Free Things To Do in Santorini + Budget Tips!

Santorini, Greece is known for being bougie, not budget friendly – but it’s still possible to visit without breaking the bank.

When we decided to spend a full week on Santorini Island, we wondered if we could pull off a budget trip.

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At first glance, it seems that everything is expensive. Once we dug a little deeper, though, we realized there are heaps of free things to do in Santorini.

We created a Santorini Itinerary that combined free adventures with low-cost accommodations and inexpensive meals.

In the end, we actually came in under budget! We share the exact details of how much we spent in our Santorini on a Budget Video.

Free Things To Do in Santorini

Based on our personal experiences, we rounded up our favorite no-cost activities and attractions – plus we share insider tips for booking cheap trips!

#1 Hike from Fira to Oia

Embarking on a walk to Oia from Fira is ranked as one of the top things to do in Santorini – and it’s absolutely free!

The 6-mile trek begins in busy Fira and follows the paved path through Firostefani to Imerovigli. From there, a dirt trail winds northwest to Oia along the curve of the caldera.

Along the way, there are small chapels, intriguing landscapes and spectacular views of the deep-blue sea.

The hike can be completed in just a couple of hours, but we took half a day admiring the vista, pausing at the churches and navigating a few side trails. Just make sure you have plenty of water!

#2 Explore the Village of Pyrgos

Traditional and humble, Pyrgos is a charming hilltop town of whitewashed houses and cobbled lanes.

With only a handful of sights, it’s often overlooked by travelers, but we feel discovering this village is one of the best Santorini things to do for free.

Pyrgos Castle, built by the Venetians in 1580, is perched on the town’s summit. Although it has been in ruins since the 1956 earthquake, it still offers excellent views.

There is no admission fee to explore the remains – and it’s not necessary to hire a guide. All you need is a full dose of curiosity…and durable shoes!

#3 Watch an Amazing Santorini Sunset

Without a doubt, one of the very best free things to see in Santorini is an outstanding sunset.

There are countless restaurants and bars that charge a pretty penny for sunset drinks, but all you really need is an elevated viewpoint that faces west.

The island’s most famous free sunset-watching spot is from the historic Oia Castle – but we think the crowds spoil the moment.

Instead, we liked to watch the daylight fade away from in front of the Metropolitan Church in Fira. There’s even some benches and a few other coveted places to sit and enjoy a cheap beverage from a mini-mart.

#4 Discover the Charm of Megalochori

The utterly charming town of Megalochori was a premier stop on our Santorini budget trip. Not only is it fun to walk the labyrinth of alleys, but there are a few free sights that shouldn’t be missed.

The Cave House is an authentic subterranean space dug out in the 1700s. Used to shelter people and animals and later to store food and wine, the two-room space can be freely explored.

The Symposion Cultural Center is another freebie that is worth seeking out. Housed in an old winery, it hosts a collection of photographs and ancient Greek musical instruments.

It’s also free to visit the Heart of Santorini – a natural opening in a rock formation that perfectly frames the sea and the hill-top towns in the distance.

After snapping a few photos, follow the trail down to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary Plaka church. You can also wander along the rim past the windmill and continue to the Trinity Cemetery.

#5 Spend a Day at a Santorini Beach

Ready for some sun, sand and sea? Even though Santorini doesn’t have long swaths of powdery sand, a day on the shore is still a fun outing!

The best beaches – Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos and Agios Georgios – are on the south side of the island, facing east. The sand is comprised of volcanic pebbles and is a striking contrast to the azure water.

While there are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, spreading out your towel here is one of the fun free things to do on Santorini Island!

For refreshments, reprieve from the sun or clean restrooms, Open Market at Perivolos Beach is an affordable option.

#6 Scamper Out to Skaros Rock

The dramatic Santorini coastline is one of the most distinctive features of the island – and Skaros Rock is the shining star.

Imposing and unmissable, the craggy outcrop protrudes into the Aegean Sea from Imerovigli – and exploring it is a fun Santorini thing to do for free!

In the 13th century, Skaros was the fortified capital of the island, but it fell to ruins after volcanic eruptions and devasting earthquakes.

Only a few of the fortress foundations remain, but trekking out to the headland isn’t really about history…it’s about the sensational views.

The route itself begins with a steep decline on stairs, but flattens as you follow the clearly defined trail the left (south) of the summit.

The path then continues down to a nearly hidden church – and it’s worth going down to have a peek. Just remember that you have to hike back up at the end!

#7 Visit Beautiful Santorini Churches

The gorgeous, blue domed churches are one of the best free tourist attractions in Santorini.

Characterized by iconic Cycladic architecture – whitewashed walls, gentle curves, striking cupolas and hanging bells – it’s said that there are more than 650 scattered across Santorini.

The most famous – like Anastasi and Agios Spyridon in Oia – are picture perfect. However, we stumbled on several breathtaking (and much less crowded) ones, too.

Not only are they fun to photograph, but they are free to go inside. We happily entered any church that we came across that had unlocked doors!

#8 Photograph Santorini Cats

Whether you are visiting Santorini on a budget or splashing out on a luxury Greece vacation, it’s impossible not to notice the free-roaming felines.

The cat population has thrived for centuries on Santorini – and today they are part of the community.

Snapping photos of adorable cats lounging in doorways and peeking around corners is a fun (and free) way to capture local life!

Tips for Santorini on a Budget

Our list of free Santorini attractions is a great way to keep your budget in check, but we have some money-saving advice that can make your getaway even cheaper.

Before you visit Santorini, you should also read our complete and honest run-down of Need-to-Know Santorini Travel Tips!

Go to Santorini in the Shoulder Season

Traveling to Santorini outside of the summer season can be very cost-effective (and even more atmospheric).

During our springtime Island Hopping Trip, we were able to book significantly cheaper accommodation – plus, the weather was milder and the crowds thinner.

Stay On the Edge of Fira

Places to stay in Fira are much more reasonably priced than hotels in Oia…and they typically get more affordable the further you go from the center.

On my first trip to Santorini, my family and I stayed at Villa Rose for 3 nights and got a bargain rate. The beds were comfy, the rooms spotless and each studio came with a kitchenette.

When Kris and I visited Santorini for a full week, we found an absolute deal at Wisteria Apartments. Located in Karterados, it was just a 20-minute walk to Fira.

Book a Place with a Kitchen

An easy way to save money in Santorini is to cook your own food. Even with a simple two-burner stove, you can make easy and cheap meals using affordable ingredients from the grocery store.

Eat Greek Fast Food

If you are planning a frugal vacation, skip the sit-down restaurants and feast on these two local specialties: Pitas and Pies.

Meat-filled pitas – either souvlaki or gyros – are an excellent value for money and we ate more than our fair share during our stay!

Savory pies – filled with spinach and/or cheese – are delicious and cheap, too. Plus, they are easy to find in any bakery for about $3 and most supermarkets for under $2.

Hop on Santorini Buses

Santorini may not be as small an island as you may have pictured. You will need some form of transportation if you want to see sights beyond Fira and Oia.

The most wallet-friendly transit option is the local bus. All routes depart from Fira and each ride costs less than $3 (cash only).

We used the bus exclusively on our most recent trip, hopping from villages to beaches and even to get from the airport to Karterados and from Fira to the ferry port.

Pack Your Walking Shoes

Although buses are thrifty, walking is free! Whether hiking, discovering new places or just moving around town, we racked up some serious steps.

Be sure to pack a good pair of travel shoes for your Greece Itinerary. You will be able to walk a lot further if your feet don’t hurt!

Start planning your trip to Greece! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

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