When it comes to nightlife in Santorini, you might be surprised to hear that it could rival neighboring islands Ios and Mykonos. While many consider Santorini to be Greece’s island of romance, and even though it isn’t brimming with bikini-clad beach clubs and sand-floor bars, it’s still a top destination for a great night out. Long, lazy afternoons in the sun stretch into balmy evenings full of cocktails, golden sunsets and dancing the night away.

From stellar cocktail bars featuring open-air terraces, caldera views and prime seating for those sensational Santorini sunsets, to establishments that have become synonymous with travelers, there’s no shortage of places for a night out. Pair your drinks with delicious Mediterranean cuisine, find somewhere to unwind with the addition of jazz notes or dance until the sun comes up. However you prefer to do it, Santorini has a little bit of everything when it comes to the night scene.

  • 1

    Franco’s Bar

    Champagne served with a side of caldera views

    Franco’s Bar
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Deemed a cult classic, Franco’s Bar is a must-visit when considering the best locations for a night out in Santorini. Set right on the cliffs in Fira, overlooking the caldera, you can sit back and relax while taking in the sunset from a sun lounger on the terrace.

    A little more mellow than some of Fira’s more rowdy counterparts, opera can be heard drifting from the speakers and flowing out across the whitewashed terraces. Often regarded as the ideal place to perch for an early evening cocktail before moving onto the dance clubs, Franco’s Bar is a place to spend your entire balmy summer’s evening, too.

    Location: Agiou Mina, Thira 847 00, Greece

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 1 am

    Phone: +30 2286 024428

    Map

    photo by Kostas Limitsios (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 2

    Tranquilo Beach Bar

    If you prefer your evenings by the beach

    Tranquilo Beach Bar
    • Nightlife

    Tranquilo Beach Bar offers a relaxed ambience for you to enjoy cocktails while you feel the sand between your toes. Easy to transition from day to night, this relaxed bar is located on the beachfront of Perissa Beach. More chilled than some of the other party scenes in the Cyclades, this is a hotspot for couples and singles looking for a fun but relaxed night.

    Best known for its cocktails, Tranquilo Beach Bar also serves brilliant vegetarian and vegan dishes for a fresh and light dining option. There is a sense of carefree bliss that surrounds Tranquilo, aided by its beachfront location, bright, lived-in style decor and their Latin dance parties.

    Location: Perissa 847 03, Greece

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 12 am

    Phone: +30 2286 085230

    Map
  • 3

    Volkan on the Rocks

    A brewbar with an outdoor movie theater

    Volkan on the Rocks
    • Nightlife

    If cocktails aren’t your cup of tea and the standard Grecian beers aren’t inspiring your taste buds anymore, head to Volkan on the Rocks to enjoy Volkan craft beer. Set atop a breezy cliff, the open-air terrace lends itself to panoramic views overlooking the whitewashed houses of Fira, the caldera and surrounding islands.

    Taking a new spin on traditional Greek food, it serves a selection of hot and cold mezes, as well as fresh produce from the onsite deli. Throughout the summer, Volkan offers guests the opportunity to join their outdoor movie theater in the evenings. Though, with a view like that, we’re not sure we could focus on the movie!

    Location: Firostefani, Thira 847 00, Greece

    Open: Daily from 9 am to midnight

    Phone: +30 2286 028360

    Map
  • 4

    PK Cocktail Bar

    Match your tequila sunrise with the real thing

    PK Cocktail Bar
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Overlooking the sea from Fira’s caldera, you’ll find PK Cocktail Bar, a brilliant open-air setting spread across 3 levels. It has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike thanks to its excellent views and fantastic drinks menu. Giving you uninterrupted views of Oia and Akrotiri, it's one of the best places to end your day in Santorini.

    The family-run bar welcomes you from the street with a vibrant doorway framing the view beyond, beckoning you to come in for a drink. Whether you’re looking to escape the midday sun and cool off with a refreshing mojito, take in one of Santorini’s iconic sunsets or spend your evening enjoying the ambience, this is the place to do it. Things can really heat up at sunset, so it's a good idea to book ahead and secure a table.

    Location: Thera 847 00, Greece

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 12 am (from 12 pm Sunday)

    Phone: +30 2286 022430

    Map
  • 5

    Kira Thira

    The oldest bar in town

    Kira Thira
    • Nightlife

    Kira Thira is the oldest and most notable bar in Fira. If you’re looking for a slow-paced evening that's paired with wine and good company, this is the place for you. With its live jazz and endearing island vibes, you’ll be carried away by both the music and atmosphere.

    A favorite with tourists, in particular, the decor includes a large viola strung from the ceiling. You might feel as though you’ve been transported back to Santorini before it becomes the top of everyone’s bucket list – in a good way! Perfect for a more laidback atmosphere where conversation and music take pride of place, Kira Thira is a must-visit in the capital of the island.

    Location: Thera 847 00, Greece

    Open: Tuesday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Wednesday–Sunday from 9 pm to 3 am (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +30 2286 022770

    Map
  • 6

    Tango Bar

    Some of the best cocktails on the island

    Tango Bar
    • Nightlife

    You’ll find the hidden entry to Tango Bar tucked away behind whitewashed walls and a stucco doorway along a cobbled street in Fira. Drawing upon influence from modern Athenian and native Aegean design elements, the bar offers elegant island charm. It’s no surprise that it attracts crowds as the day draws to a close with its prime real estate, which overlooks the caldera.

    Arrive early to catch a sunset and experience chilled vibes or show up fashionably late to dance under the stars on the open-air terrace. With cocktails that taste like summer and an exceptional location, it’s easy to see why Tango fits the bill as one of Santorini’s best places to enjoy a few drinks with friends.

    Location: Marinatou, Thira 847 00, Greece

    Open: Daily from 5 pm to 5 am (closed November–April)

    Phone: +30 694 541 7875

    Map
  • 7

    Fino Cocktail Bar

    For great Mediterranean food and wine

    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Set in the center of Oia, Fino specializes in delicious Mediterranean cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. The minimalist interior is injected with just a touch of coastal design appeal to create an inviting destination for a meal with friends or family. In addition to their brilliant dining and cocktail menu, Fino also offers an extensive wine menu featuring a brilliant selection of local reds, whites and rosés.

    You needn’t worry about being tucked away from the stunning scenery of the volcanic island while at Fino, the flavors will more than make up for it to remind you exactly where you are in the world. One of the best cocktail destinations in Oia, Fino is the ideal place to begin your night.

    Location: Ia, Thira 847 02, Greece

    Open: Daily from 6.30 pm to 1.30 am

    Phone: +30 2286 072037

    Map
  • 8

    Enigma

    One of the oldest places you could choose to party

    • Nightlife

    Music has been pumping all night long since Fira’s iconic nightclub, Enigma, first opened its doors in the late ‘70s. Those looking to really enjoy the energetic party scene in Santorini will find everything they need here. Tastefully decorated in a minimal but modern interior, the club welcomes those looking to dance along to a mix of English and Greek music.

    Enigma offers a delightful cocktail menu for those looking for something a little more tropical on their vacation. Head outside to the cozy terrace for a more subdued experience where you can enjoy your drinks with views of the Aegean Sea.

    Location: 25is Martiou 103, Thira 847 00, Greece

    Open: Daily from 9 pm to 7 am

    Phone: +30 2286 022466

    Map
  • 9

    Koo Club

    One of Santorini’s top nightclubs

    • Nightlife

    The pinnacle of nightlife in Santorini comes to you in the form of Koo Club. Popularized by its indoor-outdoor dance experience, this vibrant space is found within the heart of Fira. It's a 2-storey building with crystal chandeliers and glittering disco balls strung from the ceiling.

    Throughout the summer, the bar really comes to life with a banquette-style set up for the upper bar overlooking the terrace below. Koo Club is known for hosting some of the island’s best dance parties, with top DJs spinning the latest tunes. Tables and areas can be booked for groups and special events to truly deliver a brilliant night out.

    Location: 25is Martiou 404, Thira 847 00, Greece

    Open: Daily from 11 pm to 6 am

    Phone: +30 2286 022025

    Map
Kiri Nowak | Contributing Writer