950s, which is a Santorini tourist attraction in its own right.
7. PYRGOS CHURCH
Pygros was once the site of a fortress which served as the power center of the island. You can still visit the ruins of the fortress in the area. Pygros, like Fira and Oia is known for whitewashed houses highlighted with bright colours. It is a beautiful area to explore and among the most photogenic things to see in Santorini.
8. PERISSA BEACH
Perissa offers a black sand beach to enjoy when you visit Santorini. The beach is among the most popular Santorini tourist attractions, not only for leisure, but for water sports as well.
9. FIRA ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
This museum is a collections of various artifacts from ancient civilizations found on the island. It is a small, yet interesting museum featuring many interesting things to see in Santorini. You can see exhibits from Roman, Byzantine and Dorian periods.
10. AMMOUDI BAY
Ocean so clear, that you can see the rocks several feet deep. If you are looking to stroll the ocean in a boat, this is where you should be. The bay is a marvelous site by itself, it looks even more beautiful from the ocean.
