I have to confess that I was a little skeptical about Santorini before deciding to spend 3 days there. Given the popularity of this island and the hype that surrounds it, I was sure we’ll be faced with crowds and over-tourism that will kill the joy of visiting it. But I was wrong. The island’s beauty surpasses all the inconveniences.
With its iconic whitewashed villages spread along the volcanic cliffs, sapphire-domed churches and fascinating sunsets, Santorini isn’t just a destination it’s a world unto itself. Among the Greek islands Santorini (or Thíra, its ancient name) stands out as the jewel of the Cyclades. Its unique natural beauty, archaeological richness and refined leisure has been luring people here in a way that no other island does.
What Is Special About Santorini
The volcanic beauty of Santorini was born from myth and fire. Unlike the lush green scenery of Corfu or the cosmopolitan buzz of Mykonos, Santorini is the caldera queen. It was shaped by a cataclysmic volcanic eruption in the 16th century BCE. This explosion gave birth to the breathtaking crescent-shaped island we see today. Walking along the rim in Fira or Oia, you don’t just gaze at a view—you stand on geological history.
Everywhere you turn in Santorini, you’re reminded that you’re on a volcano. The lunar landscapes, the black and red beaches, the pebbles made of solidified lava. Pictures and drone footage from Santorini may do some justice to the beauty of the caldera, but when you see it in person you understand why Santorini is on almost every Greek Islands itinerary.
Is 3 Days in Santorini Enough?
A trip to Santorini can be anywhere from 3 to 5 days, depending on your pace and interests. A 3-day trip gives you a good balance of sightseeing and relaxation, but if you can spend more you’ll be able to explore the island more in-depth.
For the first-time visitors who only want to see the main attractions in Santorini, like Oia, Fira, and the caldera, 3 days would be perfect. But ultimately, the ideal duration depends on your travel style and what you want to do.
Attractions in Santorini
There are many incredible photos of Santorini and just as many people who will tell you that Santorini is their favorite place in the world. But if you come to Santorini expecting to experience heaven on Earth, you’ll be rather disappointed. Although the beauty of the crater surrounded by whitewashed houses with blue rooftops is undeniable, there is not a lot to see and do on this island.
The biggest attractions in Santorini are the two towns of Oia and Fira perched on the caldera. Both these towns provide a very romantic playground with luxurious villas and resorts with breathtaking views. There is also a smaller village called Pyrgos, which is very authentic and worth visiting.
- Oia: World-famous for its sunset (and rightly so), Oia is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, domed churches, luxury cave hotels, and curated art shops. Be sure to explore early morning for a more tranquil charm.
- Fira: The capital, bustling yet beautiful, perched high on the cliffs with vibrant nightlife and exceptional caldera views.
- Pyrgos: Less touristic, with a medieval vibe, vineyards, and panoramic views from the ruined Kasteli.
What to Do in Santorini in 3 Days
Here is a more detailed itinerary of how you could spend 3 days in Santorini:
Day 1: Caldera Views and Oia’s Charm
- Morning: Head to Oia to explore its charming streets, admire the blue-domed churches, and enjoy the caldera views. Take photos of the iconic white-washed buildings.
- Afternoon: Embark on a caldera sunset cruise for breathtaking views of the volcanic islands and the caldera.
- Evening: Secure a good spot in Oia to witness the world-famous sunset, a truly unforgettable experience.
Day 2: Beaches, Akrotiri Archeological site, and Wine Tasting Tour
- Morning: Santorini’s beaches are forged from volcanic magic, so they are unlike any other beaches in Greece. In the morning visit Red Beach with its unique red cliffs and clear waters, or relax on Persia or Perivolos beach, known for their black sand and lively atmosphere.
- Afternoon: Explore the ancient city of Akrotiri, often called the “Greek Pompeii”.
- Evening: Consider a wine-tasting tour at one of Santorini’s local wineries, sampling the island’s unique volcanic wines.
Day 3: Hiking, Villages, and Relaxation
- Morning: Hike from Fira to Oia (or vice versa) along the caldera path, enjoying the stunning scenery.
- Afternoon: Explore the traditional villages of Pyrgos and Megalochori,experiencing the authentic Santorini.
- Evening: Enjoy a final Santorini sunset, perhaps from Fira or back in Oia.
Optional Activities
If you have more than 3 days in Santorini, you can do one of the following activities:
- Hike to Skaros Rock near Imerovigli for panoramic views.
- Take a day trip to the nearby island of Thirassia, a quieter escape from the crowds.
- Consider a boat tour to the volcano and hot springs for a unique experience.
- Spend more time at the beaches to enjoying the sun and water activities.
Trails with a View
If you want to do some hiking on the island, there are a few trails that offer spectacular views of the caldera. The Fira to Oia hike is perhaps the most famous one, a 10 km trail with jaw-dropping views, lava-scorched earth, chapels, and bougainvillea. My recommendation is to start in the early morning or in the evening, during the ‘golden hour.
Other notable hikes you can do are:
- Pyrgos to Prophet Elias Monastery: Panoramic views from Santorini’s highest peak.
- Ancient Thera Trail: From Perissa up the mountain to the Hellenistic ruins of Ancient Thera.
Where to Eat in Santorini: Top Restaurants
There are many good eateries in Santorini, so fear not. We tried quite a few of them, but the ones that seemed to stand out are:
- Selene (Pyrgos): A refined take on Cycladic cuisine.
- Metaxi Mas (Exo Gonia): Local favorite with hearty portions.
- Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna: For the freshest seafood with your feet almost in the sea.
Entertainment and Nightlife
While not as wild as Mykonos, Santorini holds its own with chic beach clubs, caldera-view cocktail lounges, and late-night spots in Fira. Don’t miss:
- Franco’s Bar (Fira) for classical music at sunset.
- PK Cocktail Bar for panoramic elegance.
Planning your 3 Days Visit – Best Time to Visit Santorini
The best time to visit Santorini (and the Greek Islands, by this token) is from late April to early June and from September to late October. Greece gets very hot during the summer months and even though you are planning to spend a lot of time on the beach, the day temperatures can get so high that you won’t be able to enjoy much else.
A Final Word
While I can’t say that our trip to Santorini was not a delight, there were a couple of caveats that you should know about.
Crowds
Because the island’s popularity is out of proportion, an incredible number of people are coming here every day. Last year alone the island pulled in a reported 3.4 million visitors, far outnumbering Santorini’s 20,000 or so permanent residents.
As many as 17,000 cruise ship passengers surge daily onto the island during high season. And all of them head straight to the towns of Fira and Oia. The narrow cobbled streets and cliffside balconies are filled to capacity with tourists seeking sunset selfies, therefore it’s really hard to enjoy the beauty of this place. Even taking a decent photo becomes a challenge.
Costs
Another set back is the cost. Santorini is ridiculously expensive! Beginning with the accommodations and food and ending with anything else that you may want to buy, expect to spend buku bucks on this island. This is particularly true for the towns of Oya and Fira which are both lined with designer stores, fancy boutiques and jewelry shops. Yes, you can find exquisite gold jewelry pieces here, but you’ll pay for them three times as much than in any other place.
As long as you are aware of these drawbacks, you’ll probably enjoy Santorini and leave with some good memories. As for us, we were not particularly impressed by this island and would rather return to some other places in Greece, like Crete, Ithaca, or Kefalonia.
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