My husband and I are heading to Santorini for 3 days next week. Can you recommend some things not to miss while we are there. We like to hike, eat at "hole in the wall" type places, and just relax. What beaches are best? restaurants? hikes? Thank you in advance. We are so excited about our trip!

Have lunch at a taverna on the wharf below Oia in Amoudi Bay. You can drive down there or walk down the steps. The best swimming on the island is also down there, 1/4 mile from the wharf along the seawall to large rocks and a man-made platform for sunbathing.

http://www.larios.gr/photo_1156998.html

You can hike along the cliffs between Fira and Oia. It takes about 3 hours. Leave early in the morning before it gets too hot. Take water, snacks, sunglasses, a hat and of course your camera.

Yes, by all means have lunch or dinner at Katrinas in Amoudi.
Here are some pics that show it---the one labled " Greek Chapel" is the swimming place--Amoudi is also labled.

http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=3829

Bob, did you know that you have somehow reversed the photo of the "Greek Chapel"? The stairway is on the left, not on the right.

Here's another look from a different angle: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/...1a91f16b_b.jpg

Gorgeous...sigh...

(I can't wait till next year)

Paule

Beaches like Perissa, Kamari and the Red Beach are the most popular ones and they are nice for swimming and sunbathing. You can also fine some smaller and less famous yet beautiful, not crowdy and even romantic, for example White beach, Kambia and Koloumbo. Moreover, you can go to Vourvoulos beach where you can find some small restaurants that serve fresh fish. You will find plenty of alternatives for eating but I would suggest to ask the hotel staff to give you any proposals because they are usually very well informed on such issues. Visit this site for some more tips on Santorini island http://www.greek-islands.us/santorini/ .

Thanks everyone! Looking forward to exploring your suggestions!

I can't believe nobody recommended Pyrgos!!! You have to see Pyrgos, it is on the way to Kamari beach, I will actually go out on a limb and say that it probably has the best view of the entire island. There are small friendly cafes, and restaurants. The best part is that it is low key and you're not crammed when walking on the street, like on Oia.

Have lunch in Pyrgos at the Kallisti Taverna. I was very impressed with the quality and presentation of their food.

There are a couple of low key gyro places by the bus terminal in Oia and a really great bakery just across the street or down a little ways on the sea side.

bookmarking.

(I can't recall the last time I was this excited about an upcoming trip!)

When you're in Oia, you might also like to stop for a drink or a meal at Cafe Pelikanos. They have a fantasic roof-top area with views to die for!

I agree. Pelekanos has one of the best views in Oia for watching the sunset as well as the caldera, and if you're there at just the right time this summer you can watch the sunset and moonrise within minutes of each other.

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