General Discussion

Before visiting the famous island of Santorini in Greece for the first time, I too had

seen the well-known photos of the island: the whitewashed houses, the blue domes,

the sunsets that flood the sky with color. When I arrived on the island, during the first

two days, I saw everything I had read about in most travel guides.

But I had three more days to stay, and suddenly I felt the urge to discover Santorini in

a different way. To walk it, to feel it, to uncover its hidden corners and secrets.

If you also have a few days available and want to experience the island of Santorini,

these 7 experiences are – for me – the most meaningful.

1. Ancient Settlement of Akrotiri

This is a complete and well-preserved prehistoric settlement dating back to the

Minoan era. It was a visit I definitely wanted to make, as I’m a lover of ancient

history. I went to Akrotiri early in the morning, before the heat set in. From the

moment I stepped under the roof, inside the archaeological site, I felt like I was

traveling back in time.

In just a minute, it was as if I had blinked and magically been transported to ancient

times, when this place was full of life. I walked the streets of a stunning 3,600-year-

old city, with two-story houses, sewage systems, frescoes – a life suddenly frozen in

volcanic ash.

The most intense feeling I had? Silence. And within that silence, it was as if I could

hear the whispers of those who once lived in that city, thousands of years ago.

I highly recommend visiting the ancient site of Akrotiri with a professional guide. At

the end of your visit, if you have time, sit for a moment in a quiet spot. Simply reflect

on how the lives of so many people were changed in just a few moments – when the

volcano roared.

2. Museum of Prehistoric Thera

After leaving Akrotiri, I went straight to the island’s capital, Fira. My goal was to visit

the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, where all the finds from the ancient settlement of

Akrotiri are exhibited. So, to get a complete picture, I had to go to the museum too –

and that’s exactly what I did.

The museum is located in the center of the town. After spending a bit of time finding

somewhere to park my car, I walked to the entrance.

The visit was truly worth it. I carefully examined the famous frescoes – the Blue

Monkey, the lilies, the processions... The objects are so well preserved that you feel

they were created recently, even though they carry thousands of years of history.

As I moved through the exhibition and observed one artifact after another, the image

of the Akrotiri settlement came together inside me. At some point, I stopped seeing

just archaeological finds – I was almost seeing the people who once lived in Akrotiri;

people who once worked there, lived, loved, and created.

3. Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum

In addition to being a history lover, I’m also a wine lover. Santorini – world-famous

for its exceptional wines – was a unique opportunity for me to enjoy a special

experience: a visit to the Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum.

Heading down toward Perissa and following the road signs, I arrived at this unique

museum, which is essentially built into a cave.

I was given an audio guide, and I followed the path as I listened to the story of how

vine cultivation and winemaking developed in Santorini. I saw realistic scenes with

life-size figures and old tools, and I learned about the entire winemaking process.

At the end came the best part: the wine tasting. I tried several local varieties, but the

star for me was the famous Vinsanto – a sweet wine with unmatched flavor that

thrilled me. I suggest enjoying a glass of Vinsanto while watching the sunset – but

always after your meal.

Tip: For the wine tasting, contact them before your visit and make a reservation to

avoid waiting.

4. The Caldera of Santorini

For anyone visiting Santorini, I believe the most striking image is that of the Caldera.

I was lucky enough to be staying in a beautiful villa in the Akrotiri area, and the

balcony of my bedroom had a direct view of the Caldera.

I will never forget those mornings when I opened my eyes, got up, and enjoyed that

incredible sight.

One sunny morning, I stood on the balcony. I didn’t speak. I just looked.

This wasn’t just a “nice view.” It was an epic view – one that transported me to

another, ancient world.

Standing before the Caldera of Santorini is almost a ritual. The landscape overwhelms

you. You don’t talk, you don’t move.

That is the perfect moment to open your eyes – and your soul – and turn off your

phone. Just look...

5. Nea Kameni Volcano – Hiking Experience

I decided I wanted to see the volcano up close, so the next morning I took a boat from

the old port of Fira to Nea Kameni. Nea Kameni is a volcanic islet in the center of the

Santorini caldera, which began forming in 1570.

How many times in life do you get the chance to come face to face with a volcano? I

decided I had to experience it—and I did.

When we arrived, we started the hike. The ascent wasn’t hard, but the landscape made

me feel like I was on another planet. I walked over black, hot rocks with the scent of

sulfur in the air.

When I reached the top, I realized I was standing right next to the crater—the “heart”

of the island. Some people then took a dip in the warm waters nearby. I felt like that

dive was almost a cleansing ritual.

As I walked on Nea Kameni, I was filled with awe—the kind of awe one feels when

standing beside a great sleeping force. I walked quietly, as if not to wake this

powerful being.

The volcano has been sleeping for many years. Millions of people have walked on

it—and it continues to sleep a deep sleep that, believe me, no one wants to disturb.

6. Imerovigli – The Quiet Side of the Island

Santorini also has other charming and beautiful sides—and one of them is the lovely

village of Imerovigli. I chose to go there because I wanted to escape the noise and

crowds of the more touristy areas.

So I headed to Imerovigli. It was peaceful, quieter than other parts of the island, more

authentic, with no commercial bustle. Its narrow streets were calm, and the hotels

were small and elegant.

I followed the path to Skaros Rock, a large rock formation that once held a fortress. I

stood there alone, while the sun slowly set—no clapping, no cameras. Just me and the

light.

That, for me, was the true Santorini. The Santorini of depth, not mass tourism.

I still remember the colors of the sky as day slowly gave way to night. It was an

image that, without a doubt, spoke louder than a thousand words.

7. Tastes of the Island

As I mentioned earlier, besides being a lover of history, nature, and wine, I’m also

passionate about authentic cuisine.

Wherever I travel, I always want to try dishes from the local kitchen.

Santorini didn’t only win me over with its history, its villages, and its landscapes—but

also with its flavors. Everything I tried there was delicious, but I’ll share two flavors

that, to me, are inseparable from the island itself.

The first is fava – smooth, simple, with a drizzle of olive oil and a touch of raw or

caramelized onion.

The second: tomato fritters – little bursts of flavor made from sun-drenched, dry-

farmed Santorini tomatoes.

And finally, of course, Vinsanto again. Every sip was a memory.

Epilogue

Santorini is not just a place for beautiful photos.

It’s a place that must be walked, discovered, and felt with all your senses.

I tried to listen to the ancient voice of the island, to walk it, to touch it—and also to

get to know its modern side.

And this is what I wish for you: to leave the island with vivid memories in your

heart—not just in your phone.

This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Santorini.