Travel points of interest in Santorini, Greece? Fira, Santorini’s capital, is one of the best places to see on the island. It’s the perfect Cycladic town, a real postcard scenery. Wander in the city’s alleys and discover the breathtaking viewpoints of the sea and the caldera. You will for sure fall in love with the island (even if it’s often crowded!). From Fira, follow the beautiful walking trail to reach the villages of Firostefani (only a 10-minute walk) and Imerovigli (the highest point of the caldera, 30 minutes away from Fira). Plan at least between 1 and 2 hours, as you will stop every 2 meters to enjoy the view and take pictures! You can also walk to the small port of Fira Skala. It’s quite easy to get down the 587 steps, but getting back up can be more difficult, especially under the sun! Find more information at https://santorini-more.com/kamari/.
Tight buildings are crossed by narrow (impassable to cars) streets. As on the whole island, we find many churches here – there are over 70 in Oia and the surrounding area. Many houses have been built into the slope – they are located in tunnels hollowed out in the volcanic cliff of the caldera. These are the so-called Hyposkapha – houses belonging to the less prosperous inhabitants, usually terraced sailors, and people servicing ships. The Hyposkapha houses carved into the rock are long and narrow, with a semicircular vault. Their fronts are directed (according to the caldera arrangement) – to the south and west. Usually stacked, one above the other (a fragment of the roof of one house is often at the same time a courtyard of the other).
Santorini’s best known and most popular beach lies on the southeast coast, between the villages of Perissa and Perivolos. A six-kilometer-long stretch of fine, black volcanic sand, it is backed by tamarisk trees and overlooked by a string of seafood tavernas and cafes. There are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, plus water sports facilities. It is approximately 12 kilometers from Fira. At the base of the cliffs rising to the town of Oia, the port of Ammoudi Bay glistens above sparkling turquoise waters. Descend the 200 or so steps down from Oia, and you are in the picture-perfect setting that is Ammoudi, known for quaint Greek tavernas serving the catch of the day just inches from the waves, and isolated coves ideal for swimming. Another popular activity is cliff diving if that’s what gets your adrenaline pumping.
The Ancient Thera is another archaeological site in Santorini. “Thera” is the ancient name of Santorini. In the Middle Ages, the island was then named “Santa Irini” by the Venetians which finally became “Santorini”. Located on Mesa Vouno Hill, Thera was founded in the 9th century B.C. During your visit, you will admire many vestiges from the Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Take a stroll and discover the remains of the temples, the agora, the theatre and the gymnasium. You will also enjoy a nice view of the surroundings.
Oia is known for its famed sunsets that attract tourists from around the world. Located on the northern tip of Santorini, 12 kilometers up the coast from Fira, Ia (Oia) is a picture-perfect village of whitewashed houses, several of which have been converted into chic little boutique hotels with infinity pools, overlooking the caldera. Like Fira, it lives from tourism, but caters to a more upmarket clientele. From Ammoudi Bay, steep paths zigzag up to the town where you’ll find a row of waterfront seafood eateries, many with alfresco dining. Oia can be reached by local KTEL bus or by walking the trail along the cliffs high above the caldera (allow three hours from Fira). Find more information at https://santorini-more.com/.