Things to Do in Santorini While on a Break from Your Studies

A visit to the island of Santorini in the Cyclades is a treat for anyone who’s got it on their bucket list. A prime destination for couples, it’s also got enough activities to keep groups of students happily busy. The views out over the turquoise sea are spectacular, and so are the sunsets. Here are a few things to do in Santorini during a visit.

Stay in a Luxurious Villa

A stay in Santorini almost demands living it up because it’s one of the most picturesque of the Greek Islands. A villa in Santorini is an excellent place to enjoy having fun as a group of students on holiday.

The Blue Villa Collection offers a range of properties for different sized groups with private swimming pools, elegant buildings with comfortable facilities, and grounds to walk around in.

There’s no chance of being bothered by other guests when staying in your own villa. There are numerous villas available for rent per night in Imerovigli, Oia, Megalochori and elsewhere on the island. To find a suitable villa, you can find more information here.

The Distinctive Red Beach

While there are plenty of beaches to visit while staying in Santorini, the Red Beach is the most well-known of them all. Its backdrop is made of red and black volcanic rock creating a dramatic setting. However, make sure to wear sturdy shoes while taking a walk here.

The clear water is ideal for swimming and cooling off from the Greek sun. Getting there is not difficult as it’s located near the Akrotiri site which has a rich history of its own. The Akrotiri port has boats that can reach the beach directly if you’re not driving to the location. 

Go for a Hike from Fira to Oia

Spending the day hiking from Fira over to Oia is a traditional journey that will give you some exercise to walk off the robust Greek cuisine and an overindulgence of wine or Ouzo the night before. The walk is not a casual stroll for 20 minutes; it’s a hike that can take from 2 hours up to 5 hours depending on your speed and level of fitness. Wearing hiking books instead of flip-flops is suggested.

However, the views are incredible for much  of the route. Passing through villages and rural areas, there are a few restaurants and shops along the way to take a break. If you are taking a trip in the hotter months, start earlier to combat the mid-day sun and keep a good pace.

Outdoor Cinema

It’s not quite the same as seeing a live theatre performance at an outdoor theatre, but the next best thing is the outdoor cinema based in Kamari. It has white canvas seating that is almost like those found on the beach, so it is not your standard layout.

Performances begin late with a movie shown around 9:30pm. They open the doors at 8:30pm and tickets go fast, so arrive early. There are food, snack and drink options to enjoy while watching the movie. Consider how you’ll get there and return as the movie will end near midnight. Typically, there is a last bus timed for after the movie ends and some taxis standing by too.

Getting from the Old Port to Fira

When arriving by boat from another GreekIsland to the Old Port, you’ll need to get up to Fira which has some elevation to deal with. There is a convenient cable car to ride up and take in the surroundings. Another way to get up the numerous steps is by riding a donkey all the way up. It’s slow, but it’ll get you there. Alternatively, if you’re staying in Oia, it’s possible to hire a donkey for the ride from Amoudi Bay too.

Seafood Restaurants

When visiting Amoudi Bay, it’s worth locating the small port. There are four restaurants along the port serving sumptuous seafood dishes that are as fresh as you could hope for. The area is pleasant without the same hustle and bustle of some parts of the island that gets busy with tourists. Don’t miss dining here when later going to Oia via a boat ride to Amoudi Bay.

Whichever villa you stay in, be sure to take in the gorgeous view of the sunset each night. It is just spectacular and will have you reaching for your smartphone to take some Instagram-worthy snaps for sure. It’s also a good idea to visit Santorini while you are still young because the island has a rocky terrain and paths that change levels making it tricky to navigate when unsteady on your feet. You need your stamina on the island as there is a fair amount of walking involved, so being young and fit helps.

Have we convinced you to visit Santorini?  Let us know what will be on your itinerary.

Tags: Amoudi Bay, Santorini

Category: Travel