Having traveled to Santorini, Greece various times since 2018, we have found some great places and activities on and off the beaten path. Santorini is so much more than Oia, Fira, and the Caldera. Santorini is known for its touristy busy vibe yet there are places you can visit that take you away from the crowd. We like a little of both busy and not so busy activities and places when in Santorini, as we do every place we travel in Greece. I have added links to my posts that expand on the places in this post. There are many more places to see in Santorini but I think our experiences showcases quite a bit of the island.
Villages
We have not been to all of the villages on Santorini but have been to many, both on and off the beaten path. We have loved them all but for different reasons. Each village has its own personality and vibe and there is something unique to see at each.
Imerovigli
Imerovigli is where we always stay. We like the quietness of the area. We also love the view. Sunsets here are amazing. The location isn’t bad either. We usually walk to Fira a couple of times while here and also walk to Oia. I believe Imerovigli has some of the best views of the caldera.
Oia
Oia is amazing. It is such a pretty village and even though it is quite busy, it is worth seeing. We enjoy wandering through the streets and seeing the views, eclectic shops, and grabbing a bite or two. There are many great photo shots in Oia but you need to sometimes fight the crowds or stand in line for the photo. We have found it is usually good to go to Oia early and leave before the sunset crowds arrive.
Favorite Places in Oia
- Blue Domes of Oia
The Blue Domes are the iconic instagramable photo you think of when you think of Oia. These domes really are picture perfect. Go early to get the photos as the area crowds in a hurry.
- Oia Fortress
The fortress of Agios Nikolaus in Oia was built in the 15th century and like all of the fortress on the island, was built for protection. After the 1956 earthquake, mainly just the watchtower is all that remains. This spot is one of the most sought out location for the famous Oia sunset. We have enjoyed sunsets in a few places on Santorini Island but we have never braved the crowds to watch the sunset in Oia.
- Windmills of Oia
The Windmills of Oia are another one of Oia’s iconic landmarks. Whether you are viewing the windmills up close or viewing them from afar, these windmills give the village an extra charm. Although no longer working, these windmills were originally built in the 17th century to grind flour. To see this windmill up close one needs to venture just a bit off the beaten path and is one of the few windmills in Santorini.
- Streets of Oia
To me, the streets of Oia are so very charming and just walking through them is a treat in itself. Discovering the shops and what they have to offer is a lot of fun.
Amoudi Bay
When in Oia, just after visiting the castle, we like to take the steps down to Amoudi Bay. Amoudi Bay is an old fish port and really is a pretty spot to view the sea from the shore. I have heard there are almost 300 steps between Oia and Amoudi Bay and it feels like it on the way up. You can also drive to Amoudi Bay on a separate road but we love the trek. There are so many different views of Oia on the way up and down that are just beautiful. Once at the bottom, there are a few tavernas you can stop and get a bite. We like the Amoudi Fish Taverna best, it is farthest to the right while looking at the bay from the bottom of the steps.
Fira
Fira is also amazing but has a different, more upbeat vibe than Oia. Make sure when in Fira you loose yourself wandering through the maze like streets and go and view the caldera. We enjoy shopping while in Fira. You can also take a cable car to the port from here or take the 588 steps to the port. We have not done either of these yet but maybe someday as it has always been a bit to much of a line for the cable car for us.
Favorite Places In Fira
- Cathedral of St John the Baptist
The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is a Catholic cathedral. Built in 1923 but renovated in 1970 due to damage from the 1956 earthquake.
- Other Churches
Fira has many churches, almost everywhere you look! Here are a few we have passed on our travels. Wandering the streets and viewing the many churches makes for some great photos and a good time.
- Sunset
- Streets of Fira
Just like Oia, the streets of Fira are fun to walk through and discover the shops, tavernas, and vibe.
Pyrgos
The fortress village of Pyrgos is a hidden gem worth visiting. Just a short drive west of Fira, the village is built on a hillside. Ruins of a Venetian castle are at the top. This village continues with its medieval history through its narrow maze like passageways, fortified walls, and medieval architecture. Built around 1580 it was one of five fortifications scattered around Santorini. Unfortunately, the fortress was damaged during the 1956 earthquake. You can still see remnants of the earthquakes ravage today. Pyrgos is fun to roam around. There are shops and places to eat as well. If you go, climb to the top of the fortress to see the views. It is spectacular. As a matter of fact, Pyrgos is my favorite Santorini village.
Megalochori
Megalochori is another village in Santorini that is less busy than Fira and Oia. We have been here a couple of times and always enjoy the bell tower entrance over the road leading to the village square. There is not a fortress in this village but the traditional buildings, shops and tavernas make this a charming spot to explore. It is near the Heart of Santorini and also near wineries. Our first visit was with a tour group so we were there only a brief amount of time. The next two times we visited Megalochori we enjoyed time getting to see the village and explore the shops and enjoy a lunch in the shaded square.
Emporio
Emporio is another village with a Venetian Fortress. The fortress is believed to have been built in the 1400’s. This fortress is well preserved and intact. The village is nestled against the bottom of a hill, I have heard there is a foot path leading up the hill to the Ancient City of Thira. We did visit Thira on one of our dune buggy adventures and did see hikers while there. Wandering through the narrow labyrinth streets and alleys is so much fun. As a matter of fact, getting lost here is part of the plan! In addition to the castle, you will find blue dome churches similar to those all over the island. I really enjoyed this area of Santorini as Emporio is off the beaten path. I loved how quiet the place was with few visitors.
Finikia
Finikia is near Oia yet you would never know it by the stark differences. The quiet and peaceful Finikia is quite the contrast to the nearby busy and bustling Oia. We visited here as we were told at our hotel there was a good spot to eat. Since we love a good spot to eat, we were all in. The village itself was small and took no time to walk through. Unique in its own way. For me though, the star attraction was Meze Meze where we dined. The food was quite good and it was a very relaxing spot for lunch.
Vothonas
We found Vothonas by mistake as we took a wrong turn while driving around in a dune buggy in 2023. All in all it turned out to be a good mistake as this quiet little village was simply adorable. We parked outside of town and walked towards the blue domes of the church. We only saw a few locals and they were preparing for some type of celebration at the church so we only peaked in. After the church we wandered over to the windmills and enjoyed seeing them up close. We were not here long, but it was lovely, peaceful, and also authentic, definitely off the beaten bath in Santorini!
Places and Sights
There are so many wonderful places to see in Santorini and we have loved them all. There are also many places we haven’t seen yet and hope to return someday!
Akoritiri Lighthouse
Akoritiri Lighthouse is a place we both wanted to visit. During one of our dune buggy adventures we drove to the lighthouse to see it. It is a large lighthouse but the true beauty of the area is the views of the sea. We also saw a small cave behind the lighthouse up a small hill that we investigated. Again, we enjoyed the views!
Heart of Santorini
The ever evolving Heart of Santorini is a great spot for views and photos. We have been here twice and the second time it looked much less like a heart as erosion and the elements change the terrain. Walking down to the church is lovely as well. I have heard you can walk all the way down to the sea but when we tried in September 2023, it was quite slick and we could not find a discernible trail. We may have been in the wrong area so maybe will try again another time. Once totally off the beaten path, the Heart of Santorini seems to have become quite popular. It is surprising how many more people were here in 2023 than 2022.
Akortiri Archeology Site
We visited the Akortiri Archeology Site in 2018 with a group tour. It was amazing to visit this extensive site and learn some of the history of the site. This Minoan Settlement dates back to the Bronze Age and is believed to be a port town that traded with Egypt, Mainland Greece and more. In the 16th century BC there was a volcanic eruption on Santorini which covered the entire city in volcanic ash, much like Pompeii in Italy. Many artifacts including pottery and frescoes were uncovered but no human remains have been found. It is believed that humans left the island prior to the eruption due to several large earthquakes that preceded the volcanic devastation. This is definitely worth a stop.
Ancient Thera
Although I loved Akortiri, I loved Ancient Thira even more. Ancient Thera sets high on a hill over looking the village of Kamari. You can reach this site by a winding road up the mountain or you can hike up as well. We drove to the entrance by dune buggy and it was a lot of fun. Once at the site, you will need to do quite a bit of uphill walking to reach the ruins, but trust me, it is worth it. Even if ruins are not your thing, the view is outstanding. Believed to date back to the 9th century BC, this settlement was founded by Spartans looking for a safe and secure place to build a city. This site was much larger than I expected and the panoramic views made this a perfect location to see any would be invaders.
Wine Tasting
Neither Steve nor I are into wine tastings but on our first trip, the tour we took included a wine tasting and meze at Venetsanos Winery. This winery is on the caldera and the views are beautiful. The wine was also good as was the meze. This was the first place we tried tomato fritters and we have loved them ever since.
Adventures and Hiking
Rent a Dune Buggy
One of the things we love to do in Santorini is rent a dune buggy. We enjoy this more than a quad or scooter and I believe they are a bit safer. The dune buggy is fun, easy to get around in, and most importantly, easy to find a spot to park them. We rented dune buggies in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Each time finding someplace new to discover, both on and off the beaten path in Santorini. We love the backroads which have so much less traffic and are such a contrast to the main roads with bumper to bumper traffic.
Hike Rock of Skaros
The Rock of Skaros in Imerovigli is a majestic rock appearing to rise up from the sea yet still connected to the island. But look closer, this majestic rock once housed a fortress and ruins are still visible.
Hiking on this magnificent rock includes a lot of steps up and down, passing ruins, and lots of rocks terrain. The first time we did this hike Steve went to the very top, I was close, but too short to pull myself up to the very top but I still enjoyed the views.
The second time we hiked here there was a sign stating not to go further so instead we hiked the trail around to the front, or sea side of the rock and enjoyed the views from there along with the beautiful blue dome church overlooking the sea.
Hike Imerovigli to Oia
We love to hike from Imerovigli to Oia. The trail along the caldera is beautiful and there are a couple of different paths you can choose depending on how adventurous you are feeling. We have hiked this four times and each time it was still thrilling, especially to see Oia appear closer and closer. We take a cab back as one way is enough for us.
Hike to Amoudi Bay
If hiking to Oia isn’t enough, you can always continue the hike down to Amoudi Bay. Just remember you have to go back up!. We have done this twice and really enjoyed it. The climb back up isn’t too awful and is somewhat invigorating once you reach the top. Don’t forget to check out the octopus drying in the sun.
Hike Imerovigli to Fira
We also like to hike the shorter distance from Imerovigli to Fira and usually do this two or three times while in Santorini. It is easy and the path is good, although like everywhere in Santorini there are lots of steps.
Beaches
If you are staying on the Caldera you will not have a beach to lounge on, but don’t worry, Santorini has some nice beaches both on and off the beaten path. We have visited a few and I know there are even more to discover.
Kamari Beach
Kamari Beach is one of Santorini’s famous black beaches. The black sand on the beach is the result from the many eruptions of Santorini and is comprised of lava, pumice and ash which has become the black sand. This sand is very hot and even felt hot to my feet through my shoes. We enjoyed the promenade along the beach and also enjoyed some gelato here. We found out the hard way though that the promenade was not a road.
Vlichada Beach
Vlichada is another organized black beach with an impressive rock formation on one end. The fine black sand contrasting with the light colored rocks is enhanced by the beautiful blue of the Aegean. There are plenty of tavernas at one end of the beach and even a tomato museum.
Red Beach
The famous red beach is named for the large red rocks behind the beach which in turn help create the reddish sand. Our first year in Santorini we were told not to go here as there have been rock slides and it is not safe. We have seen the beach from the sea and also from the cliffs above but have not spent time on the beach. It is very stunning.
Monolithos Beach
Monolithos Beach is on the east side of the island. It is an organized black sand beach and is close to the airport. What is amazing about Monolithos Beach are the unique rock formations which can be found walking past the organized area of the beach. These formations are from limestone that has been shaped and molded by the wind. We really enjoyed exploring this off the beaten path area in Santorini.
Kouloumpo Beach
Kouloumpo Beach is also on the east side and even through we visited here in September there were only a handful of people here. This spot seems so far off the beaten path you forget you are in Santorni. You will need to park and then descend down to the beach which adds a bit of adventure to this beach. Once on the beach we were awestruck by the beautiful rocky cliffs surrounding the beach. This beach is also a black sand beach which just adds to the beauty. This beach is unorganized and there are no tavernas or shops in the area.
North Shore Pier
We found this quaint little pier while driving along the coast. I didn’t expect to find such a gem off the beaten path in Santorini.
Northeast Coast of Santorini
While exploring the northeast coast of Santorini we found many spots off the beaten path that were either unmarked or we just didn’t know exactly where we were. The northeast coast of Santorini is absolutely beautiful with imposing cliffs, black sand, and virtually empty pathways and beaches. We just drove along, pulled over and explored.
Tours
We are not big on tours but have had some really good ones in Santorini.
Island Tour
Our first year in Santorini we took a Santorini island tour that included wine tasting through Blue Shades of Greece which you can click on to find their site. This was really a nice tour and we were able to get a good idea of what Santorini had to offer. We briefly visited Fira, Oia, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Akrotiri Ancient Site, and a winery. It was just enough to get a good idea of what Santorini was all about.We enjoyed it so much we decided to return to the areas we visited and discover more of the island over the next few years. You can also find similar tours at Viator by clicking here.
Off the Beaten Path and Sunset Santorini Tour
Our Off the Beaten Path Tour of Santorini was one we really enjoyed in 2022. We toured with George from Vacation Into Premium and it was an amazing time. George showed us some areas of Santorini that many have never heard of. In addition he took us to an amazing sunset spot which only we were at.
Sunset Boat Tour
Our first year in Santorni we took a sunset boat tour. It was nice but unfortunately it wasn’t the best day for a sunset. Regardless, a sunset tour is something I would recommend. You can find a Santorini Sunset Boat Tour from Viator by clicking here.
Where to Eat
We love to eat and Santorini has some great spots. Our favorite food in Santorni is the fava and tomato fritters. They are so good and we just can’t get enough of them while here. I often jokingly tell people the reason we keep returning to Santorini is the fava and the tomato fritters! If you want to eat at any of our favorite spots in Santorini you can follow this link to my Favorite Restaurants in Santorini Post.
Conclusion
As you can see, we love Santorini both on and off the beaten path. There is something about Santorini that beckons us to keep coming back. We do not have plans to return to Santorini in 2024. Although I am hopeful we will someday return again although maybe in October when tourism slows down!
Diary of a Gen-X Traveler recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and tours are based on our own experiences. We do not receive compensation for recommending any of these nor are we affiliates of any hotels, restaurants, or tour companies. The only places/experiences we recommend are places have personally been to and experienced. All photos are take either by myself or my husband unless indicated otherwise.
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If you enjoyed On and Off the Beaten Path in Santorini you can find more of my Greece Adventures below.
Favorite Places to Eat in Santorini
14 Awesome Short Hikes in Crete, September 2018-2023
2 Week Itinerary-Delphi, Meteora, Corfu, Santorini, Athens, September 2022
14 Day Greece Itinerary-Crete, Naxos, Santorini, Athens, September 2021
10 Day Greece Itinerary-Crete, Santorini, Athens, September 2019
8 Day Greece Itinerary-Athens, Milos, Santorini, September/October 2018
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Gorgeous! I only had a brief stint in Santorini years ago, but I enjoyed my time on the island (especially in Fira). Love the blue roofs and sea views from above! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Santorini is unforgettable
I’m impressed you’ve seen so much. I spent a few days in Santorini, and I liked it, but not enough to come back regularly, the crowds and the prices being the main deterrents.
Those are two big deterrents. We spent a good deal of our time in Santorini looking for out of the way places, also going in September helped. If we return again we will go in October!
Much like Mykonos, Santorini is a victim of its own beauty and mobbed during peak season. My son has been there, but I have not. I would love to visit sometime, but not with the hordes. Thanks for sharing your travels Lori. Allan
I have never been to Mykonos and as of yet it is not on my list! You stated it well, Allan, “a victim of its own beauty”! We are off to Portugal this afternoon so I will eventually be writing about something other than Greece for a bit! Have a great day! Lori
The island of Santorini is ravaged by mass tourism, for example, just see these pictures of crowds before sunset in Oia (sardines in a can have more space!). I didn’t go there, I saw much more peaceful sunsets on Folegandros or Sifnos.
The exploitation of donkeys, on which large, laughing tourists weighing 100 kg sometimes ride, is worthy of slavery.
BUT all is not dark and pessimistic: there are always uncrowded places, “rural” Santorini can always be discovered along the small paths along the vineyards and small farms! I walked from Vlychada to Pyrgos only meeting… two people! And if you hike from Fira to Oia very early in the morning, it’s a treat, you’re almost alone in the world.
We live Santorini and have enjoyed many of the off the path places. We also enjoy other islands and appreciate the uniqueness they all have.
Beautiful place! Nice shots!
Thank you!
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My wife and have only seen Santorini on a cruise. If you have only one day to spend there with your boat docked, what place would you most recommend to see?
I think Oia is the most beautiful but it is very crowded when boats dock.
You’ve covered a lot of ground over your visits, this is a really comprehensive run down, October and April seem to be the recommended months to avoid the heat and the crowds, I got caught out on both in June!
We were there once on October and it was nice!
👌
I was out there in June, these are great captures, you’ve covered a lot of ground – a future trip would certainly be nice✨
Thera so much to do in Santorini!