From its dynamic nightlife through to its amazing historical sites, Santorini is blessed with great places to go and visit. The island's capital Fira provides many exquisite restaurants, bars and clubs, which are all positioned to enjoy the incredible views of the caldera, but the smaller and just-as-beautiful villages such as Oia also have their own share of charming haunts. Away from the buzz of the towns, you of course have Santorini's gorgeous beaches to enjoy, where you can take dips in the sea, go scuba diving or catch a boat trip to the bathing springs of Palea and Nea Kameni. Or perhaps if you fancy getting away from the sand and sea, a walk along the cliffs to sample the mesmerising views of the Aegean, is a another fantastic option.

Take a look at the list below to get an idea for what's on offer on Santorini. We've picked out a selection of attractions, but of course there's a whole lot more you can discover for yourselves if you fancy exploring this phenomenal island.

Activities

Red Beach - 4.5 km Paint Ball, Water Sports

Ancient Akrotiri - 2.5 km

Perissa - 11 km Largest Beach, diving, clubs, water sports

Local Towns

Megalochori Traditional and Picturesque Village

Fira - 12km Clubs, Shops, Restaurants, the main town

Santorini Airport - 13km

Sites & Attractions

Santorini Beaches

Whereas the lagoon on the West side houses Santorini's harbours, the East and South coasts feature many tranquil beaches varying in size and character. Perhaps the most famous and beautiful is Red Beach, however further up the shore, alternatives such as Perissa, Kamari and Cape Columbo, are also stunning in their own right...

Red Beach is arguably the most famous beach on Santorini. It is located near Ancient Akrotiri, and so therefore close to Black Rock too. It is infact relatively small compared to some of the other beaches on the island, but attracts many admirers due to its hot black sand and stunning red rocks and cliffs.

Perissa Beach is 15km South East of Santorini's capital, Fira. It is a long black sandy beach and is famous for its views of an enormous rock, Mesa Vouno, which rises from the sea and is illuminated at night. The village of Perissa is really only habited during tourist season.

Monolithos Beach is is very popular with families. There are beach sports and children's play areas and a selection of cafes and restaurants. The shallow waters of the beach are great for infants to enjoy the sea.

Water Park, Perissa Beach

There is a fun waterpark which is great for kids, located on Perissa Beach. Two extreme water slides and a number of different pools will keep them entertained, while adults can enjoy a drink and food in the bar and restaurant.

Scuba Diving

There are a number of scuba diving companies operating on the beaches, notably Kamari and Perissa. Diving excursions can take you to the West side of the island in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean, or round to the lagoon on the East side, where some marvellous reefs are found near the volcano. Wherever you dive, you'll experience the magnificent underwater world of Santorini, with its amazing wildlife and incredible lava-formed rock formations.

Bathing Springs, Palea and Nea Kameni

Located close to the volcano's crater are the twin islets of Palea and Nea Kameni. These two uninhabited islets are home to Santorini's amazing hot bathing springs, and boat trips from Fira Harbour are frequent. The bluey-green volcanic waters of the springs stay in the region of 100 degrees Farenheit, making them a blissful and luxurious natural bathing spot. A must do!!

Santorini Spa, Oia

If there was a better location for a health spa than Santorini, we'd love to know where it is! The beautiful village of Oia on the north of the caldera is home to Santorini Spa, which is based within the Hotel Museum building. This gorgeous spa offers a truly blissful experience: massages, skin and nail care, water therapies, health foods, herbal teas and so on, are all on offer for guests. Head up there for some pampering!!

www.santorini-spa.net

Ancient Akrotiri

The Ancient Akrotiri site contains the remains of Crete's Minoan outpost of Akrotiri, which was abandoned and buried at the time of the Minoan Eruption. Today it is an excavation site, displaying a fascinating slice of ancient Santorini. It is thought that Akrotiri's citizens escpaed in time before the eruption, so no bodies were ever found there. There are still pots and tools stood in the places where their owners left them to flee in 1450 BC - one of the many mind-blowing features of the site.

Santorini Castles and Churches

During the Venetian rule of 1207-1580, Aegean coastlines came under incessant pirate raids. The residents of Santorini built castles in Skaros, Oia, Emporio, Pyrgos and Akrotiro, to fortify the island against attacks. The Venetians also brought Catholicism to Santorini, where it lived in peaceful co-existence with the Orthodox peoples of the island. This is reflected in the many still-standing churches featuring dual altars: one for Orthodox, and one for Catholic services.

Kasteli of Pyrgos is one of the more prominent castles from th Ventian era of Santorini, and is based in the island's former capital, Pyrgos, which is the highest settlement on the island, providing the medieval habitants with the perfect view to spot invasions.

Tower of Nimborio: Emporio, is a fortified watch tower believed to be built by monks under Venetian rule. There used to be a small chapel within the walls of the tower, as well as an escape tunnel which led to the 'Kasteli' (castle).

Kasteli of Agios Nikolaos: Oia, is another of Santorini's ancient castles. Much of it was destroyed in the earthquake of 1956, but the ruins still offer a fascinating insight into the history of the island. The castle is today popularly used as a place to watch the sun set.

Oia Sunsets

Santorini lays claim to having some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the entire world, and they come no more spectacular on the island than in the picturesque village of Oia, on the north side of the lagoon. Every evening people turn up in hordes just to experience this phenomenal sight, and all seats, steps, walls and patches of grass are used for traditional picnicking as the sun goes down over the Aegean horizon. Be sure to take part on at least one evening during your stay!

Cliff Walking

There's probably no better way to absorb the incredible views from Santorini than to walk along the high cliffs above the lagoon and coastline. There's miles of terrain perfect for walking - you can either map out your own route, or perhaps go for one of the conventionally recommended stretches, such as the one along the coastline that joins Fira and Oia.

Restaurants & Bars

Selene, Fira

Established in 1986, this is a popular restaurant in Fira enjoying wonderful views of the caldera. The restaurant serves menus of traditional Greek and Santorinian dishes made from fresh local produce. The restaurant regularly receives complimentary reviews from both the Greek and International press.

www.selene.gr

Calderimi, Fira

Calderimi has a menu made up of many exquisite international dishes. An evening meal and glass of wine, whilst looking out over the sunset on the lagoon, will no doubt prove to be a memorable dining experience. The inside of the restaurant comprises a beautiful long room with arch-ceiling. A fantastic restaurant!

Archipelagos, Fira

As you can probably begin to tell, it's hard to find a restaurant in Fira which doesn't lap up the breathtaking volcanic views from the island. The next one is Archipelagos, which is located high up on the cliffs which Fira is built on. It is located in an old Captain's house, hence looks down over the harbour. The dishes specialise in seafood and pasta, and there is an extensive wine list of fine quality.

www.archipelagos-santorini.com

1800, Oia

The 1800 restaurant in Oia, is another which has been converted from a former Captain's house. The highly-rated chefs prepare delicious meals speialising in Greek and other Mediterranean recipes. Make use of the knowledgeable waiters who'll advise you on the best wine from the cellar to complement your meal, and then after desert, why not sit back with one their fine Cuban cigars?!

www.oia-1800.com

Enigma, Fira

This popular bar and nightclub in Fira is where the party crowds go have been going to dance the night away since 1979. It may be one of the most tranquil island locations on the planet, but Enigma is full proof that the residents of Santorini know how to throw a wild night out as well!

www.enigmaclubsantorini.com

Kira Thira, Fira

The trendy and colourful Kira Thira is renowned for its eclectic billing of live music and DJs, and puts on mainly Jazz, Latin and African themed nights. The dynamic nature of this very popular venue is reflected in the decorations and furnishings, notably the many different types of instruments adorning the walls and ceilings.

Irish Bar, Fira

They add to the diversity of most towns and cities the world over, and Santorini too has one of its very own!! The Irish bar is always 'on tap' for those desperate for a Guinness, Caffreys, Baileys or other! A lively atmosphere is guaranteed at this busy haunt.

Koo Club, Fira

Koo Club is one of Fira's most mainstream nightclubs where party-goers enjoy dance music and cocktails into the early hours. The interior includes a giant chandelier and disco ball hanging from the ceiling.

Mamounia, Fira

Mamounia is a tropical style bar specialising mainly in Greek music making for a cultural evening out. Bright decorations and palm trees add to the vibrant and colourful vibe of this bar.

Tango, Fira

Renovated in a historical building, Tango plays Latin and mainstream music for patrons who come down for a great party atmosphere, and to also enjoy the club's spectacular views of the caldera.

Franco's Bar, Fira

With mesmeric views of the caldera, Franco's is a very popular haunt to visit for a cocktail or two whilst watching the sundown, before moving on to a club. Also a beautiful setting for breakfast...

Jo-Jo, Perivolos Beach

Lounge around at Jo-Jo and watch a game of volleyball, or take a dip in the pool or jacuzzi. After 6pm the dancing and drinking begins at this fantastic and popular beach bar.

Wet Stories, Perivolos Beach

Another cool hangout on Perivolos Beach, the Wet Stories beach bar plays lounge music in the late morning building up to dance floor classics in the late evening.

Chilli Bar, Perivolos Beach

Lots of beach chairs and Haiwaiian umbrellas fill this cool and happening beach bar, which blasts out music throughout the day constsantly attracting a great crowd of guests.

Mylo's Cafe, Oia

Next to the iconic windmill in Oia is Mylo's, where you can enjoy a glass of local wine, cup of coffee or cocktail. It's also in the perfect spot for you to enjoy an infamous 'Oia sunset'.