9 Best Nightlife in Santorini

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.

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.

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 cinema in the evenings. Although, with a view like that, we’re not sure we could focus on the movie!

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 favourite 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.

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 favourite 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.

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.