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The Best 3 Day Santorini Itinerary
A trip by Sandy PapasGreece Travel SecretsThe Best 3 Day Santorini Itinerary
Crowded, expensive and completely unforgettable. Santorini still manages to exceed every expectation – and three days is just enough to see the good bits without tiring of any of them.
White Pearl Cavalieri Santorini Imerovigli
Restored wine canavas on the caldera rim in Imerovigli, turned into suites.
9.8 Alternative places to stay
SantoriniDay 1
Red Beach, Perissa & the Oia sunset
Red Beach
A huge attraction of the island and arguably the most famous beach lies on the southernmost part of Santorini. It is located in Akrotiri village, 12 kilometers south west of Fira. Red Beach is without a doubt worth a visit considering that it is a rare sight, probably unique in the whole world, where red is the dominant color. It is enclosed by steep red hills that create a captivating, wild scenery. If you stand on the top you will set eyes on enormous volcanic rocks situated in the sea, small pebbles and sand of various colors, mainly red, all along the beach and appealing dark blue waters. To reach the beach you have to walk a couple of minutes on a downhill path or you can access it by boat from Akrotiri port, Kamari or Perissa. The beach is semi-organized with white sunbeds and umbrellas. There are no facilities (make sure you provide yourself with the necessary supplies from the two canteens you can find right before the beginning of the path) or water sports on this small beach but you can take pleasure in snorkeling as there are interesting rock formations and rich marine life.
Perissa beach
The beautiful Perissa Beach lies at the base of Mesa Vouno Mountain that separates Perissa from Kamari and on its top you can admire the eminent archaeological site of ancient Thera and a superb view. The scenery that the black lava sand along with the sandy sea bottom and the dark blue, crystal clear waters compose is impressive. It is one of the longest and most famous beaches in Santorini, a characteristic sight of the volcanic island. It is a fully organized, cosmopolitan beach with an abundance of comfy lounging chairs, umbrellas and other amenities, like lifeguards, showers and a playground.
Oia
World’s most iconic sunset on this cliffside village of astounding beauty. Narrow alleys wind their way through whitewashed buildings adorned with blue-domed churches and vibrant bougainvillea, while the island’s caldera and the azure sea, stretching out as far as the eye can see, offer a dramatic backdrop to the scene. Visitors can explore the village's charming streets, lined with boutiques and cafes, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Oia was the first village in Greece to become a heritage site as its greatest part has been built below ground level partly hewn within the rock. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a riot of colors, making for an unforgettable experience that will stay with visitors long after they've left this magical place.
Ammoudi Bay
At the bottom of the scenic village of Oia, lies the charming, small port of Ammoudi. It is a beautiful, tiny cove with crystalline waters and fishing boats lying in the sea. Here there are no beaches, sand, sunbeds and umbrellas but you can have a distinctive experience by swimming from the dock. Nevertheless, it is preferable that you follow the path, past the taverns, that ends up in an awesome diving area with crystal clear waters.
Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna
Taverna that defines Ammoudi experience – fresh-caught fish at water's edge.
Sunset
Under the red cliffs of Oia, in an idyllic cove that seems forgotten in time, Sunset tavern by Paraskevas serves some of the most tantalizing traditional dishes of Santorini. Right at the edge of Oia's old port, where the fishermen's caiques arrive early every morning with the day's catch is where you will indulge in the most famous lobster spaghetti (top secret recipe) of the Cyclades while gazing at the ever-reaching sea and the breath-taking sunset.Scrumptious appetizers, dishes that embody the true spirit of Santorini made with ingredients from its auspicious land and a wine list that features the finest local labels create a memorable gastronmic experience.
SantoriniDay 2
Caldera walk & Sigalas wines
The Caldera Walk
Three kilometers along the volcanic rim – one of Europe's great walks. Fira through Firostefani to Imerovigli.
Wine Tasting Tour
Volcanic soil, sea spray, and 3,500 years of winemaking – Santorini's vineyards produce whites unlike anywhere else. A half-day tour visits two or three estates, sampling Assyrtiko (crisp, mineral, electric), Nykteri (barrel-aged and honeyed), and Vinsanto (sun-dried grapes turned liquid amber). The vines grow pruned into low baskets – kouloura – to shield grapes from the Aegean wind. Santo Wines and Venetsanos have caldera-view terraces; Domaine Sigalas is the serious oenophile's pick. Most tours include local cheese and olive pairings. Book a sunset session if available – the caldera turns gold through a wine glass.
Domaine Sigalas
Named world's top 100 wineries three times since 1994.
Selene
A reference point for Santorini, iconic Selene has contributed significantly to the gastronomic upgrade of the island. In the center of the old town of Fira, in the narrow stone alleys, the old Catholic monastery that still operates today with twelve Catholic nuns, was renovated with respect and impeccable aesthetics, to host the historic restaurant of Santorini "Selini". Its exquisite courtyard with arched arches, pond and palm trees, exceptional art de la table and low lighting, subject the visitor to an exotic allure full of mystery. In this exceptional space with a special atmosphere, Michelin-starred Botrini creates an impressive modern Greek cuisine, with dishes that are original, harmonious, refined, different, with cutting-edge techniques. The very capable chef Vassilis Roussos perfectly executes the conception of Hector Botrini, with lightness and elegance. Among his best dishes, the marinated skaros with fig, strawberry and fennel, the ode to the Santorini tomato meatball, the bonito with tarama herring and katsouni, and the pitsouni with pumpkin and cherry. His vegetarian dishes are also very good. Excellent service, very good wine list.
SantoriniDay 3
Thirassia & the caldera cruise
Thirassia
The small inhabited island across the caldera from Santorini – what the main island looked like before tourism arrived. Three villages (Manolas, Potamos, Korfos), one church visible from the cliff edge, donkey paths, two small tavernas, and zero crowds. Most volcano boat trips include a Thirassia stop; ask for one that does.
Santorini Caldera Cruise
A classic – Red Beach, White Beach, Hot Springs in Palia Kameni, Nea Kameni, swimming, snorkeling, volcanic bath (optional) and a greek meal with beer and wine included on this cruise on a modern catamaran yacht. Capture stunning panoramas of picturesque Santorini and its volcanic lagoon. Transfer from and to your hotel / vacation rental, as well as snorkeling equipment, also included. We will provide full details, and proceed to reservations if you wish, following your booking.
Fira
Fira is the capital town of Santorini and one of the most enchanting ones in Greece, built on an impressive location on top of steep cliffs. It was founded in the late 18th century, and has been built in the traditional Cycladic architectural style. A tour in Fira is a unique experience: picturesque neighbourhoods, snow-white houses, churches with light blue domes, busy alleys lined with shops, cafeterias and restaurants, offering - almost all of them - a breathtaking view of the caldera. Firostefani village is on the town's highest level, offering the visitor a truly breathtaking sunset view.
Lauda
Santorinian tradition meets international culinary trends in this award-winning restaurant in a spectacular setting atop the caldera. Cuisine with finesse, precision and impeccable technique. Very good service, impressive wine list. Among its best dishes, the Greek Gamberoni shrimp marinated in soy and cactus, the Scorpion Fish, scorpion biscuit, stonefish foam, and the Iberian pork with dauphinoise potatoes.
180° Sunset Bar
Built into the wall of an old Venetian castle on the caldera edge of Oia, with cocktails in your hand and the most famous sunset in the world a metre away. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's overpriced. And yes, when you're sitting there with the entire caldera blazing orange, none of that matters.