Cycladic Islands Santorini Southern Cyclades The Greek IslandsJune 3, 2012

Santorini Nightlife: Where to Go

Santorini nightlife is a pretty calm scene when compared with other Greek islands. Here are some tips on where to go.  

*This post was updated May 2017.

Santorini Nightlife

Fira is one of the best towns on the island to find the fun nightlife options.  Venues feature incredible panoramas over the submerged volcano. The view changes when the night settles in and everything out at sea is black.  Be prepared for a striking contrast between the black of the Aegean sea as it contrasts with the glow of caldera town’s warm sparkling evening lights.

There’s an energy too that you can’t miss.  Just walking to or from the town you can hear the chatter of crowds and all kinds of music syncing together in euphonious rhythm.

Santorini at sunset.

Santorini nightlife.

Nightlife in Fira

Here are a few suggestions of where you can head to for a late night out in Fira.

Franco’s 

Franco’s is famous for its view and a sophisticated atmosphere that comes from only playing opera and classical music. Try the Maria Callas cocktail as you relax on beach lounge chairs totally under the stars.

Franco’s in Fira, Santorini.

Crystal Cocktail Bar

Great balcony. Hip crowd.  DJ plays classic dance hits and modern remixes.

Santorini caldera towns glowing at night.

Kira Thira

Kira Thira is nown for playing jazz tunes in the early evening. The vibe switches to modern music later in the night. It has a tiny backstreet bar feeling with a nicely mixed crowed of both Greeks and tourists.

Also in Fira, head to the Koo, Casablanca and Tropical which are considered hot nightlife spots. Club 33 is the go-to place for Greek music.

Santorini balconies at night.

Nightlife in Oia

Hassapiko

If you’re looking to party in Oia, the northernmost caldera town, think again. Oia is famous for being the honeymoon district so it is quietly romantic and stays that way. You can head to one bar that is popular and pretty atmospheric called Hassapiko or Mary Kay’s Bar.

Nightlife Tips: Santorini

• Greeks typically begin their night after 11 p.m. Many times, bars and clubs are full of people until 4 or 5 a.m., even until sunrise.
• The beach towns are another great option for nightlife including the black sand beaches called Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari. There are a string of beach clubs with great music  along these beaches during the summer.
• The villages like Pyrgos and Megalochori are pretty sleepy. The best things do are to stay late at a tavern or have cocktails at a local restaurant.

How to Get to Santorini

International travelers can get to Santorini by plane, usually with a stop in Athens. Check Vayama for the best flight deals.

I highly recommend booking with Blue Star Ferries which leaves from the Athens port of Piraeus.

Getting Around Santorini

Santorini is a big island. It takes about an hour drive to get from the ferry port to Oia which is the furthest north.

There is a KTEL public bus, find the schedules here.  You can also rent quads, motorbikes and scooters which is a fun experience on any Greek island. A car is ideal to save time and you can rent one through Avis Europe – especially to go for a day exploring.

Where to Stay in Santorini

I recommend Armeni Suites and Esperas Hotel in Oia. I have also stayed at the Sensyo Apartments in Firostefani and I recommend Grace Hotel, a luxury boutique stay in Imerovigli.

For a boutique, close-to-the beach option head to Orabel Suites, a Tresor luxury boutique property, in Perivolos. Stay tuned for a full post with reviews about these Santorini hotels.

Have you ever experienced Santorini nightlife or have you been out late in the Greek islands? Would love to hear about it!