The Perfect Santorini Itinerary for 3 Days: Day-by-Day Plan with Local Tips [2025]

Planning a 3-day trip to Santorini? This complete itinerary covers everything you need to experience the best of this stunning volcanic island. As someone who has visited and researched Santorini extensively, I’ve crafted this practical guide to help you navigate the island efficiently, avoid the crowds, and discover both iconic sights and hidden gems.

Quick Planning Essentials

Before diving into the day-by-day itinerary, here are some key points to consider when planning your Santorini trip:

Best Time to Visit: May-June and September-October typically have fewer visitors

Where to Stay: Fira or Imerovigli offer central locations with caldera views

Getting Around: Rent a car or ATV (recommended), public buses are available

Typical Costs: Expect to spend approximately €100-150/day, excluding accommodation, based on current trends

Table of Contents

• Day 1: Caldera Villages & Sunset in Oia
• Day 2: Fira, Ancient Akrotiri & Inland Villages
• Day 3: Volcano Cruise & Beach Day
• Map of Santorini
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Top Attractions in Santorini
• Practical Travel Tips
• Final Thoughts

Day 1: Caldera Villages & Sunset in Oia

Morning: Fira to Oia Hike

Start your Santorini adventure with the island’s most beautiful hike along the caldera edge. This stunning trail connects the main villages and offers incredible views throughout:

• See Skaros Rock and Panagia Theoskepasti chapel for incredible views

• Start early (7-8 am) when temperatures are typically cooler

• Grab a Greek spinach pie and a freddo cappuccino in Fira
• Find the hiking trail near the Atlantis Hotel.
• Explore Firostefani village and its blue-domed churches (Agioi Theodoroi and Agios Gerasimos)
• Continue to Imerovigli and visit Agios Nikolaos Monastery (check current opening hours)

Afternoon: Oia Village and Amoudi Bay

As you arrive in Oia, take time to explore this iconic village before descending to one of Santorini’s hidden treasures – Amoudi Bay:

• Arrive in Oia for lunch and explore one of Greece’s most magical villages
• Visit key spots: windmills, Panagia Platsani Church, Atlantis bookshop
• Descend 300 steps to Amoudi Bay (or take a taxi)
• Have a fresh seafood lunch at Katina Taverna on the water if you haven’t already eaten in Oia
• Head around the point from Amoudi Bay and swim at Armonio Beach and watch cliff jumpers at St. Nicholas Island
• Return to Oia by taxi

Evening: Sunset and Dinner

Experience the legendary Santorini sunset that draws visitors from around the world. With a little planning, you can enjoy this spectacle without battling the largest crowds:

• Watch the famous Santorini sunset (popular viewing areas include Oia Castle) ut be warned, in peak season it is incredibly overcrowded and not an enjoyable experience
• Consider booking a dinner table with a view to enjoy sunset while dining
• Try Pelekanos or Thalami for dinner with sunset views (reservation essential)

Day 2: Fira, Ancient Akrotiri & Inland Villages

Morning: Fira Exploration

Dedicate your morning to exploring Fira, the island’s capital, which offers a blend of historical sites, museums, and spectacular views:

• Visit Candlemas Holy Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral
• Explore the Museum of Prehistoric Thera (check website for current admission fees and hours)
• Take the cable car to the old port
• Enjoy the caldera views from the old port
• Return to Fira by cable car

Afternoon: Ancient Akrotiri and Village Exploration

After exploring Fira, head south to discover Santorini’s fascinating archaeological site and charming inland villages away from the tourist crowds:

• Drive to the Ancient Akrotiri archaeological site (20 minutes from Fira)
• Take a guided tour of the Akrotiri site
• Continue to Pyrgos village for a late lunch
• Explore Pyrgos Castle and its 360° island views
• Visit Megalochori village to see bell towers and underground caves
• See the famous “Santorini Heart” viewpoint for photos

Evening: Traditional Dinner Experience

Complete your second day with an authentic culinary experience in one of Santorini’s most beloved local establishments:

• Dine at Metaxi Mas in Ekso Gonia village (reservation essential)
• Try local specialties: Santorini tomato fritters, fava beans, white eggplant
• Alternatively, consider Santo Wines for a sunset wine tasting experience

Day 3: Volcano Cruise & Beach Day

For your final day in Santorini, you have two excellent options depending on your preferences and the season of your visit:

Option A: Morning Beach, Afternoon Sunset Cruise

Begin with a relaxing beach morning before taking to the sea for an unforgettable volcanic cruise experience:

• Morning at Kamari or Perissa Beach (black sand)
• Beach club lounging with drinks (sunbeds available for rental)
• Lunch at Seaside by Notos
• Afternoon sunset cruise (afternoon to evening, prices vary by operator)
• Activities include: Red Beach swimming, hot springs visit, dinner onboard, sunset views

Does a day get any more perfect?

⛵ 6 Best Santorini Greece Boat Tours

Day 3 Option 2:

Option B: Morning Cruise, Afternoon Winery (Popular in shoulder seasons)

Alternative schedule that starts with an active morning on the volcano followed by an educational wine experience in the afternoon:

• Morning volcano boat tour (half-day tours available from various operators)
• Visit Nea Kammeni (walk on the volcano) and Palaia Kammeni (hot springs)
• Return for a late lunch
• Visit 2-3 Santorini wineries:
  • Venetsanos Winery (offers caldera views with tasting options)
  • Estate Argyros (known for traditional winemaking)
  • Gavalas Winery (smaller, family-run winery)
• Dinner at Aktaion in Firostefani (a long-established traditional restaurant)

Where to Stay in Santorini

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for your Santorini experience. Here are some options across different price ranges, all personally vetted for quality and location:

Luxury Options

• Oia: Canaves Oia Suites (luxury property with sunset views)
• Imerovigli: Grace Hotel Santorini (offers premium caldera views)
• Fira: Aria Suites (centrally located with caldera views)

Mid-Range Options

• Firostefani: Homeric Poems (offers Caldera views at mid-range prices)
• Karterados: Rose Bay Hotel (located within walking distance to Fira)
• Imerovigli: Merovigliosso Apartments (features private balconies)

Budget-Friendly Options

Budget-Friendly Options:

• Perissa: Anastasia Princess Luxury Residence (near the black sand beach)
• Fira: San Giorgio Villa (central location)
• Karterados: Pension Livadaros (family-run accommodation)

Map of Santorini

Top Attractions in Santorini

While your three-day itinerary covers many of these spots, here’s a more detailed look at what makes each of Santorini’s main attractions special:

Caldera Villages

The postcard-perfect clifftop settlements are what make Santorini instantly recognizable worldwide. Each caldera village offers its own unique character:

• Oia: Famous for sunsets and blue-domed churches
• Fira: The capital with shopping and nightlife
• Imerovigli: Often called “The Balcony to the Aegean”
• Firostefani: Quieter alternative with amazing views

Blue-Domed Churches

These iconic buildings are Santorini’s most photographed landmarks, featuring brilliant blue domes that contrast against whitewashed walls:

• Three-domed church in Oia featured on many postcards
• Panagia Platsani in Oia
• Agioi Theodoroi in Firostefani

Amoudi Bay

This small harbor tucked beneath Oia’s cliffs provides one of Santorini’s most authentic experiences, combining natural beauty with local culture:

• Fresh seafood tavernas
• Swimming spot with cliff jumping
• Red volcanic cliffs
• Sunset views away from the main crowds

Inland villages

Beyond the famous caldera edge lies another Santorini – traditional settlements where local life continues at a relaxed pace, largely unchanged by tourism:

• Pyrgos: Former capital with panoramic views
• Megalochori: Wine village with bell towers
• Emporio: Features medieval fortress and narrow streets
• Messaria: Home to neoclassical mansions

Ancient Akrotiri

This remarkable archaeological site preserves a Bronze Age settlement frozen in time by the volcanic eruption that shaped modern Santorini:

• Preserved 3600-year-old settlement
• Well-preserved multi-story buildings
• Advanced drainage systems
• Original frescoes (originals in Museum of Prehistoric Thera)

Volcano and Thermal Springs

The active volcano at the center of Santorini’s caldera offers visitors a unique opportunity to walk on geologically recent lava flows and swim in mineral-rich waters:

• Boat trips to Nea Kammeni (volcano island)
• Swimming in volcanic springs
• Dramatic landscapes
• Unique geological features

Practical Travel Tips

After multiple visits to Santorini ove rthe past decade, I’ve gathered these practical insights to help you navigate the island like a seasoned traveler:

Getting Around Santorini

Transportation is a key consideration on Santorini. The island’s public transportation system is good but limited, especially in off-season months:

• Car Rental: Available throughout the island, rates vary seasonally (it’s not one of Greece’s easier islands to drive around)
• ATV/Quad: Popular option, especially among younger travelers (many accidents, some fatal, each year in Santorini)
• Public Bus: Affordable option connecting major locations but in summer, extremely crowded
• Taxi: Limited availability, especially during peak season and fares skyrocket
• Private Transfer: Available from airport/port to hotels (pre-booking extremely strongly recommended!)

When to Visit Attractions

Timing your visits to Santorini’s major sights can dramatically impact your experience. Here’s what I’ve learned about avoiding the worst crowds:

• Oia Sunset: One of the most crowded experiences. Consider booking restaurant seating or finding alternative viewing spots.
• Fira Cable Car: Often busy when cruise ships are in port, it can take over an hour wating in line. Early morning or late afternoon typically sees shorter lines.
• Ancient Akrotiri: Morning visits often allow for a more relaxed experience.
• Beaches: Early morning or late afternoon offers more space and comfort.
• Wineries: Making reservations is recommended, especially for sunset time slots.

Visitor Tips

These general recommendations can help make your Santorini stay more comfortable, affordable, and enjoyable:

• Bringing refillable water bottles is both economical and environmentally friendly – Santorini has to import water for tourist use
• Consider visiting in shoulder season for more comfortable exploration – Santorini is overcrowded in peak season
• Look for accommodations in Akrotiri, Messaria, Episkopi, and Pyrgos or Megalochori for better value. Akrotiri has wonderful caldera and island views
• Public buses are an economical alternative to taxis
• Many restaurants offer better value at lunch than dinner
• If you want a much cheaper Santorini experience than the caldera villages, stay on the beaches of Perissa, Kamari, and Perivolos.

Dining Suggestions

Santorini’s dining scene ranges from simple gyros shops to Michelin-recommended restaurants. Here are some insider tips for dining on the island:

• Restaurants with caldera views typically charge premium prices
• Make reservations for popular sunset restaurants, especially in high season
• Look for restaurants frequented by locals for authentic experiences
• Santorini has one Michelin-starred restaurant as of 2025: Botrini’s Santorini at Katikies.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Metaxi Mas in Ekso Gonia for authentic Greek cuisine
• Seaside by Notos at Perivolos Beach
• Katina in Amoudi Bay for fresh seafood
• Aktaion in Firostefani, one of the island’s oldest restaurants

Final Thoughts

This Santorini itinerary is practical and covers the main sights and adventures you can have in only 3 days on the world’s favorite Greek island.

It has missed many other treasures, such as the Akrotiri lighthouse and the village of Emporio.

For more ideas and info, you can read my complete Santorini Travel Guide, a detailed list of all the best things to do in Santorini, and where to stay in Santorini.