18 Oct Explore the Best of Santorini: A 4-Day Itinerary
Santorini, with its postcard-perfect views, rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destination in Greece.
This volcanic Island of the Cyclades has blue dome churches, colourful beaches, whitewashed cave houses and some of the most magical spots for enjoying sunsets.
Santorini is a Greek island that has captured the hearts of travellers for decades and you put it on your bucket list.
Day 1: Arrival and first impressions of Santorini
As my plane descended into Santorini, I was greeted by the sight of the island’s iconic white-washed architecture clinging to the cliffs overlooking the deep blue waters of the Aegean. I was eager to start my adenture in Santorini. I decided to start by exploring Oia.
Oia
This picturesque village lies on the northern rim of the caldera, which is undoubtedly the most charming place to see the sunset in Santorini. It is also home to Santorini’s signature cave houses, which are arranged in rows just like those of an amphitheatre.
Oia started to flourish only in the 19th century when a fleet of merchant ships sailed this far to discover this gem. You will also find whitewashed buildings adorned with blue-domed churches. art galleries, Maritime Museum restaurant terraces, and Byzantine castle remains in Oia.
The ancient Thera
It is one of the traditional settlements between Oia and Thera. The ancient civilization of Thera was founded in the 9th century BC, and the remains were first explored in 1896 and then in the 20th century. Visit the villages of Kamari and Perissa to glance at the relics of ancient houses, squares, and Roman Era theatres from the second century AD.
Imerovigli- It is one of the traditional settlements between Oia and Thera and you can also see a beautiful sunset from here.
Day 2: Exploring Fira and Akrotiri
Fira is the island’s capital. The bustling town is perched on the edge of the caldera and offers a mix of modern amenities and traditional charm. The narrow streets are lined with shops selling handmade crafts, jewellery, and local wines.
The ancient city of Akrotiri is often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” Is a settlement from the Bronze Age that was preserved under a layer of volcanic ash.
The volcanic eruption that occurred 3600 years ago covered the ancient Akrotiri with volcanic debris, preserving the frescoes and houses in their best conditions. After thousands of years, archaeologists found bathtubs, flower pots, and cooking utensils that give a great image of the Minoan civilization. All these items are well preserved in the museum of prehistoric Thera and the national archaeological Museum in Athens.
Day 3: Beach Day & Sunset
No trip to Santorini is complete without a day at the beach, and Perissa, Red Beach, and White Beach are the perfect choices to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Perissa Beach
Perissa, with its black volcanic sand, is the perfect beach to relax. The contrast of the dark sand against the azure sea creates a striking landscape. Perissa is a 7 km Long Beach with beautiful palms and sunshades. It has moderate surf, so you can easily hold yourself there even if you are a non-swimmer. There are numerous water sports facilities, restaurants and cafes in the surrounding areas.
Red Beach
The red beach of Santorini is one of the most spectacular sites in the area. Volcanic eruptions have led to the creation of beautiful shoreline lines with huge volcanic rocks, red pebbles and sand in various colours. The interesting rock formations and marine life make it an ideal spot for snorkelling. The beach is easily accessible from the town of Fire, located only 20 minutes away. You can reach the beach by boat or road. If you want to have a remarkable experience in the sea go on yacht cruises or a private catamaran.
White beach
The white beach is located in the village of Akrotiri about 14 km from the town of Fira. The small Cove is covered with grey volcanic sand and black pebbles which create an amazing contrast with the white surroundings and the Crystal Clear Water. The beach is small with almost no immunities so make sure to bring your umbrella and sunscreen to have a comfortable experience.
Sunset in Oia
Santorini’s sunsets are considered among the most beautiful in the world. So after the beach, you should head to Oia and witness its famed sunset. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues, casting a warm glow over the cliffs and the caldera. It is pure magic!
Day 4: Winery Tour in Pyrgos
Santorini is renowned for its unique volcanic terroir, producing exceptional wines.
There are numerous wineries across the Island making it an excellent spot for wine tours. Even though the Island received minimal rainfall, the mineral-rich volcanic Ash and solidified Lava make it an excellent place for wineries. Santorini is famous for its native white Aidani and assyrtiko grapes.
I recommend exploring Santo Wines in Pyrgos. The winery’s terrace offers panoramic views of the caldera, providing a stunning backdrop for wine tasting.
More things to do in Santorini
If you have more time and will stay longer in Santorini here are some other things that you can do.
- Take a caldera boat tour
One of the most touristy things to do in Santorini is to take a Boat tour of the caldera. From the south of Fira, the boat will take you to Nea Kameni, where you will find numerous sulphurous hot Springs and remarkable scorched Volcanic rocks.
- Hike the Caldera Trail:
Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a scenic trek along the caldera rim from Fira to Oia. The trail offers stunning views of the sea, traditional villages, and white-washed architecture.
- Relax in Hot Springs:
Take a boat tour to the hot springs near Palea Kameni. The warm, mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic properties. It’s a unique and relaxing experience against the backdrop of the volcanic landscape.
- Visit the Maritime Museum in Oia:
Gain insights into Santorini’s maritime history at the Maritime Museum in Oia. The museum showcases ship models, nautical instruments, and historical photographs.
Where to stay in Santorini
- The Vasilikos – If you are looking for a luxurious place to stay in Santorini, the Vasilicos is one of the most prominent options. It is one of the few hotels in the town that does not have an adult-only policy. It offers a perfect place for families with older kids.
- Nobu Hotel – Another luxurious place to stay between Fira and Oia is this glamorous cliffside hotel. The beautiful resort has 25 luxurious rooms and suites that can be booked for group travellers. It offers a Jacuzzi and pools on private balconies. However, if you are looking for affordable and budget-friendly places to stay in Santorini, here are a few options.
- Loucas On the Cliff – The hotel is a 2 minutes drive from Santorini caldera, offering free wifi, pool and breakfast. It is a beautiful facility offering panoramic views of the surroundings.
- Stella Rocca A Mare – Stella Rocca is a beautiful seaside property with beautiful architecture and interior. It is also offering complimentary breakfast and wifi. The hotel is only a minute’s drive from the Santorini Caldera.
- Onyx Hotel & Suites – Onyx is a brand-new hotel that opened in the summer of 2022. It is located in the quaint village of Karterados. The hotel is only 3 minutes away from the Santorini Caldera and offers complimentary breakfast and WIFI.
Places to eat in Santorini
- Seaside – This beach bar and restaurant are the best for fruit platters and champagne cocktails. The restaurant is spacious and airy, giving you the right Santorini vibe.
- Agaze – Opened in 208. Agaze is a perfect place for coffee or delicious brunch. They also offer the best-packaged sandwiches and delicious green tea.
- Selene – You will find all Greek favourite foods here under one roof. Rabbit, quail, kid and lamb and sea foods like sea urchin and octopus are also the most wanted dishes in season.
Best time to visit Santorini
The best time to visit Santorini and avoid the crowds is during the shoulder seasons in late April to early June or September to early October. During these months, the weather is still warm and pleasant, but the island is less crowded than in the peak summer season. You’ll also find lower prices on accommodations and attractions, making it an ideal time for a more relaxed and affordable experience.
Santorini is not just a place; it’s an experience that lingers in your memory, beckoning you to return and relive its magic once again.
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