Santorini Getaway: 7 Days of Yoga, Pilates, and Exploring the Island

Without this retreat, I might not have spent an entire week in Santorini, but I’m glad it kept me there. I explored the island while staying active every day—what could be better? With one morning and one evening class, I had plenty of free time to explore, which you can read about in my recommendations below.

If you're hesitant to book a wellness retreat because you're not experienced in Yoga or Pilates, don’t worry. Everyone was at different levels, and we were all there to learn. Yoga and Pilates are about practice, not perfection—all you have to do is show up. I'm proud of myself for attending this retreat because taking time for self-care is the ultimate form of self-love. I’ve reached a point where I truly love myself, although the journey wasn’t easy. It's a beautiful feeling, and I’m committed to showing up for myself, on and off the mat. I hope I’ve inspired you to take the leap and book a wellness retreat.

Now, on to the fun part of this blog post: my fabulous recommendations for things to do in Santorini. Trust me on these places—I know how to live!

The beach is my happy place, and during my solo trip to Santorini, I was thrilled to visit four stunning beaches that offered a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. I spent as much time as possible soaking up the sun and even enjoyed a memorable dinner right on the beach. Traveling alone, I opted for beach bars instead of public beaches to have a safe and convenient spot for my belongings, as well as access to bathrooms and food service. After thorough research, I discovered four must-visit beach bars in Santorini that you should definitely check out on your next trip.

1. Yalos Beach Bar : The first beach bar I visited was Yalos, and it set the tone for an amazing beach experience. With awesome techno beats playing all day from an incredible DJ, the vibe was just right. I loved the music so much that I created a playlist of the songs, which you can listen to on Spotify here . The staff was friendly, and the salmon poke bowl I had was delicious. I spent the entire day enjoying the sea and relaxing to the beats.

2. Wet Stories : This beach bar had fantastic online reviews, and it certainly lived up to the hype. The comfy bean bag lounges and abundant shade provided by large umbrellas made it a perfect spot to relax. The sun in Santorini can be intense, so finding a beach bar with good shade is crucial. I had another delicious poke bowl here, this time with raw fish, which was incredibly tasty. I also loved browsing the boutique inside the restaurant—a must-visit for sure!

When I planned my trip to Santorini, horseback riding wasn't on my itinerary, but something about the idea called to me—and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. I hadn't been on a horse since I was a little girl, and I always thought I was afraid of horseback riding. However, after spending the last few years healing my mind and body, I felt ready to conquer my fears and try something new.

As soon as I got on the horse, I felt a rush of happiness like I hadn't experienced in a long time. My guided horseback riding tour took me along a private beach in Santorini, and the experience was both peaceful and exhilarating. The tour was intimate, with just two other riders and our amazing guides, Barbara and Manos—a lovely husband-and-wife duo who made the experience truly special.

If you're visiting Santorini, don't miss out on this incredible horseback riding adventure. Barbara and Manos are exceptional guides, and I would return to Santorini just to ride horses with them again. CLICK HERE to book your horseback riding tour with Efippos Santorini Riding Center. 

When it comes to shopping in Santorini, Oia is the place to be. This beautiful village perched atop the island offers a plethora of jewelry and clothing stores filled with authentic Greek treasures. While Google might suggest that Fira is also a good shopping destination, I found the shops there to be full of mass-produced goods, many of which are made in China. Why settle for items you can find on Amazon when you can explore unique, locally-made pieces in a special place like Santorini?

One of my favorite stores in Oia is The Silk Shop , which features stunning pieces made in Greece. I purchased a pair of comfortable lined silk lounge pants for both myself and my mom. They are incredibly cozy, and I’m wearing them right now on my flight to Paris as I write this. The jewelry stores in Oia are also fantastic, offering beautiful sterling silver pieces, including pendants with ancient Greek symbols. I've created a special Sourced in Santorini edit featuring these unique finds, which you can shop right from this article. CLICK HERE to view the whole collection. These pieces are too beautiful not to share, and they are truly one-of-a-kind.

With over 600 churches scattered across its stunning landscape, Santorini is a testament to the island’s rich spiritual heritage and its people’s enduring faith. The impressive number of churches is largely due to the locals' deep religious fervor, which was strengthened in the aftermath of the successive volcanic eruptions that devastated Santorini. As in many parts of the world, the people of Santorini turned to faith in times of destruction and found solace and hope through their devotion. This resilience and faith have transformed Santorini into one of the most beautiful and spiritually uplifting destinations in the world.

Whether you are religious or not, the sense of spirituality in Santorini is palpable. During my visit, I was fortunate enough to find one of the historic churches in Oia open. Lighting a candle and saying a prayer in such a serene and sacred space was a profound experience. If you visit Santorini, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to explore these beautiful churches and connect with the island's spiritual essence.