Santorini, one of the most iconic destinations among the Greek Islands, lived up to every expectation. Coming here with friends and little to no plans, this trip quickly became one of my favorites because of how unplanned it was. So, if you’re looking for a spontaneous adventure, close this page and go book your flight. But if you want a little guidance on how to make the most of your time in Greece and have as much fun as we did, then keep reading!

Where to Stay in Santorini

We stayed in Karterádos, a small town right next to Fira, which turned out to be an excellent, budget-friendly choice. Our accommodation, Elia Apartments Santorini, was a beautiful spot with water views, a clean and cozy atmosphere, and a great location.

Why we loved it:

• Affordable & safe
• Walking distance to Fira (20-minute walk)
• Close to the airport
• Friendly staff
• Breakfast option available

Staying near Fira was ideal since it’s the island’s hub for nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and public transportation, making it easy to explore all of Santorini.

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Santorini Beaches

Santorini is famous for its volcanic beaches, offering a mix of black sand and dramatic backdrops. While renting a lounge chair is a luxurious way to relax, public access areas are available, you just need a towel!

1. Kamari Beach

Kamari, located on the island’s east side, was the first beach we explored. It’s a black sand beach just a short bus ride away from Fira. Kamari is a charming area with a beachside promenade, lined with restaurants and small shops perfect for exploring. 

From the bus stop, getting to the beach is only a little walk. Initially we sat in the public access area, but as the day went on, a friendly family offered us their lounge chairs when they left. so if you stick around, you might get lucky! 

Just outside the beach entrance, we discovered Magic Summer Pool Bar—a quiet spot where the bartender let us use the pool as long as we bought drinks. Well…let’s just say two drinks turned into a great night! The staff was so welcoming, and the pool, set against Santorini’s mountains, made for the perfect post-beach stop.

2. Perissa Beach

On our second day, we headed to Perissa, another black sand beach located just south of Kamari. Unlike Kamari, Perissa had limited public beach space, so renting chairs was definitely worth it. The town has a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to Kamari, but still home to a lovely promenade with shops and restaurants.

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Oia: The Sunset Spot

Oia, at the northern tip of the island, is famous for its breathtaking sunsets and iconic blue-domed churches. We arrived just before sunset and found a spot with an open west-facing view. After the sunset, we had dinner overlooking the water, watching cruise ships set sail for the night. Allow yourself time to explore the city well before the sun sets, because we rushed to find a spot to enjoy the view, and wished we had explored the winding streets while it was light out! Another highlight was visiting Oia’s waterfront area when departing for a boat tour. Lined with charming restaurants, it felt like an entirely different world below the main village.

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Activities & Excursions in Santorini

Getting Around:

• Buses from Fira’s main depot take you to Kamari, Oia, and other major spots.
• Renting ATVs is also a popular and fun way to explore the island!
  

Must-Do Experiences

Booking a boat tour to the Volcano & Hot Springs was the highlight of our trip! We booked this through a local vendor in Fira, which gave us flexibility in choosing the right experience.

Stops included:

• Nea Kameni (Volcano Island) is where you can swim in the hot springs heated by the volcanic activity.
• Snorkeling spots along the south strip of Santorini.
• Palea Kameni is another small island with a restaurant perched above the calm blue waters, where we enjoyed a scenic lunch.
• The tour ended with the most incredible hot pink and glowing orange sunset, dipping into the horizon.

Other experiences in Santorini include: 

• Shopping in Fira: Explore a mix of boutiques, souvenir shops, and hidden gems.
• Wine Tastings & Cooking Classes: Tuscany might be the most famous wine region, but Santorini’s volcanic soil produces some surprisingly delicious wines!
  

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Final Thoughts on Santorini

Santorini was pure paradise. From the warm waters and dramatic cliffs to the incredible food and friendly locals. Whether we were chatting with beachgoers, bar owners, or even bus drivers, everyone we met was welcoming.

If you’re looking for stunning views, delicious food, and a mix of adventure and relaxation, Santorini is an absolute must-visit!