Where to Party on Santorini!
Bars and Clubs Thrive on This Beautiful Island

There's a party in the fun bars of Santorini.

Some may lay claim to knowing all about Santorini's nightlife. "It's all couples," they'll say. "Very romantic, but not much in the way of bars."

HA! Nothing could be farther from the truth. Oh, for sure it's not Ios or Mykonos, but know where to go and Santorini (or Thira, as the Greeks call it) is sensational.

The national drink of Greece – the shot – comse at bar patrons faster than hot lava. The bartenders have fun and they want their patrons to do the same. Where and when to start? Just keep reading.

Sunset

Forget Oia; go for "Santa Barbara's" cocktails in Fira for sunset.

Why Go To Oia When You Can Have "Santa Barbara's" Margaritas?

Many people gather in Oia to watch the sunset. However, you are better off from a social standpoint by heading to the caldera in Fira. Stop in at the Tropical Bar, which offers a spectacular view.

The bartender, a lively Southern Californian we've dubbed "Santa Barbara" and she is justifiably quite proud of her margaritas. But she has not stopped there, creating an entire menu of frozen concoctions. Watch out for the Tutty Frutty; it may sound tame but it's not!

Santorini By Night – Nightlife and Bars

The Frenzy is in Fira for nightlife in Santorini.

Two Brothers is one of the legendary party bars in the Cyclades.

The great sunset bar, The Tropical Bar, tooks cool lounge at night.

So who says there is no partying in Santorini!?

Okay, time to party! In Santorini, it's classy but casual, fun and inhibited, cranking and often crazy. In other words, pretty much like anywhere else in Greece.

The social pulse of Santorini is the Town Square. It is the prime gathering spot on the island, the place where people begin and often end their nights. It has an outdoor bakery that serves cold beer, a pair of so-so gyro shops, a crepe restaurant (mmmm!), and a small bar pumping tunes.

Can't think of your next move on Santorini? Grab a beer and sit down here; the island will eventually come to you. After the bars close, the town square combines the best of all Santorini clubs in one outdoor area. Beer is sold in the adjacent restaurants, making it an all-night party for those who desire to stay out until the moon gives way to the sun.

The classy Tropical Bar is where to start the nights in Santorini.

Outside is equally enjoyable at The Tropical Bar.

From the outside in, The Tropical Bar is a top place to dance, drink and gather.

At about 11, head down the street by the convenience store, turn right at the end and about halfway down the street on the left is the aforementioned Tropical Bar. It's a classy small club with sophisticated Euro tunes, a wide bar counter (ideal for dancing) and a balcony with a spectacular view of the caldera. Quite often, a full moon will be beaming across the sea. This is even more intoxicating than Santa Barbara's margaritas (cocktails 6 Euros, beers 4 and 5 Euros). It's the best place to start the night. It's friendly and social, which makes it hard to leave.

Big smiles abound with all who party in Santorini.

The Two Brothers Bar once ruled the wild side of Santorini. Most people danced on the bar and the scene was identical to what one envisions when thinking of nightlife in Greece. It's not quite at that level these days but after a brief experiment with club music, it's back to playing rock 'n roll. And it's rockin' again.

The brothers are generous with the shots, the DJ knows how to keep the joint jumping and it's fun. Two Brothers is Santorini's best kick-up-the-heels bar. It's somewhat hidden, just past the main part of town down an alley. Look for the sign over door.

The PubClubbers tear it up in Thira, one of our favorite party places.

Another fun bar is Murphy's, long and narrow with mix of rock and dance music. Mostly great for hanging out with the group, it's a casual hot spot in the heart of the land of the clubs.

Murphy's is next to the small but loud and proud Town Club. And it's a few steps away from the true mega-clubs, Coo Club and Enigma, which are right across from one another.

In Santorini, the party spilles out onto the narrow cobblestone streets.

There is most definitely a party in Santorini!

Coo Club is Santorini's long-standing club. It has a large outdoor patio in a tropical setting a contrast to the high-energy dance scene inside where it's hot, both in temperature and action. Coo Club is packed after midnight, a testament to its popularity among tourists, locals and European celebrities.

Like the Coo Club, Enigma is a large club that's thumping indoors and out. Inside it's almost like waking into a Greek palace with the curved caved-like arches, mood lighting, cushioned benches and dreamy dancing. Outside it's a large cozy lounge, ideal for lounging between songs.

Tithorha, located under the Town Square, is popular among locals. These clubs charge cover during the summer (up to 10 Euros) and club clothes are required.

Closed (unfortunately) is a the fun dance bar called Trip Into the Night but next door is a small jazz bar called Kipa Thir. It's good enough for a drink or two in between other bar stops.