I'm looking for some advice on what to do on Santorini. We will be renting a villa in July in Oia for 7 days. We are a family with boys aged 11 and 13. Besides relax and eat, what else is there for us to do? None of us likes to shop. Thanks!

There are 2 historical sites, Ancient Thera and Akrotiri. There's a waterpark on Perissa Beach. There's a hiking trail between Perissa and Kamari Beaches. There's another trail from Fira to Oia. There are a couple of small museums. You can take the caldera/volcano excursion or the sunset cruise excursion. There's a submarine excursion. Rent a jetski at Kamari Beach. Watch the sunset from the cliffs of Oia. Tour several wineries. Eat your face off.

and shop for jewelry, ride the donkeys, shop for jewelry, and just take in the amazing blues and whites!

Let your brain suck in stunning views around nearly every corner ! Sip on a local red as you watch the sunset! Watch the sexy young things on the black beach. Trek over to the red beach get your gear off and wash off a layer of inhibitions!

The boys are a good age for a hike to the Skaros, reachable from Imerovigli.

Chill out and take pictures, lots of pictures. That's what I did there.

Brotherleelove:

We will be in Santorini in June, is there a website/info on the caldera and sunset cruise excursion?

The beaches are black sand so make sure you wear flip-flops...they get hot, hot, hot!

Cdowden:

Here's one--http://www.thiratours.com/Santorini-volcano-cruises.htm

Donkey riding was mentioned above, but I would like to discourage that if I possibly can. Those donkeys are badly abused, so if you care at all about animals, please skip the donkeys.

Rent a car one day (or two) and explore the island. Head to the beach at Vlychada. Explore Pyrgos.

Eat a lot of pistachios. I think we had a bag that were rolled in honey and sesame seeds (or something) that were quite tasty...best enjoyed with a book and a Mythos beer while sitting outside.

Thanks! BL

There is Ancient Thira. There are ruins there. It is between Perissia and Kamri beaches. It is best to research it and bring along a map from the internet because there are no guide books to be had when you get there.
There is also the Middle Ages town of Pyrgos which still has battlements and walls. We spent several hours wandering around this old city.
Lastly there is a restored Neoclassical Mansion, but I can't find it in my guide book. As I recall it is in the outskirts of Thira on the way to the beaches. The tour is well worth a stop.

Thank you for all the great suggestions! I knew Santorini would be beautiful and relaxing. Now I have some ideas of what to do there too.