A Three Day Guide To Things To Do In Santorini
Santorini needs little to no introduction. It’s stark white and bright blue architecture dominates stunning shorelines, and is in many ways, the coastal version of Paris when it comes to all things romance. But just like Paris, this destination is so much more than a destination of love, and I would go as far as say that it is the most famous Greek Island because there is so many things to do and unique experiences to indulge in.
Thousands of people from around the world flock to this iconic destination each summer to have an unforgettable holiday – from honeymoons and bachelors/ bachelorettes to friend groups and yes, families as well. Many can easily spend a week or more here, but if your trip to Greece involves discovering another parts of the country, three days to explore Santorini is more than enough.
From volcanos to beaches and tzatziki to olives there is much to love – but all the glamour of Santorini can also be a cautionary tale. Don’t hate me for saying this, but I do believe that amongst the breathtaking views and delicious wine, lives the unsettling reality that Santorini has been forced upon itself a ‘social media hype’. These expectations of being a perfect place easily forces you to have high expectations if you forget that so much of what we see on Instagram in photoshopped and fabricated.
I am not saying that Santorini is not a stunning and exciting island, but I did book my holiday with unnatural Instagram images in mind, and I felt a little underwhelmed. So, to fully admire Santorini for what it has to offer, manage your expectations and avoid scrolling through picture-perfect traveller feeds.
Travel and Accommodation In Santorini
July and August are peak travel periods for Greece, but I would suggest travelling in May/June or September/October for pleasant summer weather with inexpensive flights and fewer crowds. Besides, because there are so many popular things to do in Santorini, it helps to visit when you aren’t fight sunstroke and fighting for a sun bed.
There are a few direct international flights into Santorini but if this is not possible based off where you are flying out from, you can arrive in Athens and take a domestic flight to Santorini.
As you being to explore Santorini you will realise how extremely touristic this location is, and therefore it may not come as a surprise that hotels can be pretty expensive. Oià and Firá are the preferred choices for accommodation, but I highly rate Kamari if you’re on a budget. I stayed in Kamari, which is about a 30-minute drive to Oià, but got a 5-star beachfront resort at half the price of an equivalent resort in other parts of the island. Kamari also has beautiful black beaches as a result of volcanic activity, with deep crystalline waters, and at 5 kilometres long, is among the three longest beaches in Santorini.
Good options include:
Six Incredible Things To Do In Santorini
DAY ONE
The Archaeological Excavation Site of Akrotiri
I loved wandering the ruins of this small Cycladic Bronze Age settlement, which was buried by the massive Theran eruption eruption in 1700 BCE, because its surreal walking along pre-historic walls and taking in the magnificence of the preserved remains of fine frescoes, poetry and artworks. Akrotiri is a reminder of humanity’s expansive history on Earth, and though its existence so far behind us, is still so close to our modern world. However, if archaeology and history is not something you are particularly interested in, you should skip it.
Fun fact: The destruction of Akrotiri by volcanic ash took place even before that of Pompeii!
Tickets are €5 each and students with a valid student ID get in for free.
Hike from Firá to Oià
This 9km route offers some of the best views of the island as you walk along the caldera and pass through quaint villages. It will take approximately three hours to complete the trail, depending on how many stops you make, but every moment of it is worth it. This is also a great place to take pictures because the trail is considered the most scenic on the island.
Walking the Steps From Oià to Amoudi Bay
Amoudi Bay is nestled hundreds of steps below the town of Oià, but the descent is relatively easy (as long as you wear comfortable and sturdy shoes), and grants access to breathtaking views the entire way down. Time flies when you are mesmerised by the glistening blue water, beautiful flowers and trying to avoid bumping into all the mules. Truthfully, this was one of my favourite things to do in Santorini.
There are quite a lot of restaurants and cafes overlooking the bay, so this is a great place to have lunch and indulge in scrumptious food.
PS. Firá is the place you see all over Instagram with the whitewashed cubic houses and terraces, winding lanes, and blue-domed churches, so this would not be the time to forget your camera.
DAY TWO
Cruise Around The Islands
No trip to Greece is complete without spending time on a boat, with the wind in your hair and the sun warming your skin as you float over crystal-clear waters. Most cruises of Santorini’s spectacular coastline take place either in the late morning or at sunset and you are taken to all the most dramatic parts of the bay, including visits to the Volcanic Island, snorkelling at the Red Beach and swimming in natural sulphur thermal springs in the middle of the sea (make sure to wear darker coloured swimsuits for!).
Many people are tempted to book the sunset cruise for the sake of the views, but this is a very romantic experience, and I don’t recommend it if you are visiting Santorini with family or friends. The morning cruise is just as amazing and far less awkward😅
Santos Winery
Santos Winery is the perfect place to explore Santorini’s popular viticulture and taste a range of delicious Greek wines and olives in the early evening while watching the sunset over a gorgeous landscape. Obviously exploring this attraction depends on the age range of your group, but if everyone is over 18, do not miss it!
DAY THREE
Hike A Volcano
One of the best activities to enjoy in Santorini is engaging with the natural landscapes away from Santorini. Nea Kameni is an uninhabited, volcanic island at the centre of the Santorini caldera popular for day trippers hoping to climb a volcano and admire active, smoking craters and lava formations created over the last few centuries. Several sulfurous hot springs are also found just off the shoreline, some of which you pass by if you take a cruise around the islands.
Getting to New Kameni is easy; all you need to do is purchase a boat tour ticket at the old port in Firá and you will arrive at the crater to begin the steep, rocky climb to the top in just 15 minutes!
Average Cost For Three Days In Santorini Per Person
Transport (flights from London + local travel): £150
Accommodation: £350 (£700 per double)
Attractions: £200
Food and amenities: £200
Keep In Mind
TAKE YOUR STUDENT ID. Greece is a fantastic place to travel to if you’re a student because every site is either free or incredibly cheap if you have a student ID with you. In fact, I didn’t have to pay at around 50% of the sites I visited.
Practical Information About Santorini
Location: Greece, South-eastern Europe
National Languages: Greek
Currency: Euro
Neighbouring Countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Macedonia
One Comment
Khilna
Short & sweet 😊