Located in the northwestern part of Santorini, at the foot of the village of Oia, Amoudi Bay is a picturesque inlet that is popular with tourists and locals. The crystal-clear blue waters of the sea make this a perfect spot to fish, boat, or to take a swim. It is a frequent stopping-point for vessels, making a journey to the nearby Thirasia or the Efta Paides Church.

The location is accessible by mule or by hiking down the 200 plus steps from the village of Oia. Visitors will enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean sunrise and sunset. In addition, the many boats will remind you of simpler times from long ago.

A quaint hotel, a few cafés, a mini market, and a small number of fish taverns are some of the comforts visitors will enjoy. In addition, the fish that the taverns serve is possibly the freshest and best tasting produce in all of Greece. The beach is quite popular with tourists. If you wish to avoid the crowds, it is best to swim early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Locals say, the rocks behind the lighthouse are the best swimming spot on the beach.

The bay is a well known site on the island, and is often cited as an excellent location for viewing the sunset. The bay is also known for the 200 steps leading from the base of the feature to the town of Oia on the cliffs above. Due to its convenient location, the base of the bay's cliffs is dotted with buildings belonging to the village of Ormos Armeni, and many sailing tours use Amoudi as their staging point.

This ancient castle dates back to the late 15th century. The castle's ruins remain one of Oia's most visited attractions and are a popular spot to watch the sunset from.

Oia Castle was built to protect the island and its residents against pirates. Pirates would steal property, kidnap men and women, and sell the kidnapped people at slave markets.

Because of the constant threat, residents built their houses close together in hard-to-reach cliffs. Then, when residents saw pirates approaching, they fled to the castle and hid their valuables in pits under the castle.

The castle's high location made it an excellent lookout station. Venetian rules had residences in the middle of the castle. Its defensive structure made it hard to conquer, but Turkish invaders did succeed in capturing the castle in 1577.

A 1956 earthquake heavily damaged the castle, and most structures fell into the sea. The castle's tower and wall fragments are all that remain. From the castle's ruins, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Santorini islands, the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni. Visitors can also see Thira and Thirassia from this vantage point.

Today, tourists and locals come to the castle to watch the sunset each night. If you want to participate in this special nightly celebration, come early and grab your spot.

The Windmill of Oia is one of Oia's most iconic photography spots. This picture-perfect windmill is also available as a unique villa rental. If you want to capture the best sunset-watching spot and make memories to last a lifetime, look into renting the Windmill of Oia.

The Windmill of Oia features two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a small kitchen. A winding stone staircase takes guests to each room in the windmill villa. An enormous deck provides breathtaking views and a great spot to relax and watch the world go by.

Santorini is a windy island and is home to about 70 historic windmills. The original windmills might have been built as early as the 14th century. Traditional Santorini windmills were used to grind flour and housed bakeries as well. Most of the windmills you see today were built during the 17th century or later.

The Church of Panagia Platsani was originally constructed inside the walls of the Castle of Oia. The church was moved to its current location, the village center, and was rebuilt on higher and more stable ground following the earthquake of 1956. The place of worship is dedicated to the Akathist Hymn of the Most Holy Theotokos. The building is white-washed and features a blue-dome and arched windows.

The place of worship came into existence when the townspeople decided to build the cathedral at its previous location to honor the icon of the Virgin Mary that was found in the sea by a fisherman. After much struggle, the fisherman, along with the priest and fellow parishioners brought the icon to the church.

The icon was moved the following day, by phenomenon, from the church to the castle. Each time, the citizens returned the symbol to the church, it allegedly moved back to the castle miraculously. It was then that the townspeople decided to build a place of worship where the Virgin Mary had placed the icon. Today, the Virgin Mary overlooks the sea where her spirit can bless all vessels and its passengers. The church contains many tributes to sailors and other residents of the town.

Tip:
You can either walk up the steps, take a donkey ride or the cable car. Walking takes about 35-40mins. The cost for the cable car is €5 one way.
Try visiting during the Greek Easter when lanterns are placed all around town, including around churches and various buildings.

Armeni Port, nestled below the picturesque village of Oia on the northwest side of Santorini, is a quaint and historic harbor offering stunning views of the caldera, the volcanic islands, and the nearby island of Therasia. Believed to be the oldest port in this region of the island, Armeni once thrived as the main harbor of Oia, supporting wine trade and fishing activities. Large ships would anchor offshore, with sailors using small boats, known as "Lantzes," to reach the port.

Accessing Armeni can be somewhat challenging, particularly in the summer months. Visitors have three main options: a boat ride from Ammoudi Bay, a walk down 291 steep steps, or a mule ride to navigate the descent from Oia. Despite the effort required to reach Armeni, the serene environment is well worth the journey.

Today, Armeni is a peaceful retreat featuring a few whitewashed houses, a traditional tavern, and a concrete pier where small yachts and boats can moor. The harbor, although no longer bustling with trade, provides an idyllic setting for relaxation. The Tavern by the Sea offers savory local dishes, enhancing the experience with its serene ambiance and spectacular views.

The small beach at Armeni is ideal for swimming and wall diving, boasting deep, crystalline waters and volcanic pebbles. Though unorganized and lacking facilities, its unspoiled nature adds to the charm and natural beauty of the landscape. A diving center is also available for those interested in exploring the underwater scenery. As swimmers enjoy the clear waters, they are treated to awe-inspiring views of the caldera cliffs and the captivating settlement of Oia above, creating a thrilling and overwhelming experience.

One of Santorini's symbols, the Chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, is located near the port of Andres, on Skaros Rock, a rocky peninsula that projects into the sea. It was fashioned by multiple volcanoes that changed the shape of the island from circular to crescent. In addition, many other islands were also formed from these volcanoes. The rock was also the site of a castle until an earthquake destroyed the building in the 19th century.

The white building with a blue dome housing the church is open during the day until 4pm, free for anyone to visit. Moreover, the village of Imerovigli has some of the best views of Santorini because of its high vantage point. Visitors can reach the church via the nearby walking trail that begins at Imerovigli and runs through the cape that connects Skaros to the village. The trail ends at the Chapel of Theoskepasti. There is also a stunning underwater caldera that is worth the wait. Once you have visited the church, make sure to see the Hidden Room. The cave sits to the right of the trail and is one of the few elements that remain from the original castle structure.

Tip:
Weekend morning chanting begins at 7am and is broadcasted via loudspeakers to the entire district for hours.

Located in the stunning and blue waters of the Aegean Sea is the Agios Nikolaos Monastery. This female convent is located between the villages of Firostefani and Imerovogli in Santorini. It is dedicated to saints Agios Panteleimon, Agios Nikolaos, and Zoodochos Pigi, and was established by the Gizi family in 1651. Prior to its current use, it was a private family chapel.

The design of the nunnery reflects the clean and simple lines of Cycladic style, while the interior of the edifice features beautiful 17th century artwork and spectacular golden icons. Two museums, folklore and ecclesiastical, are also located on the property.

Each year on August 15th, locals come here to celebrate the religious festival the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. After church services, locals and visitors celebrate the holiday with food, song, and dance. Visitors will enjoy viewing the handmade textiles that the nuns make, using hand looms.

The Three Bells of Fira, officially known as The Catholic Church of the Dormition, is a prominent Greek Catholic church situated on the island of Santorini. Renowned for its striking blue dome and three bells, the church offers stunning views from its location in the town of Fira, perched high above the western cliffs of Santorini.

Historically, the site of the Three Bells of Fira has been home to several structures. In the mid-17th century, two modest cave churches were carved into the solid cliff face. These early churches were eventually lost due to the cliff's recession, which was caused by the ongoing expansion of Fira. An infirmary was then built on the site, which later came under the occupancy of Jesuits until the land was transferred to the Diocese of Santorini.

The present-day church was constructed in 1757 and has undergone multiple refurbishments and expansions throughout its history. One of the significant events in its timeline was the 1956 Amorgos earthquake, which caused considerable damage to the structure. Subsequently, the church was restored to its former glory.

The Catholic Church of the Dormition celebrates its feast day on 15 August each year, marking an important event in its religious calendar. The Three Bells of Fira remains a significant landmark and a testament to the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Santorini.

One cannot help but notice the beautiful grand churches and cathedrals that decorate the landscape of the island known as Thera or Fira. They are as much part of the community as are the many lava remnants. Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the Catholic Cathedral of Santorini is a handsome and unique place of worship. Its peach exterior contrasts with the many white and blue domed churches that dot the landscape of this quaint, yet beautiful town. It was built in the 17th century by the Jesuit monks, missionaries of the Apostolic Order.

Santorini has experienced a lot of seismic activity throughout its existence. An earthquake in 1956 completely destroyed the previous church. The house of worship that we may enjoy today was restored and opened in 1975.

You will be impressed by the exquisiteness of the structure with its magnificent clock tower and accompanying bells. Once you enter the place of worship, you will find the confessional that is located to the side. The interior is eye-catching and features blue, orange, and cream accents throughout the building. A striking chandelier hangs below a religious painting, which is featured on a domed ceiling, and spectacular arches border the framed portraits of religious figures. Located on an island that the crusaders visited, this cathedral is simply stunning.

Why You Should Visit:
Not only do you experience the architecture of the island, but also, you may find a narrow street where all the souvenir shops are located, and you can eat a typical, local gyro as you look around the shops.

Tip:
You'll probably feel at ease attending a Sunday mass here (10am), as most attendees are usually tourists and there are parts where you may even recite in your own language instead of Greek, as there are many languages represented among the congregation.

25 Martiou Street, in Santorini, is a picturesque destination that embodies the distinctive charm of this renowned island. Situated in the bustling neighborhood of Thira, the street is acclaimed for its vibrant shopping scene that ranges from quaint boutiques and artisan workshops to a plethora of souvenir shops offering everything from unique handcrafted items to budget-friendly mementos.

As the main shopping hub of Santorini, 25 Martiou Street is framed by the island's iconic architecture - white-washed buildings with blue-domed roofs that reflect the classic Cycladic style. This aesthetic is complemented by vivid splashes of color from blooming bougainvillea vines, enhancing the street’s visual appeal. The cobblestone pathways invite visitors to leisurely explore the area, which offers not only retail therapy but also a taste of local life through its cozy cafes and traditional Greek tavernas.

The street’s proximity to stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the famous Santorini sunsets add to its allure, making it a perfect backdrop for both relaxation and exploration. Whether you're interested in shopping for unique souvenirs, enjoying the local cuisine, or simply taking in the scenic vistas, 25 Martiou Street provides a captivating experience that highlights the beauty and cultural richness of Santorini.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera allows one to take a step back in time to explore ancient civilizations. The exhibition hall’s collection comes from excavations of ancient Akrotiri and other sites around the Aegean Islands. If you have a strong interest in the prehistoric, this is the place for you. The exhibition hall opened in 2000.

The museum’s collection is organized into four areas, research, geology, the history of the island from the early 17th century BC, and the mature Late Cycladic I period. Although the gallery is very small, it is very well organized and manages to present an interesting mix of artifacts.

Pottery cups, plant fossils, jewelry, jars, marble figures, and plaster casts of furniture, household equipment, tools, and weapons are some of the many items that you will see. Two recommend items to not miss are the frescoes that show Minoans gathering saffron stamens from blooming crocuses and the painted swallows that migrated to the cliffs each year. Other impressive items include wall paintings of the Ladies and Papyri and the Blue Monkeys.

Why You Should Visit:
To enjoy what many experts rated as one of the most important museums in the world since it uniquely shows ordinary everyday life in an Ancient city and civilization buried 3700 years ago, almost 1800 years before Pompei! Everything this museum houses demonstrates how advanced and artistic this ancient civilization was, before being displaced by a major eruption of the island's volcano.

Tip:
Highly recommended in combination with a visit to the archaeological excavations in Akrotiri, where the objects were dug out. You can purchase combination tickets to visit this museum as well as the Akrotiri site.

Ancient Thera was once a great civilization. Today, visitors can explore Ancient Thera's ruins. Ancient Thera was built on Mesa Vouno Mountain. This 365 meter (1197 feet) tall site provided the Lacedaemonian colonists with a strategic position for their town. The colonists originally arrived in the eighth century BC with King Theras and named the island after their king.

Later, the Ptolemaic dynasty inhabited the island, and Thera was Egpyt's military base in the fourth century BC.

The site was excavated from 1896 to 1961. Archeologists discovered a settlement that included extensive buildings and streets. The settlement dates to as early as the 9th century BC. Most of the settlement dates to the Hellenistic period. Archeologists unearthed cemeteries, temples, churches, markets, and a theatre.

The site features the Terrace of the Festivals, where men would dance to honor Apollo. Visitors can also see a spring inside a cave. This spring was vital to the settlement as it provided vital drinking water.

Visitors can tour the archeological site and enjoy the fabulous mountain-top views.

Why You Should Visit:
The views from Thera are just amazing and almost worth the time and price to get in to see. From Kamari and its beach to the Aegean Sea and Perissa to the south with its beaches and domed churches, there's much to see and appreciate.

Tip:
Depending on your fitness level, the walk up could easily take 30 mins to an hour. It's very windy at the top and throughout Thera, so be prepared – the wind gusts can be strong at times.

The Akrotiri Excavation Site in Santorini is a significant archaeological site that unveils a well-preserved Cycladic Bronze Age settlement. Named after the nearby village of Akrotiri, this site offers a unique glimpse into ancient life due to its exceptional preservation in volcanic ash from the Theran eruption in the 16th century BCE.

The earliest signs of human activity at Akrotiri date back to the fifth millennium BCE, starting as a modest fishing and farming village. By the end of the third millennium BCE, Akrotiri had developed into a thriving community, likely bolstered by trade with other Aegean cultures, as evidenced by foreign pottery fragments found at the site. Its strategic location on the main sailing route between Cyprus and Minoan Crete further facilitated its growth, particularly in the copper trade. This prosperity is reflected in the settlement’s sophisticated infrastructure, which included paved streets, an extensive drainage system, and advanced craft production.

Excavations on Santorini started in the 19th century, but it was Spyridon Marinatos's comprehensive excavations in 1967 that unveiled the significance of Akrotiri. Marinatos's efforts led to the discovery of the buried city, revealing buildings preserved to heights of more than one story, which posed distinctive challenges for the excavation process.

Excavated artifacts are now housed in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, showcasing a wide array of objects and artworks, including pottery, which is abundant due to the sudden evacuation of the town. The variety of pottery found, from storage jars to cooking vessels, provides insight into the daily life and activities of the settlement’s inhabitants.

One noteworthy aspect of the excavation is the preservation of furniture. Volcanic ash created molds of disintegrated wooden objects, allowing archaeologists to use plaster to create casts of furniture, such as beds and tables. Offering tables, often found at the site, were made of clay or plaster and decorated similarly to wall paintings.

Why You Should Visit:
Very carefully prepared space showing a whole village's old buildings and life. Excellent guides and lots of information.
The whole area is covered with a hi-tech roof, so you can walk without being grilled by the sun.