Things to do in Santorini Greece

Four days in October, Oia, Akrotiki, Thira and the Red Beach.

I went to Santorini in October 2022, just after my experience in Georgia. This trip happen randomly, the organisers Gabriele and Massimiliano were very good at convincing me, plus a friend told me: “If you go I will come with you”. There I participated in a photographic project organised by Let Me Italian You; they organize events where people from different cultures can share their passion for photography while they are discovering a city.

The program was made with workshops, guided tours of the island and photoshoots in four days. Usually, I travel alone and I organise by myself the travel experience, but I like the way that Massimiliano and Gabriele organise these projects and I support all the concepts. It wasn’t my first time with them, I’ve already been to Krakow, Lisbon and Copenaghen.

Santorini is a picturesque island situated in the southern Aegean Sea, Greece. It is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and stunning sunsets. What makes Santorini truly unique is its origin as a result of a volcanic eruption, which occurred around 3,600 years ago. The cataclysmic event shaped the island's distinctive crescent shape, forming steep caldera cliffs that encircle the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. The charming villages perched atop these cliffs offer mesmerizing panoramic views of the sea and neighbouring islands.

Beyond its scenic beauty, Santorini boasts some of the most exquisite beaches, such as the famous Red Beach and Kamari Beach, offering both relaxation and adventure for sun-seekers and water enthusiasts alike.

The project was four days long, were we visited several parts of the island with a guide, Magalochori, Oia, Thira and Akrotiri, we went to the famous red beach and we had an excursion by boat to Nea Kameni and Thirasia islands. Part of the project there were two photographic workshops and a shoot with models.

Magalochori

We were a group of around 20 people, so we used a private bus to move around the island. We had a very nice travel guide, she gave us a lot of information about the history of the island and the city we were visiting. Even if it was October the weather was very lovely, 20/25 °C but with a strong wind that sometimes made the perceived temperature lower.

First, we visited Magalochori, which is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Santorini. Strolling through its narrow streets, you'll be greeted by a tapestry of whitewashed houses, adorned with colourful doors and windows, along with traditional blue-domed churches emblematic of Santorini's architectural beauty.

One of the unique attractions in Magalochori is the traditional cave houses that have been transformed into charming accommodations for travellers. Another exciting thing was the typical vineyards that look like bushes because they are small to be safe from the strong wind of the island.

Unlike the more famous villages on the Caldera cliffs, Magalochori is built on flat terrain, creating a sense of openness and space. The village offers a glimpse into the island's rural lifestyle and a chance to witness local traditions preserved for generations.

Oia

After Magalochori we went to Oia, one of the most enchanting villages in Santorini, it is a place of unrivalled beauty and charm. Perched high on the cliffs of the island's caldera, Oia offers breathtaking panoramic vistas.

The first thing that impressed me, I have to be honest, was the big amount of tourists in the city, even if it was autumn. It wasn't easy to move around the main square and take pictures, I don’t want to know how it is during summer.

One of the most iconic features of Oia is its traditional Cycladic architecture. Whitewashed buildings, adorned with vibrant blue domes, wind their way along narrow, labyrinthine streets. These charming houses, once the homes of fishermen and sailors, now house boutique hotels, quaint cafes, art galleries, and boutiques, all adding to the village's allure.

One of the best ways to experience Oia is by exploring its cobblestone alleys, which often lead to hidden viewpoints offering panoramic views of the deep blue Aegean Sea and the neighbouring volcanic islands. Walk along the cliffside, and find an idyllic spot where sit and admire the caldera's vastness while soaking in the serenity of the surroundings is the best thing to do here.

I enjoyed visiting Oia, it was what I was expecting from the videos and pictures that I saw, amazing landscapes, and small streets where you can get lost, but at the same time I didn’t like the big crowd of tourists and the fact that the city is 100% dedicated to them, so there is no local life. I love taking pictures of people in their everyday life while I’m travelling and here for me, it was difficult to find something, I had the feeling that everything was fake, made up for the tourists.

Thira

We went to Thira for lunch, which is the capital of Santorini. As Oia, it is perched on the edge of the island's caldera cliffs, and it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic islands that surround it.

The heart of Thira is its central square, known as Plateia Theotokopoulou, a lively gathering place where locals and tourists come together. The square is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it an excellent spot for people-watching and indulging in local delicacies. On the square, there is the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of Santorini, which is an iconic sight that represents the island's religious heritage. This square was also our meeting point, one day while we were waiting we had the opportunity to see a groom waiting for the bride, and the people arriving at the wedding, but we didn’t see the bride.

After the landscape workshop, we came back here for the sunset, for practicing what we learned and, of course, to enjoy the sunset itself. There was only one problem, the wind; it was so strong that it was difficult to take pictures with the tripod, and it was so cold that it was difficult to stay outside. I was able to get some shots and the sunset was very beautiful.

Akrotiri

The day after we went to Akrotiri to visit the Lighthouse, a historic beacon perched on the southernmost tip of Santorini. Standing tall on a rugged cliff, this iconic structure has guided ships and sailors for over a century, offering a sense of safety and direction in the vast Aegean Sea. The Lighthouse is reachable by traversing a scenic coastal path that leads to the edge of the cliff, providing breathtaking views of the caldera and nearby islands.

This cliff was the perfect location for pictures, I suggest visiting it, also arriving at the place is beautiful, and we stopped in some places to admire the views. As you can guess the wind was strong, so climbing down and up the cliff was a bit risky but I was able to get some nice pictures, also using the wind in my favour.

Akrotiki has also an ancient archaeological site of great historical significance. Around 3,600 years ago, the island experienced a cataclysmic volcanic eruption that buried the settlement under thick layers of ash and pumice. This natural disaster, while devastating for its inhabitants, inadvertently preserved the city's structures and artefacts, providing an invaluable archaeological treasure trove for modern-day explorers.

Excavations at Akrotiri began in the late 1960s and have since revealed a sophisticated and advanced civilization that thrived on the island centuries before the eruption.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit the archaeological site, we were late on the schedule and we couldn’t wait for the next destination.

The Red Beach

After Akrotiri we went to the Red Beach, one of the most iconic and visually striking beaches of Santorini. Nestled along the island's southern coast, this unique beach stands out for its dramatic cliffs and distinct red-hued sands, creating a breathtaking and unforgettable landscape.

The beach gets its vibrant red colour from the rich concentration of iron and minerals in the volcanic rocks that surround it. The steep red cliffs, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, provide a stunning backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the azure waters of the Aegean Sea.

The Red Beach is near the village of Akrotiri and it is reachable by a trail that offers a scenic view of the beach and the surrounding cliffs, making the descent part of the adventure.

Once we reach the beach, we were greeted by a unique and surreal setting. The combination of the red cliffs, the dark volcanic rocks, and the crystal-clear waters creates a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere, it was an amazing place to relax, but also for taking pictures. The beach is sheltered by the cliffs, creating a cosy cove where you can relax and soak up the sun in a relatively private setting.

Nea Kameni

The day after we went on a boat excursion to visit the islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasia. From Thira is possible to take a boat tour that leads you to visit these islands, these tours start from the old port, which is reachable by taking a cable car that takes you down from the city or you can walk the down the promenade and enjoy the amazing view. I took the cable car down and I did the promenade up when I came back.

Nea Kameni, located in the heart of Santorini's caldera, is a small uninhabited volcanic island. Formed by a series of eruptions, Nea Kameni is one of the youngest volcanic centres in the Aegean region. The island's lunar-like terrain is marked by rugged lava formations and sulfurous steam vents. It is possible to have a guided hike to the summit and gaze into the heart of the dormant volcano, marvelling at the breathtaking views of Santorini's caldera and the azure sea beyond.

Thirasia

Between Nea Kameni and Thirasia, the boat stopped at a place to let us dive and swim to a hot spring near a coastline of an island, it was a very interesting experience, we swam for 100/200 meters and suddenly there was a clear difference in the water temperature. I have also to say that it was my first time diving from a boat.

After that, we reached Thirasia, which is a peaceful and unspoiled island that offers a refreshing escape from the crowds. The island's charming simplicity is evident as you arrive at its main port. The quaint village welcomes visitors with its colourful houses, small tavernas, and warm hospitality.

One of the most remarkable experiences on Thirasia is hiking to the island's highest point, Profitis Ilias, where panoramic views of the Santorini caldera and the Aegean Sea await. The tranquil and untouched landscape adds to the sense of being transported to another world.

I didn’t hike till the highest point of the island, I just relaxed in one of the bars, and I took some pictures of the coloured houses, like the yellow and blue that you can see in the picture.

On the last day, we had the shooting with the models at Perissa Beach and after we had free time, I used the opportunity to pass some time with people knew in that days.

I enjoyed the international group and the atmosphere to be in a community that shares the same passion. About Santorini, I think it is an interesting place to visit, something that every traveller should visit once, but it is a bit victim of itself, mass tourism made it a bit fake, and I felt it a lot on those days. I wasn’t able to enjoy it fully, for sure I suggest autumn or spring to visit it.