Even though Greece has thousands of islands and islets, the first one to come to mind always seems to be Santorini. Not to undermine all the other islands, but I think there is a good reason for this!
Santorini is known for its sunsets, volcano, caldera, and iconic whitewashed architecture. It is also famous for its incredible cuisine, exceptional wine, and ancient history that will thrill history buffs from all over the globe.
While I love traveling and exploring new destinations, Santorini is one location I am always more than happy to return to. Every time a friend visits Greece for the first time, I enthusiastically volunteer to take them there. Few places in the world are as breathtaking.
Here are the things this magical island is famous for!
Table of Contents
1. Volcanic caldera
Santorini is most famous for its volcano. In prehistoric times, Santorini was a round island known as Strogili (which translates to “round” in Greek).
Then, in around 1500 BC, the island’s volcano erupted, causing Strogili’s center to sink and destroying settlements as far away as Crete. The powerful volcanic blast meant the shape of Strogili completely changed, giving way to the crescent-shaped caldera that defines Santorini as we know it today.
According to myth, the part of the island that sank is the Lost Atlantis, the utopian ancient civilization that mysteriously disappeared overnight. While the volcano is now dormant, it is still active and a phenomenal place to visit.
2. Wine
Santorini is extremely popular among wine connoisseurs. The island has been producing exquisite wine since ancient times, an activity that is still one of its biggest sources of income.
The reason Santorini’s wines are world-renowned is that the grapes used to make them grow in unique conditions. The volcano means that the island’s soil is ash-rich and the climate in Santorini is characterized by dryness and strong winds.
Some famous varieties not to be missed include the Vinsanto, a sweet wine that is served as a liqueur, and Assyrtiko, a dry white wine with a very distinctive character defined by intense aromas and high acidity.
3. Colored beaches
The island of Santorini is well-known for its beaches. Yet, if you go there looking for powdery white sand beaches, you will be disappointed.
The reason the island’s beaches are talked about is their uniqueness. It is their colors that set them apart from every other beach in the world. Santorini is home to three famous “colored beaches” (red, white, and black). Located in the south part of the island, the colored beaches take their names from the colors of the surrounding scenery.
The White Beach is a secluded beach enclosed by white cliffs. The Black Beach has jet-black sand that creates a striking contrast with its rocky backdrop. The Red Beach, which is the most popular of the three, features orange-hued volcanic sand and spectacular red cliffs.
4. Nightlife
While Mykonos is widely regarded as the Greek Ibiza equivalent, those in the know tend to choose Santorini as a party destination. Not only is Santorini’s nightlife cheaper and more welcoming than Mykonos, but it also has something for everyone.
Fira, the island’s capital, comes alive at night with glowing colors and festive sounds. From Irish pubs, like Murphy’s, to fancy dance clubs like Enigma and Koo Club, Fira has it all.
As well as the bars and clubs, all the shops and eateries in the narrow cobbled alleys of the capital stay open until the early hours of the morning. In fact, what always amuses me about the island’s nightlife is that even the (excessively, if you ask me!) many fish spas stay open until late… just in case you fancy a fishy pedicure after a couple of cocktails!
Also read: 12 Best Party Islands in Greece for Nightlife Lovers
5. Oia sunsets
You know those beautiful popular photos and TikTok videos of the sun setting over whitewashed buildings perched on the cliffside? They are recognizable as having been shot in Santorini. The specific village they are depicting is Oia, famous for the most picturesque sunsets in Greece.
What is not shown in those photos and videos, however, is how crowded the village gets just before the sun goes down. Hundreds of people crammed like sardines line Oia’s narrow alleys just to catch a glimpse of the sunset.
But you know what? I think it’s absolutely worth it! The sunsets in Oia are truly magnificent. Just make sure to get there early to grab yourself a good viewing spot, ideally by the village’s old castle.
6. Whitewashed architecture
A lot of people assume Greek architecture is basically cliffside quaint white and blue houses. This common misconception couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to most of the country, but it is a testament to how iconic Cycladic architecture is.
Santorini architecture consists of cave houses, whitewashed buildings with blue doors and windows and dome churches.
While this certainly looks good and makes for a memorable first impression, it was not done for aesthetic purposes. In the late 1930s, limestone, which is a powerful disinfectant, was used to whitewash houses in order to protect islanders from an outbreak of cholera.
7. Archaeology
Santorini is famous for its history. Excavations on the island have proved that the first human presence there dates back to the Neolithic Period. The island was also home to what was one of the most sophisticated settlements in the Bronze Age.
Archaeologists discovered pottery, frescoes, and many other artifacts in Akrotiri, on the southern tip of the island.
These have been well preserved and are currently being displayed at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. This impressive site is the Pompei of the Aegean and the ruins are covered by a giant cavernous roof. It is designed to give visitors a good feel of what life was like for the islanders back in the day and is bound to excite history buffs.
8. Tomatoes
Greek tomatoes are generally known for being very tasty, but Santorini tomatoes are by far the tastiest! This is why they are one of the island’s biggest exports.
As is the case with grapes in Santorini, the tomatoes on the island get their delicious flavor from the special environmental conditions they grow in. They draw moisture from the volcanic soil and benefit from the island’s dry, windy climate.
The combination of these factors makes them exceptionally sweet and juicy, which is why they have earned a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification.
If you are vacationing on the island, don’t forget to try the mouth-watering tomato fritters at a local tavern. It can also be a great idea to buy a tomato chutney or a sundried tomato paste to take back home as a special gastronomic souvenir.
9. The Karavolades stairs
Santorini is home to a very famous (and very long!) set of 600 steps that connect Fira, the island’s capital, to the old port. Even though they are officially named “the Karavolades stairs”, most people refer to them simply as “the Santorini steps”.
In the past, donkeys were used along the steps as the main form of transport to move goods from the port to the main town. Today, the old port is not used commercially, but makes for a picturesque place to visit or take a boat trip from.
The walk up (or down) the Karavolades stairs takes around an hour, depending on one’s level of fitness. My personal recommendation would be to walk down them and then take the cable car back up so that you don’t suffer too much in the summer heat!
10. Pumice stones
You know how many people enjoy collecting seashells by the beach? In Santorini, it’s all about pumice stones.
The volcanic island is famous for its pumice stones, which are formed when lava and water mix. Pumice stones are a great natural beauty product, as they are perfect for removing dead skin.
While you can buy them at souvenir shops all over the island and even find art and jewelry made from pumice, I think it is more fun to find your own. Just head to the beach and look for one that is the perfect size and shape for your exfoliating needs!
11. Weddings
It’s hard to beat Santorini when it comes to romance! I will never forget talking to a Chinese girl who, upon finding out I’m from Greece, asked me if I have ever been to “the love sea”. I had never heard of a place like that before, but quickly figured out she meant Santorini.
It turned out the island is quite famous in her country for being the place to go to find your lifetime partner. While this was clearly a marketing ploy devised by some clever travel agency, Santorini is chosen by many couples as a wedding or honeymoon destination.
The island’s sunsets, picturesque villages, incredible views, luxurious hotels, and good wine all scream “romance”!
12. Infinity pools
Santorini is famous for offering unparalleled luxury. If you have the right budget, you will be able to stay in one of the island’s many five-star spa hotels.
These normally feature luxurious rooms and suites built into caves. They feature private infinity pools that overlook the caldera, making you feel like you’re at the edge of the world.
For such a busy touristy island, Santorini offers many luxury accommodation options that will give you a sense of total privacy. If you’re looking for tranquility, elegance, and ultraluxe designs, Santorini is a must-visit destination.
13. Fava
Fava is a popular Greek dish, similar to hummus, made from yellow split peas. Even though you can find the dish all over the country, Santorini is famous for making a mean fava!
Fava actually has a long history on the island, as there is evidence it was made there since the Bronze age. It is a velvety spread, delicious on crusty bread. It is eaten either as an appetizer or an accompaniment for fish or meat dishes.
Yellow split peas grown in Santorini greatly benefit from the island’s unique environmental conditions. This is what has earned them a PDO classification, so make sure to pick up a bag of peas before you head home!
14. Wind
While it’s true Santorini gets very hot during the summer, it is also famously windy. If you visit the island from late May to September, you will experience what is known as “meltemia” or “Etesian winds”.
These strong, dry, seasonal winds blow all over the Aegean sea. They normally start out quite heavy in the afternoons, before dying down in the evenings.
While they may be a bit annoying if you’re trying to have a good hair day, you will find that they are also a welcome relief during the summer heat waves!
15. Hot springs
Santorini is known for the muddy hot springs found around its volcano. The deep, dark blue waters of the caldera are famously cold, but on Palaia Kameni beach, around the island’s volcano, you’ll find that they are surprisingly hot.
Even though the water there looks murky and not-so-inviting, rest assured that its brown color is only a product of the volcano’s sulfur.
It is said that taking a mud bath in the orange-tinted hot springs of Santorini has healing properties and rejuvenates the skin. Definitely a must-try when you’re on the island!
Santorini: the heart of the Aegean sea
Santorini is a destination that is rightfully famous for many things. With its natural beauty, unique landscape, delicious cuisine, and rich history, everyone can find something they enjoy in this Greek piece of paradise.
