Things to do in Santorini

If you’re seeking stunning island vistas and unique experiences, you may want to consider visiting Santorini. Its striking environment, shaped by a volcanic eruption more than 3,000 years ago, feels almost otherworldly. Beyond the dramatic landscape and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, there’s richness and texture, with chic resorts and a relaxed yet refined Mediterranean atmosphere. 

Keep reading to learn more about the island’s history, must-visit restaurants and beaches, and best spots for views.

What you’ll learn:

• Things to do in Santorini range from hiking the Fira to Oia trail and sailing the caldera to unwinding on the island’s famous black sand beaches.

• Restaurants like Metaxi Mas and Selene celebrate the island’s ingredients and traditions.

• Unforgettable stays include the Canaves Oia Suites cliffside retreat and the wellness-focused Nous Santorini.

• Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.

In Santorini, adventure comes with a view—whether you’re hiking along the caldera, sailing the sparkling coastline or swimming beneath volcanic cliffs. Here are four ways you can explore Santorini, by land or water:

Start your Santorini adventure at the highest point in Fira, the capital, and marvel at the iconic, blue-domed church at its outskirts. From there, hike a secret trail: the coastal path around the volcanic rim, offering a stunning view of the caldera (the mostly submerged volcanic crater below), all the way to the picture-perfect village of Oia, blessed with sweeping Aegean vistas. Santorini’s diverse terrain makes it a fantastic place for hiking.

The cliffs aren’t the only vantage point from which to admire the island’s beauty. You could also reserve a tour on a private catamaran or yacht with Vista Yachting to enjoy another perspective on the coastline. Striking red and white volcanic cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop to Santorini’s beaches, and you can explore them at Red Beach and White Beach during a cruise tour. You could begin your boat tour around midday and spend the afternoon snorkeling in hidden coves or soaking in volcanic hot springs. Then lie back on the boat with a glass of local white wine (like assyrtiko) to take in the gorgeous sunset views.

Vista Yachting: 25th Martiou, Fira Town, Santorini, Greece; 011-30-22-8602-4422

After your time on the water, you could unwind along Santorini’s beautiful shoreline. On the island’s east coast, Kamari Beach is one of the most popular black sand beaches in Santorini and offers a vibrant atmosphere with its waterfront promenade. For something more dramatic, head to Red Beach, backed by towering crimson cliffs, or Perissa or Perivolos beaches, where relaxed tavernas and water sports create a more laid-back, resort-style vibe.

A few steps below the town of Oia lies Ammoudi Bay, a postcard-perfect harbor. You could swim out to the nearby islet and cliff jump into the crystalline waters below. Or stay closer to shore and try the day’s fresh catch at one of the bay’s charming seafood restaurants.

Santorini’s food scene blends time-honored recipes with a setting that’s hard to rival. The island’s distinct culinary tradition features specialties like fava, white eggplant, tomato fritters and world-class wines. The island’s chefs elevate local ingredients in restaurants that range from rustic tavernas to fine-dining spots overlooking the Aegean.

Seaside Santorini is an elevated place to enjoy a great meal along the black sand beaches of the island. Dishes like the linguini seafood and calamari carbonara showcase the best of the local sea. You could stop by for an Aperol spritz, grab a seat beneath a straw umbrella, watch the fishing boats in action, enjoy the shrimp prepared on top of hot lava rock and linger over dessert as the sun sets. Since many of Santorini’s restaurants, including Seaside Santorini, are seasonal, it’s a good idea to call ahead before visiting.

Seaside Santorini: Agios Georgios 84703, Greece; 011-30-22-8608-2801

Foodies searching for a gem off the beaten tourist path can try Metaxi Mas, a Cretan-owned restaurant in the tiny southern village of Exo Gonia. It’s an unpretentious taverna with warm service, generous portions and dishes that celebrate Greece’s comfort-food classics, like lamb shank roast and grilled octopus. In the summer, you might try the signature moussaka made with mixed minced meat, oven-baked tomatoes, potatoes, white eggplant and zucchini, topped with a bechamel cream of Cretan sheep and goat cheese.

Metaxi Mas: Exo Gonia, Santorini, PC 84700, Greece; 011-30-22-8603-1323

Housed in a gorgeous former nunnery in Fira, Selene, the island’s longest-standing fine dining establishment, features a menu that puts a modern spin on Santorini seafood. Set in the courtyard of an old convent, it’s a rather introverted place with incredible attention to detail. You could try the artful caramel sphere for dessert or the Anhydrous Tomato Tart.

Selene: Old Catholic Monastery, Fira 84700, Greece; 011-30-22-8602-2249

You might want to save an evening for wine tasting at Vassaltis Vineyards, a sleek estate producing wines exclusively from indigenous grape varieties. It makes some excellent white wines in terms of acidity, minerality and salinity. The grape variety Vassaltis is particularly famous for is called assyrtiko. In the stylish tasting room, chefs pair crisp local wines with fresh mezzes.

Vassaltis Vineyards: Vourvoulos-Oia peripheral road 84700, Greece; 011-30-22-8602-2211

Petra Kouzina is a beautiful venue for cooking classes. This modern yet homey space nestled in a traditional cave house offers unforgettable hands-on experiences. Guests learn to prepare regional dishes like shrimp saganaki and then share them together over local wine. Before you leave, the host presents guests with a cookbook so you can recreate a little piece of Santorini back home in your kitchen.

Petra Kouzina: Megalochori, Thira 84700, Greece; 011-30-69-8107-6655

Quiet villages tucked into the hills. Whitewashed towns spilling down volcanic cliffs. Seaside escapes perfect for slow mornings and long sunsets. The hotels in Santorini blend comfort, design and the island’s effortless romance. Wherever you stay, each part of the island invites you to experience something unforgettable.

When you’re planning your perfect trip to Santorini, consider choosing one of the handpicked premium hotels, resorts or vacation rentals of the Premier Collection or Lifestyle Collection featured below. Booking through Capital One Travel gives eligible cardholders premium benefits with every visit, including an experience credit to use toward activities unique to each stay; room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout when available; and complimentary Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll earn elevated rewards.

It’s easy to forget your cares lounging in the sun among Santorini’s cliffs. Case in point: Canaves Oia Suites transforms Oia’s cliffside caves into elegant luxury, with extraordinary spas and private room terraces designed to capture the Aegean sunsets. The minimalist, all-white decor is the perfect blank canvas for the stunning caldera views.

Canaves Oia Suites: Main Street, Oia 84702, Greece; 011-30-22-8607-1453. Book through Capital One Travel.

If you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds, check out Nous Santorini, one of the latest additions to the island situated in a tiny cliffside village just 10 minutes from Oia. It features an amazing spa with indoor and outdoor pools and contemporary architecture. (One of those pools is the largest infinity pool on the island.) The resort also sets itself apart with organic architecture and decor designed to foster wellness as much as the fitness, massage and beauty experiences. Spa treatments are included with your room charge. 

Nous Santorini: Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis, Mesaria 84700, Greece; 011-30-22-8644-0200. Book through Capital One Travel.

With 17 cliffside suites scattered around Oia and neighboring Foinikia, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa offers a boutique experience that feels both secluded and deeply personal. The property is known for its thoughtful touches, like breakfast delivered to your terrace overlooking the caldera or private dinners under the stars. The concierge can create unique experiences for you, like organizing a picnic in a beautiful spot. That attention to detail combines with panoramic views and understated luxury for a romantic island stay.

Santorini Secret Suites & Spa: Oia, 84702, Greece; 011-30-22-8602-7337. Book through Capital One Travel.

You might experience Santorini through the quiet of a morning hike, the salt on your skin after a boat tour, or a glass of assyrtiko shared at dinner overlooking the caldera. However you spend your time here, the island always leaves you looking back for one more view.

If you’re planning a trip to Santorini, you might want to consider taking a travel rewards credit card:

• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights, vacation rentals and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture card. 

• Earn 2X miles on all other purchases, at home or away, with the Venture X and Venture cards.

From booking to destination, you can elevate every part of your trip with Capital One:

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit. Venture X and Venture cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® when they pay for the application fee with their card. 

• No foreign transaction fees. Some credit card issuers charge foreign transaction fees when you use a credit card to make purchases in a foreign country. Capital One doesn’t charge these fees with any of its U.S.-issued credit cards. View important rates and disclosures.

• Flexible options for redeeming rewards. Redeem rewards for flights, hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities booked through Capital One Travel.

• Travel protections. Cardholders may have access to travel insurance through their credit card. Benefits may include trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage insurance. You can review your guide to benefits for more information on which benefits come with your credit card.

• Security features. You’ll also have access to security features like fraud alerts, card lock, $0 liability for unauthorized charges and virtual card numbers.

• Vinous subscription. Venture X cardholders can sign up for a complimentary 6-month premium subscription to Vinous, a leading magazine with tools and resources to help readers fully appreciate wine.