5 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

      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. (2–3 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Amoudi Bay

      Book a waterside table for an early dinner and walk back up before dark, or take a taxi. (2 hours, free).

   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

      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. (1.5 hours, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Fira caldera promenade

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

2. Day 2: Fira to Oia caldera hike and Skaros Rock

   Fira to Oia caldera hike, Skaros Rock and Museum of Prehistoric Thera, then Fira in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Fira to Oia caldera hike

      Start early in the morning, wear proper shoes and carry plenty of water; there is no shade after Imerovigli. Return to Fira by bus. (3–4 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Skaros Rock

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

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tomato fritters

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

   4. Afternoon

      Museum of Prehistoric Thera

      Visit during the hottest part of the day, then walk the caldera promenade in the evening. (1 hour, low cost).

   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: Ancient Thera and Volcano and hot springs boat trip

   Ancient Thera, Volcano and hot springs boat trip and Pyrgos village, then Perissa and Perivolos in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Ancient Thera

      Drive or take a taxi up the switchback road from Kamari, or hike up from Perissa early in the day. (1.5–2 hours, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Volcano and hot springs boat trip

      Wear old swimwear for the hot springs; the reddish water can stain fabric. (Half a day, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Greek salad with Santorini capers

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

   4. Afternoon

      Pyrgos village

      Visit late in the afternoon, then continue to a nearby winery for sunset. (1–2 hours, free).

   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. Best for beach and solo travellers.

   3. Evening

      Back in Santorini

      Dinner: try Grilled octopus and fresh fish.

5. Day 5: Caldera winery tasting and Fira Old Port and cable car

   Caldera winery tasting, Fira Old Port and cable car and Red Beach, then Kamari in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Caldera winery tasting

      Book a sunset tasting slot in summer and take a taxi rather than driving. (1.5–2 hours, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Fira Old Port and cable car

      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. (1 hour, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Grilled octopus and fresh fish

      Waterfront tavernas in Amoudi Bay, Vlychada and Kamari.

   4. Afternoon

      Red Beach

      Follow the signs and any closures; the viewpoint above gives the best photographs anyway. (30 minutes, free).

   5. Evening

      Kamari

      Relaxed bars along the seafront promenade and the open-air cinema.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 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 20–26 hours of visiting over 5 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
• 4 days in Santorini
• 7 days in Santorini

Questions travellers ask