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The Best 3 Day Santorini Itinerary
A trip by Sandy PapasGreece Travel SecretsThe Best 3 Day Santorini Itinerary
Santorini can be crowded at times and expensive if you don't do some research, but it's totally unique and completely unforgettable. It's one of those places that despite all the bad things you've heard and read, still manages to exceed your expectations. There's nothing like it on the planet and if you are going to Greece, especially for the first time, you have to put it on your list. This 3 day Santorini itinerary allows you to explore all the good bits without tiring of anything, even the crowds.
Altana Heritage Suites Santorini
Cave suites and apartments on the Imerovigli caldera edge – a sunset terrace, a small pool, Skaros Rock a short walk away.
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.
White Beach
A small, dramatic beach on the south coast, accessible only by boat from Akrotiri or via a steep path from Red Beach. Sheer white-pumice cliffs above, dark pebbles below, and no facilities – bring everything you need. Less famous than Red Beach but, for many, more striking.
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
Dinner in Ammoudi Bay is a Santorini ritual, and Dimitris is the taverna that does it best. Opened in 1989 by Dimitris and Joy, it sits right where the red cliff meets the water – tables close enough to the sea that the catch of the day arrives by boat a few metres away. The fish comes from the same local fishermen the kitchen has worked with for decades, grilled simply with lemon, good bread and cold Assyrtiko. Come for the golden hour, stay until the caldera lights fade.
SantoriniDay 2
The Caldera Walk, Wineries & the Wedding Show
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.
Santo Wines
Wine Enthusiast named this cooperative best place for volcanic wines at sunset. Founded 1947; largest Santorini producer; caldera-edge location; Assyrtiko white with minerality and saline finish. Tour before tasting recommended; basket-vine (kouloura) cultivation method; reserve sunset slots days ahead; Pyrgos.
PK Cocktail Bar
The longest running bar in Santorini, with its three terraces perched on the caldera, Palia Kameni Bar is an upscale hotspot in Fira. Particularly popular during sunset, an event that can only be more enjoyable in front of a glass of champagne or a signature cocktail.
The Greek Wedding Show
Not a folklore show you watch from a chair – a Greek island wedding you are seated at, as a guest. The Greek Wedding Show stages a full island wedding and puts its audience at the wedding tables rather than in rows: dinner is the feast, the band is live, and somewhere in the second half the dancing stops being optional. It is theater built to be joined – the cast works the room, guests get pulled up, and the plate-smashing energy everyone associates with a Greek wedding is the entire design brief rather than a closing number. It runs evenings in Fira, roughly May to October. Two things earn it the slot: it is the one night on Santorini that has nothing to do with the caldera, which is a relief by about day three, and it is loud, warm and slightly ridiculous after a day of wine tasting and sunset-watching, when quiet is the last thing anyone needs. Book ahead in high season, and leave the next morning empty.
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.