A Perfect Weekend in Santorini: 3 Day Itinerary
Santorini, an idyllic island in Greece's Cyclades, is one of the most popular destinations for travellers around the world. With its iconic white-washed, blue-domed buildings, breathtaking sunsets, and unique landscapes, it is a perfect location for those seeking relaxation, adventure or culture! This 3-day itinerary will provide you with the knowledge to spend a perfect weekend in Santorini.
Santorini is one of the most famous islands in Greece. It was created by a volcano eruption over 3,600 years ago, leaving its distinct caldera - a submerged volcano crater and a central feature on the island. Santorini boasts charming villages, such as Oia and Fira, which are home to narrow streets that wind their way through the cliffsides of the island.
Spending a weekend in Santorini is the perfect getaway, allowing you enough time to explore the villages, visit important landmarks, and relax while admiring the stunning views. Santorini experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to come is the shoulder seasons in April/May or September/October when the weather is still warm and it is less crowded. Check out our article on the best time to visit Santorini for more information.
Getting around Santorini is simple and easy. You can walk, perfect for wandering and soaking in the views, or take public transport from Fira. If you prefer to drive around the island, you can easily rent a car or an ATV. Santorini is well connected by ferry and plane to other islands in the Cyclades, and it is also home to its own international airport. Without further ado, here is our 3-day itinerary to spend a perfect weekend in Santorini!
Day 1
Morning - Fira
Upon arrival at the port or airport in Santorini, start by travelling to your accommodation, checking in and leaving your luggage. There are plenty of different types of accommodation on the island to suit your needs. Whether you choose a luxurious hotel in Fira or a cosy cave house in Oia, aim for a room with a view of the caldera for the ultimate Santorini experience!
After freshening up, the adventure in Santorini begins! Start by visiting Fira, the island's bustling capital, home to an abundance of shops, restaurants and bars. Spend some time meandering down the cobble-stoned streets, lined with charming boutiques, galleries and local shops with trinkets and souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the amazing views from Fira, overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea, the caldera, and Santorini's neighbouring volcanic islands, Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni. Stop for lunch in one of Fira's traditional restaurants, such as Argo, Metaxy Max, or Naoussa, indulging in local cuisine like fresh seafood, moussaka, or a crisp Greek salad.
Afternoon - Imerovigli & Skaros Rock
After your delicious lunch, start walking to Imerovigli, the next town over from Fira. You'll have some of the most serene views along this 25-minute walk. Imerovigli sits on the highest point of the caldera and is often referred to as the 'balcony of the Aegean'. One of the defining features of Imerovigli is Skaros Rock, a large rocky headland that was once home to a medieval fortress. For a historical escape, book a guided hike to Skaros Fortress from Imerovigli. A local, knowledgeable guide will lead you to the ruins of an ancient castle, one of the most splendid fortresses of the Byzantine Empire. Learn about the history of Skaros Rock while admiring the breathtaking views from a narrow pass on the cliff's edge.
If you still have some energy, enjoy another hike from Imerovigli to Oia! Starting from the caldera rim in Imerovigli, the trail is approximately 9 km (5.5 mi) and can take between 2-4 hours depending on your pace. The hike is worth it for the mesmerising views of the Aegean Sea and the island's picturesque villages. Winding down the edge of the caldera, you'll end in Oia, one of Santorini's most famous villages. If you prefer, you can drive or take public transport from Imerovigli to Oia instead.
Evening - Oia
Oia is a postcard-worthy village epitomising Santorini’s beauty, home to typical Cycladic architecture with white buildings and blue-domed churches. It is probably Santorini's most famous sunset point, perched on the island's northern tip. When you arrive in Oia, grab a spot to watch the magical sunset, either at Oia Castle, a cliffside restaurant, or simply on the streets of the village. The Santorini sunset is a truly unforgettable experience!
After savouring the view of the sun dipping below the horizon, settle in for an evening meal at one of Oia's many restaurants, such as Karma, Ambrosia, or Melitini. Taste freshly grilled octopus, lobster pasta, or other Mediterranean delicacies while reflecting on a perfect first day in Santorini.
Day 2
Morning - Perivolos Beach
After waking up and getting ready for the day, it's time to venture to one of Santorini's unique beaches. Due to the island's volcanic activity, it is home to very distinct beaches, with striking landscapes and black, red or white sand. Head to Santorini's southern coast and visit Perivolos Beach, one of the island's most popular and beautiful beaches. Perivolos features dark, black sand, contrasting with the blue crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Spend your morning lounging on the sand or a sunbed, swimming in the refreshing waters, and relaxing at one of the trendy beach bars or restaurants. To break up the morning, you could also try a fun water sport at Perivolos Beach, such as a guided jet ski safari to the Santorini Lighthouse or a fun parasailing flight.
Afternoon - Red Beach & Akrotiri
After your peaceful morning at Perivolos Beach, it's time to explore another prominent beach on the southern coast, the renowned Red Beach. This beach is named after the deep red cliffs that tower over its sandy shore, and it is definitely worth a visit. You can spend more time swimming or sunbathing on the beach and capturing magnificent photos.
Then, visit the nearby Akrotiri Archaeological Site, an ancient Minoan settlement preserved by volcanic ash. Often referred to as Greece's version of Pompeii, Akrotiri is significantly older, buried beneath volcanic ash following the catastrophic eruption of Thera around 1600 BC. You can tour the incredibly well-preserved city, with multi-story buildings, frescoes, pottery, and sophisticated drainage systems, all providing evidence of a society that once thrived.
Evening - Akrotiri Lighthouse
After visiting Akrotiri, it's time for another sunset, a must-watch for every night you spend in Santorini! Grab a front-row seat to the evening spectacle at Akrotiri Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece located on the island's southern tip. This is an ideal spot to watch the sunset while overlooking the caldera.
Then, head to one of the excellent tavernas in Akrotiri, which offers a more tranquil atmosphere than other parts of Santorini. Try some authentic Greek dishes, like grilled meat and seafood, lamb kleftiko, and gyros in a local restaurant such as The Cave of Nikolas, Asterias, or Tavern Giorgaros.
If you're not too tired, end your day with a movie at the quaint open-air cinema in Kamari. Watch a film in English with Greek subtitles while sipping on a glass of wine or a cocktail, enjoying the warm evening. Fans of Mamma Mia are in luck! The cinema often shows this family-favourite musical set in Greece.
Day 3
Morning - Boat Cruise
On your final day in Santorini, a boat tour is a must-do, one of the best ways to experience the island! On this half-day volcano and hot springs boat cruise in Santorini, you'll depart from Fira Old Port, accessible by a 3-minute cable car ride. You'll sail to the Santorini Volcano (or Thera Volcano), part of the active volcanic complex that includes Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni islands. At the volcano, you'll walk along the ridge for awe-inspiring views and visit the hot springs at Palea Kameni. Fed by the volcano, the waters of the hot springs are composed of sulfur, iron, and other metals, making them rich in therapeutic properties. Hop into the waters for a relaxing soak and swim! This boat tour in Santorini is a unique and peaceful way to spend your last morning on the island.
Afternoon - Wine Tasting
You can't end your trip to Santorini without visiting one of its traditional wineries. The island’s volcanic soil produces unique wines, especially the famous Assyrtiko grape. Spend your afternoon indulging in a fantastic wine-tasting experience. Santo Wines is one of the favourites on the island, where you can try a crisp Assyrtiko or a sweet Vinsanto dessert wine.
After your wine-tasting escapade, head to Oia for some last-minute exploring. This legendary village is worth visiting more than once on your trip. Wander the charming streets, grab some souvenirs, and visit Atlantis Books, a fairytale bookshop offering a cosy atmosphere. You might stumble across some other hidden gems in Oia while strolling around the village and getting lost in its quirky independent stores.
Evening - Amoudi Bay
Catch one last sunset at the picturesque Amoudi Bay, a small port in Oia offering phenomenal views. You could even go for an evening dip at the bay, while the sunset displays an array of pink, red and purple colours across the pale sky. After, enjoy your last meal at one of Amoudi's seaside taverns, such as Ammoudi Fish Tavern or Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna, serving fresh seafood and other Greek delicacies. If you're looking for some nightlife, head to a lively bar or club in Fira, partying and dancing to finish your time in Santorini on a high!
Final Tips
A weekend in Santorini is the perfect duration to hit all of the best spots, with plenty of free time to relax on the volcanic beaches, explore the adorable villages, and admire the spectacular sunsets. We recommend planning and booking your trip to Santorini in advance, including your flights, accommodation, dinner reservations and any activities you want to try. Make sure to pack comfortable clothes and shoes, such as worn-in sneakers or sturdy sandals, as this itinerary includes a lot of walking and the villages can be quite hilly. If you are including Santorini as part of a wider vacation in Greece, you can easily island-hop to other destinations in the Cyclades, including Naxos, Mykonos and Ios.
This weekend itinerary will ensure you leave Santorini feeling fulfilled, well-rested and energised! The beauty and charm of the island will stay with you long after you return home. If you're planning a longer trip in Santorini, check out our ultimate guide to Santorini for more inspiration on how to spend your time on this magical island!