Itinerary · Santorini · Greece
One day in Santorini
A day-by-day plan grouped by neighbourhood, so you spend your time seeing Santorini, not crossing it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Rt44, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
One day is a taster: the plan below covers the essentials, but most visitors want 4. Day 1: Oia village and sunset and Amoudi Bay. Base yourself in Fira.
Key facts
- Days
- 1
- Sights covered
- 5
- Day trips
- None
- Best base
- Fira
- Book ahead
- Nothing essential
Day by day
Day 1: Oia village and sunset and Amoudi Bay
Oia village and sunset, Amoudi Bay, Akrotiri archaeological site and Fira to Oia caldera hike, then Fira caldera promenade in the evening.
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. Allow 2–3 hours.
Late morning
Amoudi Bay
Book a waterside table for an early dinner and walk back up before dark, or take a taxi. Allow 2 hours.
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.
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. Allow 1.5 hours.
Late afternoon
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. Allow 3–4 hours.
Evening
Fira caldera promenade
Walk it at dusk and continue to Firostefani for a quieter sunset view and dinner.
If it rains
- Swap in Museum of Prehistoric Thera (Fira): Visit during the hottest part of the day, then walk the caldera promenade in the evening.
Where to stay for this itinerary
$$$ · Best for first-timers, nightlife and budget
Fira
The island's capital on the caldera edge, with the bus hub, museums and most nightlife
Pace and daylight
The sights in this plan add up to roughly 10–12 hours of visiting over one day, 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.
Getting between stops: Bus. KTEL buses from Fira's bus station run to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, the airport and Athinios port.
More or fewer days
Questions travellers ask
+Is one day enough in Santorini?
One day is a taster: the plan below covers the essentials, but most visitors want 4. How many days Santorini needs.