Key Takeaways
- Many establishments in Santorini's nightlife scene are strategically located along the cliffside, providing a picturesque backdrop for enjoying drinks and socializing with friends or fellow travelers.
- Watching the sunset in Santorini is a popular activity, and many bars take advantage of this by offering sunset-viewing experiences.
- Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a hub for nightlife activities. The town offers numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues, particularly along the main pedestrian street.
- Santorini has beach clubs that often have DJs playing upbeat music, creating a party-like atmosphere during the day and into the night.
The elegant island of Santorini, one of the most popular destinations in Greece -and the whole world- gathers all the praised qualities of the Greek islands and then some.
One of them is the vibrant nightlife that visitors from all across the world get delighted with, offering a divergent selection of bars and clubs to cater to all tastes and preferences.
Below you’ll find a guide on how to spend your night in Santorini if you want to have an authentic Greek nightlife experience on this majestic island!
When Does the Nightlife in Santorini Come Alive?
As with every other Greek destination, the fun starts after the clock strikes twelve and continues into the early morning hours. However, if a relaxed drink is what you’re after, you will find a number of bars open in the afternoon.
If you want to experience the Santorini nightlife like a local, you can do both; begin with a drink in a lounge bar and continue with a visit to one of Santorini’s nightclubs for dancing.
Conveniently, Fira, the capital of Santorini, is where all the local hotspots can be found, eliminating all the trouble of transportation.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic chill-out spot, the best drinks in town, or the most fun nightclub, check below for the best in every category!
The Best Cocktail Bars in Santorini
PK Cocktail Bar
Old in the game, as it counts 43 years of life, PK Cocktail Bar is a family-run business that is known among the locals for having delicious cocktails, while its location offers its visitors a magnificent view of the island, the famous volcano of Fira, and the Aegean sea.
The bar is housed in a whitewashed building that matches the Cycladic aesthetic of the island and spreads across 3 stories, perched on the edge of Santorini's caldera.
Tango Bar
A bit on the posh side, as you’ve probably guessed by the placement of the word ‘Champagne’ on its name, Tango Champagne and Cocktail bar is a sophisticated and incredibly romantic bar in Fira.
Built on the caldera cliffs, Tango bar is one of the best spots on the island to catch the sunset; just make sure to bring a jacket with you as it gets windy, and you’re about to be charmed by Tango's unmatched beauty.
Tropical Bar
Perfect for a romantic drink for lovebirds, Tropical Bar is once again located at the edge of the caldera, offering amazing Santorini views and a relaxed vibe that will make you feel right at home.
Its rime position makes it perfect for people-watching as visitors from across the world gather there to snap pictures of one of Santorini’s famous golden sunset sunsets.
MoMix Cocktail Bar
One of the most unique offerings on the island, the MoMix bar will delight all of the science geeks out there with its outrageous cocktails. With a name that stands for ‘Molecular Mixology,’ don’t be surprised if your cocktail is fuming while being served to you.
A truly extraordinary experience, you should definitely visit MoMix if you want to stray from the conventional bars and indulge in something a bit more fun.
Casablanca Lounge Cocktail Bar
Apart from its incredible name, Casablanca, a staple in Santorini’s nightlife, is known for its mouthwatering cocktails and excellent choice of music, playing house and soulful music all night long. It was voted as one of ‘the best 25 bars/clubs in Europe’ by the Guardian and lives up to its name to the fullest.
During the off-season months, the entrance to the bar is free, however, during the high-season months, the entrance fee climbs from 8 to 16 euros, depending on the event it hosts on the particular night, which includes a drink of your choice.
Kira Thira Jazz Bar
A personal favorite, this adorably small yet cozy bar should be on the top of your bucket list for Santorini.
Kira Thira Jazz Bar already counts approximately 30 years of accomplishment and has been entertaining its visitors not only with Jazz tunes but with Latin, ethnic, and African music as well.
Its specialty drink is its homemade Sangria, which is so delicious that you’ll need to pace yourself in order to not drink it all in one go.
Due to its small size and popularity, it gets really busy, but don’t let that deter you from visiting! If you’re lucky, you might even catch a live gig!
Crystal Lounge Bar
According to its website, Crystal Lounge Bar has a 'Lounge atmosphere and friendly environment with a stunning view over Santorini's magic Caldera,' and we couldn’t agree more!
Offering a balcony to enjoy the stunning view from and an impressive variety of drinks, its laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it perfect for those days that you want to do the bare minimum but still enjoy yourself. Top tip: try the champagne cocktails served there!
Franco’s Bar
Despite looking like one of the average Santorinian party bars located at the top of a cliff of the caldera, Franco’s Bar is quite unique, especially in regard to its music choices.
With classical music serving as the perfect background to a Santorini sunset, this bar creates a magical atmosphere and promises its visitors an unparalleled experience. Yes, you read that right, Franco's Bar is famous for playing classical music.
A cult-classic and definite must-visit in Santorini’s nightlife, its picturesque balcony, friendly staff, and delectable menu offerings make it the place to be!
Murphy’s Saloon
No list of Santorini’s bars would be complete without a mention of Murphy’s Saloon. Murphy’s Saloon in Santorini was established 20 years ago, back in 1999, and has since dominated the nightlife of Santorini.
It is known for its excellent music that varies across all genres of music (including house music) depending on the day and hour, and impeccable aesthetic, evident in the eccentric decoration.
All of the drinks Murphy’s Saloon offers are of top quality; however, its most impressive element is its wide selection of the world’s best beers. Come in and dance the night away!
The Best Beach Bars in Santorini Nightlife
Seaside by Notos
The nightlife in Santorini includes a number of beach bars that will allow you to party by the Greek sea. Seaside by Notos is the beach bar of Notos restaurant that wins over visitors with its romantic atmosphere and incredible cocktails.
The cocktail menu changes yearly, while the wide selection and diversity of the drinks ensure there is something for everyone.
Sun beds can be booked online or by phone. Alternatively, there's another option to have a private meal right at the beach. Seaside by Notos is much more than the typical party bars.
Night Flight Beach Cocktail Bar
Night Flight Beach Cocktail Bar is one of the best and latest additions to the nightlife in Santorini. This place can provide an excellent escape from the buzzing crowds.
Night Flight's location is near the airport -hence its name- and the whole concept revolves around this area. What makes Night Flight so cool is that when you go there, airplanes fly directly over you. Upon the landing of each airplane, the lights and music are turned off for you to enjoy the...“night flight.”
In addition to its unique concept and atmosphere, the bar offers delicious and beautifully decorated cocktails.
Wet stories
Wet Story is one of the most famous beach bars in Santorini. There, you can find sofas for relaxing and sleeping in a poolside lounge area. At the same time, you have the opportunity to enjoy beach volleyball or go to the bar on the street if you'd like to party.
What's more, Wet Stories is a good choice for those looking to savor a delicious meal at sea. The bar is increasingly loud in the afternoon, particularly with guest DJs and live performances.
The drinks you will get there are delicious, while most umbrellas include electrical outlets and an easy-access secure storage compartment to store all your belongings when swimming.
Theros Wave Beach Bar
Theros Wave bar sits on white volcanic rock at Vlychada Beach, aka the White Beach. It offers an amazing view over Santorini, an island in Greece, and it's worth discovering.
Theros WaveBar is very exotic. When you get here, the realization that you're on vacation will settle. This is very well suited for couples' events, as well as super romantic occasions, while in addition to its delicious drinks, it offers plenty of food! Try the 'Honey Spirit Cocktail'; you won't regret it!
JOJO Beach Bar
Jo Jo is among the most famous beach bars in Santorini, known for its events. It's a relaxing place to spend the day in the sun.
When the sun sets, however, you will come upon loud music, a sand dance floor, huge swimming pools, and large crowds. If you'd like a fun afternoon party, then that's where you should go.
Chilli Beach Bar
Chilli Beach Bar is located on the famous Perivolos beach, and it is both a bar and a restaurant. There, guests can enjoy tasty Santorini food in a lovely atmosphere and friendly service that will make them feel at ease.
While it is more a restaurant than a place of nightly entertainment, it is a must-visit spot during your Santorini vacation, and it combines both worlds beautifully.
The Best Nightclubs in Santorini for a Party Atmosphere
Koo club
Arguably the most popular club in Santorini, Koo club is beautifully diverse and diversely beautiful.
Koo club consists of three separate bars that have all come together under the same roof to accommodate the needs of all customers, with the dance floor being its busiest spot; if you’re up to get down with the beat, Koo is the place for you!
If, however, you’re in the mood for something a bit more atmospheric than dance clubs, then the large outdoor patio you will find in Koo club with its lush plushy sofas will put a smile on your face.
The night begins with house music, electronic, mainstream, and RnB tunes, and turns into Greek pop in the early morning hours, so you’re bound to listen to something you like at one point or another. What’s there not to love?
Enigma Club
Just a tad bit tamer and with a scenic balcony that serves as a relaxing hub in the midst of the dancing fever, Enigma club, a solid nightlife choice in Santorini for many years now, offering great drinks, upbeat music, and a party vibe with a dance floor that you’re sure to appreciate.
A must if you’re seeking to party big time in Santorini, don’t miss the opportunity to visit it and mingle with the locals.
Town Club
Maybe the most intense of Sanrotini’s nightclubs and the most popular for tourists, Town Club is everything you’re looking for in typical dance clubs; famous guest DJ appearances, high-quality drinks, and lots of dancing on the dance floor!
The club hosts a number of special events from time to time, so make sure to check if one is taking place during your visit to the island.
Visit Town Club only if you’re ready for some wild partying until the sun comes out, and as with all Greek clubs, don’t bother going until after 1 am unless you’re into sweeping floors!
Final Thoughts
With an abundance of delectable cocktails, a variety of enjoyable music, and views that will leave you breathless, the Santorini nightlife is an experience you must gain during your trip to the island.
Even if you’re not a party animal, plenty of enjoyable choices will make your trip and the nightlife in Santorini memorable. No great story starts with ‘So, I slept at 9 pm..’!
For a comprehensive Santorinian experience or a magical Santorini elopement, see our selection of Greece vacation packages, or join one of the following Santorini tours:
- Santorini private tour with local driver-guide
- Santorini highlights a full-day tour
