Venetian rule in Santorini extended from 1207 to 1580, and the last vestiges of this historical period live in the castles that dot the entire island. Five fortresses can be found in Santorini in Oia, Pyrgos, Emporio, Akrotiri, and Skaros, which have been partly demolished by the earthquakes that shook the island in the 15th and 16th centuries. Skaros is probably the most important and well-preserved among the five castles, built on the peak of the namesake rock to protect the village from pirate attacks. The ruins of the once magnificent fortress can be reached on foot from Agios Georgios church in Imerovigli, connected to Skaros by a 0,5 km walking trail and a long stairway.

With traditional old-fashioned style and character and a great variety of shows, the Pilbeam Theatre is one of the finest theatres in the region. Productions are offered all year round and range from the best local to national and international entertainers.

A short boat ride from Santorini, Therasia feels like stepping back a few decades. It’s quiet, with only a few hundred residents, scattered villages, and not much in the way of shops or crowds. Most people visit as a quick stop on a caldera boat tour, but if you’ve got more time, it’s worth staying a bit longer—have a slow lunch, walk around, and take in what Santorini was like before tourism took over.