Making the Most of 3 Days in Santorini: The Ultimate Itinerary

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Ingrid - A former financial professional, I have been passionate about photography since an early age. Being the first foreign country I visited as a teenager, Greece became one of my favorite travel destinations, so much so that we spent even our honeymoon there.

Alex - A former corporate business executive, I am a historical fiction writer. For almost ten years, Greece was one of my second homes due to my business responsibilities.

Baby Iris joined our travels since she was able to sit up.

3 days in Santorini – the ultimate guide

Getting around the island

No matter where you arrive in Santorini—at the Fira Airport or by boat/ferry in Ammoudi Bay—there are plenty of options for getting to your hotel.

From Santorini airport, in Fira, you will either want to catch a taxi, book a private transfer, or take the bus, no matter where you choose to stay on the island.

The Ktel public buses link lots of towns around Santorini island; they are affordable and have many daily options. It can be a great way of getting around Santorini without a car, but maybe not as you arrive. The downside of public transportation is that it is not that comfortable when you travel with large luggage, and it might not get you very close to your hotel.

From the main port in Ammoudi, you’ll have to climb the few hundred stairs to the top of the hill and the center of Oia. Head towards the bus stop. There are plenty of taxi options here as well.

Do you need a car in Santorini?

We didn’t rent one and chose to book private tours instead. Organized tours are great, especially if you plan to go wine tasting (an absolute must in Santorini).

You won’t have the flexibility you would when renting a car, but you won’t waste any time. We relied on the people who knew the island best and thus got to see many things quickly.

I think that’s what you also want, especially since you have only 3 days in Santorini and want to make the most of it.

If you decide to rent a car, Discover Cars will help you save money and choose the best option for you.

Where to stay in Santorini

If you’re staying in Santorini only for a few nights, you’ll want to make the most of the experience.

I’ve written an affordable accommodation guide for the island, gathering some of the most impressive properties with a view over the famous caldera.

Booking.com

What to wear in Santorini

I know you will want to look your best on your Santorini vacation, so I’ve chosen some pretty and comfortable options for dresses you can take with you.

I’m sure you will want to return from vacation with some amazing pictures and memories. That’s how I am as well, and I always try to bring the perfect outfits.

Of course, anything would look good with Santorini as a background but try to choose vivid colors, such as clothing with Greek patterns, white, or blue.

Day 1 in Santorini

Go on a tour of the island

The best way to get to know the island better is to go on an organized tour that will take you to all the places you’ll need to see.

We went on such a tour and saw the Red Beach, a black sand beach in Perissa, where we had a nice lunch. We also climbed to Moni Profiti Ilia and saw the whole island from the highest point.

Another must-see destination is the ancient Akrotiri archeological site, which dates from the Minoan Bronze Age. The site is unique because it has been preserved well since it was buried by volcanic ash in the 17th century BC.

Before going to Santo Winery for a wine-tasting experience and a factory tour, we stopped in the small village of Megalochori. It was one of the most charming places in Santorini because it was not packed with tourists, and we had the iconic white streets and houses.

Check out these two tours that will take you through these places, packing it all in one day:

Explore Oia and see the most famous sunset

As evening approaches, make your way back to Oia and take some time to explore every little corner of this paradise. Among the best things to do in Oia, you won’t want to miss having dinner with the most famous sunset.

Just make sure to book a table in advance and come early.

Another thing I would consider in Oia, in particular, is booking a professional photographer for a photo session that will last forever.

I’ve invested a lot of time and money in my photo gear, and I’m lucky to be able to take some pretty pictures myself. However, not all people have that, and if you want to have a couple of pictures, that’s almost impossible without the help of a photographer.

What I love about Flytographer is that you have so many great local photographers to choose from. They know the region and when and where exactly to go for the perfect shot. On top of that, you can see their previous work and choose from different types of packages depending on your budget and desires.

Day 2 in Santorini

Climb the volcano

Wake up, have a wholehearted Greek breakfast with a view, and go to the boat that will take you to the volcano.

Our day trip included a climb in the crater, a dip in the hot spring waters close to it, and lunch with some sunbathing on the Therasia island—the part that had been torn from Santorini when the volcano erupted. We had a delicious lunch at a very local and traditional tavern.

It is worth knowing that you will need comfortable shoes because the ground on the volcano is very arid and slippery. Also, bring something to cover your head – there’s no shade – and lots of water to stay hydrated. The climb to the top is not very steep or challenging. However, the sun will make it a bit difficult.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the hot springs stop. However, the clear blue water around the boat made it better.

Check out these tour options, which include part or all of our itinerary. Book in advance to secure the best deal and ensure you’ll have the whole trip planned.

Sunset wine-tasting

The local wine of Santorini is different than anything you’ve ever tasted. That’s mainly because of how the grapes grow on the arid volcanic soil, under the hot sun, for so many months.

That results in sweet, strong wine. With so many options available, you should try directly from the local producers.

And what’s the best way to do that other than on a wine tour? You’ll have the chance to taste different local produce apart from wine, learn about the region, and see the sunset from another point.

Here are a few options you’ll want to book for your trip:

A private guided winery tour
4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour
Check out this full list of food and wine tours of Santorini and choose the one that better suits your needs

Day 3

Go on a hike from Oia to Fira

Start your day early to avoid the heat and sun, and go either from Oia to Fira or the other way around.

The whole hike will take you along the caldera and through pretty towns like Imerovigli (the highest point, where you can take a break for coffee or lemonade) and Firostefani. Overall, it will be around 10 kilometers and anywhere between 2 and 5 hours, depending on how many stops you plan along the way.

I know I would stop at every viewpoint and explore every street of the small villages I encountered along the way.

Come prepared with good walking shoes because the road is not always paved, with some parts of slippery cobblestone and others as a dirt path.

I sure know I’ll add this to my trip the next time I’m in Santorini, especially after all the hiking we’ve done after moving to Hong Kong.

Sunset Catamaran Cruise

And because you’ve exercised so much in the morning, you’ll be worth ending the day in style on a sunset catamaran cruise along the island shores, with a caldera view.

There are lots of options out there that offer BBQ dinner, transfers from your hotel, and drinks, so you won’t have to worry about anything! Your only worry would be what to wear for those stunning pictures you’ll take on this cruise.

What would be more romantic than sailing with the sunset in your background, along with one of the most unique islands in the world?

Check out some great cruise options here. Book in advance to get the best price, and choose your date and time!

Alternatively, if you’re not into cruises or you are seasick, book a table for dinner in Fira at the Volcano Blue restaurant.

We loved this place! The food was so delicious that we overate (as usual in Greece), the views were perfect, and the staff was super friendly and open to help us with any information. They even invited us to a party with them once they finished work.

When to book your 3 days in Santorini

Although we visited the island in August, or even because of this fact, I would not recommend you do that. August is very crowded, with the streets and restaurants packed with people, and high prices for both accommodation and food.

That’s why I suggest planning your 3 days in Santorini for the beginning of summer (either May or June) or the beginning of fall (September is perfect, while October is also a great time to see Santorini).

I always prefer the shoulder season for those locations where the weather allows you to get better prices without the crowds you usually get during summer.

Where to eat during your 3 days in Santorini

I’ll tell you where to eat and which restaurant to book in advance. I’ll also share some of my favorite Greek dishes that you absolutely need to try!

There are a couple of things you must have in mind:

Book your table way in advance (even 3-5 days in advance) if you want to be sure you get a table, especially one with the perfect setting.
Tipping – it is customary to tip in Greece, and you can leave anything between 5-10%

But first things first, here are a few of the best restaurants in Santorini:

Volcano Blue Restaurant in Thira is the place we loved so much and where we ate very well. It has some of the most wonderful views in Thira.
Metaxi Mas in the center of Santorini. Come here for the perfect pairing of delicious food and local wines.
Ambrosia in Oia. Book a table here for one of the most romantic dinners of the year.
The Athenian House in Imerovigli. Another restaurant with a stunning view and a menu designed by some worldwide renowned Greek chefs.

Don’t leave Santorini without trying the following foods and drinks:

Red Donkey beer
Vinsanto wine
Halva – toast semolina flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel.
Baklava – the heavenly pastry packed with nuts and honey, and sometimes stuffed with ice cream, like the one we had
Fresh fish at a local taverna
Fried calamari – the perfect snack on the beach
Tarama spread – a delicacy in some East European countries, but I never found anywhere else in the world. If you haven’t heard of it, please try it.
Dolmas – stuffed grape leaves
Baked feta with honey is my ultimate favorite food in Greece. It is also available in a savory variation without honey but with some spices.

Other Santorini Travel Resources

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Making the Most of 3 Days in Santorini: The Ultimate Itinerary