The Best Cocktail Bars in Santorini, Greece

The roof terrace here is hands down the best spot to admire the sunset in Oia. The food is fancy and delicious, and so are the cocktails. The well-versed bar team know their seasonal drinks trends and quirky mixes with the cocktail list based on the four elements of earth, wind, air and fire. Start your night with a zingy Koala (fire): premium gin, pink grapefruit, lime, passion fruit, purée and spicy syrup. The perfect summer slurps!

It’s all in the name here: MoMix stands for molecular mixology. This swanky, cave-like bar certainly takes cocktail-making seriously. Once a stalwart of the Athens cocktail bar scene, it’s now a popular party spot in Fira. Expect neon-coloured shot bubbles served on spoons, and drinks flowing with dry ice, topped with bright caviar-like jelly balls, as well as classics from martinis to old fashioneds.

This bar, one of the oldest in the area, is at the very end of the main pedestrian street in Oia. Named after an ancient Greek folk dance, it’s a great place for a boogie — with no sea views to distract and DJs playing every night. Owner Marykay keeps the place open from early morning coffee to late-night shots. Her drinks stock and cocktail list is vast. Enjoy a martini outside before the music starts and work through to a tequila sunrise.

A local institution in Fira offering delicious cocktails and live music. The resident DJ George K Tony has been playing soul here since 1986, while it’s also a popular gig venue for bands. The candlelit terrace allows for quieter romantic drinks before things get lively inside. Expect daiquiris, mojitos and champagne cocktails. Like any bar worth its weight in lemon slices, the staff will go off-menu and take requests for your favourite cocktail.

A stylish cocktail restaurant in the centre of Oia with fresh, minimal interiors and outside space. The cocktails are inventive, modern and sassy. For bar brownie points, order a Fino: a blend of rum, Amaretto, passion fruit, lime and sugar syrup. You won’t find any umbrella and cherry-stuffed neon creations here. The wine list is also impressive and dominated by local vineyards. A lovely spot for the pre-sunset golden hour.

Not the most sophisticated cocktail bar, but one of the most fun on the island. The bar has quite a legacy; it was opened way back in 1983 by brothers Dimitris and Giannis. Today the original owners’ sons, Jack and Leuteris, run the show. It’s a favourite with locals letting off steam and fun-loving visitors. Expect live DJs, cocktails that come hard and fast in various vessels, and dancing until the early hours.

Cocktails on the beautiful Vlychada beach with a backdrop of volcanic cliffs is pretty idyllic. Relax in a wicker hammock at Theros Wave Bar and this will be your Santorini reality. The decked terrace is positioned above the beach overlooking the sea and horizon. Before sunset, the vibe is chilled and you can order cocktails and bites to your sunbed. The fruity signature cocktails come with inventive names such as Forest Bag, Passion Crime and Boom Gum.

This upscale champagne and cocktail bar makes for long summer nights in a chic and minimalist setting. You’ll find it on a cliffside in Fira, not far from the Old Port; treat yourself to spectacular Santorini views and signature cocktails. Try the Spiced Emerald: Bombay Sapphire gin, melon, ginger, a variety of spices and lemon juice; or something made with fresh fruit from the summer-themed cocktail list. Later, the party starts with bottles popping.

In a Zen-like hotel at the foot of Oia village, the Pacman Sunset restaurant and bar revisits classic Greek cuisine, introduces sushi and serves delicious cocktails with distinctive boho-chic vibes. In the summer, there are live shows with classical and jazz musicians playing as the sun sets.