Summer weekend in Santorini
How locals do summer in Santorini — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Santorini
Amoudi Bay
OutdoorsBelow Oia
Tiny harbour at the bottom of 300 steps — fish tavernas, cliff jumping at sunset.
Red Beach
OutdoorsAkrotiri
Iron-rich cliffs over a crescent of crimson sand — small, dramatic, busy by 11am.
Fira to Oia Caldera Hike
OutdoorsCaldera Edge
10km clifftop trail past three villages — start at sunrise, allow 4 hours.
Oia Sunset
OutdoorsOia
The famous one — arrive 90 minutes early and walk to the Castle ruins for space.
Santo Wines
Food & DrinkPyrgos
Co-op winery on the caldera — assyrtiko flights with the best sunset terrace on the island.
Where to eat
Ammoudi Fish Tavern
$$$Seafood · Amoudi Bay
Toes-in-water seafood right under the cliffs of Oia — whole fish by the kilo.
Argo
$$$Greek · Fira
Caldera-edge classic — moussaka and mousakas-of-the-sea (octopus) with the volcano view.
Lucky's Souvlaki
$Souvlaki · Fira
The 3am gyros stop — pork, chicken, halloumi wraps to soak up local rosé.
Metaxi Mas
$$Cretan / Greek · Exo Gonia
Hidden cliff-side taverna — book a month ahead for sunset, order the lamb chops.
Selene
$$$$Modern Greek · Pyrgos
Island's flagship fine dining — tasting menus of fava, tomatokeftedes, fresh-caught fish.
Live & on stage
Ifestia Festival Fireworks
Caldera · Sep 5 · Fireworks / Free
Megaron Gyzi Festival
Megaron Gyzi Museum · Aug 1–25 · Classical
Santorini Jazz Festival
Open-air Cinema Kamari · Jul 18–24 · Jazz
Volcano Wine Festival
Various wineries · May 24–25 · Wine
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Oia Sunset, Red Beach, Fira to Oia Caldera Hike. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Santorini and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.