3 Days in Santorini: The Timeless Gem of the Aegean

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Advisor - Courtney Wallace
Curated By

Courtney Wallace

  • Beaches

  • Food & Wine

  • Luxury Travel

  • Santorini

  • Greece

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

A scenic view of Santorini’s iconic white buildings with vibrant red flowers in the foreground and a sunset over the sea in the background.
Curator’s statement

Santorini, Greece, is a unique gem in the Aegean Sea, renowned for its stunning sunsets, dramatic cliffs and iconic, white-washed architecture with blue domes. This island blends natural beauty with rich history, featuring ancient ruins like Akrotiri, which provide a glimpse into the advanced Minoan civilization. The vibrant local culture, delicious cuisine and breathtaking vistas make Santorini a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Its picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere create an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

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Where to stay

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Day 1: Arrive in Santorini

A scenic view of Santorini’s iconic blue-domed churches overlooking the Aegean Sea.

The best way to travel around Greece is via plane or ferry. You can book your ferry via Sea Jets or Ferry Scanner. There are a number of ferries going on multiple days, so ensure you do some research when connecting to other islands — the trip is about five hours from Athens. Book ferries in advance!

The best way to get around Santorini is with a car — I recommend Car Hub, Cool Cars or Kronos. Make sure to book in advance!

Arrive in Santorini and collect your rental car. Head to Pyrgos for a delicious lunch or visit Venetsanos Winery for a wine tasting and a light lunch.

Check into your accommodation. There are a few choices here. Oia is where most of the tourists stay — think: white and blue houses on the caldera — then there is Fira, Akrotiri, Imerovigli and Kamari. All are beautiful and offer their own uniqueness.

For the afternoon/evening, do some shopping and explore Oia. Snap a picture-perfect sunset photo of the blue and white houses overlooking the caldera.

Dinner has to be at Ammoudi Fish Tavern — request a table by the water!

Day 2: Beach day

A scenic view of a coastal area with red rocky terrain and several boats on the serene blue water.

Day 2 is for working on that tan! Check out beaches like Snoozie Beach, Caldera Beach, Red Beach and Black Beach in Akrotiri. Be sure to charge up your GoPro because the scenery is just out of this world!

If you would prefer to lounge for the day, check out Nikki Beach or Seaside Santorini, where you can experience the best beach clubs that Santorini has to offer.

After a day in the sun, savor the breathtaking views over the caldera at The Edge Restaurant for dinner.

Day 3: Adventure time!

A scenic view of white buildings with terracotta roofs overlooking a calm blue sea, framed by cliffs and vibrant pink flowers.

Explore the beautiful town of Fira. Walk around Theotokopoulou Square and experience some of the best shopping that Santorini has to offer.
If you’ve got time or are feeling a bit more adventurous, sail around Santorini in a catamaran for the day. There are half or full day hiring options available through Spiridakos.

Finish off your last day with dinner at Santo Wines — not only is their wine and food fantastic, but their views overlooking the caldera are indescribable.

Advisor - Courtney Wallace

Travel Advisor

Courtney Wallace

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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Santorini. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Discover Cape Town: The Ultimate Travel Guide.