3 Days in Santorini | The best itinerary for adventurers
Greece, and the island of Santorini, have been on our bucket list forever and our dream finally came true Summer of 2022 when we finally reached this fantastic country.
Greece is one of the most historical places you can visit in Europe. Home to ancient ruins, Greek Mythological wonders, active volcanoes, and unmatched outdoor activity, Santorini is pretty epic. We traveled to Greece and Santorini in May of 2022 and visited the islands of Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, and then the city of Athens. We believe it is one of the most beautiful places to visit for any group of travelers or solo. The Greek Islands are truly a unique and special place to visit in the summer and shoulder months. In Greece, you can visit several of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and explore a place where the past meets the present.
Relatively safe and easy to get to, traveling to Greece is accessible for people all over the world. Being only 200 kilometers (120 mi) from Turkey and having direct flights from most of Europe and the United States, getting to Greece will not break the bank or require too many stopovers.
The view from our Airbnb was absolutely other-worldly.
Best Time to Visit
Visiting Santorini in the shoulder months is my recommendation: early May to June, and September and October. We visited in early May and felt that it was the perfect time to visit as the crowds were not excessive in popular tourist destinations such as Oia and Akrotiri. We were told by several locals that we came at the best time. The weather in early May and late September can be a bit chilly so keep that in mind when visiting during the shoulder months. The summer months are the Greek Islands’ peak season, but the weather can be brutally hot and crowds can make it difficult to enjoy certain aspects of travel to Santorini.
How to get there
I am a Scott’s Cheap Flight stan, and since I first joined their newsletter, all our trips have been booked because of an email I received from Scott and his team. We booked this trip because there were $405 round-trip tickets from Washington, DC to Athens, Greece. Now that was a no-brainer for us, because average fares run from $500-$1000 USD per ticket for round-trip fares to Athens.
There are plenty of other ways to score cheap tickets on your own. I also use Skyscanner and play around with the dates in Google Flights. On Google Flights, there is an option to follow prices for your specific dates/locations and get email notifications when the prices change.
Currency
Greece is a member of the EU, so they use the Euro as its official currency. I definitely recommend using a currency converter (such as XE Currency on your cell phone or app on the web) to see what the currency rate is currently. At the time we traveled to Greece (and when I wrote this), the Euro was pretty close to the US Dollar at $1.05 for every 1.00€.
You can use credit or debit cards almost anywhere in Greece, and if not you will surely find an ATM within minutes. Keep around 100 Euro cash on you for smaller purchases. Be mindful of foreign transaction fees if your card has any. American Express is not widely accepted but can be used at chains like H&M, Starbucks, etc.
To get the best exchange rate, I also tell people to take out local currency at ATMs upon arrival and never ever through an exchange desk at the airport or from a bank in your home country. ATMs provide the best exchange rate, always!!!
Plugs
The plugs in Greece are Type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Forget your curling iron and Dyson, these do not work in Europe and will damage your tools. Stick to blowouts using the hotel hair dryer.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
During your time in Santorini, it is important to note that you cannot drink tap water. There are plenty of convenience and grocery stores where you can stock up on bottled water. I highly recommend brushing your teeth, cooking, and drinking bottled water.
Because Greece is an ancient country, its pipes are also pretty ancient. Do not flush toilet paper down the toilet in Santorini. This was the most annoying part of the trip for me because I got my period. The sewage system is very small, and the pipes tend to get clogged quite easily.
Safety:
I felt completely safe in Santorini during our travels, but there are political and economic struggles of the country that you should educate yourself on before traveling to Greece. Petty theft such as pickpocketing is something to be mindful of in the main tourist destinations. Use normal precautions to keep yourself and your family/friends safe.
Always keep your valuables at your side, don’t leave cameras, phones, or other expensive gear visible, and don’t leave any precious belongings unattended at the beach.
And now finally we can get to the good stuff, a perfect 4 days in one of the world’s most iconic and dreamy islands.
If Santorini is not currently on your bucket list, you will add it after you read this. Over half a million tourists travel to the stunning island of Santorini each year to soak up the sun along the island’s dramatic coasts. There is a wealth of activities to do in Santorini, whether you want to shop til you drop in Oia, take a catamaran tour into the sunset, or visit the potentially lost city of Atlantis. The land of unreal sunsets, wine, and stunning vistas makes Santorini an ideal spot for a girl’s trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway.
Getting to Santorini
Depending on where you are starting your trip to Greece, you will either be arriving by airplane or ferry.
By Air:
Booking a direct flight from Athens is quite easy because, during the summer, there is a nonstop to Santorini every 30 minutes. Most of these flights will be operated by European budget airlines (RyanAir, Volotea, Aegean, etc.) and will be relatively cheap. We paid 30€ (not including bags) for a one-way ticket to Mykonos from Athens, flying the Spanish budget airline: Volotea. The flight was great and luckily, we had no issues. Reading reviews of these airlines will make you uneasy, and rightfully so. These flights are often delayed or canceled and have a history of poor customer service. Just be wary of this when booking and you may want to purchase travel insurance when flying them.
By Sea:
The alternative to flying directly to Santorini is taking a ferry. You can take it directly from Athens for an 8-hour journey or if you are visiting another Greek island, like Mykonos, before Santorini, a much shorter journey. I recommend flying to the first island you visit and then using the ferries to get around the islands. The ferry is easy to navigate, but definitely, a stressful experience (at least for me), and claustrophobic folks may have a hard time. Ferry prices range from 20€ to 120€; we paid something around 80€ a person for the most basic ticket on the fastest ferry.
Where to Stay in Santorini
Location:
Wherever you stay in Santorini, having a caldera view is a MUST. If you are flying all the way to Greece, you might as well splurge to have the view of a lifetime while you are there. The best areas of Santorini to stay in are Thira, Oia, and Imerovigli. The poshest is the iconic Oia, but it is also the least centrally located and will make visiting other parts of the island not as feasible. Staying in Thira is a great option because as the island’s capital, it has the majority of the main activities, restaurants, and bars. Thira is great because it is directly centered on the caldera of Santorini and provides you easy access by bus to every location in Santorini. The sleepy Imerovgli was perfect for our group of four in between Oia and Thira. We stayed at an Airbnb with epic views and we loved exploring the area.
Hotels:
Splurge: Next time I go to Santorini, I plan to splurge and stay at the iconic Cavo Tagoo or the luxury Marriott hotel: Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Santorini.
Budget: For a cheaper alternative, I recommend still lodging in along the caldera at one of the smaller local hotel groups, for example, Santorini Princess Spa Hotel.
Airbnbs:
For the iconic caldera view, you may be interested in an Airbnb. This option is best for those traveling as a family or in a group because most hotels in Europe are only for two adults. The Airbnb we stayed at was absolutely lovely and we had a great time soaking up the sunshine on our patio while gazing into the Aegan Sea from our pool.
Day 1
And just like that, off to Santorini, we go!
No amount of time will ever be enough for me to spend in Santorini, but in this itinerary, we will try to do it all and hit all the best spots for your first trip there. Santorini will mesmerize you with its hypnotic sunsets, volcano caldera views, and fantastic Greek cuisine.
Morning
For an entire day of Santorini-fun, I recommend taking the earliest ferry available for you to choose from. We took the 10 am ferry and it was a unique experience. The ferry was the worst part of our trip tbh because it reminded me of that scene when they all try to get on the ferry in World of the Worlds. I am being dramatic, but seriously do not be the last people on the ferry because someone will take your seat. I'd maybe even get the VIP section to not have to deal with this mess again. It is still better than flying back to Athens and then to another island though.
Once you reach Santorini by ferry, you will arrive at the Athinios Ferry Port, which is the main port of the island. Your housing accommodation choice should coordinate a driver to pick you up at the port. When we got there, our driver greeted us and we were off. The mystical first glances of Santorini really will take your breath away and there are no words I can write to prepare you for how these vistas will make you feel.
Take the rest of the morning to enjoy your hotel or Airbnb accommodation and its mesmerizing caldera views that I hope you booked. Our spot had a plunge pool and lounge chairs where we were all able to chill out and unwind. I wish I could live in that moment forever.
Lunch at Lucky’s Souvlaki
This is by far the best spot to get a gyro in Santorini (maybe Greece). We fell in love with this spot and ate here on multiple occasions while we were staying in Santorini. The owner is hysterical and anything with french fries in it makes my heart happy <3. If you are staying in Oia, the alternative lunch spot is to get gyros at Pitagyros.
Afternoon Hike to Skaros Rock
In the heart of Imerovigli and viewable from pretty much every spot on the caldera lies the iconic Skaros Rock. This hike is a great experience and takes about 30 minutes for views that are out of this world. You will be able to find the entrance to the hike right at the corner of the Blue Note restaurant and from there you can follow the path all the way down to the bottom of the rock. There are several paths you can explore and when we visited the entire trail was lined with wildflowers. I tried to get to the very top though and I could not figure it out. The only option was imminent death. If you figure out how to get to the top, please let me know.
Dinner choices based on where you are staying:
Oia - Skala Restaurant, Roka Oia, FINO
Thera - Caldera View Bar, Restaurant Argo, Naoussa, Ouzeri, Cacio e Pepe, Lucky’s Souvlaki - cheap lunch,
Imerovigli - Mezzo, Athenian House, Avocado, Anogi, Posidonia Taverna, La Maison, Kapari Wine Restaurant, Melitini, Onar
Night
For some dancing, head on over to downtown Thira to find all the bars. We walked into Two Brothers based on a recommendation, but it was extremely crowded and not a lot of space. We headed to a nearby location called The Highlander and it was fantastic. They let us dance on the tables and we boogied all night.
Day 2 - Fira to Oia Hike
Rise and shine for your most action-packed day of the trip. Today, you will be hiking 10 km (6 miles) from Fira to Oia. Now don’t be discouraged by the distance, this is a super easy hike and if the weather is right, will be the most beautiful part of your journey.
Morning
Take some time to prep for your long walk/hike. You will want to wear sneakers or hiking boots. I wore Tevas and would not recommend them as they let in too many pieces of dirt and rocks, making it annoying to hike in them. You will want to make a sufficient amount of water for your group. This hike will probably take you around 4 hours to complete, so budget accordingly. Starting in Fira is best because, along your walk, you will have magnificent views of Oia and the caldera to look at the entire way.
Imerovigli Brunch
Whether you are starting in Fira or Imerovigli, you should absolutely stop at Confetti Dessert Boutique in Imerovigli for brunch. I recommend getting the vegan (don't knock it till you try it) breakfast trio. It was the most unique thing I tasted on this trip and it was good. Their iced coffee and pastries were out of this world. Be mindful that it is a bit pricey, but I would still recommend going.
Hike to Oia
Buckle down for the best and most energy-exerting activity of your entire trip! Along the path from Fira to Oia, you will cover over six miles of rocky volcanic terrain. This is the most beautiful walking path/trail in the world. You will be walking along the caldera of Santorini and have fantastic views of the volcano and the jagged cliff sides the whole hike. Along your route, you will not have too steep of an incline, but on the parts that do become a hill, you may feel a little winded compared to the mostly flat parts of the trail. I think the hardest part of this hike is when you are so close to Oia, but still are two miles walking from the end of the village. Despite this, I highly recommend this activity for anyone remotely outdoorsy and would suggest it to anyone on their trip to Santorini.
Along the hike, there are not many places to stop to use the restroom, but we were fortunate to find very kind hotel staff that let us use their bathrooms (and look at their epic luxury pools). If you are thirsty, there is a place that serves beverages and snacks a little after Imerovigli.
Oia
Once you reach the amazing village of Oia, the best way to embrace the vibes are to just wander the streets. We went shopping for souvenirs and I was able to get a super cute Santorini sweatshirt that I am currently wearing as I write this. The shops will have something for everyone, but as you explore, make sure not to miss the following spots!
Atlantis Bookstore
This shop was opened by a couple of American and European friends who were fans of classic literature. The bookstore is so beautiful and specializes in selling old books and first editions. This retreat for writers and readers is a must-stop–even just to peek in. It kind of reminds me of the vibes of Shakespeare & Company in Paris if you are familiar.
Panagia Platsani
It will be hard to miss this church as it is one of the tallest buildings in Oia (also one of the most beautiful). The Panagia Platsani church was formerly located within the walls of the Venetian Castle of Oia. The church was destroyed during an earthquake that occurred in July 1956. The people of Santorini rebuilt the church in its present location due to the unstable condition at the original location and the danger of collapse. Definitely pose for a picture and check out the inside.
Ammoudi Bay
After exploring the gorgeous white streets of Oia, make your way to the edge of the village (and cliff) to trek on down to Ammoudi Bay. Now, this may seem difficult after a six-mile hike from Fira, but trust me, it will be worth the views alone. Along the path and switchbacks, there will be different viewpoints of the iconic white buildings of Oia along the sea. Take your time on your way down to gaze at the incredible beauty and snap a couple of photos. About ⅔ the way down, you will find donkeys tied up in the heat. Now, this is very sad for them, and you absolutely should not ride the donkeys on your way back up the mountain. The donkeys are very cute, but be mindful of where you step the entire way down and up, because you may step in some poo. Also, try to stay away as you walk past because they could poop on you. I got sudden donkey pee splashed on my feet as I walked past. Yuck!
After you pass the donkeys, you will have made it to Ammoudi Bay and all its glory. When I think of a European port, nothing makes me feel it more than this spot. I am positive you are so hungry at this point, but you’re in luck for what’s next!
Lunch at Sunset Ammoudi Bay
Now, this restaurant is straight out of a movie! If you are lucky enough only to be traveling with a partner, there are two-top tables lining the sea. Being just inches from the water, you can see fish swimming below you. As a seafood restaurant, you can bet it is fresh as can be. Unfortunately, as a reviewer, I am failing you, for I am a vegetarian and do not eat fish. From the reviews I heard from the group I was traveling with, the food was excellent. Even as a vegetarian, there were plenty of options for me to choose from. I opted for the Greek salad on the menu and it was so fresh and delicious.
Taking the bus from Oia
After you have climbed up the mountain of Ammoudi Bay, you will most likely want to skirt out of Oia before it nears sunset time. Oia at sunset is an absolute nightmare unless you are watching it from your hotel room. Tourists are crowding every which way and nook and cranny in Oia for hours on end just to ‘score’ a spot. Might as well watch the sunset somewhere else, because crowds + covid + standing after walking all day is a no for me dog.
To catch the bus back to Fira, you will have to walk past the Panagia Platsani church and wait at the bus stop sign. The line will get extremely long around when the bus is supposed to pick you up, so make sure you have at least someone in your group queuing if you want to wander. The bus fills up and the people who are not in the front of the line will have to stand in the bus alleyway, so make sure you are towards the front of the line. As Ricky Bobby said, “If you’re not first, you’re last!”
Enjoy the bus ride as you make your way back to where you started this morning. The views are very beautiful and the ride is roughly 30 minutes long. Once you arrive, and depending on where you are staying, may need to catch another bus to your final destination. The bus from Fira to Imerovigli was not for another 30 minutes, so we opted to walk the 30 minutes back to our Airbnb. I wish I took note of how many steps we did that day…
Sunset in Imerovigli
You will definitely be tired after today’s adventures, so take the evening to relax and watch the sunset from the neighborhood you are staying in. We walked slightly down the path from our Airbnb and had the most dreamy sunset location all to ourselves in Imerovigli.
Dinner at a local eatery - Let’s Eat
We opted to eat at the gyro restaurant closest to us this evening, and I highly recommend you do the same. Unless you are looking for a true sit-down meal for your final night in Santorini, gyros might as well do it for ya! We opted for gyros and souvlaki at a local joint near our spot in Imerovigli. Let’s Eat was extremely close and the food was great! The ambiance is nothing special, but the venue is small. For its size, the food and service were more than what we expected when we sat down in this tiny spot.
Day 3 - Catamaran Cruise
Today’s the day!!! This is the day you will tour the iconic island of Santorini by catamaran and finish your evening watching the sunset in the sea off the coast of the breathtaking village of Oia. I booked our group a sunset tour for my boyfriend’s birthday using this company. I seriously cannot recommend them enough; we had a fabulous day of sailing, dining, and swimming. They curated a perfect setting for all groups. It was a little more expensive to book a semi-private catamaran, but I cannot recommend it enough. The one thing you should splurge on your trip should be this experience. There is seriously nothing like it.
Morning - Souvenir Shopping
Before you embark on your sail, I recommend you take the time to visit something in Santorini you are dying to see before you leave tomorrow. This is also the prime time to shop for some souvenirs around town.
Afternoon/Evening - Catamaran
Your sunset tour should pick you up from your accommodation at around 2 pm to 3 pm. Ours scooped us around 2:30, but we had to journey around all of Santorini to get the other folks. These tour groups coordinate because the people in your van will most likely not be the people you are cruising with. Strange because we met several people on our cruise staying in our neighborhood and they were not on our initial pick-up route. Once you get to the port, you will have a couple of minutes before you board your boat. We fell in love with the boat we were on as it was very new and the crew was spectacular. They served us fantastic drinks and food the entire time. Right when we boarded, they had appetizers and wine waiting for us. Throughout the rest of the evening, we were treated very well and had a fantastic time. I highly recommend this tour and have it linked here.
