Santorini Greece 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Santorini Itinerary: A Perfect Blend of Relaxation and Exploration

This itinerary balances relaxation and sightseeing to let you experience the best of Santorini’s charm. It assumes you’re arriving in Santorini with a desire for both leisure and experiencing the island’s unique beauty and culture.

Things to know:

  • Weather: Santorini enjoys warm, sunny weather from May to October. Be sure to check the forecast before you go, as it can get windy during this time of year, especially in the evenings.
  • Budget: This itinerary is adaptable for different budgets. You can choose to stay at a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly option.

Day 1: Santorini Sunset & Traditional Cuisine

  • Morning: Arrive in Santorini and check into your accommodation. For this itinerary, we’ll recommend staying in Fira, the island’s charming capital, offering stunning caldera views and proximity to restaurants and nightlife.

    • Budget: Consider staying at a cozy guesthouse or Airbnb in Fira for affordability and charm.
    • Mid-Range: A boutique hotel with a pool in Fira offers relaxation and a central location.
    • Luxury: If you’re looking for luxury, stay at a cliffside cave hotel with a private jacuzzi overlooking the caldera.

  • Afternoon: Explore Fira, wander through the narrow streets of this picturesque town and soak in the white-washed architecture and breathtaking views.

    • Things to do:
      • Visit the Archaeological Museum in Fira for a glimpse into Santorini’s ancient past.
      • Explore the unique architecture of the churches in Oia, the village famous for its iconic blue-domed churches.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Greek dinner at Taverna Katina in Fira, known for its delicious local dishes and warm atmosphere. Afterwards, head to Oia to witness the legendary Santorini sunset over the Aegean Sea.

    • Things to do:
      • Take a boat tour from Amoudi Bay, enjoy the stunning views of the caldera while the sun sets behind the iconic cliffs (choose a spot with a view!).

Day 2: Volcanic Adventures & Ancient Ruins

  • Morning: Hike the volcanic caldera for a breathtaking workout and spectacular views.

  • Afternoon: Relax at the black sand beaches like Perissa or Kamari, taking a dip in the unique volcanic sands.

  • Things to do:

    • Red Beach: Enjoy the stunning red and black volcanic sands and the dramatic cliffs that surround it.
    • Nea Kameni Volcano: Take a boat trip to the volcano for a guided tour of the crater and lava flows.
    • Hot Springs: Experience the natural beauty of these geothermal wonders, located near the volcano.

  • Evening:

Day 3: Relaxing on the Beach & Exploring the Local Culture

  • Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel’s pool or head to Kamari for a swim.

  • Afternoon: Take one last dip in the Caldera’s caldera views before heading back to Fira and its vibrant nightlife!

    • Things to do:

      • Hot Springs: Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the hot springs.

Transportation:

  • Buses: Santorini has a reliable bus system connecting the main towns and villages. It’s an affordable way to travel around the island.
  • ATVs & Scooters: A popular and fun way to explore the island is by renting an ATV or scooter. This allows you to reach hidden beaches and scenic spots easily.
  • Car Rentals: Renting a car is ideal for exploring the island at your own pace.

Things to eat:

Budget:

Enjoy the local flavors at one of Fira’s many tavernas, offering delicious, affordable Greek meals in a casual setting.

Mid-Range:

Head to Ammoudi Bay for fresh seafood at a traditional taverna.

  • For a unique experience, try a “taverna hop”: Enjoy a variety of dishes and drinks from different restaurants in Fira.

Things to do (continued):

  • Explore the beaches beyond the caldera: Perivolos Beach is known for its vibrant beach bars and nightlife scene.
  • Visit Santorini’s wineries: The island has a rich winemaking tradition, and you can enjoy wine tasting at several vineyards.
  • Relax in a traditional Greek taverna, enjoying the local cuisine and atmosphere.

Things to see:

  • Enjoy the sunset over the Aegean Sea from a charming restaurant with caldera views.

Things to know:

  • Scooter Safety: Wear a helmet and be cautious when driving on the narrow, winding roads of Santorini.
  • Local Dishes: Try traditional dishes like souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), moussaka (eggplant casserole), or Greek salad (with a twist!).

Day 1: Akrotiri & Beyond

  • Visit the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri: Explore this fascinating ancient Minoan city, frozen in time by a volcanic eruption.
  • Enjoy the sunset from a caldera-view restaurant: Many restaurants offer stunning views and incredible sunsets.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Red Beach: The unique red sand and volcanic cliffs are truly breathtaking. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and take some photos!

Food Recommendations:

  • For a taste of Santorini’s local flavors, try a taverna specializing in Greek cuisine.
  • Enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant in Oia like Ammoudi Fish Tavern or Sunset Taverna.

Things to do (continued):

  • Take a cooking class: Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Santorini and learn to cook some local dishes.

Day 2: Beaches & History

  • Relax at the Red Beach: Enjoy the unique red sand and swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Transportation:

  • Car/Scooter Rentals: Explore the island’s diverse landscape and explore hidden gems!

Things to consider:

  • Book your transportation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
  • Enjoy a unique experience by visiting the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Things to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Visit the black sand beaches of Perissa and Perivolos.

Things to do:

  • Relax and soak up the sun on the black sands while enjoying the breathtaking views.
  • Visit the Akrotiri Lighthouse: Enjoy a walk along the cliffside path in Oia

Day 3: Explore Santorini’s Beauty:

  • Enjoy a sunset cruise: Visit the caldera from the water, see other islands, and even swim in it!

  • Enjoy the local beaches, including Red Beach, for a final dip.

  • Visit the archaeological sites of Akrotiri and Akropolis: Take advantage of your last day to explore the historical wonders of Santorini.

Transportation:

  • Rent an ATV or scooter to visit the iconic churches of Oia.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the hills of Imerovigli, known for its stunning panoramas.

  • Explore the charming village and experience the local life and culture.

  • Take a final dip in the Aegean Sea at a picturesque beach like Ammoudi Bay.

  • Enjoy a glass of wine at a local winery.

Things to know:

  • Consider visiting the Red Beach on your own: Enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Santorini’s unique landscape.

Travel Tip:

  • Carry cash: Not all businesses in Santorini accept credit cards, so it’s important to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and meals at local tavernas.
  • Rent a scooter or ATV and explore the island: Rent a car in Fira to discover other hidden gems.

Food & Drinks:

  • Visit the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari: Visit the archaeological sites of the ancient city of Akrotiri, which is located on the southern tip of the island.
  • Enjoy a final evening at a traditional restaurant in Fira: Enjoy delicious seafood dishes while soaking up the stunning sunset views.

Day 3: Explore & Relax

Things to know:

  • Consider visiting the archaeological site of the Red Beach, which is accessible by boat.
  • Explore the Akrotiri Archaeological Site: This site is a must-visit and offers a glimpse into the ancient past, with fascinating ruins and artifacts.

Food & Drink Ideas (beyond the “must-do"s:

  • Santorini Wine Tours: Explore the island’s volcanic vineyards and experience the unique flavors of its wines.
  • Take advantage of the beautiful Santorini sunsets: Enjoy a romantic dinner at a caldera-view restaurant and savor the views.

Things to do (continued) :

  • Enjoy the stunning views from the top of the Caldera.

Remember: This is just a sample itinerary, and you can adjust it based on your interests and the time of year you visit.

Things to consider:

  • Book your tours in advance: Enjoying the island’s breathtaking scenery and experiencing the unique flavors of Santorini wine are essential parts of any trip to the region.

  • Enjoy a sunset view from Oia: The Akropolis site is a fascinating reminder of the island’s ancient history.

  • Visit the wineries in the evening: Enjoying the sunset at the Santorini Archaeological Site**, which is located on the top of Mesa Vouno, and enjoy a unique experience.

Things to do (continued) :

  • Take a walk beyond the Akrotiri Village:

  • Enjoy the sunset from Amoudi Bay.

  • Relax and enjoy the local cuisine: Relax at a cafe or restaurant in Fira and savor the delicious food, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options.

  • Experience the unique charm of Santorini’s villages: Enjoy the stunning views while relaxing**

Things to consider:

  • Consider taking a cooking class.

Enjoy a traditional meal:

Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • The Akrotiri Archaeological Site: This is a great option for a more structured experience.
  • Book your cruise at sunset and enjoy the views from the caldera: Visit the Akrotiri beach for a less formal setting.

Enjoy the island’s beauty: Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and consider visiting the nearby vineyards, which are known for their unique wines.

  • Take a boat: You can explore the beaches and wineries of Santorini, or enjoy a sunset cruise.
  • Visit Akrotiri (a place with a volcanic landscape)

Enjoy a relaxing day: Relaxing by the beach at your own pace is a great way to enjoy a traditional experience.

  • Try a local wine tasting: Enjoy the unique flavors of Santorini’s wines, and explore the island’s rich winemaking tradition.
  • Experience the beauty of the Akrotiri Lighthouse.

Enjoy the sunset from a caldera-view restaurant:

  • Explore the island’s charming villages: You can enjoy the stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
  • Visit the archaeological sites, which are open for tours and exploration.

Enjoy the stunning scenery at Santorini’s Akrotiri Archaeological Site: Enjoy the beauty of the sunset from a unique perspective.

Explore the beaches:

  • Experience the beauty of Oia:
  • Enjoy a traditional Greek experience by visiting a local village.

Enjoy the sunset views and the charming atmosphere, while relaxing on the beautiful beaches.

  • Akrotiri: This archaeological site offers a breathtaking view of the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
  • Santorini’s caldera: Enjoy the unique beauty of the island from the perspective of its most iconic feature.

Enjoy the sunset (continued):

  • Enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the caldera.
  • Experience the beauty: Enjoy the stunning view and local wines at a caldera-view winery.

Enjoy a relaxing day:

  • Enjoy a leisurely beach day in Perissa, known for its black sand beaches.

  • Enjoy the sunset views while exploring the island’s picturesque villages, or relax and enjoy the local cuisine.

Enjoy the rest of your trip to Santorini!