First settled by the Dorians in the 9th century BC, Ancient Thira consists of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine ruins and is an atmospheric and rewarding site to visit. The ruins include temples, houses with mosaics, an agora (market), a theatre and a gymnasium. Views are splendid. If you’re driving, take the narrow, switchbacked road from Kamari for 3km. From Perissa, a hike up a dusty path takes a bit over an hour to reach the site.
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Ancient Thira
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
4.45 MILES
Opposite the bus station, this well-presented museum houses extraordinary finds excavated from Akrotiri, which has been settled since neolithic times…
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1.81 MILES
This atmospheric gallery is on the way to Kamari, in Argyros Canava, one of the oldest wineries on the island. The walls and niches of the wine caverns…
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27.1 MILES
Head up the alleyway behind Sally's Rooftop Garden and then proceed upwards by trial and error, along cracked steps and through ancient archways, and…
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5.41 MILES
One of Santorini's prettiest beaches, this secluded southwestern cove, surrounded by cliffs, is only reachable by boat.
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6.81 MILES
If you want to watch the greatest free show on earth (the sunset!) in seclusion, well, you're out of luck. Word is out, and you will be joined at the tip…
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3.15 MILES
Popular with those who like to bare all and backed by some spectacular rock formations, this southern beach is particularly beautiful at sunset. Go up…
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4.91 MILES
Surreal red beach to the southwest backed by rust-and-fire coloured cliffs. Just up from the beach are several good restaurants.
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29.11 MILES
Beautiful, sheltered sandy cove at the north of the island, reachable either by boat or via a two-hour hike from Hora.
Nearby Santorini attractions
0.74 MILES
One of the most popular black sand beaches, this east coast beauty has calm waters for bathing and numerous restaurants and cafes.
0.9 MILES
Long, popular stretch of black sand to the southeast, with full facilities and some excellent tavernas. An all-night beach bar adds to the vibe.
1.81 MILES
This atmospheric gallery is on the way to Kamari, in Argyros Canava, one of the oldest wineries on the island. The walls and niches of the wine caverns…
1.98 MILES
In cooperation with the lauded Selene restaurant, this Pyrgos venue explores the traditional way of life in Santorini before it became a tourist mecca…
2.21 MILES
Long strip of volcanic sand to the south with sun loungers and plenty of dining options.
2.46 MILES
At the Koutsoyannopoulos Winery en route to Kamari, this slightly kitsch but fun museum in a traditional canava (winery) depicts the traditional…
3.07 MILES
Tomato processing was a major industry on the island before the earthquake of 1952, and this is a unique look inside an old tomato factory in Vlihada. The…
3.15 MILES
Popular with those who like to bare all and backed by some spectacular rock formations, this southern beach is particularly beautiful at sunset. Go up…