• Home
  • Travel
    • Destinations
      • Africa
        • Morocco
      • Asia
        • Thailand
      • Caribbean
      • Europe
        • England
        • France
        • Greece
        • Italy
        • Netherlands
        • Malta
        • Spain
      • USA
        • Boston
        • Chicago
        • Las Vegas
        • NYC
        • Puerto Rico
        • Miami
        • South Carolina
        • Washington D.C.
      • Mexico
    • Itineraries & Guides
    • Packing Lists
    • Hotels
    • Experiences
    • Instagram Spots
  • Lifestyle
  • Dana Berez

  • Blogging
    • Blogging & Social Media
    • How to Start a Profitable Blog in 2020
    • Photography
  • Shop
    • Presets
  • About

Dana Berez

October 5, 2019

Santorini Travel Guide: Exploring Beyond Oia

Santorini Travel Guide: Exploring Beyond Oia

Table of Contents

  • 1 Santorini Travel Guide: Exploring Beyond Oia
    • 1.1 Where to Stay Besides Oia
      • 1.1.1 Megalochori, Traditional Village
      • 1.1.2 Ducato Villas
      • 1.1.3 CHECK AVAILABILTY & RATES
      • 1.1.4 Other Hotels
      • 1.1.5 Food in Megalochori
    • 1.2 How to Get Around
    • 1.3 Rent an ATV
      • 1.3.1 Driving Around The Island
    • 1.4 What to Do in Santorini
      • 1.4.1 Visit The Beaches
      • 1.4.2 Wine Tasting
      • 1.4.3 Visit the Windmills

Most likely when you think of Santorini, you picture the beautiful blue-domed churches intertwined between the hilly landscape. That image is Oia, arguably the most photographed place in on the island. However, there is so much to do in on the island beyond just beautiful Oia. That’s why I had to share this Santorini Travel Guide with you. I hope this will inspire you to explore and see what the island has to offer!

Where to Stay Besides Oia

Megalochori, Traditional Village

During my time on the island, I stayed in both Oia and Megalochori but had no idea that staying in another village would completely change the way I see the island.

Megalochori Santorini

Santorini Travel Guide Beyond Oia | Top things to do in Santorini | Dana Berez Greece Travel Guide
Megalochori Santorini
Cat in Megalochori

Megalochori is the cutest village located in the southern part of the island dating back to the 17th century. It’s filled with historic homes and mansions. Staying there was so unique, it truly felt like a local experience. It’s a pedestrian-only town adding to the charm.

There are a few restaurants and shops located in the center of the town where you’ll see the locals hang out and just watch. It definitely is a different vibe than Oia, but I am so glad I saw more of how the locals really live.

Megalochori Santorini

Megalochori Santorini
Santorini TaMegalochori Santoriniravel Guide Beyond Oia | Top things to do in Santorini | Dana Berez Greece Travel Guide
Megalochori Santorini

Megalochori Santorini

Ducato Villas

I stayed at the Ducato Villas which is a collection of renovated historic homes ranging from one to five bedrooms. Each villa is uniquely designed and comes with all modern amenities and a private pool.

I stayed in a one-bedroom villa, or the ‘Stone House’ which operated as a winery producing vinsanto at the turn of the century.

Ducato wine hotel santorini

Ducato wine hotel santorini
Ducato wine hotel santorini
Ducato wine hotel santorini
Ducato wine hotel santorini

This is a perfect area to stay if you want an authentic experience in a quiet and charming village. It was a great break from the business of Oia.

CHECK AVAILABILTY & RATES

Other Hotels

Booking.com

Food in Megalochori

Raki: We ended up eating here so many times, and I am still dreaming of the warm feta drizzled in honey and sesame seeds. This one of the restaurants located in the small square of the village. Even if you aren’t staying in Megalochori, it’s definitely worth a stop!

Megalochori Santorini

How to Get Around

Rent an ATV

Taxi’s in Greece can become costly, especially since they don’t charge you by miles or time, it’s more of a flat rate of 25€-35€ one way. That makes visiting the whole island is a challenge. The best way to see the island on your own itinerary is by renting ATV \ quad bike.

I rented through Blue Island. They showed me how everything on the ATV worked and was great to communicate with.

Driving Around The Island

Before you can rent a car, be sure to get your International Drivers Permit! The process takes 10 minutes in person at your local AAA. Alternatively, you can just mail in the information.

Companies in Greece will require this document for a car or ATV rental. I know some companies let it slide if you don’t have one, but it’s better safe than sorry.

At first, I was a bit nervous to drive around but got the hang of it after a while. Stick to the right side of the road so cars can pass you, as the ATV doesn’t reach crazy fast speeds.

There aren’t too many main roads, which is a plus! You won’t get lost easily.  I’d just brush up on some European road signs, just so you don’t park in a no-parking zone.

Renting the ATV was definitely a highlight during my trip. Being able to see the whole Island was so mind-opening. There is definitely more to the island than just Oia! Rent an ATV, you won’t be disappointed.

What to Do in Santorini

Visit The Beaches

If the island could improve on one thing, it would be its beaches. The island is not known for them, however, that doesn’t mean you should skip them.

We rode our ATV to Perisssa Beach, which is a black sand beach located on the south side of the island. The whole vibe reminded me of a laid back surf town.

Open-aired restaurants, bars & shops line the beachfront road. We stopped at Yazz for lunch and then continued our day on their beach chairs.

The chairs did not cost extra, so I am assuming if you order something you can sit. Or it’s so laid back they just didn’t care?

Perissa Beach
Perissa Beach
Santorini Travel Guide Beyond Oia | Top things to do in Santorini | Dana Berez Greece Travel Guide
Santorini Travel Guide Beyond Oia | Top things to do in Santorini | Dana Berez Greece Travel Guide

Because of the natural landscape, there are also red beaches on the Island. We didn’t get a chance to see these beaches, but it is something to add for next time.

Wine Tasting

Winemaking in on the island is unique and one of the oldest in the world. There are a few wineries you can visit, one being Gavalas Winery in Megalochori. Or you can take a 4-hour tour and visit three wineries with a small group!

Visit the Windmills

Santorini has its own set of windmills perched upon a hill! We found these driving the ATV and had to get a closer look. It’s a great stop for some photos and to take in the views.

VIDEO:

 

Hope you enjoyed this post! There is so much to see beyond Oia, hope this convinced you to check out the traditional village of Megalochori!

 Oia Travel Guide / Santorini Instagram Spots 

 Milos Travel Guide / 7 Best Beaches in Milos

 Paros Travel Guide

Mykonos Travel Guide / Mykonos Instagram Spots

Save This to Your Pin Boards for Reference

Santorini travel guide
Santorini travel guide
Santorini travel guide

 

Pin this Post
Share this Post

You May Also Like...

How Travel Bloggers Make Money: Get Paid to Travel

June 26, 2020

Staying at Le Narcisse Blanc in Paris, France

November 27, 2018

Unforgettable Stay at Sugar Beach, St Lucia: Resort Review

March 8, 2021

Leave a Reply Cancel Comment

Previous Post
The Only Miami Travel Guide You Need
Next Post
Ultimate Malta Travel Guide: Top Things to See & Do
About Me

About Me

Hey there! I’m Dana, a Wisconsin native now living in NYC. A lover of adventure, spontaneity, and culture. Join me as I discover NYC and beyond as I explore and travel.

SEARCH BAR

TRAVEL

NYC

LIFESTYLE

MUST READ:

  • 29 Best Girls Trip Destinations in the USA
  • 30 Best Bottomless Brunch Spots in NYC
  • Charleston Weekend Getaway Guide: Things You Must Do
  • Best NYC Instagram Spots: 21 Locations With Map
  • 19 Best Swimsuit Brands for Flattering Cute Swimsuits

    April 15, 2021
  • The 15 Best Beaches in Florida to Visit this Year

    April 8, 2021
  • 28+ Exciting Things to Do in Las Vegas

    April 4, 2021
  • Best Hotels in Las Vegas that are Luxurious & Chic

    April 1, 2021
Dana Berez Instagram
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2021Site Powered by Pix & Hue.