Greece › Santorini › Santorini in 1 to 7 Days
Updated: February 11, 2023
By Santorini Dave
See Also
Santorini Itinerary
- Best Things to Do in Santorini: Fira-Oia Caldera Hike • Ancient Akrotiri • Outdoor Cinema in Kamari
- Best Tours: Santorini Wine Tours • Santorini Boat Tours • Santorini Helicopter Tours
- Best View: Agios Georgios Chapel in Imerovigli
- Best Restaurant: Athenian House in Imerovigli
- Best Beach: Perissa Beach
- Best Nightlife: Fira
- Most Fun Activity: Jet Ski to the Volcano
- Best Hotels: Grace Hotel • Cavo Tagoo • Katikies • Canaves Suites • Athina Luxury Suites
Top 5 Santorini Highlights
1. Enjoy the Views of the Caldera and Volcano
Santorini’s caldera and volcano are what make the island so spectacular, and a good chunk of your one visit should be spent experiencing them in one way or another. The main towns of Santorini (from south to north: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia) are spread along the cliff overlooking the caldera. It would be easy (and fun) to spend an entire day somewhere along the rim of the caldera. You could do the complete walk from Fira to Oia. Or do just part of the walk. If staying in Fira, you can walk to Imerovigli, have lunch, and return to Fira for shopping, dinner, and an evening of nightlife. If staying in Oia, you can walk to Imerovigli for lunch, then bus or taxi back to Oia for dinner and sunset. There are a hundred variations on this and more than enough awesome viewpoints, enchanting little lanes, and spellbinding stairwells to easily fill a day.2. Do a Boat Tour of the Volcano
Most boat tours of the caldera begin in the late morning or early afternoon and include hotel pickup. If you get an early start you can explore the views of the caldera in the morning (as described above) then hop a boat tour in the afternoon. All boat tours have incredible views of the caldera cliffs but offer many different options: private boat tour for a small group • boat tour with volcano hike and swimming in the hot springs • boat tour with hot spring swimming and sunset.3. Do a Santorini Wine Tour
Santorini has some wonderful wines and charming family-run wineries. Doing a wine tour is one of my top recommendations for Santorini. However, most wineries are located inland from the caldera so you are giving up some time experiencing the caldera views. If you only have one or two day then it’s a tough trade-off. With three or more days then a wine tour is easily incorporated into any itinerary.4. The Very Best Restaurants on Santorini
If you’re in Santorini for just one day you’ll only have two meals to enjoy the incredible food that Santorini has to offer. (Most hotels provide free breakfast and there are few good breakfast options so it’s usually only lunch and dinner.) If you do a tour that will further cut into your options. But assuming you have two meals to fill I’d do Argo or Ouzeri in Fira or Avocado in Imerovigli for lunch, or Naoussa in Fira if you really want a view restaurant. (Not all restaurants are open for lunch so some planning is wise.) For dinner go to Athenian House in Imerovigli, Roka in Oia, Ammoudi Taverna in Ammoudi Bay (for fresh seafood right on the water), or Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia (but it does require a taxi or rental car to get to). If you have more than 2 days then you should try to visit as many of these restaurants as possible. If you’re lucky enough to have one week in Santorini then you might even want to revisit 1 or 2 of your favorites.5. Santorini Nightlife
Most of the nightlife options are found in Fira. (We’ve got a great map of these places on our Best Santorini Bars & Nightlife page. Or just ask any shop owner, and they’ll point you the right direction.) My favorites are 2 Brothers (crazy fun), Kira Thira Jazz Club (small and intimate), Tropical (cool vibe with great views), Franco’s Bar (just below Tropical and more of a wine bar usually playing classical music), and the Koo Club (dancing late into the night). If you’re in Oia you’ll only have one choice for nightlife but it’s a good one: Mary Kay’s (very small but super fun and a local old-school vibe).One Day in Santorini
- Do the Fira-Oia Hike or if that’s too much explore the caldera paths in Oia or walk between Fira and Imerovigli.
- Do a boat or wine tour.
- Eat at The Athenian House in Imerovigli or Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia.
- Watch the sunset from Fira, Oia, or Imerovigli.
Two Days in Santorini
- Do the Fira-Oia Hike.
- Do both a boat and wine tour. With good use of time you can do both.
- Eat at The Athenian House in Imerovigli and Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia.
- Watch the sunset from Fira, Oia, or Imerovigli.
- Watch a movie at the Open Air Cinema in Kamari.
Three Days in Santorini
- Do the Fira-Oia Hike.
- Do both a boat and wine tour.
- Visit the ruins at Akrotiri and the village of Pyrgos (if you have a rental car) or one of the beaches (Kamari or Perissa) if you don’t.
- Eat at The Athenian House in Imerovigli, Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia, and a few of the other best restaurants in Santorini.
- Watch the sunset from Fira, Oia, or Imerovigli.
- Watch a movie at the Open Air Cinema in Kamari.
Five Days to One Week in Santorini
- Do the Fira-Oia Hike.
- Do both a boat and wine tour.
- If budget allows do one or more of the private Santorini tours.
- Rent a car for at least one day.
- Visit the Akrotiri Ruins, The villages of Pyrgos and Emporio, Kamari Beach, and Perissa Beach.
- Eat at The Athenian House in Imerovigli, Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia, and several of the other best restaurants in Santorini.
- Watch the sunset from Fira, Oia, or Imerovigli.
- Watch a movie at the Open Air Cinema in Kamari.
10 Days to Two Weeks in Santorini
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 by a guy who loved Greece, travel, and great hotels. We're now a small team of writers and researchers on a mission to deliver the most helpful travel content on the internet. We specialize in 
Hey Dave,
We are staying in Imerovigli in Santorini from the end of September until after the beginning of October for our honeymoon. We are going to Athens for two days and then spending 7 days in Santorini. We were wondering if we need to make reservations for all the restaurants and tours now or if we would be able to pick and choose once we arrive? We didn’t know if everything would be booked by the time we got there.
If there was a tour or restaurant that was very important then yes, reserve a month or more in advance. But for most tours you’d be fine booking a week or so in advance. For most restaurants a day or two in advance – or less.
Hi Dave,
My wife and I will be in Santorini the first week of October. (Staying at the Grace Santorini.) We are planning to do some wine tasting. Any particular wineries you would recommend (someone suggested Domaine Sigalas)?
Thanks in advance for your insights!
– Michael
Gavalas winery in Megalochori has the best wine. Art Space in Exo Gonia is the most interesting. Venetsanos has the best views.
Hi Dave
Thanks for the great information on this site. We are travelling from Boston to India in June and visiting Greece on our way back. Family of 2 adults and 2 kids (7 and 10 years old)
We arrive at Athens July 13 @ 1:15 pm.
We leave Athens for Boston on July 21 2:30 pm.
Our plan is to stay in Athens for 2 nights (July 13, 14), travel to Santorini and stay there for 4 nights (July 15-18), travel to Mykonos and stay there for 2 nights (July 19-20)
We are looking to stay at Pantheon or Ramezzo in Santorini and Mykonos Princess in Mykonos.
We would like to get your thoughts on our travel within Greece.
1. What hotel would you recommend in Athens that is not too far from the airport? The main places we want to cover is the Acropolis.
2. Easy to get to for a flight to Santorini on Jul 15.
3. Since our return flight from Athens is at 2:30 pm, what is the latest time that we should leave Mykonos to make it to Athens in adequate time?
4. Are flights for Athens easier to get and with more frequency from Santorini vs Mykonos? If yes, then we can go to Mykonos first and then Santorini and then return to Athens.
5. Do we have the time to do a day trip to Naxos?
6. Any other recommendations you may have?
At this point, our travel plans for Greece are quite flexible and I would appreciate your input before we make any reservations.
Thanks and Happy Holidays,
Sangita
1. You’ll see my favorite hotels on my Athens hotels page. I would not stay near the airport if you want to see the Acropolis. If you overnight in Athens on your final night (in transit from the islands through Athens) then staying at the Airport Sofitel is a good plan.
3. I’d be sure to arrive in Athens at least 2.5 hours in advance of your departure. But even then it’s not a 100% that you arrive in time.
4. Santorini does have more flights than Mykonos but both have plenty. You only need one flight, if Mykonos has a time that works for you then do that.
5. Possible, but I’d spend that time in Santorini.
Hi, Dave!
Is Amoudi Bay a good place to swim? Is it worth going down the steps to explore this place?
Alexandre
The swimming and cliff jumping is great. Lots of fun.
I’m so glad I stumbled across your site, it is so helpful! We are staying at Perivolas in Oia for 7 nights from 30Sep-06Oct. After reading through much of your site, it seems like renting a car for a day or two may be a good idea based upon our location and amount of time we have on the island. What places would you suggest visiting during those 2 days with a car and in any suggested order?
Thank you!
Kara
Yes, renting a car for a day or two will be a great way to see the island but you don’t need it for the whole week.
Places to visit while you have your rental:
-drive the east coast starting east from Oia to Baxedes (not taking the main road back to Fira)
-Pyrgos
-Emborio
-Akrotiri (the ancient historical sight)
-Red Beach
-Outdoor Cinema in Kamari
-Lighthouse on southwestern tip
–Metaxy Mas Restaurant
–Good Heart Restaurant
–Yalos by The Sea Restaurant
I would do a wine tour instead of visiting with your rental car but if you do go on your own most of the wineries lie in the area between Kamari and Megalochori. They are marked with a road sign that you’ll quickly recognize.
Hi Dave!
Your site is amazing and has been a tremendous help in planning my solo trip to Greece later this month. I’m going to Mykonos for a few days and then Santorni. I’ve written out a whole itinerary, including key Greek dishes I’d like to eat. Needless to say, I like to plan ahead. I’d like to get your thoughts on it if you can take a look. And suggestions you would strongly make? Or red flags? Let me know!
About me: 25 year old American woman (New Yorker). Not really into the crazy party scene. I don’t even drink. But I do like hanging out at bars and dancing. I’m a big foodie. I’m also very physically fit and love hiking.
Mykonos (21st – 24th)
Day 1 (arriving nighttime):
Activity: Explore Mykonos Town (Matoyianni Street)
Dinner: Bakalo Restaurant (Lakka, Mykonos Town)
Day 2:
Activity: Platys Gialos Beach (maybe Paraga and Paradise as well)
Lunch: Yialo-Yialo (Platis Gialos, Mykonos)
Dinner: Katerina’s Bar for Sunset (Little Venice, Mykonos)
Day 3:
Activity: Hike from Ano Mera to Lia beach to Kalafati
Lunch: Paprika (Ano Mera)
Dinner: Kiki’s Tavern
Day 4 (Morning):
Activity: Ornos Beach (morning)
Lunch: Markos Falafel
Depart Mykonos at 1:50
Hellenic Seaways to Santorini
Santorini (24th – 28th)
Day 4 (arriving late afternoon):
Activity: Explore Fira
Lunch: Gyro at Lucky’s
Activity: Sunset in Imerovigli at Skaros Rock
Dinner: Anogi
Day 5:
Activity: Ancient Thera, Perissa Beach
Lunch: Tranquilo
Dinner: Metaxy Mas Tavern
Activity: Kamari Cinema at night
Day 6:
Activity: Hike Fira to Oia
Lunch: Roka
Dessert: Lotza (in Oia)
Activity: Koo Club or Tropical Bar
Day 7:
Activity: Explore Fira, Ammoudi Bay
Lunch: Ammoudi Fish Tavern
Activity: Sunset in Oia
Day 8: (whatever)
Depart Santorini on 6:50 flight
DISHES TO EAT:
Appetizers
Courgette Balls (Kolokithokeftedes)
Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmadakia)
Greek Salad (Choriatiki)
Tzatziki
Spanikopita
Calamari
Entrée
Gyro
Meatballs (Keftethes)
Moussaka
Souvlaki
Octopus
Dessert
Balaklava
Galaktoboureko
Revani
Loukoumades
Thanks,
Cherice
Looks wonderful. Getting from Metaxy Mas to cinema you’ll need a car or ATV – not walking distance and taxis are hard to find.