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Santorini is first and foremost known for its wineries, however, it also has some excellent cocktail bars. The sunset views from the caldera bars are what many people picture when they think of the island. However, the Santorini cocktail bars aren’t just tourist traps. Many of them actually make excellent & interesting cocktails. You might pay more for the view in some cases, but at least you’ll get a quality drink along with it. Here are the best cocktail bars in Santorini, including everything from upscale bars along the caldera to hidden dive bars.
The Best Cocktail Bars in Santorini
PK Cocktail Bar
PK Cocktail Bar (full name Palia Kameni Bar) is one of the finest Santorini cocktail bars. Not only does it have great caldera views, but it also has phenomenal cocktails.
The bar bills itself as the longest-running cocktail bar in Santorini, having opened in 1976. It was started by Mr. PK Gregory Chryssos, & is now operated by his son Vassilis Chryssos. Over the years, the bar has continuously evolved along with cocktail culture & Santorini itself.
PK Cocktail Bar has a small patio overlooking the caldera, as well as downstairs spaces. Be sure to book ahead for sunset drinks. Tip: people go to the Santorini caldera view bars for the sunset (and rightfully so), but some don’t stay for all of it. There are still plenty of beautiful colorful views once the sun has dipped below the horizon, so you might be able to snag a table if people have just left, which is what I did.
The cocktail list at Palia Kameni consists of various original creations, including some with Greek ingredients & inspiration. The drinks do cost a little bit more here, but it’s worth it for the view. I opted for The 300, a phenomenal cocktail styled as a Greek Old Fashioned & made from Metaxa 12 Greek Brandy, Mastika, raw cane sugar, honey, & homemade Mediterranean bitters. It’s all then smoked with cinnamon wood chips at the table.
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As I sipped my cocktail, I looked out upon a gorgeous sunset, brought to life with a sliver of the moon, Venus, and the gradual appearance of a smattering of stars. Listening to the competing chill electronic beats of the various nearby cocktail bars, I started to get it. I didn’t think that Santorini would be a place that I’d enjoy so much, but with a fantastic drink in hand, I now saw the appeal.
A bar with views like PK Cocktail Bar doesn’t need to be original. It could easily become a tourist trap, serving whatever watered-down drinks they want at whatever price they want and people would still pack the place every night. But the fact that they’ve put the effort in makes it my favorite cocktail bar in Santorini.
Address: Ipapantis, Thira 847 00, Greece (map)
Stoa Bar Santorini Fira
There are a few cool cocktail bars in Santorini that don’t have fancy views & the prices that come along with them. Stoa Bar Santorini Fira is a dark bar that’s located in 3 former salt stores that were constructed in 1902. The cocktails skew a bit tropical, but hey, you’re on an island. They also have mocktails for those not drinking alcohol.
My first drink was the Oxygen, which had Mexcal, mango, thyme honey, citrus, and sriracha. I loved how they put a bit of salt & thyme on the rim to tie all the flavors together. It was one of my favorite cocktails in Santorini.
I then had the Mystery, which was a nice, well-balanced drink. The cocktails also come with Doritos, which is always a plus, plus they actually pair well with many of their drinks.
The fun vibe at Stoa Bar is aided by the music, which includes funk & disco-era songs, with a mix of modern stuff like The Weeknd. In addition to cocktails, it’s also a hooka shisha bar. During the day, Stoa Bar offers olive oil & honey tastings, as well as cocktail-making experiences.
Address: Danezi, Stoa Pelekanou, Fira, Santorini 847 00, Greece (map)
Kira Thira Jazz Bar
Kira Thira Jazz Bar is one of the oldest bars in Santorini. The bar opened in 1976. A lot has changed on the island since that time, but Kira Thira Jazz Bar hasn’t, aside from the jazz music now being played from a CD collection. CDs weren’t invented until 1982.
If you’re looking for something different, this is the place to go. Located along a busy alleyway in Thira, step inside into the dark oasis deep within an archway. It’s a wonderful alternative to the plethora of bars that are churning out some degree of electronic music & the closest thing you’ll find to a dive bar in Santorini.
The cocktails at Kira Thira Jazz Bar are a standard list, but their house specialty sangria is not to be missed. Dimitris’ recipe is made with local wine, and it also comes with a helpful skewer for easy fruit stabbing.
Kira Thira Jazz Bar picks up after dark, once people have gotten their fill of sunset views. It’s a popular place with groups, with a mix of both tourists & some locals, all in a space that’s well-suited for conversation.
Address: Thera 847 00, Greece (map)
The Vine Cocktail & Wine Restaurant
The Vine Cocktail & Wine Restaurant is another Santorini rooftop bar with caldera views. Their signature cocktails are all music themed. There are even non-alcoholic drinks named for bands that appealed to teens, such as the Backstreet Boys & the Spice Girls.
The drinks at The Vine are on the pricier side, but again, you pay a bit extra for these views, plus the drinks are well-made. I opted for the Bad Romance, a Lady Gaga-inspired drink that had bourbon, almond liquor, cherry, orange, & chocolate bitters.
There is also a large local Santorini wine list, plus some local craft beer.
Address: Ipapantis 2, Thira 847 00, Greece (map)
Boozery Bar
Can’t get a reservation for one of the Santorini caldera view bars? Don’t worry, you’re not out of luck. Head to Boozery, a takeaway bar serving excellent cocktails & craft beer just a short walk away from some of the most popular overlooks in Santorini.
I ordered the Cobra’s Fang, a cocktail made with dark rum, overproof rum, lime juice, creme de peche, orange juice, absinthe, cinnamon, passion fruit, and ginger. I then took it over to a nearby cliff overlooking the cable car & watched the sunset over the blue Mediterranean waters.
There is also a second Boozery location in Kamari, for all of your beach drinking needs.
Address: Thera 847 00, Greece (map)
The Finch
The Finch is a cocktail bar in Kamari (as well as a full restaurant). They serve excellent brunches & other dishes.
The cocktail list at The Finch includes signature cocktails, including their house barrel-aged negronis. Beat the Santorini heat with cocktails that incorporate ice cream, such as the Bananas in Pyjamas.
Address: Kamari 847 00, Greece (map)
V Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar
V Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar is another prominent bar with sunset caldera views in Santorini.
The drinks are priced accordingly, but the bar & restaurant has an extensive list of house specialty cocktails. It also has the “Greek Corner”, a cocktail menu featuring Greek spirits such as Metaxa & Mastiha. They also serve local Santorini wines & are open for brunch.
Address: Ipapantis Walkway, Thira 847 00, Greece (map)
Ftelos Brewery
Ftelos Brewery has some of the best craft beer in Santorini. In addition to their beers & a restaurant, they also have a full bar. What makes Ftelos unique is how they incorporate their beers into some of their cocktails.
Creations include the Salty Rock (Spiced rum, Salty coffee caramel, Chocolate bitters, & their Malt & Marvel Stout), the Antidote (Bourbon, Ginger & honey cordial, & Blue Monkey lager), the Aroma (Vodka, Passion Fruit, Vanilla, & Malt & Marvel Double IPA), & the Aperitivo (Blend of aperitivi, Blend of vermouths, & Malt & Marvel Hibiscus Saison).
It’s a great place for both beer lovers & cocktail lovers to visit in Santorini.
Address: Karterádos 847 00, Greece (map)
Here are some great Santorini tours & activities & other things to see & do in Santorini.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Santorini, check out these hotels. For more restaurant recommendations, go here.
