You’ll find many Santorini activities when you arrive for your holiday, from hiking to wine tours to sampling the local cuisine. But after looking out at the water from your hotel in Oia, Santorini, it’s hard not to be drawn to the water. Athletes and sunbathers alike flock to the many beaches of Santorini, Greece, but for those who enjoy water sports, Santorini can certainly supply the thrill you need.
Here’s your guide to water sports in Santorini.
Kayaking
Kayaking isn’t just for lakes. Sea kayaking can be an invigorating water sport, and it can be done at sea as well as lakes. You can even find guided tours that allow you to see the island of Santorini by kayak. It’s a great workout for your core, but unlike jet skis, kayaks move at a pace that’s perfect for taking in the view at your own pace. If guided tours just aren’t on your list of ideal Santorini activities, you can find kayak shops near Perivolos and hit the water on your own.
Fly Boarding
Some water sports in Santorini defy the norm. If you’re looking for something both exhilarating and unique, fly boarding is the water sport for you. In some ways, it looks like water skiing and wave boarding, with your fly board attached to another vessel. But once it starts, it clearly sets itself apart — because the fly board goes up. Propelled by water pressure and a PWC turbine, fly boards can rise as high as 12 meters into the air. This is a water sport you can enjoy alone or holding on to a loved one as you embark on thrilling Santorini activities together.
Jet Skiing & Water Skiing
On the other hand, if you want an opportunity to get your pulse racing, grab a set of water skis or jet ski. Santorini has the perfect weather and waters for jet skiing, especially at Perissa and Perivolos, generally held as the best beaches for water sports in Santorini. You can rent a jet ski at Perissa and go solo or if you want more adventure, you can see the island via a jet ski safari. These tours often begin in Perissa or Perivolos, and can travel along the south coast of Santorini, Greece, over to the volcano or across the caldera. It all depends on your speed.
Another option is water skiing. Whatever your level of experience, Santorini, Greece can accommodate your craving. If you’re a beginner, you can find a trainer here. If you’re a little more experienced, you can tag along behind a jet ski and make your own waves with your skis.
Parasailing
Perhaps the biggest adrenaline rush of all water sports in Santorini is parasailing in Santorini. After all, it’s hard to beat flying. Here, you’ll trail behind a jet ski while holding onto a parasail until you’re lifted into the air like a kite. From this perspective, you can take in the panoramic views of Santorini, Greece, from Oia, Santorini to the whole of the caldera. You may even be able to see your own Santorini accommodation apartments from this perch.
Crazy Squab
Sitting on a couch in the middle of the ocean doesn’t seem like the most thrilling of Santorini activities, right? Sitting on a couch in the middle of the ocean tied to a jet ski, however...well, that becomes a little more interesting. And that’s essentially what crazy squab is. You and a group of people, whether close friends or new acquaintances, sit on a wide floatation device, equipped with life vest and handlebars. The goal is simply not to fall off, and enjoy the crazy ride along the way.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Paddle boards aren’t what they used to be. Once small, styrofoam boards used for light body surfing, now stand-up paddle boards have risen to popularity in Santorini, Greece and combine the activities of surfing and canoeing. SUP boarding involves a long paddle board, complete with an ankle bracelet to anchor you, and a long paddle. Much like surfing, once you’re in the water, you stand up on the paddle. Unlike surfing, you can paddle board even over calm waters. Simply navigate your direction with your paddle.
Staying in Oia, Santorini hotels, looking out at the gorgeous caldera view, it’s easy to get the water sports bug. Fortunately, in Santorini, Greece, that’s not a problem. These are just a few of the water sports Santorini has to offer. Some are heart racing, others are even relaxing. But if you need variety, this is the place to find it.
And if you need to find accommodation from Oia hotels, book your stay with Strogili Traditional Houses. We offer both apartments and studios so you can have an authentic experience in Santorini, Greece. Best of all, we have stunning views of the caldera and the sea, to motivate you to get out there and enjoy the water.
