10 Things to Do in Santorini in October

One of the most popular things to do on the island during October is to enjoy the stunning white and blue architecture that is emblematic of the island. Thanks to the still warm temperatures, you can walk through the narrow cobblestone streets of the traditional villages but you can also enjoy the historic charm of the old buildings.

Another amazing activity to do during this month is to visit the ancient churches and monasteries within the island to learn about its history and culture. You can't miss the archaeological sites and museums to learn about the rich history of the region, and of course, you have to take the time to enjoy the delicious local gastronomy. Overall, you will be able to find many of the best things to see and do in Santorini during this month.

October 22 is a very important day on the island because it celebrates Saint Averkios, considered the patron saint of wine. During this date, the island's wine cellars open their doors to allow locals and visitors to taste new wine for the first time, so if there is something you will like about this celebration is that you will be able to taste the traditional wine of this island. This is a tradition deeply rooted in the local culture, as wine is a fundamental element in both the gastronomy and daily life of the region.

During the celebration, wines are tasted and compared, while local producers compete to present the best product. In addition, you can participate in different cultural and religious activities honoring Saint Averkios. This day is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the pleasant weather of the island while tasting the spectacular local wines, but it is also a good time to take a tour of Santorini through the flavors of its wines.

Details of interest

• Price: to enjoy these events and enter the vineyards to taste the new wine you will have to pay an entrance fee that can cost around 30 euros per person.
• Schedule: generally the wine tasting hours are around 15:00. And the celebration of this patron saint is on October 22.
• Location: the wine villages of the region are the ones that offer these tastings, among which Megalochori, Pyrgos and Messaria stand out.

Ochi Day in Greece takes place every October 28 and is among the country's most iconic dates because it commemorates the Greek refusal to be occupied by Italy during World War II. During this day, Greeks usually gather to honor those who defended the independence of Greece at that time, but also the bravery of the Greek people as a symbol of their resistance against the invader.

During the holiday, Greece and its islands, among which Santorini stands out, offers not only information about that historical event to both locals and visitors, but also invites everyone to know the different tourist attractions offered by the island and the rest of the country. For these reasons, this event is a good opportunity for you as a tourist to explore the rich history and culture of this country, at least from the island of Santorini.

Gastronomy is also a highlight during this holiday, and one that you will surely love to enjoy, because the locals take advantage of the occasion to show visitors their extensive gastronomy and traditional dishes that represent the Greek idiosyncrasy. Another way to sample the delicious Greek gastronomy is to sign up for a Santorini cruise experience, where you will be offered the opportunity to try the island's traditional dishes.

Details of interest

• Price: to enjoy this celebration you won't have to pay anything. But I do recommend you to set aside some money to enjoy the local gastronomy during this patriotic commemorative date.
• Schedule: these celebrations take place throughout the day, and usually the solemn acts are held in the morning.
• Location: the most important commemorative events take place in Fira, which is the capital of the island.

If you travel to Santorini during the month of October, one of the things you must do is to visit the local markets, thanks to the discounts and low prices you will find on seasonal products. In these markets you can find a wide variety of typical products of the island, among which fruits, vegetables, spices and fresh seafood that you can't miss.

Besides tasting the local products, you can also experience the authentic and lively atmosphere of the markets. During your visit to the market you will have the opportunity to interact with the locals, while learning more about their culture and way of life. In addition, when you visit Santorini city you will have the opportunity to visit other local markets that are dedicated to selling products such as souvenirs and other types of souvenirs.

Details of interest

• Price: you will not have to pay anything to go and enjoy the markets.
• Hours: these markets are usually open from early in the morning until after 18:00 every day.
• Location: local markets are distributed in many parts of the island, usually in places like Fira, which is the capital, or even in Oia and Pyrgos.

No doubt that when you visit Santorini in October, you cannot miss the opportunity to see the most spectacular sunsets that the island has to offer, which also has several incredible viewpoints that will make you take the best photos of your trip. Each of these viewpoints has its advantages and characteristics when it comes to enjoying the sunsets.

It is a spectacle that you can not miss mainly because it is one of the biggest attractions that the island has, being recognized worldwide as an impressive natural phenomenon that certainly does not go unnoticed.

Not only will you have the opportunity to see the sunsets, but I also recommend, if you plan to stay in Santorini for three days, to dedicate at least one day to get up even earlier to enjoy the sunrise at a viewpoint on the island, a spectacle that you will definitely want to see in autumn. The best thing about this activity is that it is free and there are plenty of places from where you can see the sunset or sunrise in all its splendor.

Details of interest

• Price: it is a free activity, so you will not have to pay anything to enjoy it.
• Schedule: there is no specific schedule to witness these natural phenomena, it is just a matter of luck and patience.
• Location: almost anywhere on the island you can enjoy these natural spectacles.

Beyond the local markets where you can find souvenirs, I recommend you to take advantage of your visit to Santorini during the month of October, to enjoy visits to the local handicraft stores that are distributed throughout Santorini. These stores offer a wide variety of products handmade by local artisans, from textiles to pottery and jewelry.

The best thing about visiting these stores is that not only will you be able to take home unique souvenirs of your trip, but you will also be supporting local commerce and contributing to the development of the island's economy. In addition, if you go shopping in Santorini during this month of the year, you will have the advantage of finding all these products with considerable discounts, taking into account that this month is already low season.

Details of interest

• Price: the prices of the souvenirs may vary according to each store you choose to buy, although to enter these stores, you don't need to pay anything.
• Hours: I recommend visiting these stores during any day of the month, from 10:00 am onwards.
• Location: these handicraft stores are distributed all over the island, mostly in Fira and Pyrgos.

Santorini belongs to the Cyclades Islands of Greece, so if you're visiting in October, I recommend signing up for an island cruise where you can enjoy the breathtaking views and slightly cooler weather this time of year has to offer. Before boarding a Cyclades Islands cruise, you need to know that they usually last several hours and make stops at different islands close to Santorini.

In the middle of these cruises you will have the opportunity to participate in different activities, among which stand out to go swimming in crystal clear waters, visit ancient cities and above all, taste the delicious local flavors.

At each of these stops you will also be able to stop and admire the beautiful panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, with its sunset that is one of the most spectacular in Europe. In other words, with this activity you will have the opportunity to discover the hidden treasures of the archipelago and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Details of interest

• Price: this type of cruise usually costs around 100 euros per person.
• Schedule: almost all cruises departing from Santorini to the Cyclades Islands leave early in the morning because they last half or full day.
• Location: the tour takes place in the Aegean Sea to the whole region of the Cyclades.

If you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy the natural beauty of Santorini in October, Vlychada beach is a place you can't miss. This beach is famous for its unique rock formations and relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat to get away from the noise of the city.

The rock formations at Vlychada feature canyons and volcanic stone cliffs that create a unique landscape. One of the activities you can do in this place is to enter and enjoy the crystal clear waters, sunbathe and relax on the sand while admiring the scenery. In addition, within the beach complex you can find several taverns and bars nearby where you can taste the local food and drinks.

Details of interest

• Price: you will not have to pay anything to enjoy these spaces if you go on your own, if you go on a guided tour you will have to pay just over 100 euros per person.
• Schedule: I recommend you to visit this beach early in the morning, so you can enjoy the space for as long as you want.
• Location: Vlychada beach is located on the south coast of the island of Santorini.

One of the best ways to enjoy Santorini in October is by taking a wine tasting tour of some of the local wineries on the island, considering that this is one of the best months of the year to get to know the wine making process of the region. Knowing this, a wine tasting tour is an excellent way to explore the local wineries, taste some of the best wines and get to know the wine legacy of the region.

During the wine tasting tour, you can visit some of the most outstanding local wineries in Santorini, learn about the wine production process and taste some of the most exquisite local wines. And you can't miss the beautiful views that you will encounter during the whole tour while tasting the wine.

These tours are conducted by guides who are knowledgeable in the area of wine and who also have extensive knowledge about the wine culture in the region. It is for this reason that you will have the opportunity to ask everything you want to know about the subject as the tour progresses.

Details of interest

• Price: you will have to pay around 150 euros per person to do a wine tour like this one.
• Schedule: almost always these tours started very early in the morning, because they usually last a whole day.
• Location: the quintessential wine areas of Santorini island are Megalochori and Pyrgos.

If there is one thing you cannot miss during your visit to the island in the month of October, it is the opportunity to taste the delicious Greek gastronomy, especially the fresh fish that you will find in many of the local restaurants. The island of Santorini is especially famous for its excellent food and the wide variety of restaurants serving traditional dishes from the region and fresh produce from the sea.

Among the local and seasonal dishes you should try during your visit to the city in October are Greek salad, the famous gyro and, of course, fresh fish. As in almost any place in the world, in Santorini you can find from elegant establishments to small traditional taverns where you can enjoy good dishes that highlight the Greek gastronomy.

Another feature of these types of restaurants offering local food, is that while enjoying your meal, you will have the opportunity to also enjoy the amazing views of the island and its surroundings, which will add a special touch to your dining experience.

Details of interest

• Price: these dishes in any restaurant in Santorini can cost around 20 to 50 euros each.
• Hours: restaurants on the island usually serve lunch from 11:30 to 14:30, although times may vary according to the policies of each restaurant.
• Location: you will find amazing restaurants and tavernas all over the island, especially in its capital, Fira.

Whether you travel to Santorini in September, October or any other month of the year, one of the must-see stops on your visit is the iconic blue dome church in Oia. This church is an icon of the island and is the perfect place to take a photo shoot and capture the beauty of Santorini, especially during the month of October, when the sky still remains clear like in summer, but the colors start to become more subdued with the approach of autumn.

The blue dome church is a landmark where tourists from all over the world flock to enjoy its breathtaking views, so it is definitely a place you have to include in your travel itinerary. It is located in the heart of Oia, a picturesque town that offers some of the most breathtaking scenery on the island, and you'll also have to visit to see all of its scenery beyond the blue-domed church.

Details of interest

• Price: you will have to pay around 30 euros per person if you want to hire a photographer to do your photo shoot. But if you do it on your own you won't have to pay anything.
• Schedule: you can do the photo sessions at any time you want, depending on your purpose.
• Location: the blue dome church is located in the Oia region of Santorini.