Three Days in Santorini – Itinerary & Highlights

Greece › Santorini › 3 Day Itinerary
Updated: June 16, 2025
By Santorini Dave

Oia is a top choice for a short visit to Santorini, but regardless of which town you choose, staying on the caldera is a must.

Where to Stay
For a short, 3-day trip, you must stay on the caldera. This is non-negotiable. The views are the reason you’re here. Your main choices are Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani.

• Fira: The capital. Best for nightlife, restaurants, and accessibility. It’s the island’s transport hub, making it the most practical base if you don’t rent a vehicle. It’s busy, but convenient.
• Oia: The most famous village, known for its iconic sunsets and luxury hotels. It’s stunning but expensive and crowded, especially around sunset. For a 3-day trip, staying here allows you to experience its beauty before the day-trippers have arrived (and after they’ve left).
• Imerovigli: The quietest of the main caldera towns, offering the highest and arguably most dramatic views. It’s the top choice for romance and relaxation without the crowds.
• Firostefani: A short walk from Fira, it offers the same great views but with a more relaxed atmosphere. A good compromise between the buzz of Fira and the tranquility of Imerovigli.
• For a 3-day trip, I recommend Fira or Imerovigli. Fira for convenience and buzz, Imerovigli for the best views and a more peaceful escape.

Getting Around
• Rent a Car: This is the best way to see the island on a short timeline. It allows you to explore beyond the main towns, from the Akrotiri ruins to the southern beaches, without worrying about bus schedules or taxi availability.
• Local Bus (KTEL): The bus system is cheap and surprisingly efficient. The main hub is in Fira. All routes originate here, so if you’re staying elsewhere, you’ll often need to connect in Fira to reach other parts of the island. It’s a great budget option.
• Taxis: Taxis are available but are limited in number and can be expensive. Don’t rely on them as your primary mode of transport. Pre-booking transfers with Welcome Pickups, especially from the airport, is a smart move.
• Walking: For exploring the caldera villages (Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia), your own two feet are best. The famous cliff path connects them all.

3-Day Santorini Itinerary
This itinerary is packed. It assumes you want to see the absolute highlights.

The Fira-Oia walk (or a portion of it) is the highlight of a Santorini visit.

Day 1: The Caldera Hike & Oia’s Sunset
• Morning (9:00 AM): Hike the caldera path from Fira to Oia. This is the single best thing to do in Santorini. The hike is roughly 10 km (6 miles) and takes 3-4 hours at a comfortable pace. You’ll pass through Firostefani and Imerovigli. The views are relentless and spectacular. Start early to avoid the midday heat.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM): Arrive in Oia. Have lunch. Explore the village’s marble laneways, blue-domed churches, and boutique shops. Find the iconic photo spots.
• Evening (Sunset): Find your sunset spot early. The old castle is the most popular (and crowded) viewpoint. Alternatively, book a table at a restaurant with a sunset view or find a spot along the path heading back towards Fira. After the sun goes down, enjoy dinner in Oia.

Day 2: Sailing, History & Wine
• Morning (10:00 AM): Take a catamaran cruise around the caldera. This is essential. Most tours include swimming in the Hot Springs, sailing past the Red and White Beaches, and a fantastic lunch or dinner on board. You’ll see the island from a perspective you just can’t get on land. Choose a 5-hour tour.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM): After your cruise, head south. Explore the prehistoric ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan city preserved in volcanic ash. It’s one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean.
• Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Santorini’s wine is unique due to its volcanic soil. Visit a winery for a tasting. Santo Wines or Venetsanos Winery are both located near the caldera’s edge and offer incredible views along with their Assyrtiko wine.

Day 3: Inland Villages, Beaches & Departure
• Morning (10:00 AM): Explore the island’s interior. Visit Pyrgos, the former capital. It’s a beautifully preserved hilltop village with a Venetian castle at its peak. Wander its labyrinthine alleys to the top for panoramic views of the entire island.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM): Head to one of the volcanic sand beaches. Perissa and Perivolos have the famous black sand and are lined with beach bars and tavernas. Grab a sunbed, have lunch, and relax.
• Late Afternoon: Depending on your flight or ferry schedule, either enjoy more beach time or head back to Fira for some last-minute souvenir shopping.

Must-Try Restaurants
Reservations are essential for dinner, especially for places with caldera views.

The restaurants in Ammoudi Bay serve some of the best and freshest (straight from the boat) seafood in Santorini.

• Metaxi Mas (Exo Gonia): Considered by many to be the best restaurant on the island. Located in a small village, it serves incredible, traditional Santorinian and Cretan food. You must book well in advance. No view, but the food is worth it.
• Ammoudi Fish Tavern (Ammoudi Bay): Walk down the steps from Oia to the small port of Amoudi. The tavernas here serve the freshest fish, grilled to perfection right on the water’s edge. A fantastic spot for lunch or an early dinner.
Lucky’s Souvlakis (Fira): This is a Fira institution. For a fast, delicious, and budget-friendly meal, you cannot do better. Their gyros and souvlaki are some of the best on the island. Don’t be deterred by the line; it moves quickly.
• Roka (Oia): Tucked away from the main caldera path, Roka offers a more peaceful dining experience. It’s set in a beautiful old building with a charming courtyard. The menu is creative Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, using excellent local ingredients. A great choice if you want top-quality food without the sunset-view price tag.
• The Athenian House (Imerovigli): If you’re looking for a high-end, fine-dining experience with spectacular sunset views, this is a top choice. Modern Greek cuisine.
• Franco’s Cafe (Pyrgos): While not a dinner restaurant, this is the place to go in Pyrgos for sunset. It’s a stylish bar perched high up near the castle ruins. Go for the incredible panoramic views, the classical music, and the cocktails. It’s an unforgettable sunset experience away from the crowds.

Essential Tips for a Short Trip
• Book Everything in Advance: Hotels, rental cars, popular restaurants, and catamaran tours should all be booked before you arrive, especially from June to September.
• Pre-Arrange Airport Transfer: Have your hotel arrange a transfer or book one online with Welcome Pickups. Finding a taxi upon arrival can be challenging.
• Don’t Waste Time at the Beach: Santorini’s beaches are unique for their volcanic sand, but they aren’t the best in Greece. With only 3 days, prioritize the caldera views, the villages, and a boat trip. A couple of hours at the beach is plenty.
• Pack Light, but Smart: You’ll be walking on uneven cobblestone streets. Bring comfortable shoes. Also pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Evenings can be windy, so a light jacket is a good idea.
• Wake Up Early: Beat the crowds and the heat. The mornings in Oia and Fira are magical before the tour buses arrive.
• Cash is Useful: While most places accept credit cards, having some Euros on hand for smaller purchases, buses, or tips is always a good idea. ATMs are plentiful in Santorini.