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 blue and white architecture that is emblematic of the island. Thanks to the still warm temperatures, you can walk through the narrow cobbled 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 cuisine. All in all, you can find many of the best things to see and do in Santorini during this month.

22 October 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's one thing you'll love about this celebration, it's that you'll be able to taste the island's traditional wine. 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 in honour of St. Averkios. This day is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the pleasant climate of the island while tasting the spectacular local wines, but it is also a good time to take a tour of Santorini through the flavours 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 which can cost around 30 euros per person.
• Timetable: generally wine tasting times are around 15:00. And the celebration of this patron saint is on 22 October.
• Location: The wine villages of the region are the ones that offer these tastings, among them Megalochori, Pyrgos and Messaria.

Ochi Day in Greece takes place every 28 October and is one of the country's most iconic dates as it commemorates Greece's refusal to be occupied by Italy during World War II. During this day, Greeks usually gather to honour those who defended the independence of Greece at that time, but also the bravery of the Greek people as a symbol of their resistance to 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 get to know the different tourist attractions that the island and the rest of the country have to offer. 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 are sure to enjoy, as the locals take the opportunity to show visitors their extensive gastronomy and traditional dishes that represent the Greek idiosyncrasy. Another way to sample delicious Greek cuisine is to sign up for a Santorini cruise experience, where you'll be offered the chance to sample the island's traditional dishes.

Interesting details

• Price: You don't have to pay anything to enjoy this celebration. But I do recommend that you set aside some money to enjoy the local cuisine during this patriotic commemoration.
• Time: These celebrations take place throughout the day, with the solemn events usually taking place 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 should do is visit the local markets, thanks to the discounts and low prices you'll find on seasonal produce. At these markets you will find a wide variety of typical island products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and seafood that are not to be missed.

In addition to sampling the local produce, you will also be able to 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 visiting Santorini city you will have the opportunity to visit other local markets that are dedicated to selling products such as souvenirs and other souvenirs.

Interesting details

• Price: You will not have to pay anything to go and enjoy the markets.
• Opening hours: These markets are usually open from early in the morning until after 18:00 every day.
• Location: Local markets are spread across many parts of the island, usually in places like Fira, which is the capital, or even in Oia and Pyrgos.

There is no doubt that when you visit Santorini in October, you can't 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 own advantages and characteristics when it comes to enjoying the sunsets.

It is a spectacle that you cannot miss mainly because it is one of the island' s greatest attractions, being recognised 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 one of the island's viewpoints, a spectacle you will definitely want to see in autumn. The best thing about this activity is that it's free and there are plenty of places where you can see the sunset or sunrise in all its splendour.

Interesting details

• Price: it's a free activity, so you won't have to pay anything to enjoy it.
• Time: There is no specific timetable to witness these natural phenomena, it's just a matter of luck and patience.
• Location: almost anywhere on the island you can enjoy these natural spectacles.

Apart from 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 the local handicraft shops that are distributed all over Santorini. These shops offer a wide variety of handmade products by local artisans, from textiles to pottery and jewellery.

The best thing about visiting these shops 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. Moreover, 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 the low season.

Interesting details

• Price: the prices of the souvenirs may vary according to the shop you choose to buy them in, although you don't need to pay anything to enter these shops.
• Opening hours: I recommend visiting these shops on any day of the month, from 10:00 onwards.
• Location: These craft shops 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 a cruise around the islands where you can enjoy the stunning views and slightly cooler weather this time of year has to offer. Before boarding a Cyclades Islands cruise, you should 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, including swimming in crystal clear waters, visiting ancient cities and above all, savouring the delicious local flavours.

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 being 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.
• Timetable: Almost all cruises departing from Santorini to the Cyclades Islands leave early in the morning because they last half a day or a full day.
• Location: The cruise takes you through the Aegean Sea to the entire Cyclades region.

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

The rock formations at Vlychada feature canyons and volcanic rock cliffs that create a unique landscape. One of the activities you can do here is to go in 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 drink.

Interesting details

• Price: you will not have to pay anything to enjoy these areas if you go on your own, but if you go on a guided tour you will have to pay a little more than 100 euros per person.
• Opening hours: I recommend visiting this beach early in the morning, so you can enjoy the area for as long as you like.
• 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 to go on a wine tasting tour of some of the local wineries on the island, as this is one of the best months of the year to learn about the wine-making process in 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 heritage 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. For this reason, you will have the opportunity to ask all the questions you want to know about the subject as the tour progresses.

Interesting details

• Price: you will have to pay around 150 euros per person to do a wine tour like this one.
• Time: Most of the time these tours start very early in the morning, as they usually last a whole day.
• Location: The prime wine-growing areas on the island of Santorini are Megalochori and Pyrgos.

If there's one thing you can't miss during your visit to the island in October, it's the opportunity to sample the delicious Greek cuisine, especially the fresh fish that you'll find in many of the local restaurants. The island of Santorini is particularly famous for its excellent food and the wide variety of restaurants serving traditional local dishes and fresh seafood.

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 almost anywhere in the world, Santorini is home to everything from elegant establishments to small, traditional tavernas where you can enjoy fine dishes that highlight Greek gastronomy.

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

Interesting details

• Price: These dishes in any restaurant on Santorini can cost around 20-50 euros each.
• Opening hours: Restaurants on the island usually serve lunch from 11:30 to 14:30, although opening hours may vary according to the policies of each restaurant.
• Location: You will find amazing restaurants and tavernas all over the island, especially in the capital, Fira.

Whether you're travelling 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 skies still remain clear like in summer, but the colours start to become more subdued with the approach of autumn.

The Blue Dome Church is a landmark that attracts tourists from all over the world to enjoy the breathtaking views, so it's definitely a place to include in your travel itinerary. It's located in the heart of Oia, a picturesque town that offers some of the island's most breathtaking scenery, and you'll need to visit it to see all the sights beyond the blue-domed church.

Interesting details

• 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.
• Timetable: 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.