Top things to do in Santorini in October
If you really want to experience Santorini at its best, then Autumn will offer you that opportunity. There are so many things to do in Santorini in October as well as a few other factors all of which make Autumn one of the best times to visit this Cycladic gem of an island.
First of all, there are less people around. Less crowds to stifle the magic of this unique destination, less people to maneuver around in the cobblestone streets, less hordes of enthusiastic tourists clamoring to get a glimpse of the famous sunset. Secondly, the weather is still pretty great; in Greece we get to enjoy one of the most fantastic Mediterranean climates in the region and Santorini is no exception. The temperatures are mild, the summer winds have mostly subsided, the sun continues to shine and the sea is actually warmer than it is in August. All of the above mean there are plenty of amazing things to do in Santorini in October, and here are our top picks.
6+1 Top things to do in Santorini in October
Santorini in October becomes your oyster to discover in an unhurried, slow paced manner, one that reveals its magnificence one experience at a time.
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Visit the Volcano & hot springs
No visit to Santorini can ever be considered a success without visiting its most remarkable landmark; the volcano. It is one of the most confounding sites to behold, to be in the presence of this natural marvel, lying asleep just beneath the sea’s surface. The volcanic peculiarity of Santorini has also created hot springs activity, and swimming in these is definitely one of the top things to do in Santorini in October. By taking our Santorini volcano and hot springs catamaran day cruise you get to visit both natural spectacles in one go.
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Observe the colourful beaches
Next on the top things to do in Santorini in October is to visit the island’s colourful beaches. Santorini has black beaches along the long stretch of Perivolos and Perissa, a red beach near Akrotiri and white beaches between Akrotiri and the cape upon which the iconic Lighthouse is perched. These beaches are all mostly accessible from land, however, viewing them from afar, like on a sailing cruise with us, allows you to fully observe the contrast of colours and textures. There is also one more unique beach which is often overlooked, that of Vlichada, that has a somewhat lunar look and feel.
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Discover the wines & local flavours
A destination for wine lovers and foodies alike, Santorini is a playground of delicate flavours that leave a lasting impression. Santorini is renowned for its quality viticulture, with at least five well known varieties of white and red wines. You can easily go on a wine tour and discover all the intricacies involved in the process of wine making, have wine tasting sessions paired with a few local nibbles and find your favourite local wine. Santorini’s unique landscape is also the reason behind some of the finest Greek products, such as the white eggplant, the sweet cherry tomato, the local fava dip and the most flavoursome capers you have ever tasted. So put cosmopolitan and international cuisine aside and delve into discovering the local flavours and their variations with every chance you get.
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Follow inspiring scenic routes
The way Santorini’s Caldera is formed lends itself for lovely scenic walks along the remarkable cliffside. There is a wonderful footpath that connects the central town, Fira, to Oia that takes you past the settlements of Firostefani, Imerovigli and Finikia. The full trail is about 10km long, but it is a relatively easy one to walk, consisting of sidewalks, cobblestones and dirt with some inclines too. It is a favourite among trekking enthusiasts for the incredible scenery it reveals and a preferred route for beginners and even people who have no experience with hiking at all, due to its low difficulty level. Try it after 6pm and you’ll get to see all the interchanging colours that adorn the sky just before sundown. It will be the most romantic walk you’ve ever been on.
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Chase the sunset
One of the simplest yet most amazing things to do in Santorini in October is to gaze at the sunset, in all the stillness that prevails. To see the sunset from Oia is hands down phenomenal, but it draws so many people during this hour that many are actually disappointed in reality. Visiting in October means significantly less crowds overall, so you may as well give it a chance. Oia is directly opposite the position in which the sun dives into the sea, however, there are other amazing spots from which to admire the sunset strewn sky. One of our favourites is to chase the sunset aboard our private Santorini sunset catamaran cruise. This way you can forget the crowds and having to watch the sunset from a single perspective; on our cruise we reveal the unlimited magic behind a Santorinian sunset at sea.
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Learn about history & local culture
Apart from its astounding natural beauty, Santorini also has a riveting history to it. It spans from the prehistoric times, the Neolithic era, into the Bronze ages, through the Byzantine then to the Medieval times and into the early modern age. It has so much to show for that when considering the top things to do in Santorini in October, learning about how the island has evolved is surely a rewarding activity. The museums are all still open in October with almost no queuing. Notable mentions include the Archaeological Museum of Thera, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, the ancient site of Akrotiri plus the Folklore Museum and the Naval Maritime Museum. There are also the Fossils and Minerals Museum and the Wine Museum that appeal to people with more particular interests.
Plus 1. Santorini shopping spree
Perhaps shopping is not one of the absolutely must do things in Santorini in October, but it is a fantastic pastime to spend browsing all the beautiful shops and stores in Fira and Oia. There is a special kind of island elegance they represent, carrying many items that span from garments and accessories to jewelry, home goods and souvenirs. Some are very up-scale where you will find designer items, others are more mainstream and less pricey, some of course remain a bit touristy while others are considered cult and are very genuine. You may come across some end of season items that are on sale so look close and find that one thing that will always remind you of Santorini when you look at it or even choose the perfect gift for someone back home at a great price!
So, have we convinced you to go against mass appeal and trade your peak summer vacations for a wonderful holiday in Santorini in October? If you do, we are sure it will be a most rewarding experience; one that will declutter your mind and fill your soul with feelings that are worth over 100 pictures and 1000 words.
