Santorini, Greece

Here’s a detailed 3 to 5-day itinerary for visiting Santorini, Greece, an island known for its stunning caldera views, iconic whitewashed buildings with blue-domed roofs, beautiful beaches, and rich history. This trip plan highlights the best attractions, cultural experiences, and local cuisine, with options for relaxation, adventure, and day trips.

Day 1: Exploring Fira and Oia

• Morning:

  • Begin your day in Fira, Santorini’s capital, known for its narrow, picturesque streets filled with shops, galleries, and cafes. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, which houses artifacts from ancient Akrotiri, including beautiful frescoes, pottery, and tools from the Bronze Age.

  • Walk along the Fira to Firostefani path, which offers breathtaking views of the caldera and the surrounding islands. Along the way, visit the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, known for its striking architecture and impressive frescoes.

• Afternoon:

  • For lunch, dine at Argo Restaurant, offering delicious Mediterranean cuisine with stunning caldera views. Try local favorites like fava (split pea puree) and fresh seafood.

  • After lunch, take a bus or taxi to Oia, the most iconic village on Santorini. Stroll through its charming streets, lined with boutique shops and cafes, and take in the famous whitewashed buildings with blue-domed churches.

  • Visit the Oia Castle for panoramic views of the caldera and surrounding islands. This spot is famous for its sunsets, so stay here to watch the spectacular colors as the sun dips below the horizon.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Ambrosia Restaurant in Oia, known for its romantic ambiance and traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist. The views from the terrace are perfect for enjoying the sunset.

  • After dinner, explore Oia’s nightlife or take a leisurely evening walk along the caldera.

    
    

Day 2: Beaches and Ancient Akrotiri

• Morning:

  • Visit Red Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Santorini, known for its striking red cliffs and clear turquoise waters. Spend the morning relaxing or swimming.

  • Explore Ancient Akrotiri, an archaeological site of a Minoan Bronze Age city that was preserved under volcanic ash. Wander through the well-preserved streets and buildings to learn about life on Santorini before the massive volcanic eruption.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at The Cave of Nikolas, a traditional taverna near Red Beach serving fresh seafood and authentic Greek dishes.

  • Visit the Akrotiri Lighthouse, located at the southwestern tip of the island, for breathtaking views of the caldera and surrounding islands.

  • For more beach time, head to Perissa Beach, a black-sand beach with plenty of sunbeds, water sports, and beach bars. Relax by the sea or try paddleboarding or jet skiing.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Tranquilo, a relaxed beachfront restaurant in Perissa, offering Mediterranean and vegetarian dishes in a chill atmosphere.

  • After dinner, enjoy a drink at one of the beach bars or head back to Fira for a more vibrant nightlife scene.

    
    

Day 3: Wine Tasting and Sunset Cruise

• Morning:

  • Spend the morning on a wine tour. Visit Santo Wines or Venetsanos Winery, both known for their exceptional wines and incredible caldera views. Learn about Santorini’s unique wine-making process and taste local varieties like Assyrtiko and Vinsanto.

  • Visit the Wine Museum Koutsoyannopoulos, an underground museum that takes you through the history of wine production on the island, complete with a tasting at the end.

• Afternoon:

  • Enjoy lunch at Metaxi Mas in the village of Exo Gonia, a hidden gem offering authentic Greek dishes like tomato fritters and grilled lamb. The warm hospitality and scenic views make it a must-visit.

  • After lunch, relax at Kamari Beach, another black-sand beach with a lively atmosphere. Explore the beachfront shops and cafes or rent a sunbed for an afternoon of relaxation.

• Evening:

  • In the evening, embark on a sunset catamaran cruise around the caldera. Many tours include stops for swimming and snorkeling, along with a delicious dinner on board. Watch the stunning sunset as you sail past volcanic islands and the iconic cliffs of Santorini.

  • After the cruise, enjoy a late-night cocktail at PK Cocktail Bar in Fira, which offers breathtaking views of the caldera.

    
    

Day 4: Day Trip to Nea Kameni and Thirasia

• Morning:

  • Take a boat tour to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni. Hike to the top of the volcano for incredible views and see the volcanic craters and steam vents. The island is still geologically active, giving visitors a unique experience.

  • After exploring the volcano, head to the hot springs at Palea Kameni for a rejuvenating swim in the warm, sulfur-rich waters.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch on the quiet island of Thirasia, located across the caldera from Oia. Visit the village of Manolas, where you can enjoy traditional Greek food and take in beautiful views of Santorini from a different perspective.

  • Spend the afternoon relaxing on Thirasia’s beaches or hiking to explore more of the island’s hidden gems.

• Evening:

  • Return to Santorini and dine at Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna, located in Ammoudi Bay below Oia. Known for its fresh seafood and scenic setting by the sea, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

  • Afterward, take a stroll around Ammoudi Bay or return to Oia for one last breathtaking sunset.

    
    

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Relaxation

• Morning:

  • Visit Pyrgos, a traditional village at the highest point of the island. Explore its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and beautiful churches. Climb to the Pyrgos Castle for panoramic views of Santorini.

  • Continue to Megalochori, a quiet village known for its neoclassical mansions and charming alleys. Stop by Gavalas Winery for one last wine tasting.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Aroma Avlis, a family-owned winery and restaurant in Megalochori, where you can enjoy delicious Greek dishes paired with local wines.

  • Spend your final afternoon relaxing at Vlychada Beach, known for its white cliffs that resemble lunar landscapes. It’s a peaceful place to unwind and take in Santorini’s natural beauty.

• Evening:

  • For your final dinner, dine at Selene in Fira, a fine dining restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Greek cuisine. The tasting menus highlight local ingredients and flavors.

  • End your trip with a drink at Franco’s Bar in Pyrgos, where you can enjoy classical music and views of the caldera under the stars.

    
    

Tips:

• Public Transport: Santorini’s bus system is efficient and connects major villages, but renting a car or ATV offers more flexibility to explore the island. Taxis are available but can be scarce during peak season.

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Santorini is from April to June or September to October, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists than in the peak summer months.