Nightlife and clubbing in Santorini
What makes the night in Santorini unique is its inimitable mix of entertainment and the beauty of the landscape. It is a relatively common misunderstanding among both Greeks and tourists visiting the island, that the nightlife of Santorini is similar or comparable to that of Mykonos.
But this is the main mistake that many make and which is capable of ruining their holiday with false expectations. Yes, there is nightlife in Santorini, but don’t expect the energy to be equivalent to that of Mykonos or Ios or whatever party-animal destination you are counting on. Fun; Yes. Party; Yes. Shots, dancing on bars and tables? definitely.
But all this in a certain part of the island (usually, in Fira which is the center and gathers all the party crowd). The rest of the island has a slightly different vibe as, outside of Fira, the predominant form of nightlife is bars, beach bars and restaurants. Franco’s Bar and nearby Tropical both occupy a superb location, a few steps down from Ypapantis which is the town’s main “Caldera view” street. They’re both trendy, extremely popular and horribly expensive.
Arguably the best dining spot in Fira is Selene, on the Caldera rim to the left of Hotel Atlantis. The food and Caldera views are both to die for. Locally grown capers figure prominently on the menu – try the sea bass with caper leaves or the island specialty fava with capers. The restaurant has its own cooking school which attracts students from all over the world.
The town is chock-a-block with restaurants of all standards – you’ll find everything from relatively cheap fast food souvlaki joints and traditional tavernas to Mexican food and other international flavours. Avoid those with a Caldera view if you don’t want to pay sky-high prices.
Kamari, on the eastern side of the island, also has a lively nightlife with music bars and discos lining the seafront which is crammed with package holidaymakers in the summer months. The Yellow Donkey Disco on the promenade is the most popular venue for young revellers.
While you let loose on the track or sip a drink in the company of your friends or partner, you can admire the unmistakable horseshoe silhouette of the island or watch the spectacle of the setting sun, with the sky coloring the sea with red and gold. A magic!
However, don’t disdain the places frequented by Greek tourists and locals, because their informal atmosphere is highly engaging and in no time at all you will find yourself dancing, laughing and joking with complete strangers, while not understanding even a word!
If you want to end your crazy night of fun with a breathtaking sunrise climb to the top of the hill on which the monastery of Pyrgos stands: a wonderful view awaits you, the ideal way to end the day for party animals. For all the others, however, this show will be the beginning of a new day.
The sunset view is truly awe-inspiring.and so are the drink prices! If you order a cocktail here expect to pay more for it than you would in London or New York. Of course if you’re watching the pennies you can always enjoy the view without having to sit in a bar but to be honest Santorini is not an ideal destination for those on a tight budget.
Nightlife in Fira
The “no view” category includes the biggest clubs, such as Koo Club, Enigma and Mamounia, the 3 central and competitive clubs of Fira, which are literally next to each other), as well as a number of pub-bars like Murphys, Highlander, Town Club and the 2 Brothers bar, where they specialize in the more “relaxed” side of nightlife (i.e. plenty of drinks, cheap shots, hookahs and extra loud music).
to get to the above bars, as well as the majority of clubs at night, keep in mind that you will need to squeeze through a lot of people, in very narrow, traditional and picturesque alleys. Fortunately, the bigger nightclubs = have open spaces and are more comfortable like Koo which has 3 different levels inside, outside and on top of them, with tables and multiple bars to better serve the public.
At this point, we have to make reference to a category of bars which, although they are “geographically” next to the big ones, as well as the more “commercial” ones, have managed to maintain their special character throughout the years. This category includes Casablanca Soul, with its raised balcony-terrace, its special music and its cocktails, Kira Thira, which has the reins in the jazz category on the island, as well as Momix Bar Santorini with its special cocktails.
Bars with a view
In the category of “with a view” we have both mainstream options and more alternative options, in general even in this category you have options for all tastes! First in this category is the old sibling of the historic Tango in Psirri in Athens, the Tango Bar Santorini which, unlike the one in Athens, continues its dynamic course, with strong mainstream music selections and refreshing cocktails, in a huge balcony overlooking the caldera.
For lovers of classical music and cocktails, right next to Tango is Franco’s Bar, a historic and multi-awarded bar that has been on the island for almost 60 years. Being one of the few world-famous bars on the island, keep in mind that its menu also “stings” a bit (usually not good if you want more than 1-2 cocktails).
But if you want a combination of view, music, dancing and cocktails then there is only one choice: Tropical Bar! This small bar at the beginning of the steps leading from Fira to the old port looks like it has come out of a Hemmingway book.
It operates from the afternoon with laid back music until the early hours of the morning with loud dance beats, offering chilled drinks and beers during the day.
A great spot with a unique view to enjoy the sunset, but and one of the few shops where everyone, staff and customers, forget the posing that often accompanies the holiday mindset and just have fun. If you plan to enjoy the sunset there make sure to be there in time and try one of the signature cocktails.
The night entertainment scene
The nerve center of the nightlife of Santorini is Fira, the capital of the island. The narrow, winding streets of the city are dotted with bars, taverns, restaurants, disco-pubs and live music venues. The main square of Fira is a popular meeting place for the young people of the island and tourists on holiday: the evenings generally start here with an aperitif, and then continue elsewhere.
It is not uncommon to pass by this square several times in the space of an evening. Do you prefer beach parties to city atmospheres? The party beach of Santorini is Perivolos, located along the east coast of the island. It is a continuation of Perissa beach, basically the same beach that goes by different names: together they form the longest sandy coastline of Santorini.
On both beaches you will find numerous beach bars that start playing music as early as the afternoon and continue until late at night, with the volume and alcohol content rising as the hours go by. If you have to choose one, bet on Perivolos: here are the most famous beach clubs of Santorini, with a greater number of customers. Moving on the east coast, the place with the most bars and beach clubs is Kamari.
If you are looking for a romantic atmosphere, the ideal place is Oia, the most charming and photographed village of Santorini. Despite having a good number of clubs, it is quieter than Fira or the party beaches and is the ideal location for an unforgettable aperitif at sunset overlooking the caldera. Drinking a glass of white wine produced on the island is almost a must.
Nightclubs and music entertainment
Franco’s Bar and nearby Tropical both occupy a superb location, a few steps down from Ypapantis which is the town’s main “Caldera view” street. They’re both trendy, extremely popular and horribly expensive.Many tourists head out towards Ia at the northern tip of the island which offers an equally superb sunset view in a less frantic setting.
The village also has some excellent restaurants including the famous Restaurant-Bar 1800, housed in the splendid mansion of a former sea captain. The building has been lovingly restored and retains many of the original furnishings. The restaurant has sumptuous food, elegant surroundings and a roof terrace with magnificent views of the Caldera.
Arguably the best dining spot in Fira is Selene, on the Caldera rim to the left of Hotel Atlantis. The food and Caldera views are both to die for. Locally grown capers figure prominently on the menu – try the sea bass with caper leaves or the island specialty fava (a kind of hoummos) with capers. The restaurant has its own cooking school which attracts students from all over the world.
The town is chock-a-block with restaurants of all standards – you’ll find everything from relatively cheap fast food souvlaki joints and traditional tavernas to Mexican food and other international flavours. Avoid those with a Caldera view if you don’t want to pay sky-high prices.
There are plenty of late night music bars and clubs to choose from, all clustered within easy walking distance of each other. But you’d be ill-advised to go club-hopping because of the high entrance charges. The Town Club, Koo Club, Kira Thira and Enigma are the most popular dance spots in town.
For a more Greek flavour try Bar 33 in Erythrou Stavrou (near the Koo Club) where you can hear traditional bouzouki music. Two Brothers, near Kira Thira, is a lively rock bar with a very Greek atmosphere or pop along to Ellenes (opposite the Olympic Office) for a spot of Greek folk dancing.
Kamari, on the eastern side of the island, also has a lively nightlife with music bars and discos lining the seafront which is crammed with package holidaymakers in the summer months. The Yellow Donkey Disco on the promenade is the most popular venue for young revellers.
Santorini Bars Clubs and beach bars
(Thira, Santorini) Open daily from 9pm to 3am.
Established in 1976 and located in the center of Fira, Kira is a historic place in Santorini and is located inside a vaulted room carved into the rock. Furnished with a long wooden counter, frescoes on the walls and musical instruments hanging from the ceiling, this bar offers events with live jazz, Latin, ethnic and blues music. Being the oldest bar in Santorini, it is a must.
(Fira, Santorini) Open daily.
With a long history of success in Santorini’s nightlife, Town Club is a favorite place for younger tourists who want to drink and dance the night away. Relaxed atmosphere, playlist by great djs, countless drinks and numerous special events are the secret ingredients that attract crowds of visitors from all over the world. Stop here if you’re ready to give in to the vibes of an all-night wild party and non-stop dancing.
(Old port, Thira, Santorini) Tropical Bar is located in Fira on a terrace overlooking the Caldera and offers evenings with various musical genres. Fun nights with lots of music, people and drinks.
(Red Cross, Thira, Santorini) Open daily from 12.00 to 6.00.
the Irish bar is right in the heart of Santorini’s nightlife
(Thira, Santorini) Open daily from 10.00 to 1.00.
Franco’s Bar is located in a unique position on the caldera overlooking the sea, making it one of the most romantic places in Santorini. A great place to enjoy a cocktail and admire the sunset with classical music in the background.
(Fira, Santorini) Open daily from 9.30pm to 5.00am.
Tango is a bar and at the same time a disco with an amazing view of the caldera! The club features Latin music and traditional summer beats. The fresh fruit cocktails are also excellent.
(303 Martiou 25, Fira, Santorini) Open daily from 10.00pm to 7.00am.
Mamounia is a club with traditional and modern Greek music, to dance the night away. The modern room with its glass decoration, bright colors and palm trees complement the unique atmosphere of the club.
(Perivolos, Santorini) Open daily from 10.30 to 24.00.
Chilli is another Perivolos beach bar that offers, in addition to dance music, modern Greek music, with several djs rotating on the console. This club is visited by many Greek tourists who alternate dancing with drinks!
Night Flight bar
(Avis Beach, Kamari, Santorini) Night Flight just opened in the summer of 2015 but has already gained a lot of popularity in Santorini’s nightlife. Located on Avis Beach in Kamari, this trendy club offers good music and delicious cocktails.
(Perivolos, Santorini) Open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
On the beach of Perivolos, Wet Stories is a beach club with excellent loud music and famous djs. The party starts in the afternoon after lunch and ends after 22.00 gathering crowds of tourists of all ages and backgrounds.