Santorini, the place (usually) just for the rich. Doesn’t have to be that way though. For the young, dumb, and broke such like myself – it’s actually very doable. Totally worth it too.
I visited Santorini at 19, with no plans:
- Ended up meeting my current best friend
- Got persuaded to get my first tattoo
- Scored free wine with the famous Oia sunset view
- Got stranded at a random beach
- Had a few (necessary) mamma mia moments
Here are the free and budget-friendly things to do in Santorini for my fellow backpackers 🙂
1. Walk around Oia
Yes, it’s that extremely famous [post-card perfect] place that you imagine when someone mentions Greece or Santorini. With its white-washed houses sitting all the down the rugged cliff-top.
You can spend so many hours in Oia, its honestly a maze. There are windy paths through all the cute buildings – with amazing views every 6 seconds. The view from the town honestly becomes easily distracting as you’re walking. There are little shops everywhere filled with trinkets, souvenirs, (expensive) clothing, jewellery and plenty of fine-dining restaurants.
If you’re staying in Fira, you can easily get the bus from Fira to Oia. Or if you really want to – take a 2-hour hike there.
I was a 19-year-old solo traveller on a budget sooo it was window shopping only for me. Looking and not buying. Me and my mate from the hostel were both just happy to walk around and getting lost in the paths of Oia for hours. Stopping to sit and stare at the view, very often. Mostly because we needed to cool off from the heat.
You can be tempted to sit at the fancy restaurants that offer amazing table views BUT you’re on a budget remember. So, street gyros and street benches are a safer option for your bank. Still great Greek food with about the same view – a win anyway.
So a day out in Oia, will only cost you your bus ticket and lunch.
2. Watch the famous Oia sunset
I have a secret spot (that we accidentally stumbled across) when finding somewhere to watch the Oia sunset.
The WHOLE entire tourist population of this island goes to watch this sunset – its unmissable. And almost everybody goes to the well-known spot that is Oia Castle. A great place, but extremely overcrowded. You’re just going to end up watching the back of someone’s head instead of the sunset unless you get there hours before to save a spot to sit. That’s just a hassle.
SO, here is where to go instead.
When you’re spending your day wandering the streets of Oia, sightseeing and all. Keep an eye out for henna advertisements, and places that offer henna designs. You know the books with photos of henna designs to choose from – look for it.
If you see one, check if the store has a little gate (and possibly a little dog too). The store is run by a Greek woman that sells lots of Greek-inspired jewellery signs; evil eye nicklaces, rings and colourful trinkets.
Her house/store is on the cliff-side, with a balcony that overlooks the sea.
The lady told us that she has a deal where if we each buy one of here evil-eye bracelets, then we each get a free glass of wine, a cheese board and a seat at her beautiful and secluded balcony bench for the sunset.
Okay this probably sounds like a scam now that I’m saying it – but I promise it was not.
We both paid her 5-10 euros each for this extremely good deal. Sat with our white wine and watched her make our bracelets – where we got to pick the colours and shapes to make them unique. She was so sweet, and her place was amazing.
A few more travellers saw her store and noticed we had wine, so got in on the offer and joined us for our sunset viewings. There was enough room for about 5 of us. We made some friends, chatted, and watched the sunset in a quiet and perfect spot without any crowds.
3. Afternoon at Ammoudi Bay
Another picturesque place to visit on the island. If you’re staying or spending the day in Oia then it Ammoudi bay is definitely worth a visit.
You can take a taxi or car down, however parking is very difficult to find. I saw the build up of cars and it is ridiculous. We just walked. Costs nothing – except excessive sweat. There are signs in Oia streets that lead you to the path down. So, we know that Oia is the town on top of that massive cliff. Well, Ammoudi bay is at the very bottom of that. Only 278+ steps to walk down. There are benches to rest at along the way don’t worry. It does take bout 15 minutes to descend. Please wear good shoes and bring a water bottle – because you’re going to have to walk back up them when you leave.
When you get down all those stairs, turn left. You walk through all the seafood restaurants and follow the off-road path to a swimming area. You can cliff-jump and swim to another close island.
There are no shops or stores at Ammoudi bay – so only go if you fancy eating, swimming, or watching the view.
4. Hike from Fira to Oia
If you’re up for a hike day, then go for it. The walk is just over 10 kilometres long. It seems like a lot but there are amazing views the whole way and little towns to walk through and cafes to sit at and rest. Definitely recommend wearing good closed-in shoes because the trek is a mix of footpath, cobblestone, and dirt path. It’s not difficult at all – just stinking hot in the summer months especially in the direct sunlight.
5. See Skaros Rock
This is something that is on the hike from Fira to Oia. However, if you don’t feel like walking there – you can drive or take the bus. Skaros is a rock formation and collection of ruins. It was historically used as a fortress and offers amazing views in all directions.
6. Visit the donkeys
In both Fira and Oia, there are the classic donkey rides. However, these poor animals are walking up and down the hundreds of steps carrying people in the heat all day. But, it you just want to see them – when in Fira, follow the signs to the boat docks. You will see the donkeys all lined up or even walk right past you. It’s not the best smell but we loved dodging the donkeys on the stairs all day.
7. Check out the Three Bells of Fira
It’s those classic blue and white domes and church bells. This attraction was officially known as The Catholic Church of the Dormition. Easily noticeable if you’re walking through Fira for the day.
8. Beach day at Perissa
Spend the day relaxing on the sun lounges and swimming in the crystal clear waters. You can take the bus to Perissa beach from Fira. The Fira bus system is easy and very touristy friendly. It only costs a couple euros – just be sure to have coins handy.
