Let’s be honest – you just have to visit Santorini while you are in Greece. It is one of the most beautiful and well-known summer destinations globally and there is a reason for that: spectacular views, romantic sunsets, volcanic landscape, and amazing food. What more could you ask for? When you type “Greece”, the roofs of the chalk-white and cobalt-blue houses of this Cycladic island appear in every image, making Santorini one of the most popular summer destinations in Greece
Santorini cannot be excluded from your bucket list, as you will have fantastic memories after visiting the island, and this will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip. If you are planning to spend time in various places in Greece, and see as much as you can, then a 3 day trip to Santorini is the best thing to do, after you have spent a few days in Athens.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to the island is by a direct 40-minute flight from Athens international airport. If you are already staying in Athens, make sure you book an early morning flight, so you can have a good whole day ahead of you.
The ferry departs from Piraeus port (check Ferryhopper or Ferryscanner to book your tickets) and you will reach your destination in about 5 hrs with the high speed boat and about 8 hours with the regular ferry. Make sure you book your tickets early enough as, especially between July and September, everything is fully booked due to the popularity of the destination.
Of course, there is a connection between Santorini and other islands by plane or ferry, such as Crete or Mykonos, so if you are already there you don’t have to get back to Athens.
Transportation in Santorini
Note: All the places and activities we suggest during your stay in the island are accessed by local buses, but we also propose some alternatives for your transportation, during your stay there.
BUS
The Santorini local bus is the cheapest and most usual way to move around the island.
There are frequent buses to almost every spot of the island and, of course, from – to the airport and from – to the port. This is the most useful link for the bus, as you can check timetables and find information and maps. As in all busy destinations, the buses can be crowded during the high season.
TAXI
There are taxi services in Santorini and you can order your taxi by calling +30 22860 22555.
The taxi is not the cheapest option to move around the island, but if you want some specific transfers, let’s say to the port or the airport, hiring a taxi is not a bad idea.
Make sure that you don’t get charged over 25,00 euros (30 for the airport), and ask for the price before you get in the taxi.
Uber services are not available in Santorini.
RENT
Renting a car, a scooter or an ATV is the most convenient way to move around the island and be flexible and independent. If you feel confident driving in Greece, then it is the best solution for you and you can find many places to rent as well. Most rental businesses mention that your country’s driving licence is valid and that you do not need an International Driving Licence. Also, a USA driving licence is now accepted in Greece.
Day 1
The best idea after you arrive in Santorini, stunned by the amazing views, is to go and have your first swim in one of the beaches of the island such as Kamari, Perissa or Perivolos with the amazing black sand, the result of the 3,600 old volcanic explosions. It is not something you see frequently on a beach, especially in Greece and it’s one of the best things to do in Santorini.
We suggest you try Perissa beach first. After your swim, you will definitely get hungry, and you are lucky enough to be close to Fratzescos tavern, where you will enjoy amazing seafood and many more tastes, in this typical Greek tavern environment.
You can spend your afternoon exploring Fira, the capital of Santorini that offers the top experiences on the island. The village is beautiful, and you will discover spectacular views, while standing on the caldera of Santorini. Stroll around the alleys of Fira to do your shopping, discover the different areas and after that you can enjoy your dinner in Fira (our suggestions 1550 and Argo restaurant ) and then continue for drinks as the nightlife in Santorini is strong. You can taste delicious cocktails with a view in PK Cocktail bar, and something more party style, Tango bar.
Day 2
Start your second day for a hike from Fira to Oia. It is a 2,5 hour hike, about 10 kilometres hiking-trail, and this will definitely be the highlight of your visit and one of the best things to do in Santorini. It is the best idea to start very early in the morning to avoid heat. The route will offer you fantastic views, you will walk by Firostefani and Imerovigli -make sure you make a stop in Skaros Rock -, two wonderful villages in Santorini and you will end up in Oia. During the route, there are many places to stop. We cannot praise enough the views that you will see along your way!
As you reach Oia, you will be amazed by this picturesque village, which is the second largest on the island and one of the best places to visit in Santorini. Stroll around the whitewashed houses, the chapels and the beautiful alleys of the island. Don’t forget to pay a visit to this little bookshop, Atlantis, which is one of the most interesting and creative spots on the island. You will find titles in lots of different languages.
While you are in Oia, Take the 2 hundred steps to reach Ammoudi -it is not as challenging as it sounds-, and you will find yourself in this beautiful little bay, a small fishing port with many restaurants right next to the water, where you will enjoy fantastic food. Ammoudi fish tavern is one of the best places to try fresh fish. The surrounding area is amazing, beautiful cliffs and blue water, will make you gaze around frequently.
You can take your way back to Fira by bus and from there you can head to the next must, which is a stop to Santo Wines in Pyrgos village, for a wine tasting experience and one of the best things to do in Santorini. You will try amazing local wines with the fantastic sea view in front of you, and you can also choose a wine tour or a documentary watch, to learn everything about wines. Santorini is famous for its vineyards and some of the best wines in Greece. So if you are a wine lover, you can explore some more wineries, such as Venetsanos winery in Megalochori or Estate Argyros. (all reached by bus from Fira) If you wish to do a wine tour, just make sure you book in advance, as the activity is really popular.
Make sure you locate your favourite spot to watch the sunset and be there early – everybody will want to watch this magic sunset of the island as it’s one of the most popular and top things to do in Santorini.
Day 3
Your 3rd day in Santorini, must definitely include a visit to the majestic volcano, or more literally, the two small lava islands created by the eruption: Nea Kammeni and Palea. You can book a morning tour to the island that will be one of your trip’s highlights and one of the best things you can do in Santorini.
After your excursion to the volcano, a nice swim to the beach is always the best idea. Take the bus from Fira and head to the beach to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
A nice idea is to choose Kamari and don’t forget to visit Gaia Delicatessen to taste the most incredible plates all made but local products and of course amazing wines.
What about one last sunset? (even if you lived there, you would never be bored with this hour, and you would always be stunned). Choose Imerovigli – even though there is a strong competition, for some people it is just the best spot. You can make your dinner reservations there (Kapari is our favourite).
Santorini can offer you a relaxing holiday as you will not stop gazing at its views and enchanting environment, but it is also a very vibrant island, preferred not only from abroad visitors but also Greeks love to return every summer to this destination. That is because Santorini is one of the most popular summer destinations in Greece among travellers and locals alike.
Santorini is actually an island for everyone. Make sure you buy local products like wine or caper, or dried tomatoes. These will bring the island back to your memory every time you cook, and you will want to come back in the future. Many times!
If you miss Santorini when you return to Athens, you can visit ‘Anafiotika’, one of the most popular local places in Athens that will remind you of your time in the beautiful Greek island. To explore Anafiotika, as well as other local favourite places and all of Athens’ main highlights in a fun and unique way, you can join our daily city e-bike tour that will give you the best overview of the city from a local’s point of view.
