The Rijksmuseum is the largest and most important museum in the Netherlands. It boasts a collection of nearly 8,000 pieces spread over 80 galleries. Dive into the history of Dutch art and marvel at the magnificent oeuvres from medieval times through the Golden Age. See iconic paintings by Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Right in the centre of Fira, this museum gives proper context to all the ruins you’ll see around the island. Most of the finds come from Akrotiri, the ancient town buried by the volcanic eruption: wall paintings, pottery, tools, and other items from thousands of years ago that somehow survived. It’s small, doesn’t take long to get through, and is absolutely worth popping into before or after visiting the Akrotiri site itself.

A nearly uninterrupted 14-kilometre stretch of sand extends from Geraki to Laganas, forming one of the last major nesting sites for the endangered loggerhead turtle. To protect the species, much of Laganas Bay is designated as a National Marine Park, where powered water sports are prohibited. Despite these conservation efforts, the resort of Laganas itself remains the island's largest and most bustling centre for nightlife, known for its concentration of pubs, bars, and clubs. For a quieter experience, a narrow wooden footbridge connects the coast near Agios Sostis Beach to the small and picturesque Cameo Island.

A visit to Het Grachtenhuis (the Canal House) is the perfect way to learn more about the history of Amsterdam’s canal ring. The museum looks at the 17th-century city expansion projects that led to Amsterdam’s ring of canals which received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010. After seeing the interactive displays, you’ll look at Amsterdam in a whole new light when wandering through the city’s streets or taking a canal cruise.