{"id":27543,"date":"2016-10-21T13:28:44","date_gmt":"2016-10-21T13:28:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=27543"},"modified":"2026-10-15T15:58:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T15:58:23","slug":"things-to-do-in-santorini","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-santorini\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things To Do In Santorini Away From The Tourist Traps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Planning a trip to Santorini can be a little overwhelming. Your parents have probably been or dreamed of going; your neighbour still talks about her all-inclusive package holiday there; and most of your friends are obsessed with the place after watching teen flick Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants back in 2005, when Lena bagged that hottie Kostas.
\nIt\u2019s one of those ridiculously beautiful\u00a0destinations that appeals to just about everybody. But on top of all its tourist brochure good looks, there are actually some pretty cool things to do in Santorini if you know where to find them\u2026<\/p>\n

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    Get up high for a unique view of Santorini <\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"Franco's
    \nThe sleepy village of Pyrgos is officially the highest point in Santorini and is home to the island\u2019s best rooftop bar: Franco\u2019s Caf\u00e9-Bar<\/a>. Enjoy a cocktail, coffee or snack and take in the breathtaking view of Santorini, away from all the hustle and bustle.<\/p>\n

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      Hire quad bikes for cheap and explore the island\u2019s secret spots<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \"quad
      \nThere are so many things to do in Santorini, you won\u2019t want to stay put in one place: At one end of the island you have beaches like Perissa and Kamari, where many of the hostels are located, and then in the centre is the main city Fira aka Thira, followed by Oia at the other end, and loads to do in between. But although the island isn\u2019t massive, but it can still be a pain to get to places if you\u2019re just relying on buses. Quad bikes are the answer to your logistical prayers, and will get you around the island and to remote locations for around 20 Euros per day if you\u2019re sharing \u2013 including petrol! So grab a hostel buddy or two and hit the roads.<\/p>\n

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        Drive yourself to see the sunset<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        \"Sunset
        \nThere are many \u2018view spots\u2019 to watch the sunsets on the island, but if you\u2019ve hired a quad I recommend you drive along the main road just before the sun sets and find a quiet spot to pull over. It beats hanging around in crowds in the heat and you can find some of the most magical views.<\/p>\n

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          Have a beach day on the Red Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          \"Akrotiri
          \nDo it like the Greeks and walk past the signs that read \u201cDanger falling rocks\u201d.\u00a0The Red Beach near\u00a0the village of\u00a0Akrotiri\u00a0is hands down one of the most naturally beautiful beaches I have ever stumbled across. The contrast in colours and shape of the beach make for a perfect Insta shot and the water is just beautiful. If you only go to one beach in Santorini, make sure it’s this one.<\/p>\n

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            Explore the white\u00a0backstreets\u00a0of Fira <\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            \"Fira
            \nFira aka Thira is the capital of Santorini, and a great place to wander the streets people watching or do a spot of shopping. If you wander away from the bustling main shopping street down any of the side streets you\u2019ll soon find yourself in a dream world surrounded by pristine white streets which you\u2019ll have all to yourself.<\/p>\n

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              Cocktails and chill at Perissa Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              \"Perissa
              \nThis was one of my favourite beaches in Santorini. It was not too busy late July when I was there, and there are numerous restaurants along the beach that offer different seating and laying options for you to get comfy. It\u2019s the perfect spot for a chilled out beach day with excellent cocktails.<\/p>\n

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                Eat at Santorini\u2019s best veggie restaurant<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                \"Things
                \nReflecting on the food that I ate here makes me drool. Tranquilo<\/a> on Perissa Beach is hands down the best vegetarian restaurant in Santorini and they have loads of vegan options too. I found some of the freshest produce I have tasted in salads, and one portion could feed an entire family.<\/p>\n

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                  Slow down and enjoy the view<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  \"Things
                  \nThere are so many things to do in Santorini, it\u2019s easy to fall into the trap of trying to pack too much in. But even if you\u2019re just there for the weekend, it\u2019s important to take some time to just sit back and appreciate the amazing scenery it has to offer. This really is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, and an image you will want to remember forever. You\u2019ll find stunning viewing points all over the island, the picture above was taken just as you are entering Oia.<\/p>\n

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                    Visit the Hot Springs and have a Mud Bath<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    \"Things
                    \nHead down to the old port in Fira via cable car and book yourself a quick trip to the hot springs. Here you will jump off a boat and swim into the hot springs where you can dig up the mud and naturally rejuvenate your body with it. Quick tip: wear old swimmers and take off your jewellery!<\/p>\n

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                      See the sunset from the stairs of Oia <\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      \"Things
                      \n\u2026Because you cannot go to Santorini and miss the sunset from the stairs of Oia. Get there early with some mates to bag a good spot. Grab some beers and snacks to have while you wait and remind yourself that you are checking off a big universal bucket list item. It may take a while but it will be worth the wait.<\/p>\n

                      Where to stay in Santorini?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                      \"Things
                      \nSantorini is one of the most gorgeous places on the planet, but a trip here doesn\u2019t have to be silly expensive. One of the best places to stay in Santorini is Caveland<\/a> (pictured), the most luxurious cave you\u2019ll ever sleep in \u2013 featuring a massive pool and terrace, sea views, free wifi and a friendly resident pooch. Check out all our hostels in Santorini<\/a> and start planning your trip.
                      \n                      Book now<\/a>
                      \nAbout The Author<\/b>
                      \nAlex Jones is a globe-trotting Sydney native currently exploring the wonders of Greece. Follow her adventures                       @a_lexandrajones<\/a>
                      \nWhat to read next?<\/b><\/p>\n