Outdoor & Sport Activities in Santorini

What comes to mind when you think of Santorini? A picturesque, sun-drenched paradise with a vibrant nightlife? Or a whitewashed Cycladic village with stunning blue-domed churches and breathtaking sea views? You wouldn't be wrong. But look beneath the postcard version of the Aegean island and you'll find a wealth of outdoor activities in Santorini that will light a fire under any adventure seeker.

From windsurfing to snorkeling, scuba diving, volcano hiking and more, Santorini has an abundance of activities for the thrill-seeking traveler. So, before you have a glass of local wine and soak up the sunset, check out some of our favorite Santorini outdoor and sports activities!

Boat tours

Boat tours around Santorini are an epic way to explore the stunning coastal scenery of the island. Hop aboard a semi-private catamaran tour and cruise to the island's top sights such as the Red Beach, White Beach and the caldera. Alternatively, opt for a sunset tour and marvel as the sun sets over the Aegean Sea, with the 18th-century Akrotiri Venetian lighthouse in the distance.

Venture out further Palea Kameni, or anchor near the famous Hot Springs for a relaxing dip before sunset! With plenty of boat tours to choose from, you're guaranteed to find something up your alley. Plus, with buffet meals and open bars typically included in the ticket cost, you're sure to have a fun-filled day on the ocean waves.

Kayaking

Ideal for solo travelers or couples, kayaking in Santorini is a thrilling way to experience the island's coastal beauty up close — and away from the crowds. Take a guided tour from Kamari Beach to nearby Mesa Pigadia Beach, paddling past volcanic cliffs and exploring hidden sea caves. Along the way, stop for a dip in the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea and snorkel through a range of marine life.

Depending on your specific tour, you might also get to witness Red Beach, Black Mountain and the stunning caldera from a unique vantage point. Plus, kayaking tours typically include a light meal or snack as well as snorkeling equipment — perfect for an unforgettable day out on the water!

Fishing trips

Typically revolving around a beautiful sunset or a hearty meal (or both), fishing trips in Santorini provide a unique way to explore the waters around the island while also mastering the techniques used by local fishermen for centuries.

Join a local guide for a half-day or a full-day trip (often departing from the port of Ammoudi) and fish for red mullet, sea bream and a host of other local species. Fish further out for a chance to catch larger prey like tuna or swordfish. With both small group tours and private charters available, there's something for every budget.

Horse riding

A fantastic way to explore the island's scenic countryside away from the crowds, horse riding tours take you off the beaten track — often through the vineyards of Megalochori, the picturesque village of Pyrgos or the black sand beach of Perivolos. No previous riding experience is necessary and tours are available for all skill levels.

For something extra special, consider one of the sunset rides. These take you along the shoreline or to one of the highest points on the island, where you can watch as the sun sets over Santorini and its glittering caldera.

Snorkeling and scuba diving

Two quintessential island activities, snorkeling and scuba diving in Santorini, offer a rare insight into the area's underwater beauty. Take a guided tour to the best spots including the caldera or visit the shipwreck at Taxiarchis Bay. Mesa Pigadia Beach, Thirassia Island and Red Beach make up the remainder of the most popular sites, with plenty of colorful fish and coral reefs to explore.

Hiking

Since Santorini is a volcanic island, its terrain is fairly rugged. This makes it the perfect place for a spot of hiking. Wander through vineyards and valleys as you ascend to the summit, or explore some of the island's ancient ruins, like Ancient Thera. With trails suitable for all skill levels, and a bounty of guided adventure tours to take you to the best spots, there's something for everyone.

Take a guided tour to the ancient ruins of Thera, perched atop a cliff overlooking the caldera. Or, hike from Oia to Fira and admire the sweeping ocean views along the way. For an extra challenge, trek to the summit of the highest peak of the island, Profitis Ilias, for panoramic views of Santorini's coastline.

Jet ski

Jet ski tours around Santorini offer an adrenaline-fueled way to explore the island's coastline — whether that's a standalone rental or as part of a guided tour from Perivolos Beach. Either way, you'll speed past the island's top sights, including the Red and White beaches and the caldera. Rentals can be as short as 30 minutes, while jet ski safaris tend to last around 4 hours.

Helicopter tours

From street level, Santorini is an impressive sight. But, take to the skies and you'll be met with a truly awe-inspiring view of its coastline and volcanic landscape. Educational helicopter tours offer a unique way to witness the island's beauty without having to take on too much physical activity. Soar high above Oia and Fira, see the caldera from a different perspective and take in the rugged terrain of Santorini's ancient ruins.

Bike tours

A solid calorie-burning workout, bike tours in Santorini are a great way to explore the island's picturesque countryside. Led by in-the-know locals, these outdoor activities will take you through the inland vineyards and villages before riding along the coast and dipping your toes in the Aegean Sea.

Some excursions focus on the southern part of the island, while others tackle the mountains or the intercity road — all in all, you'll find dozens of e-bike tours to choose from.

Quad tours

Ideal for adrenaline junkies, Santorini quad tours provide an exciting approach to discovering the island's picturesque landscape. You can join a guided tour that will take you through rural areas and unveil lesser-known attractions like Emporio village, Vlychada and Perissa's secluded beaches — with a friendly local guide to provide an in-depth commentary the whole way through.

Stand-up paddleboarding

While it takes a few minutes to get the hang of, once you're in full flight, stand-up paddleboarding in Santorini is a wonderful way to experience the island's coastline.

Choose from a guided tour or a standalone rental — either way, you can expect to spend some time snorkeling, admiring the caldera's dramatic views, and visiting some of Santorini's secret coves. Kamari Beach, St George Beach and Perivolos Beach are just some of the top spots for SUP.

Parasailing

At breathtaking heights of up to 100 meters, parasailing sells itself as one of the most exciting Santorini outdoor activities. Strapped securely to a parachute attached to the back of a speedboat, you'll soar above Santorini's stunning coastline in no time. With a bird's-eye view of the caldera and Oia, you'll witness some truly spectacular views — perfect for a memorable day out.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing

For those looking for an adrenaline rush in Santorini, why not try windsurfing or kitesurfing? With both beginner and advanced courses available, you can learn the basics or refine existing skills with professional instruction. Taking place at Avis Beach or Monolithos beach, you'll be surrounded by crystal-clear waters and volcanic black sands from the moment you arrive.

Jeep tours

Escape the hustle and bustle of Santorini's crowds with a jeep tour. The back roads are where you'll find some hidden gems — from off-the-beaten-track villages to the spectacular vistas from Profitis Ilias mountain. Thanks to the full customizability of these tours, you'll be able to tailor the itinerary to your exact preferences.

Flyboarding

Taking place at Perivolos Beach, flyboarding is a modern twist on traditional water sports. A high-pressure jet of water propels you above the waves, allowing you to soar up to 15 meters in the air and perform gravity-defying stunts — all while admiring Santorini's unique coastline from a different perspective.