Best Things To Do in Santorini

A few summers ago, I visited Greece and its stunning islands. One thing that stuck with me: It has a special way of putting you at ease. Maybe it’s the salty breeze and the fuchsia wildflowers, or maybe it’s the white buildings stacked along dramatic, sweeping cliffsides. Whatever it is, it feels like it’s just what the doctor ordered. 

Santorini is especially magical. The island’s bright blue domes are accented by the surrounding Aegean, revealing exactly where you should begin—at sea. Celebrity Cruises® takes you to all of the best landmarks through guided shore excursions. Wine tastings, cooking classes, and museum visits provide guests with local-level cultural knowledge, and the brand-new Royal Beach Club Santorini has exclusive beach access in an atmosphere that feels effortlessly chic. 

Overlooking the golden coastlines are the villages of Fira and Oia, connected through the Caldera path. The trail was uncovered by a volcanic eruption, forming the caldera and making the trek its own destination. In many ways, the island might be described as romantic, beautiful, and historical, but those who arrive only know the magic of what Santorini feels like.

Must-See Attractions in Santorini

Celebrity Apex sailing past the iconic blue domes and whitewashed bell towers of Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a storybook destination that feels almost too surreal to exist. Centuries ago, a massive volcanic eruption almost wiped it out, leaving behind ruins preserved from the Bronze Age waiting to be explored. 

Atop the cliffs, blue-domed churches and hiking trails provide viewpoints of gold, red, and black sand beaches. Visitors take leisurely walks along the waterline and end their days with reflective, meaningful conversations over homegrown varietals and authentic plates.

With many must-see attractions, it’s difficult to see it all in one day. Celebrity Cruises puts your desired destinations at the top of the list—even if you don’t have one yet. Here’s a guide to the Greek island’s top-rated attractions. All you have to do is decide what’s next.

Villages

A scenic coastal town in Santorini, Greece

Santorini’s villages are where the island’s character truly reveals itself. The most popular include Fira and Oia, woven together by a hiking trail that’s a healthy three-hour journey on foot. For a more subtle village, Pyrgos stands tall on a hilltop—it may be the most understated in ambiance, but not in scenery. These three villages offer different layers to one of Greece’s most premier destinations.

Fira

Fira, the island’s capital, sits on top of the Caldera cliffs and offers stunning views of two other volcanic islands, Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni. By day, the streets are lively with ambitious merchants, curious visitors, and friendly locals. In the evenings, bars, restaurants, and clubs illuminate the cobblestone pathways, breathing energy into the island. 

The easiest way to reach Fira from the cruise port is to take a three-minute cable car to the top. Donkey rides are also available, unless you decide to walk the nearly 600-step hike. Time your stay for just a few hours—the next village awaits.

Oia

Church of Panagia Platsani, located in the main square of the picturesque village of Oia on the island of Santorini, Greece

Oia is Santorini’s northern village, where guests can experience a more relaxed ambiance. Visit the famous Panagia Orthodox Church or the Castle of Oia for a spectacular sunset location—and an incredible photo spot. Below the village, Ammoudi Bay is a worthwhile detour—fresh seafood restaurants line the small harbor, and the views back up to Oia are just as stunning as the ones looking out.

The only way to get to Oia is through Fira. A local bus runs every 30 minutes, and taxis are also available. To eliminate the guesswork, Celebrity Cruises shore excursions offer a small group tour that includes a tasty lunch.

Pyrgos

Pyrgos is a quieter, more traditional experience. Built on one of the highest points of Santorini, it has breathtaking views of the island around it. The village was built around the Kasteli Castle, providing a glimpse into the village’s Venetian past. 

Unlike Fira and Oia, Pyrgos sees far fewer visitors—which makes wandering its narrow, whitewashed alleyways feel like a genuine discovery. On a clear day, the views from the summit stretch all the way to the sea. Join a shore excursion that will guide you from the cruise port to the village, or take a 15- to 20-minute taxi ride for a solo exploration.

Hiking Trails and Volcanic Sights

Hiking in Santorini reveals a timeless atmosphere that connects you to the island’s past. The most walked hike is the Caldera Trail, which is roughly six miles long. The picturesque route starts at Fira and passes through other villages, like Firostefani and Imerovigli.

For something more adventurous, the Santorini Volcano hike traces lava rock paths to sweeping caldera panoramas—a moderate trail clocking in at just over an hour. The hike from Pyrgos to the Prophet Elias Monastery is a similar commitment, with a worthy reward: Santorini’s highest point, and a view that earns its place on any camera roll.

Ruins and Museums

History buffs will marvel at a visit to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, where the remnants of a Bronze Age settlement were buried beneath volcanic ash for thousands of years. A guided Celebrity Cruises shore excursion takes guests through preserved streets that were uncovered in the 19th century, offering an unfiltered window into ancient Aegean life.

For something more intimate, the Canava Museum offers a different kind of history—one told through spirits. Guests can get a glimpse of how Greek liqueurs, like ouzo and tsikoudia, are produced. They can participate in a tasting and raise a glass to the recipes passed down through generations. This tour can take about one or two hours, and it is included on one of the Celebrity Cruises shore excursion village tours.

Food and Culture

Guests enjoying winery visit at Santo Wines, Santorini, Greece

Celebrity Cruises’ guests can tour the Ftelos Brewery for a behind-the-scenes experience of a brewery local to Santorini. Beer flights come with food pairings, or you can go on a culinary journey through Santorini’s rich dishes. Cooking classes teach you the skills to create Cycladic dishes, including a Santorini salad, cod croquettes, Santorini split-pea dip, and pork fillets. Celebrity Cruises offers a 4.5-hour tour that combines both options.

For wine lovers, Venetsanos Winery delivers on every level. A trip here isn’t only about wine, but also awe-inspiring views of the Athinios cruise port. The four-level winery has 20-minute guided tours that share details about how the wine is made from grape to glass. At the end, relaxing on the terrace for a tasting is a must. Small plates paired with an unforgettable cliffside view overlooking the Aegean’s aqua blues whisk guests away to a dream state. It’s not the wine—it’s just really that good.

Beaches

The sparkling ocean blues make for extraordinary stretches of beach, and Santorini’s are quite dynamic. The landscape varies from red-sand coastlines on Red Beach to black-sandy shores along Perivolos, and powdery white blankets on White Beach. The water is warm, the light is golden, and the only real decision is which shade of sand you prefer beneath your feet.

Resort-style clubs lend the area a natural sophistication that doesn’t feel manufactured, one of them: Royal Beach Club Santorini. When you take a Greek island cruise with Celebrity Cruises, you’ll have access to the brand-new space, which began operations in 2026.

Royal Beach Club Santorini

Cruising with Celebrity to Santorini means visiting the island’s newest hidden gem, Royal Beach Club Santorini. An air-conditioned bus transports guests to a private beach escape tucked behind the cliffside. The vibrant florals border the three-level restaurant and lounge. Craft cocktails and traditional meals, like loukaniko, kleftiko, and halloumi, satisfy every appetite.

Along the shore, a sea of umbrellas shades cushioned lounge chairs. The loungers are complimentary, along with soft drinks, wine, and local draft beer. Free Wi-Fi allows guests to connect with their loved ones at home and upload a photo to their social media. Here, bragging rights aren’t earned, but deserved.

Making the Most of Your Time in Santorini

A sailing to Santorini means your time on the island is precious. Itinerary-dependent, that could be anywhere from six to eight hours. Unless you spend the day relaxing at Royal Beach Club, prioritizing landmarks close to one another is the most efficient way to see as much as you can. It’s suggested to choose one village, a beach in proximity, and a meal or food tour. Celebrity Cruises offers many excursions that group these items together and still leave you with free time to experience Santorini however you want.

The Best Time To Visit Santorini

Like most Mediterranean hot spots, the best time to visit Santorini is April through early June, when the weather begins to warm, and the busy shoulder of tourist season hasn’t rolled through just yet. Photos will be easy to take, the streets will have more space, and exploration will feel more intimate. 

For reference, I visited Greece in late May, and the foot traffic was still manageable. September through October mirrors the spring travel period—except the weather begins to cool down, rather than heat up.

The summer months see the heaviest foot traffic, and from a visitor’s perspective, the Grecian sun is unforgiving. Time your activities for early morning travel, and bring sun protection. Celebrity Cruises’ shore excursions are timed with your port arrival in mind, so the logistics are handled before you even step ashore.

Alternative Locations To Visit and Avoid Crowds

During tourist season, Fira and Oia might feel overwhelming. Everyone lines up to see the whitewashed buildings and blue domes to get a glimpse of what Santorini is known for. Yet, the quieter corners are worth discovering. 

Firostefani sits just between the two and offers similar caldera views with a fraction of the foot traffic. Megalochori is a traditional village largely untouched by tourism, with narrow alleyways and local tavernas that feel as though you traveled off the beaten path. Perissa, a black-sand beach town—home to Perivolos—on the eastern coast, is another crowd-free alternative with a relaxed, unhurried energy.

Set Sail for Santorini

Long after the ship sails, you’ll feel Santorini’s presence linger. The seaside villages and red sand beaches are features that make the island worth slowing down for. Historical ruins reveal secrets of the island’s past, while wineries and local tavernas bring you back to the present. For couples and honeymooners, Santorini sets the scene effortlessly—cliffside sunsets over the caldera, candlelit tavernas, and private wine tastings make it one of the Mediterranean’s most romantic ports of call. Royal Beach Club offers a sun-soaked escape seamlessly woven into the natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

The only thing left to do is book your sailing and let Santorini do the rest