Oia Santorini 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Beauty of Oia, Santorini

This itinerary focuses on experiencing the charm and beauty of Oia, Santorini. It’s designed for a leisurely exploration, soaking up the iconic views and enjoying the unique atmosphere.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Andronis Luxury Suites, Canaves Oia Epitome
  • Mid-Range: Oia Mare Villas, Katikies Hotel (look for deals on smaller rooms or off-season rates)
  • Budget: Consider staying in a budget-friendly hotel in the village of Imerovigli, just a short walk from Oia.

Where to Eat:

  • Fine Dining: Ambrosia Restaurant, Lauda, 1800 Floga
  • Casual Eats: Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna (fresh seafood with stunning caldera views), The Bakery (delicious pastries and traditional bread), Lotza Sunset Cafe (enjoy the sunset while sipping on cocktails)**

Things to Know:

  • Oia is a popular destination: Expect crowds, especially during sunset.
  • Sunset is a must-see: Book a sunset spot at a restaurant or cafe in advance for the best experience.
  • Caldera views are breathtaking: Many restaurants and cafes offer incredible caldera views, but be prepared to pay a premium for them.

Day 1: Arrival & Sunset Charm

  • Morning: Arrive at Santorini Airport (JTR) or the port and settle into your accommodation in Oia.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of Oia. Stroll through the whitewashed alleys, admire the unique architecture, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

    • Must-see: Visit the Santorini Caldera:

      • Sunset Cruise: Enjoy a classic Santorini sunset experience on a catamaran or sailboat. Many companies offer tours with dinner and drinks included.

    • Lunch: Grab a casual bite at Ammoudi Fish Tavern for fresh seafood and incredible views of the caldera in Oia.

  • Evening: Witness the legendary Oia sunset from a picturesque viewpoint.
    • Dinner & Drinks: Enjoy dinner with a view at Sunset Cafe while sipping on delicious cocktails.

Things to Do:

  • Relax at Ammoudi Bay, a charming harbor with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
  • Hike the caldera trail: Enjoy a scenic hike from Oia to Fira, following the ancient path and taking in breathtaking views along the way.

Dinner:

  • Sunset Tavern (Oia): Savour traditional Greek cuisine and a captivating sunset view over the caldera.
  • Reservations for sunset are highly recommended!

Day 2: Historical Exploration

  • Morning: Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, the ancient Minoan city buried by volcanic ash.

Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view at Taverna “The Sunset” in Santorini’s Akrotiri village.

  • Afternoon:

Explore the charming village of Oia: * Relax on the beach: Head to the unique beaches of Santorini. While not all beaches are traditional, many offer stunning views and are perfect for a swim or a relaxing afternoon by the sea.

  • Evening: Enjoy a romantic dinner at Sunset Restaurant, with a spectacular view of the sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Day 3: Volcanic Wonders & Relaxation

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the volcano: Hike or take a boat to the top of the volcano and see the remnants of the volcanic eruption that shaped Santorini.
  • Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the stunning view of the caldera from the comfort of your hotel room (consider a sunset suite for the best experience).

Afternoon: Take a cooking class at a local restaurant or culinary school: Learn to make delicious dishes using fresh, local ingredients.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Ambrosia, a renowned restaurant known for its breathtaking sunset views.

  • Sunset Dinner: Indulge in dinner and a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea.

Things to Do:

  • Santorini Wine Tasting: Visit one of the many wineries in Santorini, like Santo Wines, and sample local wines while learning about the unique volcanic vineyards of the island.
  • Sunset Hike & Photoshoot: Enjoy a romantic sunset stroll through the picturesque streets of Oia, exploring the charming whitewashed houses with stunning views.

Day 4: Farewell to Oia

  • Morning: Relax and soak in the last bit of Santorini’s beauty. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Bakery, savour the beautiful atmosphere of the village.
  • Santorini Sunset Hike: For a truly unforgettable experience, hike to a nearby beach for a stunning view of the sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Afternoon: Enjoy a final sunset dinner in Oia with breathtaking views.

  • Sunset Dinner & Drinks: Enjoy a delicious meal and unforgettable views at Dimitris Ammoutiri:

  • Things to Consider:

    • Book in advance: This is especially important during the peak season (June-September) as Oia is a popular destination for sunset watching.

  • Sunset: Enjoy a final sunset over the caldera.

Day Trip Ideas:

  • Sail to the volcano and Red Beach: Enjoy the sunset on a boat tour, swim in the caldera, and explore the unique beauty of Oia’s volcanic landscape.

  • Visit the Santorini wineries: Explore the island’s winemaking history and sample some of the local wines with breathtaking views of the vineyards.

  • Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at one of the beautiful beaches: Take in the stunning scenery and enjoy the sunset from a different perspective.

Things to see:

  • Santorini caldera: Explore the breathtaking beauty of the volcanic caldera.

  • Sunset view points: Enjoy the sunset from unique locations like:

    • Oia Castle Ruins: Offers iconic views but can be crowded at sunset.
    • Ammoudi Bay: A scenic bay with restaurants and cafes, perfect for a romantic dinner.
    • Ammoudios Beach:

Enjoy breathtaking views of the volcano from Oia’s picturesque beaches.

  • Sunset Cruise: Experience a romantic sunset cruise along the coast.

  • Ambrosia Restaurant: Enjoy the stunning views of the caldera while having a delicious meal.

Enjoy a relaxing sunset at a cafe or restaurant.

  • Oia Sunset Views:

Things to consider when planning your trip:

  • Budget: Consider all-inclusive packages, but book early as they sell out quickly.
  • Accommodation: Book a hotel with a breathtaking view of the caldera.
  • Transportation: Take advantage of the free shuttle service offered by many hotels.

Other Things to Do in Oia:

  • Explore the Akrotiri Archaeological Site: This is a must-see for history buffs, showcasing the remains of an ancient Minoan settlement buried by a volcanic eruption.
  • Visit the Church of Panagia Platsani: A beautiful Byzantine church with a rich history and stunning architecture.
  • Santorini Wine Tasting: Enjoy a relaxing evening with a glass of wine.

Enjoy the sunset views:

  • Sunset-watching spots:

    • Oia Castle Ruins (for stunning panoramic views):

  • Enjoy the unique ambiance of Oia’s cafes and bars:

  • Visit the caldera during the day:

    • Things to Do in Santorini:
      • Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a fascinating archaeological site.
      • Hike from Oia to Fira for a romantic evening with breathtaking views.

Enjoy the sunset at a restaurant or bar:

  • Enjoy stunning views over the Aegean Sea and the island’s whitewashed villages.

Consider:

  • Sunset Cruises: Many offer breathtaking views of the caldera and the surrounding islands.
  • Experience: The beauty of the sunset in Oia is best enjoyed with a table overlooking the sea, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking hues.

Remember, this is just a starting point for your itinerary. You can customize it based on your interests, budget, and travel style.