9 Unusual Places to See in Santorini (Hidden Spots Most Tourists Miss)

Santorini is the kind of place that a lot of people will recognise - largely thanks to platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. It's that view of the white buildings that you've seen everywhere. And, while this view of Santorini is undeniably beautiful, Santorini actually has a lot more to offer.

This guide focuses more on unusual places to see in Santorini or hidden spots that most tourists might miss. This post includes towns, beaches, ancient ruins, wineries, lighthouses and other places that people tend to miss in favour of the popular sights. I hope this guide helps you discover more authentic sides of Santorini, but also lets you catch the most beautiful sunsets the island has to offer.

That Insta-famous view of Oia. 

Make sure you also read about my trip to Kos, Greece!

How to get to Santorini

The easiest way to get to Santorini from most places in Europe is by flying to Santorini airport. During the colder months, there might be fewer options for direct flights, that's when you might have to fly via Athens airport. During the busy summer season, there will be lots of flights coming in from many European airports. Just find the closest one and enjoy your flight! I flew via London in spring back when we didn't have even seasonal direct flights to Santorini. If flying from Riga to Santorini via London seems like an odd choice, I took the second flight my UK-based friend. 

Another way to get to Santorini is by taking a ferry from Athens or other Greek islands.

Where to stay in Santorini

Santorini is great for a wide range of budgets. You can find incredible options for budget-friendly hotels as well as luxury villas with world-class views. However, Santorini is super touristy and, as such, it can be more expensive than other Greek islands. If you're looking for a more affordable Greek island to visit, check out my guide on Kos island in Greece.

So, here's my list for hotels to stay at in Santorini, grouped into different budget categories. Keep in mind that some hotels might be seasonal and might operate from May to September.

Budget hotels in Santorini (up to €90 per night)

• Stelios Place – Perissa
• Villa Galinia – Akrotiri
• Philoxenia Hotel & Studios – Perissa

Mid-range hotels in Santorini (€90–€200 per night)

• Galaria Serenity Suites – Vothonas
• Kalimera Hotel – Akrotiri
• Aecon Suites – Exo Gonia

Luxury hotels in Santorini (€200+ per night)

• West East Suites – Imerovigli
• Cavo Bianco Boutique Hotel & Spa – Kamari
• Andronis Boutique Hotel – Oia

Best time to visit Santorini

The best time to visit Santorini really depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for the best weather, summer is the best time for you to visit Santorini. However, the con of visiting Santorini in summer is the crowds of people you will have to encounter. And it will be a lof of people!

I went to Santorini in spring or the shoulder season. The weather was very pleasant, and I didn't have to fight crowds for the best sunset spot. Well, actually I kind of did, but I know it would have been way worse if I had gone there during the summer months. Please note though that some of the restaurants might be closed outside the high season.

1. Oia (the iconic Santorini view)

Yes, I am starting my post about unusual places to see in Santorini with Oia! Oia is the best known place in Santorini, so I couldn't possible skip it. It's that place you instantly think of when you think of Santorini. While it can be super busy, it is a must-see place for first-time visitors. It has everything you would want to see - the boutiques, the cafes and restaurants, the fun souvenirs, the iconic views. Take your postcard photos and head to the lesser known places afterwards.

Why visit Oia

• Oia offers the iconic views of Santorini
• It has the charming streets filled with cafes, shops and galleries
• That's where you can photograph the iconic blue-domed churches
• Watch the sunset from one of the famous viewpoints

Best time to visit Oia

• Sunset is the highlight (but also a super busy time of the day). Make sure you arrive early to secure your spot
• I'd recomment visiting off-season or during the shoulder season to avoid crowds

Tips

• Stay a little longer after sunset to see Oia light up at night without the crowds. It's also a great time for photography. I'm a bit of a fan of long-exposure photography in the dark, and the lit up Oia was great for it.
• Wear comfortable shoes. I know wearing pretty heels might be tempting for beautiful photos, but the streets are cobble-stoned, and you will quickly start feeling uncomfortable
• Early morning will let you enjoy more quiet streets in Oia

2. Imerovigli

Imerovigli is another town filled with charming white buildings and stunning sunset views. However, it is more quiet than Oia, so you can wander around in relative peace and quiet.

Why visit Imerovigli

• Explore the narrow streets and the beautiful white buildings
• Watch the sunset from multiple viewpoints
• Take photos of the cliffs, sea and picturesque buildings

Best time to visit Imerovigli

• Sunset is spectacular; arrive early to secure the best viewpoint
• Visit Imerovigli in the late afternoon or off-season to avoid crowds

Tips

• Stay longer after sunset to enjoy the village light up at night
• Similar to Oia, comfortable shoes would be super helpful if you're expecting to walk around the town a lot on the cobble-stoned streets
• I stayed at Ayoba, which was a lovely traditional Greek suite in Imerovigli. It's close to come cafes and stunning views

3. Akrotiri ruins

Akrotiri is a fascinationg archeological site in Santorini, sometimes also called the "Pompeii of Greece". A lot of the riuns are very well preserved - you can see pottery, frescoes, ancient walls and other artifacts at this site. I always find it fascinating when I'm able to see how people lived thousands of years ago! This particular settlement in Akrotiri was destroyed in 16th century BC in a volcanic eruption. A truly unusual place to visit in Santorini, isn't it?

Why visit Akrotiri ruins

• You get to walk through this amazingly well-preserved piece of history and see how people used to live
• Admire frescoes, ancient pottery and other artifacts preserved by the volcanic ash
• Learn about the advanced urban planning of the ancient settlement

Best time to visit Akrotiri ruins

• Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat
• Off-season visits are ideal for a quieter experience, but I can't see Akrotiri being anywhere near as busy as Oia any time of the year

Tips

• Again - you will be doing some walking here, so comfortable shoes would be great
• You can visit the Red beach and the Akrotiri lighthouse while you're here. More about that in the next sections

4. Red beach

And, speaking of Red beach, you should definitely visit this place. Conveniently named after the red volcanic cliffs and rocks, this beach is definitely different from the other black beaches that you can find in Santorini. Because of this, I would say Red beach is one of the most unique beaches in Santorini. Like I said in the previous section, Red beach is located right next to Akrotiri archeological site, so you can easily combine the two sites.

Why visit Red beach in Santorini

• Walk along the coast from Akrotiri archeologial site to reach Red beach
• Unique looking beach for Santorini - turquoise water and red cliffs that you don't see anywhere else on the island

Best time to visit Red beach in Santorini

• Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and mid-day heat
• Off-season visits provide a quieter experience

Tips

• Wear water shoes — the rocks can be very sharp!
• Bring water and snacks
• Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Akrotiri ruins and Akrotiri lighthouse

5. Akrotiri lighthouse

Akrotiri Lighthouse sits on the southwestern part of Santorini and is one of the island’s less crowded spots for watching sunsets. Unlike Oia, this location offers a more peaceful atmosphere with nature dominating instead of the white buildings. I spent some time just sitting on the rock in the picture and enjoying the sunset and taking lots of pictures.

Why visit Akrotiri lighthouse

• Watch one of Santorini’s most beautiful sunsets without the crowds
• Explore the rocky cliffs around the lighthouse. It's fun!
• Take photos of silhouettes, cliffs and the vast seascape

Best time to visit Akrotiri lighthouse

• Arrive during the golden hour and enjoy the cliffs change colour as the sun slowly sets.
• Any time of the year should be great for Akrotiri lighthouse visit

Tips

• Wear sturdy shoes if you want to climb the rocks
• Bring water and a snack
• Arrive during the golden hour and stay until after the sunset to see the colours change from orange to blue

6. Ancient Thera

Ancient Thera is another fascinating destination for both history lovers and those who enjoy a little outdoor adventure. This sight is located pretty high up and lets you enjoy panoramic views of Santorini, including nearby towns and even the airport where you can watch planes land. As one of the lesser-known historical sites in Santorini, Ancient Thera is often overlooked by the typical tourist crowds.

Why visit Ancient Thera

• Explore the ruins of temples, houses, and public buildings
• Enjoy incredible views of the island and Aegean sea

Best time to visit Ancient Thera

• Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. And it does get pretty hot up there.
• All year round should be fine to visit

Tips

• You’ll need to drive or take a bus to reach the site. The roads are very twisty but scenic!
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the ruins
• Bring water and sun protection - there’s limited shade on the site. You'll only find a few benches with trees next to them for shade

7. Kamari beach

Kamari Beach is a long stretch of unique black sand on the southeastern coast of Santorini. It is less busy than other popular towns, but it definitely feels very lively. There are plenty of charming cafes, restaurants and shops. You can spend the whole day here swimming in the clear water, relaxing on the beach, enjoying delicious local food and exploring the village. 

Why visit Kamari beach

• Swim in the clear water and relax on the black sand beach
• Explore the promenade filled with cafes, tavernas, and shops
• Take photos of the volcanic sand contrasted against the turquoise water. I even went in the water with my dress on. Oh, the things you'll do for a good photo, am I right?

Best time to visit Kamari beach

• Late spring to early autumn for warm beach weather. Summer might be a bit too hot.
• Morning or late afternoon is ideal for avoiding the peak sun and crowds

Tips

• Bring a swimsuit and towel. I didn't. Silly me. Next time I'm in Kamari, I will go for a nice swim.
• The beach is family-friendly and accessible for all ages
• The beach is filled with lounge chairs. Do what you will with that information.
• Wear water shoes to keep your feet safe. It gets a bit rocky there.
• Combine a visit with nearby Ancient Thera or Perissa Beach

8. Santo Wines

When visiting Santorini, why not visit a local winery? Santo Wines offers a unique experience in Santorini, and is a great place for trying different varieties of local wines.  Located in Pyrgos, the winery offers tastings of Santorini’s own wines. I tried a few, and I sure had some fun doing it.

Why visit Santo Wines winery

• Join a tour of the winery to learn about local grape varieties and traditional production methods
• Enjoy a wine tasting of Santorini’s signature wines
• Enjoy some incredible views from the winery

Best time to visit Santo Wines winery

• Year-round, though spring and autumn offer the best weather for enjoying the terrace views
• Late afternoon is ideal for sunset views while sipping some delicius local wine

Tips

• Book tastings in advance, especially during high season
• Pair your tasting with local cheese or snacks offered on-site
• Don’t miss the chance to buy a bottle or two of your favourite Santorini wine

9. Go sailing to the other islands

One of the most memorable and unusual experiences when visiting Santorini is actually leaving Santorini. Let me explain! You can go sailing to the nearby islands: Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni to enjoy a slightly different and quieter way of life. Unlike the popular and touristy Santorini, these islands feel more authentic and quiet. You will see small fishing villages, stunning cliffs and volcanic landscapes from the sea.

Why go sailing in Santorini

• Sail around the islands and enjoy a different perspective from the yacht or boat
• Visit the volcanic island of Nea Kameni and hike its crater for a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience
• Swim in the hot springs near Palea Kameni

Best time to go sailing in Santorini

• Spring to early autumn for the best weather
• Early morning or late afternoon tours are best to avoid crowds
• Go sailing during sunset for a completely different atmosphere and best photo experience

Tips

• Book a small group or private sailing tour for a more personal and quiet experience.I'm not a big fan of crowded boat tours, so I always go for a smaller group
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and swimwear for stops at the islands and hot springs