Santorini Is So Much More Than Some Blue Domes — Here's What Else You Can See There

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The temperatures might be below freezing where you are, but that doesn't mean you can't be mentally sailing to Santorini, Greece, right now.

Mamma Mia

These photos will leave you feeling as if you're clad in a bikini. Scroll for vacation mode:

There is nothing more iconic than the blue-domed buildings of Santorini.

View of building and sea from Oia
Rebecca Khera

... although the white buildings and volcanic rock formations are a close second.

Cacti and white church with a view of the sea
Rebecca Khera

In case you were wondering, Santorini is an island formed by a volcanic eruption.

View of Santorini from another island
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So you'll see rocky coastline and black sand beaches instead of white powdery sand.

Boats docked at the volcanic islands
Rebecca Khera

You can take a day trip from Santorini to visit the nearby volcanic islands, Palaia Kameni and Nea Kammen (which provide this stunning view).

Volcanic island
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And afterward, you can set sail toward the hot springs for a relaxing swim.

Volcanic island

On your way down, you might find churches or homes tucked away into the rocky cliffs.

Church hidden in a nook in the volcanic rock
Rebecca Khera

When you get back to the center of Santorini, you can explore some of the local shops and restaurants.

The street of Oia with the souvenirs shops and restaurants and number of peoples.

And while Oia is the most popular village in Santorini, there's so much more to see!

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Stroll through the streets of Fira, the second most popular village on the island.

Volcano Blue Seafood Restaurant in Firá on Santorini in South Aegean Islands, Greece, with tourists in the background

The main bus station also happens to be in Fira, so it's the perfect afternoon stop between the beaches in the south and Oia in the north.

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And if you see this cat, you're obligated to stop, because look how cute!

Cat sleeping on a peacock chair
Rebecca Khera

When you're ready for lunch, be sure to pick a restaurant with a view.

View of a cruise ship from a window
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You'll probably want to book an Airbnb that overlooks the caldera, like this one.

View of the sea and volcanic islands

The caldera is a depression where a volcano erupted and then collapsed, creating a unique landscape.

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Or if you're lucky, you can stay in one of Santorini's popular cave hotels.

Scenery outside from the Cave hotel door

And if you're extra lucky, you might get a sea view!

Akio Mukunoki / Getty Images/iStockphoto

But if you're on a budget, even the most affordable hotels are worth relaxing at.

Hotel pool

Also, look at this cute fluffy island dog!

Fluffy white dog
Rebecca Khera

Consider spending a day at Kamari Beach, known for its famous black sand.

the black sand beach

Don't forget to bring some sandals or water shoes, because the sand gets extra hot in the sun, and you could burn your feet if you're walking around barefoot.

Honesttraveller / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Or if you prefer some color, you can wade in the sea at Red Beach.

This is a photo of the famous Red Beach on the island of Santorini, Greece
George Pachantouris / Getty Images

And when you're ready for a different kind of relaxation, head to a winery for a tasting.

Wine tasting

Santorini is known for its dessert wine, Vinsanto.

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After successfully finishing your dessert wine, you can enjoy walking the many side streets.

Vining flowers on the side of a building
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Some are even filled with colorful flowers.

Flowers in bloom
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Peep the iconic Santorini windmill.

Windmill in Santorini
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You can finish the day off with a delicious meal.

Dinner menu
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And remember to always say yes to fries in your gyros.

Greece traditional food Greek Gyros Pita
Sanga Park / Getty Images

BRB, looking up flight tickets as we speak.

Luxury Resort with pool, Satorini
Jumping Rocks / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Have you been to Santorini? If so, tell us about your trip in the comments below!