Ancient Thera

One of the most important archaeological sites in all Greece, the ruins of Thera are one of the island's biggest attractions. Still not fully excavated (it is still a working archaeological dig), the parts that are visible are enthralling, with parts ranging from the prehistoric to the late Roman period. Visitors are free to wander around (except for a few restricted areas).

Akrotiri

Another major archaeological site in Santorini, this Minoan town is amazing in many ways, in particular how it vividly brings home how advanced the Minoan civilization was at the time of its destruction. Akrotiri is a working site and one of the main attractions of visiting here is not only seeing the artifacts that are brought up, but also watching the work taking place around you.

Archaeological Museum

Located in the centre of Fira, this museum contains many of the artifacts that were unearthed at Thera and Akrotiri, and is worth a visit for a quick n' easy way to experience the sites without actually going to the sites themselves.

The Wine Museum

One of the island's most famous products (apart from archaeological treasures) is its wines, and this is the perfect place to learn more about the history of wine making on the islands. Appropriately enough, the museum is housed in a winery.

Byzantine Museum

Generally considered to have the finest collection of Byzantine art in Greece, this museum's superb exhibits include priceless icons, jewellery, manuscripts and other similar artifacts - well worth a visit if you're at all interested in the Byzantine Empire and its culture.

The village of Ia

Located 11 km north of Fira, this tiny village is a magnificent example of Cycladian architecture. Stark white houses climb precariously up the cliffs and overlook the azure waters of the sea. The village also has some of the island's best beaches, with both black sands and pebbles.

Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni

Located in the middle of the Bay, these two islands erupted from the sea over two thousand years ago, and are worth a visit just to see the strange lava landscapes.