How to Spend 3 Days In Santorini: A Perfect Itinerary

Can you believe there are close to 6,000 Greek Islands? Santorini is by far the most popular, with millions of tourists visiting each year, mostly during the summer months. 

I spent a month in Greece solo and visited some stunning places, Santorini included. I stayed for a week on Santorini in both Fira and Oia and would agree that three days is a perfect amount of time to really get a taste of the scenic island. 

Santorini is a small island with enough to see and do for a few days, but I would argue you would want a few more days to do nothing and enjoy the stunning atmosphere in peace. It is a fantastic destination for low-key island vibes and unique architecture. It is perfect for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway, especially solo travelers who want some downtime for themselves. 

Instead of jumping right into a proposed itinerary, I wanted to give you options for your three-day Santorini itinerary so you can craft one specific to your interests. 

I spent a lot of time enjoying the views, taking photos, and walking from village to village, and I immensely enjoyed myself.

But you may want a beach day or time to enjoy museums or do something a little more adventurous, like going for an ATV ride, kayaking through rock formations, or parasailing. Despite what you may think, Santorini has activities that appeal to a wide range of interests. It’s not just a romantic destination for couples, although it thrives in that space!

Here are some of the best things to see and do in Santorini.

Use the dropdown Table of Contents to skip to the next section for a detailed 3-day Santorini itinerary.

Best Things to See and Do in Santorini

With three nights, you will have two full days to enjoy Santorini. If you can swing four nights, you will have three full days to explore the island by land and sea.  Enjoy the town you are staying in for one day, tour by water on a second day, and explore the island by car on a third day. 

On arrival and departure days, take it easy, walk around the villages, and enjoy the views from wherever you are staying. I think the views are best from the caldera side of the island, the west side where Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira are located.

Enjoy a Boat Tour

There are many exciting boat tours to choose from in Santorini. From fishing excursions to snorkeling and scenic dinner cruises, there is something for everyone. You can book a private boat or join a group trip for less money, but either way, seeing Santorini from the sea is a fantastic way to experience the island.

Palea Kameni is known for its hot springs (thermal baths), which are believed to have healing and therapeutic properties. Nea Kameni is home to an active volcano with fumaroles (openings in the planet’s crust emitting steam and gases).

Thirassia Island offers a more traditional and less touristy Greek island experience. It is home to quaint, traditional villages like Manolas, Potamos, and Agrilia, where you can see the typical Cycladic architecture and experience the local lifestyle.

Enjoy a Beach Day

Santorini has a few black sand beaches, mostly on the east side of the island along a 3-kilometer stretch of beach that includes Perissa Beach, Perivolos Beach, and Agios Georgios Beach. 

Perivolos is the longest and most popular of these black sand beaches. It has a vibrant atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and a range of amenities, including umbrella and lounge chair rentals, watersports, concessions, and waterfront taverns selling fresh seafood.

Kamari Beach is another famous black beach in Santorini, separated from Perissa Beach by Mesa Vouno Mountain and a 16-minute drive from Fira. 

The Red Beach is a unique option for a beach day in Akrotiri village, but the hike down to the beach can be dangerous, with occasional landslides and falling rocks. It’s a beautiful beach to photograph with pulverized black and red volcanic rock, but the red sand will stain towels and swimsuits, so sunbathe with caution. You’ll need a car to get to the parking lot, or you can visit with a guided tour by land or sea.

Visit an Archaeological Site

The archaeological site of Akrotiri, often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Aegean, is a well-preserved ancient Minoan city that was found in 1867 covered in ash. Artefacts from the site are on display in the Archaeological Museum of Thera (Fira) and the National Archaeology Museum (Athens). It is one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean.

Another ancient site you can visit is Ancient Thera. It is not as well preserved as Akrotiti, but Ancient Thera offers stunning views from the top of a mountain on the eastern side of the island.

Visit a Museum

Santorini has several museums that are relatively small, but they are rich in content and provide a comprehensive look into the island’s history, culture, and natural environment.

Some of the most popular include the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Naval Maritime Museum (Oia), Lignos Folklore Museum (Kontochori), Icons & Relics Collection (Pyrgos), Museum of Minerals & Fossils (Perissa), and a Wine Museum in a natural cave located in Vothonas. 

These museums offer a wide range of experiences, from exploring ancient civilizations to understanding local traditions and industries. Visiting them can greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of Santorini’s unique heritage.

Go Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is very popular in Santorini. The island is renowned for its unique wines, thanks to its volcanic soil, climate, and ancient winemaking traditions. Most of the wines are on the sweater side made with Assyrtiko, Santorini’s most famous grape variety, known for its high acidity, minerality, and citrus flavors. 

There are many wine experiences in Santorini, from organized tours to independent tastings and food pairings. 

Santo Wines is probably the most popular winery on the island. It offers guided tours, tastings, and a beautiful terrace with panoramic views of the caldera.

Hike From Fira to Oia (or the other way around)

The hike from Fira to Oia is one of the most popular and scenic activities in Santorini. It offers stunning views of the caldera, the Aegean Sea, and the island’s unique landscape.

You will hike through small villages and across Santorini’s rugged terrain. The complete hike is around 6 miles and takes 3-4 hours (one way), depending on how many photos you take along the way. It is mostly flat, but there are a few steep hills closer to Oia. 

Many people choose to hike one way and take public transportation back to where they started. Many people start in Fira and end in Oia right before sunset to watch the sun go down from the upper walls and castle ruins. Expect huge crowds at sunset in Oia.

I enjoyed it as a morning hike from Oia to Thera. This way, I walked downhill on the toughest hills and got a good meal in Thera before taking the bus back to Oia. I like to avoid crowds as much as possible.

The trail is exposed, so bring sun protection and water and wear comfortable hiking shoes (tennis shoes are okay for this trail). 

Explore Fira Town

Fira is the capital of Santorini and is the most dynamic and bustling town on the island, filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. It is a hub of activity, transportation and nightlife, particularly during the tourist season.

Fira is perched on the edge of the caldera cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the volcanic islands Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, as well as the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea.

When in Thera, enjoy its narrow winding streets, whitewashed buildings, tourist shops, and breathtaking sea views. Visit notable landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, both with impressive traditional Greek architecture. 

You can also take a quick and scenic cable car ride to the Old Port, where many cruise ships dock. The ride provides spectacular views of the caldera.

Walk Through Imerovigli

Imerovigli is a small white-wash village known for its high elevation and panoramic views. It is an easy walk from Fira along the caldera. This village is often called the “balcony to the Aegean” due to its stunning vistas. Look out for the Skaros Rock, the village’s prominent landmark that you can walk to. 

Spend a Day in Oia

My favorite village to get lost in is Oia. It is a traditional village with Santorini’s iconic blue-domed churches, historic windmills, narrow streets, and stunning caldera views. Oia is located on the northern tip of the Island and has a more high-end and upscale vibe than Fira.

You can easily spend a full day here getting lost in its streets, enjoying fresh seafood in Ammoudi Bay, and walking to the castle of Oia ruins for the best views.

Many day visitors stay to catch a glimpse of a famous Santorini sunset, but honestly, the sunset is overrated unless you are staying in Oia and can enjoy it from the comfort of your own balcony or at a restaurant overlooking the water.

I stayed in the Esperenca Suites in Oia (I also stayed in Fira but did not like my hotel there). The suites are a 4-star luxury hotel with sunset views, fresh breakfast, and the famous blue domes just a short walk away. It’s amazing how relaxing and calm the hotel was when compared to the bustling tourist streets in Oia. Many people do not venture into the alleys that lead to the hotels, so it’s usually very quiet and relaxing at most of the caldera-view cave hotels.

Visit Pygros

Pyrgos Kallistis, the former capital of Santorini, is a charming hilltop village known for its panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, the caldera, and the surrounding landscapes. The village is renowned for its well-preserved Cycladic architecture, featuring whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, and a blue-domed church and castle. It’s far less touristy than Oia and Fira and offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the crowds while still enjoying Santorini’s beauty.

Sample 3-Day Santorini Itinerary

As I said before, three full days is a wonderful amount of time to explore the island, but if you only have three nights (which means two full days and two half days), you will still have enough time to enjoy the best of Santorini. Here are a few options for spending three days in Santorini.

The three main towns to explore are Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos. There is no need to go to Perissa or Kamari unless you want to lay out at a beach. You should stay in Oia or Fira for convenience and easy access to local attractions. I stayed in both and prefer Oia, but either village makes sense. Pyrgos is further away from the coast, near the center of the island, and is more low-key, without as much to see and do. If you stay in Pyrgos, you should get a rental car.

Fira and Oia get so packed during the day. I recommend waking up for sunrise to walk around the village to take photos and enjoy the scenic alleys and stunning views without the heat or the hordes of people. It really improves the overall experience of Santorini!

Arrival Day 

On your first day, take it easy and enjoy the atmosphere. I highly recommend staying in Oia for a calm, relaxing, and serene experience. Many people recommend staying in Fira because it’s the hub of the island, but it’s more touristy and congested with tourist shops, more fast food options, and a lot of cruise ship passengers. I loved Oia and would choose to stay there again!

Once you get to your hotel, enjoy the views and walk around the town to get a feel for what you like and what you want to return to.

Have dinner with ocean views. One of my favorite terraces in Oia was Stroglil Restaurant. Everything was delicious; I honestly did not have a bad meal in Santorini-but I love Greek food.

After dinner, enjoy the sunset and a peaceful end to what was probably a long travel day. 

Day 2

Wake up early and enjoy a stroll through the village before the crowds. This is the best way to get photos without people in them. After 9 a.m., the crowds start to roll in (in Oia and Fira) and stay until sunset. 

For your second day, plan a boat tour from Oia and walk around Ammoudi Bay. I headed to the Oia castle ruins to admire the views and then walked down the stairs to the bay. There are a lot of stairs, but the walk only takes 10-15 minutes. 

You can opt for a half-day or full-day guided boat tour that combines some of the nearby islands, including Thirassia Island, Nea Kameni, and the hot springs. It’s a fun way to spend the day.

There are also dining boat tours and private sightseeing cruises; some are best for small groups, but if you are traveling solo, there are plenty of group options too.

Santorini Sailing (Sunset Oia) offers many cruise options that do not feel as touristy as the 50-60 people catamaran boat tours. They are a little more expensive, but my parents took a semi-private sightseeing lunch cruise on a Pardo Yacht from Sunset Oia and loved it. 

Day 3

Enjoy another wonderful morning in Santorini. Take it slow and indulge in a delicious, fresh breakfast feast. Most hotels include breakfast; my Oia hotel did, but I also stayed in Fira, and they did not. I enjoyed fresh juice and açaí bowls from Stolen Fruit almost every morning while in Fira.

On your last full day, I recommend visiting Fira (or Oia, depending on where you stay) or taking a self-tour or guided tour of the island. 

Here are some activities for your third day in Santorini:

Hike Oia to Fira (or the other way around)

The walk is 6 miles one way and involves some hills, but it offers stunning views and is a unique way to see the island. It does get hot, so avoid hiking in the middle of the day in summer.

• Walk around Fira & Imverologi
• Eat lunch and shop in the villages.
• Take the bus back to your starting point. It’s an easy direct bus route between Oia and Fira.

The hike won’t take all day, so you will still have some time to enjoy some other activities. 

Have a Beach Day

If you love lounging at the beach, take the bus to Kamari Beach or Perissa to enjoy miles of sandy beaches. There are beach activities, loungers, and umbrellas for rent, along with other concessions and plenty of restaurants to enjoy. There really is no reason to come to these villages if you do not want to go to the beach. 

Self-Tour the Island

Rent a car (or ATV if that is your style) to explore the island on your own. Visiting the village of Pyrgos is a great idea for this day.

​Don’t miss these sites:

• Red Beach
• Akrotiri Archaeological Site
• Ancient Thera Outdoor Museum
• Visit the hilltop village of Pyrgos Kallistis
  • Santorini of the Past Museum
  • Pyrgos Kallistis Castle
  • Restaurants + shops + local art + cafes
• Enjoy a Santo Wine Tour

Getting to Santorini

To make the most of your three days in Santorini, consider flying to the island to save time. There are multiple direct flights from Athens that only take 45 minutes. Ferries to Santorini from Athens take between 4.5 hours and 13 hours. With limited time, you’ll want to get to the island as quickly as possible. Plus, the views are better from the air. 

If you choose to travel via sea, there are ferries from Athens (Piraeus) and other islands in the Cyclades. Some smaller islands do not have airports, so a ferry might be your best bet, depending on where you are coming from. 

I flew to Santorini from Athens and then took the SeaJets ferry to neighboring islands like Naxos, Paros, and Mykonos. My one-way flight to Santorini was cheaper than the ferry from Athens and a lot quicker.

Getting Around Santorini

You can definitely enjoy Santorini without a car (I did). The public bus is an efficient and cost-effective way to get around the island, but most routes do not run 24/7 and originate from Fira. I would choose to stay in a town like Oia or Fira that is easily walkable, has plenty of shops, restaurants, and activities, and is convenient to public transportation. 

If you do want to tour around the entire island, renting a car is the most convenient way to travel, but it can be expensive. Driving is relatively easy, but parking can be challenging in peak season.

ATVs are another popular option for self-touring the island. I’ve done a few ATV tours before and didn’t like how loud, smelly, and exposed they were. I think they are best for a couple-hour tour, but if renting one with the intention of driving around the island, be prepared. There is not a lot of storage, and you are completely exposed to the sun and dust you may stir up along the route. 

Taxis are readily available but can be expensive, especially for longer distances. Since the bus was delayed, I took a taxi to the ferry terminal from Fira and paid $20 for a ride less than 15 mins. 

Santorini Travel Tips

• Book in Advance, especially for accommodations and popular tours during peak season (June-September).
• Pack Light: The island has many steps and steep paths, making it easier to get around with minimal luggage.
• Stay Hydrated; the climate can be very dry and hot in the summer months.
• Visit in the shoulder season, April to early June, and Late September to October, when the weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer tourists.
• Tourist season officially starts in May, which means ferries are running, and most hotels and restaurants open in early May.

***

I loved my solo trip to Santorini and will definitely be back. The food, the people, the scenic sea views, and photogenic villages make this island one of my favorites!

Yes, it’s definitely touristy — but for good reason. While I’m always on the hunt for hidden gems, the unique atmosphere of this island truly stood out. It was absolutely worth the cost and the crowds, though it’s even better if you can time your visit and wake up early to avoid them!