The island is known for its beautiful beaches (on the eastern side of the island), nightclubs and  parties.  You can tour the town see Santorini's  main attractions in a day, so a cruise of the Greek Islands is a good way to sample Santorini. However, if you want to better understand the magnetism of Santorini, you need to spend some time sunbathing at its glamorous beaches, enjoying water sports, and  participating in the island's active nightlife.  If you tour in summer, be prepared for heat.  Plan to spend your mornings exploring,  mid-day at the beach, and your evenings eating and partying.

When approached by boat, Santorini is at its glamorous best. Your first view of the island is of a cliff of dark volcanic rock towering above the deep blue Aegean with tiers of white houses spread along the edge of the island's cliffs, seemingly defying gravity.

A funicular runs from the port area at the bottom of the cliffs to the top and the main island's major city, named Fira. Alternatively, you can walk to the top or ride a donkey up the steep, zigzag path. The donkey ride is fun but the walk is more relaxing and lets one concentrate on the lush setting, rather than worrying about where the donkey is headed. (If you walk, be sure to look down to avoid the donkey dung.)  If you are in a rush, take the funicular to the top (it is closed during the lunch hour).  If you are  in the mood, take a donkey from the top to the bottom for a modest thrill.

Fira is a tourist town and it does not pretend to be anything else. Its population more than doubles in summer and it can be crowded in summer.  Although the view from the town is spectacular, the town itself is not remarkable, at least when the sun is up.  If you are looking for tourist trinkets or trendy boutiques, this is the place.  You will find a number of good restaurants and cafes offering some relief from the summer's high temperatures.