3 Spots Off the Beaten Path in Santorini, Greece

Are you looking for spots off the beaten path in Santorini?

There is no denying Santorini, Greece, is stunning.

We spent 6 days on this lovely island, enjoying some of the most touristy spots. Then it got to the point that we needed to explore spots off the beaten path of Santorini, away from cruise ship crowds in Oia and Fira.

The sights are incredible. The idyllic white mountainside homes are just as picturesque as seen in travel magazines, on Instagram, and even on the big screen (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, as reference).

The sunsets are magical, and the sunrises are worth the early rise – and that’s saying a lot because we’re not morning people.

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We fondly remember all of this from our visit. By the same token, we also recall the surge of crowds in the afternoons in Oia and Firá that pushed us to find quieter and less explored parts of the island.

We found a few spots worth visiting and sharing with you off the beaten path.

Off the Beaten Path in Santorini, Greece

Hubby and I visited Santorini for a week and stayed in Oia. Which meant we had the time to explore outside of Oia and Fira. We rented a car for part of the time and explored.

Our local hostess, born and raised in Santorini, was a wealth of knowledge and insisted we venture outside the tourist areas. I wish I had written down every one of her recommendations to share with you.

However, the next three spots were our favorites.

Where did we stay in Santorini? We stayed in a beautiful villa in Oia overlooking the caldera at Ifestio Villas Oia.

The views were spectacular and unlike anything we ever experienced. The host and owner of the villas is a local who goes above and beyond to make sure you are enjoying your stay on the island she loves. We highly recommend it.

The Good Heart Santorini

This Tasty Itinerary was quite the find. It’s a produce market and a tavern.

By now, it’s probably gained popularity, but we will never forget the warm welcome by the owner and the full tray of samples given to us the second we stepped into the shop.

The majority of the fixings were homemade with local produce. We purchased all sorts of goodies to take home: fig jam, Santorini tomato paste (prepared with local Santorini tomatoes), olives… etc.

During a past Christmas, my sister-in-law served the tomato paste we had given her as part of an antipasto, which tasted better than we remembered it being.

If you are a foodie and love to try local goods, stop by and have a taste. You won’t regret it.

Tasty itinerary Tip: Say YES to the Fig jam and tomato paste.

The Good Heart | Greece, Akrotiri 847 00, Greece | Google Map It

Red Beach

Ever imagine what it may be like to step foot on Mars? Mars with a large body of water that is.

This is quite possibly one of the most unique beaches I’ve ever been to… so far. It is spectacular with its large red lava rock formations and rocky terrain. The clear, cerulean water, in contrast, is breathtaking. Plan on taking a dip here.

When we went in October, it wasn’t too busy, but expect it to be in the summertime. This can be a huge tourist spot, but not everyone that visits the island will venture off the beaten path in Santorini, Greece to see it.

Red Beach | Google Map It

Tour Option:
Sailing Cruise in Santorini to Red Beach and Akrotiri with a BBQ [book here]

Wine Tasting at Art Space

At Art Space, you’ll find an ancient winery and an art gallery in the same space. Plus, a free wine tasting!

At the Art Space, they provide samples of their wines and educate you on their process as they give you a tour of their old winery. The old winery, a cave carved out of pumice rocks, has been turned into a beautiful art space displaying an array of art from international artists.

We enjoyed the wine immensely. The art was worth the visit, too. Delicious wine, plus great art… you can’t go wrong.

Tip: We absolutely loved their Vinsanto (a dessert wine). I highly recommend taking a bottle back home with you. We did, and it didn’t last long.

Art Space | Έξω Γωνιά 847 00, Greece (Google Map It) | Website

Other Wine Tour Ideas:
Experience Santorini: Wine Tasting Small Group Tour [book here]

Other Unique Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

1. Take a Cooking Class

During this trip, you will fall in love with Greek cuisine. Why not take a cooking class and learn how to make an authentic Greek dish?

Return home with a new recipe to cook for your friends and family the next time you throw a dinner party. If anything, go for the food and wine! That’s enough of a reason for me.

[book here]

2. Volcano & Hot Springs Tour

This is technically an off-the-beath path Santorini adventure, but only because you need to take a boat there. It’s only accessible by boat.

We did a volcano tour when we visited; it was cool and exciting. When will you ever tour a volcano? Remember to wear sneakers and be ready for a bit of a hike.

Bring your swimsuit for the hot springs.

[book here]

3. Eat and Walk Food Tour

Nothing like a food tour to make a trip special. Take a small group walking food tour in the village of Firostefani in Santorini. Enjoy scenic views while tasting local favorites like Greek Coffee, Olives, souvlaki, loukoumades, and more.

[book here]

4. Hike the Best Trail in Santorini

Book a guided hike that takes you through the most incredible views of the caldera. Start in Fira and end in Oia.

It’s one of the most popular hikes and worth going with a guide that knows all the hidden pathways of the island they love.

[book here]

5. Staying a Villa? Hire a Private Chef

As you know, I’m all about food when I travel. Hiring a local private chef to cook us an authentic meal is a luxury I dream of and would take advantage of if we are staying in the right location, i.e., it must have a kitchen.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a chef cook a romantic meal for you and your significant other? Perhaps a nice family dinner where you don’t have to worry about going out and finding a restaurant that will seat you all? You will always remember this great vacation indulgence because great food equals great memories.

[book here]

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