18 Unique Things to Do in Santorini

Santorini is known for its sunsets, iconic architecture, and bright blue waters, and millions of travelers flock to this Grecian island every single year to experience the wonder in person.

Let's be honest, those reasons for traveling to Santorini are probably already on your list.

But what else is there to do on the island? Particularly if you're looking for a more unique or off-the-beaten-path experience.

Don't worry - this island has plenty to offer its guests.

1. Watch a movie under the stars

Located on the Southeastern part of the island, Kamari's Open Air Cinema shows films on a large outdoor screen, under the stars.

Lush foliage creates a cozy and exotic environment, and there's a bar onsite.

There's also no need to bring a blanket and keep having to reposition to prevent your foot from falling asleep. This theatre has chairs in a semi-circle, colosseum style.

This open-air cinema is located at Kamari 847 00, on the island of Santorini, Greece.

2. See the black sand beaches

Perívolos Beach is on the Southern coast of the island, near Perissa. It is famous for its black sand. Whether you're looking to sunbathe, swim, or build the most unique sandcastles of your life, Perívolos is a popular stop for guests and locals too.

Perívolos is located at 847 03, Santorini, Greece

3. Visit a unique bookstore

Atlantis Books is a privately owned bookstore. You can shop for books in a variety of different languages (including English) all in a quirky small building.

Plus, the backdrop is beautiful. Atlantis Books is located at Nomikos Conference Centre, 847 00 in Firostefani, a cliffside area in Santorini.

4. Time travel to 5000 BCE

Well, sort of. Santorini is home to the prehistoric village of Akrotiri, a Minoan settlement.

Off the southwestern coast of Santorini, near today's Akrotiri, lies a vast archaeological site that tourists can visit.

You'll see mosaics, ruins, and artifacts that are surprisingly well preserved, due to being covered in volcanic ash.

You can find it in Fira, 847 00 Santorini, Greece.

5. Do a 10K and see the island on foot

There's a trail that goes from the village of Fira to Oia, and it is 10.5K long (about 6.5 miles).

The trailhead begins in Fira and takes you all the way to Oia along a caldera, with small villages and beautiful scenery along the entire way.

Depending on your fitness level, it takes about 2-3 hours to complete. If you plan to stop a lot along the way, it can make for a very interesting day trip.

6. Explore a monastery at the highest point of Santorini

The Prophet Elias Church is a monastery located at the highest point of the island, which gives its visitors incredible views.

On the summit of Mount Profitis Ilias, near Pyrgos, this monastery is built at 556 meters above sea level (that's over 1800 feet!).

You can find the church at Profiti Ilia 10, Pirgos Kallistis 847 00, Greece.

7. Explore Santorini's city of the dead

The Ancient Cemetery of Echedra is a must for those looking for something a little bit different to visit during their time on the island.

This cemetery is truly ancient, being a burial site from the Early Bronze Age all the way to the 6th century.

It's a lesser-known historical spot to stop at and has tombstones, statues, rock tombs, and artifacts.

It's located at Santorini 847 03, Greece.

8. Wander through a medieval castle with underground dwellings

The Venetian Castle of Emporio is located in the small town of Emporio, which is on the Southern part of the island.

This palace has unique architecture and a medieval structure. It also has a more modern tower attached, built in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Inside, you will find tiny houses (yes, inside the castle!), small stairways, little bridges, and a unique chapel.

You can find the castle at Emporio 847 03, Greece.

9. See the views at the Akrotiri Lighthouse

Not as ancient as other ruins and buildings on Santorini, the Akrotiri Lighthouse was built in the late 1800s by a French company.

On the coast in Akrotiri (Southwest Santorini), the ocean views are incredible, day or night.

The lighthouse can be found at 9954+4M, Santorini 847 00, Greece.

10. See a church in Santorini's iconic architectural style

The Panagia Theoskepasti Chapel is one of the most famous churches on the island, with its white walls and bright blue domed top.

A small Greek Orthodox chapel, the church sits on the edge of the Imerovigli cliffs, which gives all of its visitors incredible panoramic views.

You can visit the chapel at Imerovigli 847 00, Greece.

11. See the ruins of a Venetian castle

In the center of Akrotiri lies the Akrotiri Venetian Castle, an important historical relic that now offers ruins and views.

Its medieval architecture, while in ruin, can still be seen today, and the castle itself is free to enter at your leisure.

You can find this castle at the center of the city in Akrotiri.

12. Take a photo of the Heart of Santorini

It'll be a short visit, but one that makes for a good photo. The Heart of Santorini is a naturally formed "hole" in a rock that is shaped like a heart.

When you look through the hole, you can see beautiful, bright-blue ocean views.

The heart is on the western part of the island at 9CFF+4G, Thira 847 00, Greece.

13. Happen upon an old pirate shelter

Santorini used to have a big issue with pirates. Because of that, they had to think strategically about their safety.

The Church of Panagia Sergena is both a "hidden" chapel and was once used as a shelter during attempted pirate raids.

Located a little bit further inland, closer to the center of the island, the Church of Panagia Sergena is small, but highly rated with its truly unique stone interior and entrance.

You can find it at Vothonas 847 00, Greece.

14. Taste the local libations at a distillery that is also a museum

In central Santorini, Canava Santorini is a traditional spirits cellar meets museum.

Here, you will be able to learn about Santorini's old distilling traditions while sampling local delicacies like Ouzo, a Grecian apertif with grape and star anise.

You can find Canava Santorini at Mesaria, Thira 847 00, Greece.

15. And for the more wine-enthused...

There's also Koutsoyannopoulos: The Santorini Wine Museum.

The island's wine museum is located just near the airport, near Vothonas.

The museum itself is underground in the wine cellar, allowing for a cool reprieve from the island's heat. You'll learn about winemaking, wine varieties, and more.

You can find the Santorini Wine Museum at Vothonas 847 00, Greece.

16. Take the old, winding stairs

The Karavolades Stairs are famous on Santorini. They're an old, 500+ step staircase with switchbacks. The stairs go from Fira to the old port below the caldera.

Historically, donkeys moved people and goods up and down the island to get from the port to town. Now, luckily, there is a cable car.

Still, it's an incredible walk and you can take in the path that many people (and perhaps many more donkeys) had to take over the years.

The stairs begin at Theotokopoulou Square, Fira, Santorini 847 00, Greece.

17. The best sunset-viewing spot in Santorini

In Fira, facing the caldera, many say that this location is the best spot to watch Santorini's famous sunsets.

You'll be able to see the volcano, ocean, cliffs, rooftop bars and restaurants, and all of the famous architecture that Santorini is known for - in one snapshot view.

Oia is perhaps the most famous sunset spot on Santorini, but that can make it extremely crowded. You may find fewer crowds here.

Look for a spot anywhere along the caldera edge in central Fira, Santorini 847 00, Greece.

18. Get a bite to eat at a charming harbor

Located below Oia, Ammoudi is a small bay that you can get to by vehicle or stairs.

This harbor is small, quaint, and adorable. You'll see beachside tavernas with tables right along the water's edge, brightly covered sailboats, and cliffs - all with ocean views.

Find it at Ammoudi Bay, Oia 847 02, Santorini, Greece.