Oia

Carved into the cliffs, the colourful town of Oia is worth seeing from the sea and worth a visit. The sunsets are legendary and you will see why. If you arrive by boat, take a donkey ride up the steep streets passed the cave-like houses of the locals. Once at the top, stop for a glass of local wine and enjoy the sunset.

 

Akrotiri

Likened to Pompeii, the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri was buried under volcanic ash in 1627BC. Preserved and excavated in the 60’s & 70’s – you can wander through various parts of the city amongst houses, roads, bronze age drainage systems and marvel at the preserved frescoes, artwork and pottery that survive.

Open: Seven days a week April to October 8am to 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday November to March 8am to 3pm.

Closed: Mondays November to March

Tickets: €12 Adult, Free admission days: March 6th, March 25th, April 18th, May 18th, June 5th, Last weekend of September, October 28th, Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st.

 

Ancient Thira

Situated at the top of a mountain it is clear to see why the early settlers of Santorini chose to build a city up there – it allows great views of the Aegean and any approaching ships! Nowadays the site hosts Hellenistic, Roman & Byzantine ruins including houses with mosaic floors, temples, a market and theatre. If you’re feeling particularly active you can climb the mountain from Perissa in around an hour, for those who wish to save their energy you can drive up the otherside of the mountain from Kamari. Hourly minibus tours are available in the mornings.

Open: Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 3pm.

Closed: Monday

Tickets: €4

 

Volcano & Caldera Boat Tours

There are a multitude of these available all over the island. Don’t buy one from the resort rep if you have one – wander into your local village/town and buy one from there. A bus will pick you up, and take you down one of the scariest zig-zagging roads down the side of a cliff to the port where you will pick up your vessel. Taking you to hot springs and live parts of the volcano it is pretty cool and well worth doing.

 

The Aegean Sea

Beautifully blue, the Aegean sea is made for snorkelling – wonderfully clear water with positively tropical looking fish there is plenty to see in the water. Perissa is a great beach from which to conduct your forays into the water.