Santorini in 4 Days: The Best Itinerary For First-Timers

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Last updated on July 2nd, 2024 at 02:29 pm

Santorini is one of the most popular destinations in Greece and this Santorini in 4 days itinerary is here to help you plan your trip to this beyond-words beautiful island, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

With its unique caldera, iconic architecture and spectacular scenery, Santorini is one of the prettiest Greek Islands. Although suffering from overtourism, Santorini remains one of those places you should see at least once in your lives.

Instead of spending just a couple of nights in Santorini though, we’d recommend staying for at least 4 days in Santorini, preferably during the off season. This way, not only will you be able to experience the real island of Santorini, beyond the Instagrammable spots that you’ll inevitably see anyway, but you’ll also support the local community in a meaningful way. So, here’s what to do in Santorini in 4 days.

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4 Days in Santorini: The Video Version

Santorini Travel Tips

Before we unravel our Santorini in 4 days itinerary, let’s outline some of our best Santorini tips:

• Where is Santorini: Santorini is the southernmost of the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea.
• Best time to visit Santorini: Santorini gets unbearably crowded in the summer months, but also in May and September. Therefore, you should avoid the high season. The best months for a trip to Santorini are April and October.
• How to get to Santorini: The best way to get to Santorini is to book a direct flight to the island. Several airlines fly directly to Santorini Airport. However, if you plan a trip to Greece that combines a few days in Athens with a couple of Greek islands, another great way to get to Santorini is by ferry.
• How to get around Santorini: One of the best ways to roam the island is to rent a car. Alternatively, public transport can take you to the main towns and points of interest. Another great way to explore Santorini is a hassle-free sightseeing ride fully customisable to your needs.
• Where to stay in Santorini: Hands down, a unique stay at one of Santorini’s cave hotels is one of the most memorable experiences you could ever have. Oia and Fira are two of the best places to stay in Santorini.

Travel Resources To Help You Plan The Best 4-Day Santorini Itinerary

Santorini in 4 Days: The Ultimate Itinerary

Day 1

Santorini Volcano

Start your Santorini in 4 days itinerary with the island’s indisputable highlight: the Santorini Volcano. Apart from being one of the most beautiful places to visit in Santorini, or Greece for that matter, the volcano is also what forged Santorini, as its eruptions defined the island’s fate throughout the centuries. Therefore, it makes sense to visit it on your first day.

Although dormant, Santorini’s volcano is active. It’s situated on the almost-round uninhabited Nea Kameni Island where you can see several craters. Located at the top of the island, Georgios is the most impressive among them, a steaming crater that smells like sulphur and feels hot like lava.

It’s next to impossible to find the right words to describe the raw beauty of the scenery on Nea Kameni Island. Walking around this lunar landscape made entirely of volcanic ash is a surreal experience to remember.

You can get to Santorini’s volcano on a boat tour from the New Port of Santorini (Athinios). Once there, there’s an uphill path that leads to Crater Georgios at the top. Make sure you enjoy the scenery at every step because it’s one-of-a-kind.

Hot Springs

Nea Kameni and Palea (or Palia) Kameni, Santorini’s two volcanic islets, are surrounded by hot springs with warm waters rich in sulphur. You can visit the hot springs on the same boat tour that will take you to the volcano. After you visit the volcano, the boat trip continues to the hot springs of Palea Kameni Island.

The boat stops a little bit farther from the hot springs and you have to jump into the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and swim towards the hot springs with their, admittedly uninviting, brown waters.

The closer you get to the shore, the warmer the water becomes, until you’re suddenly in the warm embrace of a surreally brown sea. The whitewashed tiny church of Agios Nikolaos that sits above the brown waters only adds to this overall otherworldly experience.

Keep in mind that the closer you get to the hot springs, the less transparent the water gets, to the point that you’re not able to see the seabed or the submerged part of your body, for that matter.

If you find this as disturbing as Maria does, please don’t let this feeling keep you from living this great experience, which tops the list of the best excursions in Santorini. Take it from someone who’s terrified of swimming in anything but the clearest waters. Was Maria on the verge of freaking out? Yes, she was. Would she do it all over again? Yes, she would.

TIP: If you tend to freak out when the water isn’t transparent enough for you to see what’s on the seabed, perhaps it might help to wear water shoes. This way, you won’t get (too) startled when you inevitably step on the rocky seabed without being able to see what you’re stepping on.

Thirassia Island

Most boat trips return to Santorini right after the hot springs. However, we recommend choosing a boat tour that includes Thirassia. Thirassia or Therasia is another magical island that forms part of the volcanic island group of Santorini.

Unlike Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, Thirassia is an inhabited small island. With less than one thousand residents, Thirassia feels like the shy younger sister of Santorini, a charming yet low-profile damsel growing up in the shadow of her ravishing elder sibling.

There, you will have plenty of time to explore the island’s main settlement. Manolas is a village engulfed in a bittersweet atmosphere of semi-abandonment. Wander around Manolas, relishing the stunning views of Santorini’s caldera in the distance.

However, keep in mind that the only way to get to Manolas is by climbing a little less than 300 steep steps. There are also donkeys available, but please don’t ride them.

Fira

Once you’re back from the volcano cruise in the late afternoon, it’s time to explore Fira, the vibrant capital of Santorini and the best place to experience the island’s nightlife.

Fira is home to two of the island’s best museums, the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Other things to see in Fira include the beautiful Roman Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Gyzi Megaron in the Catholic district of Fira and the quintessentially Greek churches of Agios Minas and Agios Stylianos.

Start from Fira’s main square and wander around the quaint backstreets to appreciate the charms of one of the best towns to visit in Santorini. Once you’re done walking, it’s time to enjoy the famous Santorini sunset.

Although the most popular place to enjoy the sunset in Santorini is the town of Oia, Fira isn’t bad either. If you ask us, we enjoy the sunset in Fira a lot more than in Oia. That’s because the sun in Fira looks as though it drops into the crater of the volcano rather than into the sea as it does in Oia. Moreover, Fira attracts fewer crowds than Oia during the golden hour.

A great place to enjoy a bottle of local wine with the best sunset views over the blue-domed churches of Fira is the quaint PK Cocktail Bar.

Day 2

Emporio

Your first stop on your second of 4 days in Santorini is one of the most beautiful traditional villages in Santorini, the medieval Emporio. If you’re into castles as much as we are, you should know that the best-preserved and most enchanting castle in Santorini is located in Emporio.

However, don’t expect to see a fortress. The Castle of Emporio is, in essence, the village’s old fortified town. True magic awaits once you step inside its century-old walls.

Emporio is characterised by its special architecture. The old medieval settlement is made up of several tiny houses, one next to the other, connected by equally tiny staircases and bridges and super narrow maze-like alleys. Emporio is a fine example of medieval defensive architecture although you could easily mistake it for the setting of a fairy tale or fantasy film.

Perissa Beach

A 6-minute drive from Emporio, Perissa Beach is one of Santorini’s three black sand beaches, alongside Kamari and Perivolos. With its century-old black volcanic ash mixed with sand and pebbles, Perissa is one of the most beautiful beaches in Santorini to go for a swim.

Akrotiri

After a quick swim in Perissa, it’s time to visit Akrotiri, the so-called Pompeii of Greece and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece.

With evidence of an early settlement that dates back to the fifth millennium BC, the prehistoric city of Akrotiri was a prosperous trade centre until the 17th century BC when the eruption of the Santorini Volcano buried the once-thriving city under tones of volcanic ash.

However, this devastating event is also the reason why we have so much information about life in prehistoric Akrotiri nowadays. The volcanic ash that covered the entire city helped preserve streets, multi-storey buildings, furniture, pottery and beautiful frescoes almost intact.

Wandering around the archaeological site of Akrotiri feels like you’re suddenly teleported to the past. Sure, this is true for many archaeological sites in Greece and elsewhere. Yet, some findings in Akrotiri are insanely well-preserved, forcing you to pinch yourselves to believe that you haven’t found the secret to time travel.

Vlychada & Sunset Cruise (Option 1)

After so much history, it’s time to admire Santorini’s impressive rock formations in what must be our favourite beach in Santorini, the otherworldly Vlychada. Every time we visit Santorini, we can’t resist a stroll along this beach to take in the beauty of its lunar landscape and stand in awe before its rocky sculptures, carved by the wind and the sea rather than the hands of an artist.

Besides the breathtaking landscape, Vlychada is also home to the Tomato Industrial Museum. The Tomato Industrial Museum on Vlychada Beach narrates the history of the small-fruited Santorini tomato – a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product since 2006 – through a tour of the former tomato factory and its collection of old tools, manuscripts and processing machines.

If you are in Vlychada in the early afternoon and the weather is good, you can embark on a luxurious catamaran cruise with dinner and an open bar. The cruise will take you to the famed Red Beach and White Beach, among other stops for swimming, snorkelling and jaw-dropping views.

Red Beach & Akrotiri Lighthouse Sunset (Option 2)

But if the weather doesn’t allow catamaran cruises after you visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, a good option is to head to the most impressive of all Santorini beaches, the famous Red Beach, instead. It’s a short walk to the Red Beach via a dirt path that starts from the nearby parking lot.

You’ll see signs warning you of falling rocks and other dangers but keep going. If you tread carefully, you’ll be just fine. The only danger is that the sight of the Red Beach may capture your hearts forever. The combination of the beach’s red sand and rocks with the emerald waters is out of this world.

Even if you missed the opportunity to enjoy the sunset from a catamaran, don’t worry, we know a fantastic sunset spot nearby. Built by a French company in 1892, the Lighthouse in Akrotiri is one of the oldest in Greece and it provides the perfect backdrop for a sunset to remember.

After yet another glorious sunset, head to the underrated charming village of Akrotiri, where you can find lovely cafés, bars and local tavernas, the perfect ending to your second day in Santorini.

Day 3

Ancient Thera

Start your third day on this 4-day Santorini itinerary, by exploring yet another fascinating archaeological site and one of the best places to visit in Santorini.

After the 17th-century volcanic eruption that destroyed Akrotiri, the island was abandoned for centuries. However, around the 8th century BC, colonists from Ancient Sparta founded a new city at the top of Mesa Vouno Mountain, the glorious Ancient Thera.

This windswept archaeological site is home to the remains of large squares, porticos, temples and a theatre, among other buildings. However, the panoramic views from up there probably steal the show. It’s no overstatement to say that walking around Ancient Thera feels like flying sometimes. You can get to Ancient Thera via a ridiculously scenic winding road or by hiking. For more info, click here.

Kamari Beach

Before you continue your Santorini sightseeing, make a quick stop at Kamari Beach for a refreshing swim. This black sand beach is fully organised with sunbeds and umbrellas. There are all kinds of restaurants to enjoy a light lunch after enjoying some beach time.

Profitis Ilias Mountain

Now it’s time to check out the beautiful view from Santorini’s highest point. At 567 metres above sea level, Profitis Ilias Mountain is not only the highest point of Santorini but also one of the oldest parts of the island, those that existed before the catastrophic eruption of Santorini’s volcano.

Pyrgos

A few minutes’ drive from Profitis Ilias, Pyrgos is one of the places not to miss during your Santorini trip. Built on a hill under the shadow of a Venetian Castle, Pyrgos is a gorgeous whitewashed village that boasts spectacular views.

Still untouched by the effects of mass tourism, Pyrgos is regarded by many as the prettiest village in Santorini. Wander around the small village and its castle and enjoy a coffee at one of its traditional cafés.

Santo Wines

Near Pyrgos, one of the best places to learn about the culture of wine in Santorini awaits. Among many wineries on the island, Santo Wines stands out. It’s the perfect place for a superb wine tasting or dinner as you enjoy a fantastic sunset with breathtaking caldera views.

Founded in 1947, the Union of Santorini Cooperatives offers a winery tour led by a knowledgeable guide, followed by a tasting of the most exquisite local wines.

Wine-making is intertwined with Santorini’s history and local culture. Santorini has been producing wine since ancient times. But it was during the Middle Ages that the island thrived as a wine-making region.

Santorini has three white grape varieties that are indigenous to the island: Assyrtiko, Aidani and Athiri. The most famous wine produced in Santorini is Vinsanto, an aged dessert wine and the perfect Greek souvenir to take back home.

Open Air Cinema Kamari

End your third day in Santorini with a unique experience under the stars. Santorini is home to one of the quaintest open-air cinemas in Greece.

Situated in the village of Kamari and open since 1987, Open Air Cinema Kamari offers you the unparalleled opportunity to watch a film in the heart of a garden-like setting, with some of the island’s best cocktails in hand. For an even more memorable experience, get there early to catch one of the sun loungers in the front row.

Day 4

Hike From Fira To Oia

We’ve saved the best for last so that you end your Santorini in 4 days trip on the perfect note. Hiking the path that leads from Fira to Oia tops the list of our favourite things to do in Santorini.

This 10-kilometre trail is one of the most scenic hiking routes in Greece. A combination of paved roads lined with white houses, pedestrianised streets and dirt paths, this route may be long but isn’t too strenuous as it’s mostly downhill and the trail is marked.

Walking along the rim of the magnificent caldera is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and this is not just another cliché. It’s true. As for the views, neither words nor photos can do them justice.

Hiking from Fira to Oia allows you to explore almost half of the island on foot. And this is exciting in its own right. The trail passes through some of the island’s most picturesque towns, such as Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia, alongside some lunar landscapes of red or black volcanic rocks.

If you’re hiking from Fira to Oia (rather than the opposite direction), once you’re past the various towns and out in Santorini’s bare landscape, there are a couple of points along the route where there are seemingly two directions to follow. If you find yourselves unable to decide which path to follow, remember to always keep the sea and the caldera to your left. It’s impossible to get lost this way.

Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, good hiking shoes or trainers and always carry water with you. Once you’re past Imerovigli, the next stop where you can buy water is a food truck on the road, about an hour from Oia. There’s literally zero shade along the path.

Therefore, try to choose a cloudy day for your hike or start early in the morning. Under no circumstances should you walk this trail at noon in the summer.

Skaros Rock

Along the way from Fira to Oia, we recommend making a detour to Skaros Rock. If you feel that you don’t have enough time or energy to do both hikes on the same day, you can enjoy the amazing views of the imposing rock from the main trail instead.

Skaros Rock is an impressive promontory that defines Santorini’s iconic landscape. In the Middle Ages, when Santorini was under Venetian rule, Skaros was a thriving fortified town with more than 200 residences.

However, due to numerous volcanic eruptions and earthquakes between the 17th and 19th centuries, parts of the small town collapsed into the sea and whatever remained fell into disuse and abandonment.

Nowadays, there’s not much to evoke the medieval town’s former glory, apart from the remains of the old fortifications at the top of the rock. However, Skaros Rock is worth a visit for the best views of Santorini and the Aegean Sea beyond.

It takes about 45 minutes each way to walk from Imerovigli to Skaros Rock. Once at the foot of Skaros Rock, there are two paths to follow. The one on the left will take you to the side of the rock and the Chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti. The one straight ahead leads to the top of the rock. Sometimes, it isn’t easy to get to the very top of Skaros Rock due to rockfalls.

The hardest part of the Imerovigli – Skaros hike is the way back to Imerovigli as it involves many steep steps to climb up. Before or after your hike to Skaros Rock, take some time to wander around Imerovigli. Often called the Balcony of Santorini, Imerovigli is the highest point of the caldera and this is why it offers the most breathtaking views.

Oia

The hiking trail ends at the postcard-perfect village of Oia. Walk around the narrow streets and admire the remarkable architecture of Santorini and its iconic blue domes.

A beyond-words enchanting town, Oia flourished during the 19th and 20th centuries. The neoclassical captains’ mansions that line the upper part of the town are a testament to that glorious past. Other elements of Oia’s distinct architecture are the traditional cave dwellings, now turned into luxury hotels.

One of the best things to do in Oia is to visit Atlantis Books. Housed in a traditional cave building, Atlantis Books is one of the prettiest and quirkiest book shops you could ever dream of.

Apart from doing the obvious there – buying some of the best books set in Greece, that is – it’s worth stepping inside Atlantis Books even if it’s just to read the funny post-its on the walls or enjoy the mesmerising scent that only books have.

While in Oia, don’t forget to savour the best ice cream in Santorini at Lolita’s Gelato and drink a glass of wine at any bar overlooking the caldera.

Unless you plan to visit Santorini in the off-season, sunset from Oia’s popular Venetian Castle might be one of the worst experiences. Oia Castle and the surrounding streets get so insanely crowded just before and during sunset, that the magic is spoilt. Therefore, you’ll be better off watching the sunset from a terrace or a café in Oia.

Ammoudi

After a dazzling sunset from Oia, it’s time to round off your trip to Santorini with a romantic dinner by the sea in Ammoudi. Ammoudi Bay is Oia’s seaport and it’s probably the most picturesque tiny port you’ve ever laid eyes on. If you’re not driving, you can get to Ammoudi from Oia by walking down about 300 steps.

We hope this article about what to do in Santorini in 4 days convinced you to not just hop to Santorini for one or two days but stick around for a bit longer instead. Spending at least 4 days in Santorini and timing your trip outside the peak season, you have better chances to enjoy one of the busiest yet most enchanting islands in Greece, while contributing to sustainable travel in Greece.

Oh, and don’t forget. If you’re planning to visit Santorini soon, read our article about the top reasons to visit Santorini and our guide with sustainable tips for Santorini for even more inspiration.

WORDS: Maria & Katerina
IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria