3 Day Santorini Itinerary to Plan Your Trip
Want to make the most of your 3 days in Santorini Greece with a helpful itinerary that combines relaxation and activities? You may love this itinerary.
Santorini Greece is an iconic vacation destination that draws tourists from every part of the world and it’s easy to see why with the famous blue dome churches and sunsets, making the Greek Island feel truly like a getaway.
Despite the growing number of tourists flocking to Santorini every year, the island retains its ethereal image. My three-day trip to Santorini was everything I imagined it to be and more.
Here is a realistic 3-day itinerary for your Santorini Greece vacation!
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How to Get to Santorini
To get to Santorini, one of the most popular Greek islands known for its stunning sunsets and picturesque, white-washed buildings, you have a few options. The most common way to reach Santorini is by flying into Santorini International Airport (JTR) from various major European cities or Athens.
Another option is to take a ferry from Athens’ port of Piraeus, which takes about 5-8 hours depending on the type of ferry.
There are also ferry connections from other Greek islands like Mykonos and Crete. Once you arrive in Santorini, you can easily get around the island by renting a car, ATV, or scooter, or by using the local bus system.
The island is relatively small, so getting from one end to the other is quite manageable.
Check into Hotel
The first day is to make sure to have everything organized. Make sure to plan your time between arriving at Santorini airport to the transportation time to the hotel.
There will be time left to explore the area where you’re staying. When we arrived in Thira, there was still plenty of sunlight for exploring.
I stayed in The Last Sunbeam, which is an adult-only boutique hotel in Fira that has a great view of the caldera. You can easily walk out on your balcony and enjoy the views of the sunset.
Although not all rooms have a balcony where you can watch the sunset, it is easy to walk down to the outdoor pool and lounge area for a great view of the sunsets.
But the perk of staying here and as well as many other hotels in Santorini is the extravagant breakfast served to you every morning.
Best Hotels to Stay in Santorini
Exploring Santorini Greece
Santorini has many parts that are worth seeing, but it’s quite impossible to visit all of them on your first trip. That’s why it pays to research the ideal locations that you think you would be interested in.
I recommend visiting Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli. The Greek cuisine and local shops are sure to immerse you in Greek culture.
Things to do in Fira
- Walk around and admire the charming streets of Fira (admire the whitewashed buildings, colorful doors, and blooming bougainvillea that line the paths.)
- To experience a different side of Fira, take a cable car down to the Old Port. Here, you can admire the stunning views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea, as well as explore the charming waterfront area. You’ll find seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and boat tours that will take you to nearby islands and volcanic hot springs.
Things to do in Oia
- One of the most iconic experiences in Oia is watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea. The view from the famous Oia Castle is simply breathtaking. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot, as this is a popular activity among tourists and locals alike. (This spot is not the only place to watch the sunset, and it may be worth seeking out other spots if you don’t want people in your photos.)
- Located at the base of the cliffs below Oia, Amoudi Bay is a hidden gem that offers an otherworldly escape from the busy town above. Take a scenic walk down the steep steps to reach the bay, where you can swim in the clear waters or enjoy fresh seafood at the waterfront tavernas.
- Take a wine tour of the local vineyards and sample varieties such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto.
Imerovigli: Things to Do
- One of the most famous landmarks in Imerovigli, Skaros Rock offers stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding villages.
- Visit the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, a preserved Minoan settlement that dates back to the Bronze Age.
- Treat yourself to a pampering spa day at one of Imerovigli’s luxurious spas.
Tips: Some restaurants require reservations in advance. Also, take advantage of restaurants where the menus are shown outside to avoid overpriced food.
Visit a Greek Beach in Santorini
I find Santorini to not only offer the famous white and blue buildings and views, but the island also has beautiful beaches.
Transportation to the beaches can be pricey. But the easiest way is to have your hotel book the taxi for you.
There are so many beaches to choose from (black sand, red sand, and more)
Here are the most popular beaches on Santorini:
- Perissa Beach
- Kamari Beach
- Eros Beach
- Red Beach
- Perivolos Beach
I hoped you enjoyed this short itinerary! I prefer staying in Fira as it’s less touristy, but I can’t wait to explore more of the island on my next trip.
Hope this 3 day Santorini Greece vacation itinerary inspires you to plan your trip!