Want to find out the best places to visit in Santorini, the most beautiful island of the world? Traditional white washed houses set on volcanic cliff edge with blue dome roofs and beautiful bougainvillea overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea is what many of us envision when we dream of our travel to Greece. So, here they are! Stroll in the picturesque paths of the mysterious Caldera and experience the most dramatic sunsets! Enjoy your dinner or sip a glass of wine in one of the restaurants or cafes which actually hung above the Aegean offering a breathtaking view.
Moreover, discover the best places to visit, as also the charm of traditional villages and the island’s fascinating history. Explore the amazing archeological sites and museums and enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere. The days spent on this fashionable island frequently surpass the fantasy.
What we offer
We will take you to the best places to visit in Santorini, with a hint of something different. A secret in all, made with our immense love for our home, mixed in together with our personalities and a lot of humor. This way, we can offer not only an amazing day of road tripping, secret learning and sight-seeing but also an unforgettable experience with new friends and memories that you will have to treasure.
Private tailor-made tours & Santorini wine tours that begins and ends with a smile
Discover Santorini and its Best on your own. Enjoy the unique service! Create your own program and prepare to be amazed by all the possibilities and places the island can offer. On our Santorini tailor-made tours, our Santorini wine tours, and our Santorini cooking class tour, your expectations will be met by our excellent service and high experience on individual and small groups.
Which places to visit in Santorini?
Let us give you a hint for several places to visit in Santorini. These places are a must see before you leave the island.
OIA VILLAGE
Oia Village is the epitome of picture-perfect and one of the best pplaces to visit in Santorini. In part a traditional settlement with a long history and unique architecture. Also, an ultra- glamorous vacation destination, it hangs suspended above the Aegean, looking down on Ammoudi Harbor and out over the rest of Santorini and the islands of Therasia and Paleia and Nea Kameni in the distance.
Oia village is the most photographed place in Greece and best known for its breath-taking sunsets. Small white houses tier the hillside, interspersed by splashes of rich okra, deep fuchsia, cobalt blue, oyster pink and earthy red. Booking “Aroma of Santorini” you will discover this exquisite spot of Santorini
PYRGOS VILLAGE
Pyrgos, once the island`s capital found at the highest point of Santorini. An outstanding panoramic view of the whole island all the way to the village of OIA. With our tour ”Traditional Santorini”, you can explore Pyrgos village as you lose yourself in labyrinthine alleys and make your way up to the fortified medieval districts, or kastelia, that crown many of their hilltops.
A short ascent will be required, but you will be rewarded with sights such as the Theotokaki, a tiny 14th century chapel, and a panoramic view of the nearby islands. In the village, you will find boutique cafes, elegant restaurants and small art galleries. Relax with a cool ouzo in the shade of the main square.
EMPORIO VILLAGE
Emporio village, the largest village in the south of the island with narrow alleys and picturesque houses. Furthermore, you will find a venetian castle and defensive tower dated from the Middle Ages. Emporio used to be the commercial hub of Santorini. Today, it is the largest village on the island, an enchanting maze of small houses, arches and passageways so narrow at some points that only one person can squeeze through at a time. Following the signposts uphill, you will come to the kasteli, where the fronts of the tightly packed houses from part of the fortification. Experience the island off the beaten path and book our tour ”the hidden villages”.
MEGALOCHORI VILLAGE
Megalochori is one of the best places to visit in Santorini and one of the most picturesque villages. Its existence is recorded back to the 17th century.
Home to historical mansions, old traditional houses, pirate hideaways and wine canavas. It has a history of merchants and wealthy land barons exporting Vinsanto wine that the island still produces. A prominent feature of the historical homes and mansions are the high walls, inner courtyards and solid wooden door entrances. They were built for privacy and for safety against marauding pirates.
In the center of the village, there is a wonderful traditional square with taverns, restaurants and trees. It provides shade for a quick cup of coffee. In addition, the square is the heart and soul of Megalochori, a gathering place for the locals to play “TAVLI” (Backgammon). Spiraling out in all directions is a maze of winding cobbled streets and smooth edge pathways, just waiting to be discovered. Experience the island off the beaten path and book our tour the hidden villages.
Santorini Golden Ibex can organize a tour that suits your needs and interests! Whether you are looking for action and adventure or relaxation by the sea sampling traditional Greek dishes. We can ensure that your time spent on the most beautiful island of the world will leave you with everlasting memories
Cruise traveler info
Cruise ships arriving to Santorini anchor in the open just by the Volcano. Our visitors are brought to either Athinios or Old port in boats. This is owing to the fact that the main port of the island is not deep enough for big cruise ships. However, approaching the island on a boat is another part of the unique experience of visiting this wonderful place!
Those who purchase a massive Santorini bus tours from their cruise line are taken to Athinios port. This is the main port of the island, which is a 20 minute-drive from Fira. The Old port offers an easier, and thus, far more relaxing alternative. Here, you can reach Fira either on donkeys or by the cable car in no more than 5 minutes.
Riding up Fira is fun and gives a glimpse of how things were in the old days. For sure one of the best places to visit in Santorini. Please note, however, that donkeys do not take you all the way up and you will need to walk a small distance till you reach the center of Fira. The GOLDEN IBEX team recommends the cable car as it is the safest and quickest way to Fira town center. Our guide will be waiting for you just outside the cable car exit in Fira.
