Santorini, Greece 3 Day Itinerary
Santorini 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Fira, Famous Caldera, and Sunset at Oia
Morning
- Accommodation: Stay in Fira or nearby, as it is the capital of Santorini and central to many attractions. Hotel San Antonio is a popular choice with stunning views.
- Breakfast: Start your day at one of the local cafes in Fira like
Kaiboo
orTo Maeli
. Try the Greek yogurt with honey and nuts or a traditional breakfast of eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives. - Visit:
- The Archaeological Museum to learn about the island’s rich history.
- Take a short walk to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera for insight into the Minoan civilization that inhabited Santorini.
Afternoon
- Lunch: Head to
Metaxi Mas
in Fira for traditional Greek dishes like moussaka or souvlaki. - Visit: Take a cable car (or donkey ride) down to the heart of the caldera to explore Fira’s sister town, Firostefani. From there, continue towards Imerovigli for breathtaking caldera views.
- Sunset: Travel to Oia (pronounced ’ee-ya’) for one of the most famous sunsets in the world. Grab a drink at one of the many bars along the path, like Blue Dome Church or Amoudi Bay.
Evening
- Dinner: Have dinner at one of Oia’s many restaurants, such as
Lotza
, which offers Mediterranean cuisine with a view of the caldera. - Stroll: Spend the evening strolling through Oia’s narrow, winding streets and taking in the island’s beautiful architecture and atmosphere.
Day 2: Archaeological Sites & Wine Tasting
Morning
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or try a local bakery like
Loukoumi
in Fira or Oia. - Visit: Travel to Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city buried by volcanic ash that provides a glimpse into Bronze Age life.
- Lunch: Grab lunch at Akrotiri Taverna while overlooking the excavation site.
Afternoon
- Visit: Continue to Red Beach for a unique, colorful beach experience. Then head to nearby Ancient Thera or Profitis Ilias for more historical sites and panoramic views of the island.
- Wine Tasting: Visit one of Santorini’s famous wineries like Santo Wines, Domaine Sigalas, or Gavalas Winery to learn about and taste Santorini’s unique wine varieties.
Evening
- Dinner: Return to Fira or Oia for dinner at a local restaurant like
Pelekanos
in Fira orMesohori
in Oia. Both offer delicious seafood options. - Nightlife: If you’re looking for a night out, head to Fira’s Enigma Club or Koo Club, while Oia is more low-key with options like Karma.
Day 3: Beach Day & Relaxation
Morning
- Breakfast: Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or try one of the cafes in Perissa, such as
Perissa Beach Bar
. - Beach Time: Spend the day relaxing on Perissa Black Sand Beach or nearby Kamari Beach. Both offer loungers, umbrellas for rent, and a variety of water sports.
Afternoon
- Lunch: Grab lunch at one of the many beachside tavernas like
Argo Beach Bar
in Perissa or Kamari Beach Restaurant in Kamari. - Relaxation: Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby town of your choice, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing at your hotel before dinner.
Evening
- Dinner: Have a final, special dinner in either Fira or Oia. Restaurants like 1800 in Oia and Melitini in Fira offer high-end Greek cuisine with stunning views to cap off your trip.
- Packing: Pack for your departure tomorrow, ensuring you have all necessary documents and items.
Tips & Things to Know:
- Transportation: Rent a car, ATV, or scooter for the easiest way to get around the island. Alternatively, Santorini has a reliable bus system that can take you to most locations.
- Dress Code: Many restaurants and cafes in Oia have a dress code (no flip flops, shorts, etc.). Be aware of these when planning your outfits for the day.
- Cash: Some smaller businesses may not accept credit cards, so it’s a good idea to carry cash with you.
- Water: Drink plenty of water, especially during hot days in Santorini.
- Sunscreen: The Greek sun can be intense, so don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Haggling: Prices at shops and markets are generally fixed, but it never hurts to ask if there is room for negotiation.
- Tipping: Service charges are usually included in the bill, but you can round up or leave a few extra euros if you’re satisfied with the service.