4 days in Santorini

Day by day

1. Day 1: Oia village and sunset and Amoudi Bay

   Oia village and sunset, Amoudi Bay and Akrotiri archaeological site, then Fira caldera promenade in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Oia village and sunset

      Allow 2–3 hours (free). Arrive an hour before sunset for a spot by the castle, or watch from a windmill viewpoint further along the cliff; leaving afterwards takes time, so plan your bus or taxi.

   2. Late morning

      Amoudi Bay

      A path round the headland leads to rocks near the islet of Agios Nikolaos where people swim in deep, clear water.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Santorini fava

      Almost every taverna on the island serves it as a starter; it is especially good in traditional places in Pyrgos and Megalochori.

   4. Afternoon

      Akrotiri archaeological site

      Allow 1.5 hours (mid-priced). Hire a guide at the entrance or read up first; the site makes much more sense with context. Combine it with Red Beach and the lighthouse.

   5. Evening

      Fira caldera promenade

      Walk it at dusk and continue to Firostefani for a quieter sunset view and dinner.

2. Day 2: Red Beach and Akrotiri lighthouse

   Red Beach, Akrotiri lighthouse and Fira to Oia caldera hike, then Fira in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Red Beach

      Because of rockfall risk, authorities have restricted access at times and warning signs are posted, so many visitors see it from the viewpoint on the path rather than from the sand.

   2. Late morning

      Akrotiri lighthouse

      Allow 1 hour (free). Bring a jacket; the headland is often windy after sunset.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tomato fritters

      Tavernas across the island, often alongside fava as part of a meze spread.

   4. Afternoon

      Fira to Oia caldera hike

      The views of the caldera, Nea Kameni and Thirassia are continuous, and you finish in Oia for lunch or the sunset.

   5. Evening

      Fira

      Caldera-view cocktail bars for sunset and clubs around Erythrou Stavrou street that stay open until the early hours in summer.

3. Day 3: Skaros Rock and Museum of Prehistoric Thera

   Skaros Rock, Museum of Prehistoric Thera and Fira Old Port and cable car, then Perissa and Perivolos in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Skaros Rock

      Allow 1–1.5 hours (free). Go in the morning; the path is exposed and steep in places, so wear shoes with grip.

   2. Late morning

      Museum of Prehistoric Thera

      It is compact, air-conditioned and the best preparation for a visit to the site.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Greek salad with Santorini capers

      Every taverna; ask for caper leaves (kaparofylla) if they are not already included.

   4. Afternoon

      Fira Old Port and cable car

      Allow 1 hour (low cost). Use the cable car or walk the steps; animal-welfare groups ask visitors not to ride the donkeys. Queues for the cable car back up can be long when cruise ships are in.

   5. Evening

      Perissa and Perivolos

      Beach bars with music and sunbeds by day and parties on summer nights.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Ios

   About 40–60 minutes by high-speed ferry each way. Getting there: High-speed ferry from Athinios port.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Ios

      About 40–60 minutes by high-speed ferry (High-speed ferry from Athinios port); about 40 km.

   2. Day

      Ios

      Ios has a hilltop Chora of white houses and windmills above the port and the long sandy beach of Mylopotas. It makes a contrast to Santorini's cliffs, with sandier beaches and a younger crowd in summer.

   3. Evening

      Back in Santorini

      Dinner: try Grilled octopus and fresh fish.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 4 nights, Fira keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Firostefani ($$$) suits couples and quiet stays. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 14–17 hours of visiting over 4 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 9.7 hours in December to 14.6 hours in June, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.

More or fewer days

• One day in Santorini
• 2 days in Santorini
• 3 days in Santorini
• 5 days in Santorini
• 7 days in Santorini

Questions travellers ask