Santorini Itinerary in 3 days

Santorini, one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades, is characterised by its perched villages, lava beaches, blue sea and typical blue and white cottages on which beautiful pink bougainvillea climbs. A perfect place to spend a romantic weekend, admiring the sunset, getting lost among the small villages and enjoying the beautiful Greek sea.
Ready to live your Greek dream? Here is an itinerary of Santorini in 3 days.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Santorini

First time in Santorini? To optimise your time and get a first approach to the island, we recommend booking a panoramic bus tour with sunset in Oia. And to complete the experience, don't miss out on a spectacular catamaran cruise.

Day 1

• Distance travelled: 13 km

• Places visited: Thira, Firostefani and Imerovigli, Oia and Ammoudi Bay

• Where to eat: Lunch at Let's Eat(Get directions), Dinner at Flora(Get directions)

1 - Thira

Start this trip to Santorini from Thira, or Fira, the island's capital. This is the heart of the resort, one of the best areas to stay in and well connected to every corner of Santorini.

Here enjoy a stroll through the centre, among its narrow streets, pumice stone houses, blue doors and spectacular views, a riot of colour, movement, tradition and modernity. Set off from the town's central square, Theotokopoulou Square, a meeting point for tourists and locals alike, and then admire from above the great Caldera, the island's number one natural attraction, the vast basin formed by the collapse of the magma chamber of Santorini's volcano over 10,000 years ago, a unique sight!

Start the day at Volkan on the Rock: a place with outdoor tables offering a splendid view of the Caldera and the sea. This place is also famous for its brunches and breakfasts, where you can choose from a bowl with Greek yoghurt and fruit, homemade pies with feta cheese or typical desserts such as kataifi, balaklava or revani.

2 - Firostefani and Imerovigli

After getting lost in the wonderful streets of Thira, you can reach the wonderful Firostefani, or 'the roof of the island', in just 5 minutes on foot, following the path overlooking the Caldera. It is still part of Thira, but it is like a small town within a town. From here you can admire the most beautiful view of the island; it is the natural viewing terrace par excellence on Santorini.

When it is now lunchtime, head to the nearby village of Imerovigli, a small traditional village. It is just a 20-minute walk from Firostefani. Here you will find some of the most luxurious hotels on the island. Stop to admire the ruins of the fortress of Skaros and the chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, from which there is a wonderful view of the sea.

Have lunch with gyros: the typical Greek street food! A typical Greek meat dish, it is served inside rolled pita bread, with vegetables and tzatziki sauce added. Order one at Let's Eat, then eat it in the restaurant or head to one of Imerovigli's scenic spots.

3 - Oia and Ammoudi Bay

Spend the afternoon in Oia, one of the most famous resorts on the island. If you have rented a car, you can easily get around in that and reach the resort in about ten minutes. If you are using public transport for the day, then take the Fira-Oia bus via Firostefani and Imerovigli (20 min).

In the afternoon you have several activities to choose from. We recommend you first visitAtlantis Books, one of the 10 most famous and beautiful bookshops in the world according to'The Guardian'! Then head to the beautiful Ammoudi Bay, down the grand Oia steps. Here you can relax or snorkel, it is one of the best areas for this activity.

But, above all, Oia is famous for being one of the most beautiful vantage points for watching the sunset! Before sunset, head up to the old town and enjoy an aperitif in one of the many bars with a terrace, then stop for dinner and sample Greek specialities.

Spend the evening in Oia: here you will find plenty of places to have a cocktail or a glass of wine, Santorini has a great production! Stop at Sun Spirit, Nocturna or Catch Bar.

Day 2

• Distance travelled: 25.4 km

• Places visited: Ancient Thera (€6.00), Kamari Beach, Akrotiri (€12.00), Red Beach and Akrotiri Lighthouse

• Where to eat: Lunch at Elias Grill - Souvlaki & Gyros(Get directions), Dinner at Giorgaros(Get directions)

1 - Ancient Thera

Photos by Tomisti. The second day in Santorini is dedicated to the sea and history. To visit the various stops, it is essential to have a rented car or scooter.
Reach the first stop of the day, which is Antica Thera (Wed-Mon 8:30am-3:30pm, Tue closed; full admission €6.00, reduced €3.00), about 11 km from Thira.

Ancient Thera was a large and wealthy city. Situated 396 m above sea level. It was founded in the distant 9th century BC and today you can only admire the remains. The highlight of the entire site is the Terrace of Feasts, where banquets and festivities in honour of Apollo were once held. The city also had two agoras, the Temple of Dionysus and the Sanctuary of Apollo Karneio.

Visit it early in the morning: especially if you visit Santorini in the summer, when temperatures are high, it is advisable to reach the archaeological site as early as possible to avoid too much sun.

2 - Kamari Beach

Once you have finished visiting the archaeological site of Ancient Thera, enjoy the rest of the morning at the beach, at Kamari Beach to be precise, the largest beach on Santorini. It is located just 4 km from the archaeological site and there is plenty of roadside parking in the area.

Kamari Beach is a volcanic beach with a mixture of pebbles and dark sand, which has earned it the name 'black beach'. The area is well equipped, both with umbrellas and establishments offering all services. It is also one of the favourite beaches for families, also due to its tranquillity. So enjoy the rest of the morning here.

Today forlunch souvlaki: on the first day for lunch you had gyros, today you should try the souvlaki of Elias Grill - Souvlaki & Gyros. These are the famous Greek meat skewers cooked on the grill, really delicious! However, there are plenty of restaurants in the area, so you will have plenty of choice.

3 - Akrotiri

Photo by Norbert Nagel. In the early part of the afternoon move to the southern part of the island and go to Akrotiri, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean (Wed-Mon 8:30-15:30, Tue closed; entrance fee €12.00, concessions €6.00). It is about 13 km from Kamari (20 min by car).

It is a truly magical place, which according to some theories is connected to the lost civilisation of Atlantis. This archaeological site was discovered in 1962 by Professor Spyridōn Marinatos, who uncovered the remains of an ancient Minoan civilisation, the Akrotiri, victims of one of Santorini's deadliest volcanic eruptions. Buried by ash over the centuries, the archaeological remains today are in very good condition - it will be like stepping back in time, not to be missed!

Consider a guided tour: if you are particularly interested in the history of this incredible place, then we recommend taking part in a private guided tour from Santorini with a local guide.

4 - Red Beach and Akrotiri Lighthouse

Finally, dedicate the rest of the afternoon back to the sea, this time reaching the wonderful Red Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Santorini. It is a short walk from the archaeological site of Akrotiri and also has free parking nearby.

Red Beach owes its name to the rust-coloured cliffs that surround it, a unique sight due to the volcanic sand. Here you can relax and enjoy its crystal-clear sea and it is also one of the best areas for snorkelling, thanks to the vibrant underwater life.

Before sunset, we recommend reaching the Akrotiri Lighthouse, one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island. The best option is to reach it by car (10 min) and leave it in the nearby car park. Get ready to admire one of the most beautiful sunsets ever!

For the evening, the choice is yours: in the area around the lighthouse there are some wonderful little fish restaurants with large outdoor terraces and a distinctly Greek atmosphere. We recommend that you stop here at the Giorgaros restaurant and enjoy the evening in peace. Alternatively, you can return to Thira, the centre of the nightlife.

Day 3

• Distance travelled: 7.3 km + cruise from Santorini

• Places visited: Caldera and cruise to volcanic islands and hot springs (€45.00), Santo Wines, Thira

• Where to eat: packed lunch recommended, Dinner at Parea Tavern(Get directions)

1 - Caldera and cruise to the volcanic islands

On your last day in Santorini, we recommend one of the best excursions to take in the area- the cruise to the volcanic islands and hot springs! With pick-up service at the hotel, the tour lasts 6 hours with departure at 10:00 am, so it will take you most of the day.

On this cruise you will discover the volcanic islands of Santorini: Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirasia. These islands were once a single landmass, but with the depression 10,000 years ago and the 'collapse' of the volcano, they formed. Obviously a boat trip is the best way to discover them and to spend a wonderful day.

Bewell organised: bring a swimming costume and towel, wear comfortable shoes to discover Nea Kameni and don't forget your sunscreen. Also, book your cruise to the volcanic islands as soon as possible, it is one of the most popular activities on Santorini!

2 - Santo Wines

Photo by Marcelo Costa. Once you return from your cruise, you will be taken directly back to your accommodation. If you're staying in Thira, then we recommend Santo Wines, one of Santorini's most famous wineries.

Indeed, wine production is one of the mainstays of the island's economy, and you will find several wineries throughout the area. Here at Santo Wines, you can take part in guided tours, wine tastings or simply head to the panoramic terrace and enjoy a glass of wine or dinner while admiring the view. In this case, book early: the place is always full and if you arrive at the time without a reservation, you risk not finding a place.

If you are staying in other areas than Thira, then we recommend doing some activities nearby, such as relaxing on the beach or having an aperitif while admiring the sunset.

Last night in Santorini: spend it in Thira, the centre of the island's nightlife. Here the choice of clubs is really wide, from the busiest ones that stay open late like the Tango Champagne & Cocktail Bar, the V Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar or the Tropical Bar, to those with a more intimate atmosphere.

How much does a weekend in Santorini cost

Santorini is a destination that offers various opportunities, from low-cost to luxury travel. Obviously, in high season the costs increase out of all proportion, including those of flights from Italy(compare flights). Better to go in periods like May/June or September/October, to find fewer tourists and much more affordable costs.

Accommodation also varies in cost, ranging from small family-run B&Bs starting at €30 per night to luxury hotels with wonderful views and infinity pools. Staying in Thira is certainly a good base, but you can also opt for Oia or, if you are travelling as a family, Kamari. Perissa is great for saving money. Wherever you stay, the best option is to travel by car or scooter (average cost from €40.00/day, rising in July and August). Finally, you will also have plenty of choice for lunch and dinner: from small places serving pita and quick dishes to restaurants with a terrace overlooking the sea and delicious fish dishes.

Let us look in detail at the costs of a weekend in Santorini:

• Costs for eating: about €60.00 per person per day (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Costs for museums and attractions: average price €20.00 per day per person following our suggested itinerary including cruise to the volcanic islands and hot springs

• Transport: average price €40.00 per day per person for car rental, €20.00 per day for moped or scooter rental

• Hotels, accommodation and b&b: from €50.00 per room

• Entertainment: from €25.00 per day per person (including snacks, coffee, aperitifs, drinks, ...)

• Total cost of a weekend in Santorini: from €455.00 per person (excluding flights and/or transfers)

Before you go: useful tips

• Avoid July and August: in addition to really high temperatures, the island is taken by storm by tourists and costs skyrocket. Don't underestimate periods like May and October, with a bit of luck you can still go swimming - find out more here;

• Byair or sea: Santorini's airport is very small, so many people choose to land in Athens and reach the island by sea (in summer 4 ferries daily, from €20.00 to €76.00 depending on the company, duration 8-10 h with ferries, 4-5 h with fast ferries).

• Where to stay: Thira is the most central and best served, Oia the most romantic place. For families Imerovigli, Firostefani and Kamari are ideal, for savings Perissa - map of districts here;

• Rent a car: definitely the best solution for getting around the small villages on the island. In summer there are numerous bus services, but they are not always punctual and capillary. A good alternative is a scooter - find out more here;

• Don't miss the cruise- one of the best experiences to have in Santorini. Besides the volcanic islands cruise you will find many other options, such as the catamaran cruise or the catamaran cruise with barbecue;

• Organise your suitcase well: bring comfortable shoes, the narrow streets of Santorini are a constant up and down. Don't forget everything you need for the sea and, above all, sunscreen.