Santorini, with its breathtaking sunsets, charming whitewashed buildings, unique beaches and stunning caldera views, is a destination that captures the hearts of travelers from around the world.
Route Map & Itinerary
Best Time to Visit Santorini
We suggest the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
However, if you prefer warmer weather and don’t mind larger crowds, the summer months of July and August are also popular for beach-goers and sun-seekers.
While winter (December – February) may not be the typical tourist season, it offers a chance to discover local traditions and festivals, such as the Carnival of Santorini in February. With temperatures hovering around 10-15°C, you can embrace a quieter and more introspective experience.
This itinerary took place in July 2022, when the temperature ranged around 25°C.
Leaving the Airport or Ferry Port
First things first, here’s a massive disclaimer. We took the 5-hour ferry from Athens to Santorini, and we absolutely hated it. The cold morning sea breeze caught us off guard, resulting in sniffles and shivers as we were not adequately dressed for the journey. Sim then promptly got sunburnt trying to catch some sun rays on the topmost deck. A tip for ferry travelers would be to pack layers in order to stay warm, and lots of sunscreen.
While the initial sea views were enjoyable, it quickly became monotonous during the long 5-hour journey. If we could go back in time, we would happily have shelved out the extra €100 for a flight.
There are three main points of entry into Santorini: The Airport, Athinios Port & Skala Port. To get to the
To travel further inland from these points, there are a few options available:
- Buses: Public buses provide transportation to the main towns of Fira, Oia, and other destinations on the island. Look for the bus stops and purchase tickets on board or at the ticket booths.
- Taxis: Taxis are usually readily available, but can be quite outrageously priced. It’s recommended to agree on the fare or ensure the meter is used before starting the journey.
- Private Transfers: If you’re lucky, your hotel might include pre-arranged private transfers.
- Rental Cars/ATVs: If you prefer to explore the island at your own pace, you can rent a car or an ATV from rental agencies. This option gives you the freedom to drive to the city center and also explore other areas of Santorini.
For a seamless and convenient experience, we highly recommend renting a car or ATVs. While there is a bus network available on the island, it tends to get crowded during the summer months. Although the bus is a budget-friendly option, it is important to note that it doesn’t always adhere to schedules and has limited routes.
Where to Stay in Santorini
One of the most crucial factors to consider when planning your trip to Santorini is choosing the right location. If breathtaking sea panoramas are a priority, Oia is the perfect destination for you. Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque areas in Santorini, Oia’s charm comes with a higher price tag. However, the unforgettable memories you’ll create during your stay will undoubtedly make it worthwhile.
Kaleidoscope Oia Suites offers the perfect romantic getaway, with private hot tubs and stunning sea views from each room. This boutique hotel is well situated to local dining options, with Katharos Beach being less than 5 minutes away.
For those seeking a more peaceful atmosphere and wish to avoid the crowds, Imerovigli or Firostefani are excellent alternatives. These areas offer stunning views and a serene ambiance, providing a relaxing escape from the bustling tourist hotspots. The Anthonas Apartments is a budget-friendly option located in Imerovigli. Free parking, airport shuttle and an outdoor swimming pool are among the facilities offered by this family run establishment.
If you’re traveling with friends and are not planning to rent a car but still want to indulge in vibrant nightlife, Fira and Kamari are ideal choices. Kamari, located on the eastern coast, offers a vibrant nightlife scene along with its beautiful beach. Fira, the capital of Santorini, also boasts a lively atmosphere with a wide range of bars, clubs, and entertainment options. Callia Retreat Suites is an adults only hotel 6-minute walk to Fira Centre. Ideally located, it enjoys views over the eastern part of the Island and Fira town.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Option 1: Volcano & Hot Springs Tour
Start your holiday with an exciting excursion to the Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs. Join a boat tour that takes you to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. Hike to the crater of Nea Kameni for a unique experience amidst the volcanic landscape. Afterwards, sail to the hot springs near Palea Kameni, where you can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters that are believed to have therapeutic properties. Exact trip details may vary by tour operator.
Option 2: Perissa Black Sand Beach
Alternatively, head to Perissa, a captivating coastal village famous for its black sand beach. Sunbeds are typically free here, as long as you buy food or drinks from the various beach-side restaurants and bars.
Spend a relaxing afternoon by the seaside, basking in the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. The ‘sand’ here is actually volcanic grit, which can heat up to very high temperatures in the hot sun. Make sure to pack some flip-flops and lots of sunscreen. There is a dedicated water sports centre with many fun activities, but the sea is also quite shallow and calm for a relaxing swim.
After a long day at sea, or the beach, head to Fira, the charming capital of Santorini. Take a leisurely stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets, lined with whitewashed buildings and vibrant bougainvillea. Visit the iconic Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and take in panoramic views of the caldera from the cliffside paths.
Witness an iconic Santorini scene of picturesque blue-domed churches and whitewashed houses. And when it comes to shopping, Fira has it all! Indulge in a vibrant scene of boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops, offering delightful (and expensive) treasures to take home.
Day 2:
Start your day with a delightful brunch at Eggomio. The menu boasts simple yet mouthwatering options, serving up authentic flavors. The Greek omelette and pancakes were so amazing we still talk about it till today.
After brunch, lace up your walking shoes and embark on an unforgettable hike from Fira to Oia. The scenic trail offers breathtaking views of the caldera, the sparkling Aegean Sea, and the picturesque villages along the way. The hike from Fira to Oia can take around 2-3 hours, so it’s important to start early in the day and bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and water.
As you hike from Fira, make sure to pass by the Three Bells of Fira, an iconic blue-domed church that is a popular spot for photography. Continue your hike through the charming village of Imerovigli, known for its breathtaking cliffside views. Take a moment to soak in the beauty of the Cycladic architecture and the calming atmosphere.
Next, make your way to the Oia Blue Dome viewpoint, a postcard-perfect location that offers panoramic vistas of the Aegean Sea. Marvel at the traditional white houses with blue domes and the stunning blue sea views.
Arrive in the enchanting village of Oia, famous for its breathtaking sunsets and narrow winding streets. Explore the charming shops, art galleries, and boutiques that offer unique local crafts and souvenirs. There’s lots to look out for like:
- The Church of Pangia Platsani, undoubtedly the most famous and impressive church in Oia;
- The iconic Windmills of Oia, which have become a symbol of the island;
- Ammoudi Bay, a beautiful bay located 278 steps below Oia, and lined with terrific seafood restaurants.
Day 3
Begin your day by visiting the unique Red Beach, one of Santorini’s most famous natural wonders. Located near the village of Akrotiri, this stunning beach is characterized by its calm shallow waters, red volcanic cliffs and distinctive red sand.
Keep in mind that a leisurely hike down is required to access the beach. Once you arrive, you’ll discover a serene haven with no nearby restaurants or bars. Come prepared with a hamper of snacks and drinks, and you could easily spend all day here.
We were initially skeptical, but there is a clear difference between the sand at Red Beach and Black Beach.
If you are craving a meal at a restaurant, The Dolphins is approximately a 15-minute walk. Located right on the beach-front, this family-run taverna offers a delightful selection of fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. Indulge in local specialties like grilled octopus, calamari, or a seafood platter while enjoying the serene seaside ambiance.
For your final experience on paradise, embark on a wine tour to discover the island’s unique vineyards and indulge in its renowned wines. Santorini is famous for producing exceptional volcanic wines, particularly the Assyrtiko grape variety.
Join a guided tour that takes you to local wineries, where you can learn about the wine making process and sample a variety of wines. Here are three good options:
Santorini Nightlife
Fira and Oia offer a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues where you can dance the night away or simply enjoy a relaxing evening sipping cocktails and soaking in the island’s lively atmosphere.
But, here’s our honest truth. We don’t have any nightlife recommendations to give you. We simply did not get to experience nightlife on this island.
What we do suggest, is grab a few bottles of mastika and wine at the local manáviko (grocery store), get a Spotify playlist going and have a house party! If you can stay up all night to catch the sunrise, even better.
Food in Santorini
Seafood lovers are in for a treat, as Santorini boasts an abundance of fresh catches, including octopus, calamari, and red mullet.
Don’t miss the chance to savor the island’s signature dish, “Santorinian tomato fritters,” made from the island’s famous sweet tomatoes. Pair your meal with a glass of the local Assyrtiko wine, cultivated in the volcanic soil, for a truly authentic and unforgettable dining experience.
There’s also an abundance of traditional Greek food to try: souvlaki, gyros, koftas, moussaka etc.
The Chat
Kat: Whenever I see the pictures from that first night in Santorini, I just laugh.
Sim: We really went out expecting to have the same great nightlife experience from Athens. We must not have done enough research, because I don’t think you go to Santorini to party.
Kat: You go to Santorini to relax. To chill. It’s more of a lying-on-the-beach or by-the-pool holiday.
Sim: On that note, the beaches were amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like Red Beach and Black Beach.
Kat: And the views really lived up to my expectations, in my opinion.
Sim: I did find it very overwhelming how when you got to a “photo location” there would be a large crowd and a long queue of people.
Kat: It puts a lot of pressure of you to get your photos quick and just move on. I do feel like we found our own cute photo spots though.
Sim: You’re saying that but look at how we struggled to find nice pictures of Santorini.
*laughter*
Sim: I think the best food we had was brunch.
Kat: Definitely Eggomio. It just switched up the mood and gave us the energy for the hike.
Sim: See, I don’t even remember the hike. The only things I remember are Black Beach at night, with those restaurants that had the horrible food; brunch; Red Beach and then I remember leaving.
Kat: I really liked Imerovigli. I just remember us coming into the village and being wow’ed and finally understanding why people obsess over the beauty of Santorini.
Sim: I just remembered all the walking – all those hills and steps.
Kat: The maps weren’t helpful either, we kept on having to backtrack because steps would lead into a dead end or a private area or someone’s house.
Sim: I think Santorini is just a place to get lost.
Kat: You invest into your accommodation, with a nice view so you can chill by the pool. Then you go eat, walk around, get lost, maybe go to the beach. And that’s Santorini for you.
Leave a Reply