The Traveling Taylors

We’ve all seen the same Santorini bucket lists — sunset in Oia, boat tour, blue domes. But what about the island beyond the Instagram grid? On our trip, we asked locals what they really love to do — and the answers took us off the beaten path. Here are 7 Santorini things to do that give you an authentic, unforgettable experience.

🏺 1. Visit the Village of Megalochori

Quiet, charming, and refreshingly untouristy, Megalochori is a maze of stone-paved alleys, hidden churches, and old bell towers. It’s the kind of place where grandmas wave from their courtyards and cats nap on sunlit walls.

Local Tip: Stop at Gavalas Winery for a rustic tasting session right in the village center.

If you enjoy filming your travel experiences, a tiny wearable camera like this one is a great way to capture hands-free POV footage while walking through the Village of Megalochori.

🌊 2. Swim at Katharos Beach

Skip the crowds of Kamari and Perissa — locals head to Katharos Beach, just outside Oia. With dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water, it feels untouched. There’s a chill beach bar here too, perfect for sunset drinks.

Bring: Water shoes and your own towel — there are no rentals or umbrellas. Protect your feet on every adventure with these lightweight, quick-dry water shoes featuring a non-slip design perfect for swimming, kayaking, beach walks, and rocky terrain.

🍅 3. Eat Tomato Fritters in Vlychada

Tomatokeftedes (fried tomato balls) are a Santorini specialty, and Vlychada is where you’ll find the real deal — especially at the seaside taverna To Psaraki. Locals come for the food, and stay for the view of the marina. Trying different restaurants and local dishes often means extra attention to oral care, and an alcohol-free mouthwash like this one is an easy way to freshen your breath after meals.

Bonus: You’re right next to the island’s coolest beach, nicknamed the “moon beach” for its lunar-like cliffs. Some travelers also carry a mini portable charger like this one in their pocket or bag so they always have backup battery power for capturing photos of Vlychada.

🧭 4. Walk the Emporio Castle Labyrinth

Emporio is often overlooked, but it’s home to a hidden Venetian castle district full of winding tunnels, blue doors, and secret staircases. It feels like a medieval maze — and you might be the only one there.

Fun Fact: Many homes here are still carved into the volcanic rock. Comfortable shoes are essential when exploring the Emporio Castle labyrinth, and many travelers recommend supportive walking sneakers like these for full days of sightseeing.

🎨 5. Explore Art Space Winery and Gallery

Located in an old cave winery in Exo Gonia, this spot blends local wine tasting with contemporary Greek art. It’s quirky, creative, and far less commercial than Santorini’s big-name wineries. To sample more of the island’s volcanic vintages, you can join a small-group Santorini wine tasting tour.

Ask to see: The ancient wine cellars carved directly into the rock.

🚶 6. Climb Profitis Ilias for 360° Views

Want the best panoramic view of Santorini? Hike or drive up to the Profitis Ilias Monastery, the island’s highest point. From here, you can see everything — cliffs, caldera, beaches, and even the nearby islands. Capture breathtaking footage with the DJI Flip Drone, featuring ultra-high-definition video and a larger sensor for vivid detail and crystal-clear scenery shots.

Pro Tip: Visit in the morning or evening to avoid haze and harsh sunlight.

🧄 7. Take a Greek Cooking Class in a Local Home

Instead of another restaurant meal, spend an afternoon learning to cook authentic Santorini dishes — with locals. The home kitchen experience in Akrotiri is amazing. Travelers make moussaka, fava, and sweet tomato jam with a local family. Sampling local cuisine is always exciting, but maintaining good oral hygiene while traveling is just as important, which is why many travelers pack a portable water flosser like this one. If you’d rather book ahead, you can reserve a small-group Santorini cooking class and wine tasting.

Unexpected Perk: You leave with full bellies and family recipes.

If you’re visiting multiple attractions throughout the day, attaching an Apple AirTag like this one to your bag can give you peace of mind in case something gets misplaced.

💡Santorini Things to Do (Local-Style)

The most memorable Santorini things to do often aren’t the ones you’ll find in brochures. They’re the slow strolls through sleepy villages, the backstreet tavernas, and the quiet beaches where locals go to breathe.