We love Santorini Greece!
We fell in love with Oia on the Island of Santorini the very first day we arrived. It probably had a lot to do with where we stayed and the ‘to die for’ views of the Caldera from our balcony. We now call our studio our ‘home away from home’.
For More Accommodation in Santorini:
Santorini Greece is one of our most favourite places in the world. We love the people, the food, the climate, and of course, the views. We would love you to stay longer in Santorini but you can still see a lot in one day with this one-day itinerary.
For those of you who have only 3 days here is a detailed itinerary that will cover all that Santorini has to offer too.
(Editor Update 2021)
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We had travelled by ferry from Mykonos Greece to Paros and then onto Santorini on our last adventure. Nothing beats arriving by boat sailing through the Caldera to the Port. Even our Ferry Boat Captain loved the arrival into Santorini, slowing the ferry down so that we could all get the iconic photos that we wanted.
Where is Santorini
Map of Santorini Greece
The Island of Santorini is located in the Cyclades group of Islands in the south Aegean Sea of Greece. The capital of Greece, Athens, is located 200km away. Mykonos Greece is 150km away and can be reached easily by ferry. You can drive one end of Santorini to the other in just 45 minutes.
Read our article on Greek Island Hopping in the Cyclades
Things to do in Santorini
Visit the Blue and White Churches of Santorini
If you enjoy visiting Churches you will be spoilt for choice in Santorini. There are more than 600 temples on the island.
Some of the popular ones to visit are:
- 11th century Panagia Episkopi Church in Mesa Gonia Village
- Built in 1827 the Orthodox Metropolitan Church is located in Fira
- The Catholic Cathedral in Fira built in 1823
The churches were originally dedicated to the sailors who lived on the island.
Santorini Sunrises
See Santorini through a photographer’s eye in the early-morning light. Immortalize the stunning Greek sunrise with photos to last a lifetime. Pick up tips and tricks for photography, useful for beginners and experts alike. Book your tour here through Get Your Guide our preferred global tour operator
At sunrise walk from Oia to Fira, the capital of Santorini or vice versa. It is a scenic 9km walk that takes approximately 3 hours. On the way, you pass by many churches, hotels and cave houses. The views are spectacular. Don’t be surprised if you are accompanied by the local Santorini dogs. They will walk with you so far and then it seems they ‘hand you’ over to the next pack. We took a wrong turn a couple of times and the dogs made sure that we were on the right path by a few small barks or they would return to us and lead us down another path.
If you are walking the route in the height of summer make sure that you have plenty of water and sunscreen. The return journey can be made by local taxi or bus.
We highly recommend this walk! The views are outstanding!
Santorini Sunsets
You can not ignore the magnificent sunsets that Santorini is famous for. During the late afternoon, travellers head to Oia to enjoy the orange-red sunsets from the cliffs.
Take in Santorini’s most popular sites and learn about its history. Visit traditional villages and volcanic beaches. See a spectacular Oia sunset. Book your tour here through Get Your Guide our preferred global tour operator
To Travel Too Tip
Arrive early at Oia to stake the best seat in the house or on the cliff in this case! After sunset head to one of the many restaurants down in Ammoudi Bay or in Oia itself. It is a short walk down the hill to Ammoudi Bay, the toughest part is the walk up!
Our favourite restaurants are:
Ammoudi Bay: Dimitri’s Ammoundi Taverna
Oia: Roka
For more restaurant options click below:
Oia is one of the most photographic villages in the world.
Windmills of Santorini
The windmills hug the cliffs of Santorini. Some are now used as accommodation, private homes or incorporated as restaurants.
Read our article on Mykonos here
Enjoy Lunch with the Local Greek Olive Oil in Santorini
Our favourite lunch is Greek Olive Oil drizzled on fresh stone-baked artisan bread. We add large fleshy red sliced tomatoes and enjoy a chilled glass of white local Santorini wine.
Our other favourite Greek Dish is a traditional Greek Salad.
Discover the Mediterranean flavours of Santorini, visit 2 wineries and sample the local wines. Take part in a cooking class in a traditional Santorini restaurant and savour the fruits of your labour on your small-group tour! Book your tour here through Get Your Guide our preferred global tour operator
Alleyways of Oia in Santorini
During summer the colourful bougainvillaea clings to the sides of the whitewashed cave houses. It is fun wandering the back lanes and getting lost and coming across colourful blue doors and windows filled with flower boxes.
A walking orientation tour of Fira that will start in front of the centrally located Atlantis Hotel. You will wander through the white cobbled streets of Fira, a town of about 2,000 inhabitants. Book your tour here through Get Your Guide our preferred global tour operator
Oia’s Relaxed Atmosphere (where even the local Santorini Dogs are chilled)
Enjoy A Glass of Local Wine With Views over the Caldera in Santorini
There is nothing better than finding that small balcony to enjoy a chilled glass of the local Santorini white wine.
Take a Wine Tour During Your Stay in Santorini
One of the best things to do in Santorini is to enjoy a wine tour.
Taste the wines produced on the island of Santorini on a 4-hour tasting tour with a local wine expert. Visit the island’s best wineries to explore the vineyards and hear about the different grape varieties. Book your tour here through Get Your Guide our preferred global tour operator
Oia’s Donkeys – Please do not ride them
Donkeys or mules bring tourists, produce and goods to the restaurants of Ammoudi Bay. There currently is a movement to ban the use of donkeys in Santorini and we agree totally. Please use other forms of transport.
Visit The Restaurants of Ammoudi Bay in Santorini
If you are heading down to Ammoudi Bay at sunset for a meal you will need to book in advance. The views are spectacular. The food great but remember you have to walk back up the steep steps.
Santorini Hotels
A recommended list of the top 5 hotels on the island of Santorini:
Santorini Princess (rated 9.8): Imerovigli
Apanemo (rated 9.7): Akrotiri
Oia’s Sunset (rated 9.2): Oia
Mill Houses Elegant Suites: Firostefani
Astro Palace Hotel & Suites (rated 9):Eikostis Pemptis Martiou Fira
For More Options Santorini Greece Hotels
The Best Santorini Beaches
Santorini beaches are not your normal white sand beaches, they are composed of lava rock and volcanic sand and small pebbles.
Black Beach is the most popular beach. It is also known as Perivolos / Perissa. It is a party beach.
The best family beach is the black pebble beach of Kamari.
Tours in and around Santorini
What to do in Santorini on your vacation? Here are some recommendations for you from sunset cruises to wine tasting options.
How to get to Santorini
Ferries are a popular way to travel around the Greek Islands. For example, a ferry journey from Mykonos Greece to Santorini can take 2 hours 40 minutes on the fast ferry and 5 hours on the traditional ferries. Click here for ferry details.
Santorini is one of the few Greek Islands that has an International Airport.
Flight Deals to Santorini
Find the cheapest flights with Skyscanner our go-to when researching and booking flights throughout the world.
Other Greek articles you may like to read:
Best Islands Near Athens to Visit
Travel Insurance
We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your flights and pay deposits on any cruises, tours or hotels.
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