The Ultimate Santorini Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days

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I’ve been to Santorini three times, and while it’s one of the most visited Greek islands, it’s for a good reason. With the right Santorini itinerary, you can skip the crowds and actually experience what makes the island so special.

This guide is for travelers who care about great food, thoughtful experiences, and want to know exactly what to do in Santorini for 3 days—without wasting time with tourist traps.

Know Before You Go: Santorini Travel Tips

• How many days: I think 3 days is enough time to spend in Santorini. You can always spend more time and see even more of the island
• Best Time to Visit: My top tip is to visit in April–June or mid-September–October for fewer crowds and better weather. Try to avoid the summer months of July and August if you can—it’s peak season and it’s hot, packed, and expensive. I would avoid the winter months as it is windy and a lot of things are closed
• Best Way to Get There: Direct flights available daily from Athens (under 1 hour) or take a ferry (~5–8 hours depending on route). I recommend booking ferries through Ferryhopper
• Do You Need a Car? A car makes it much easier to explore quieter villages and beaches. My advice? Wait until you’re on the island as your hotel can likely help you rent one for the day if needed
• Getting Around: Taxis are scarce and public transport can be unreliable. The easiest way to get a taxi is through your hotel—don’t expect to hail one on the street, as there just aren’t that many on the island. If you want flexibility, a great way to see the island is to get a rental car
• Responsible Travel Tip: Please skip the donkey rides. The animals are often overworked, and there are better ways to take in the views

3-Day Santorini Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Highlights	Key Stops	Food Picks
Day 1	Caldera Hike + Sunset in Imerovigli	Imerovigli–Oia Trail, Oia	Roka (lunch), The Wine Bar (sunset), Anogi (dinner)
Day 2	Wine Tasting + Village Wandering	Hatzidakis Winery, Megalochori, Pyrgos	Feggera or Madame Sousou (dinner)
Day 3	Beach + Sunset Cruise or Cooking Class	Perissa Beach, Aegean cruise	Selene (farewell dinner)

Santorini Itinerary: Google Maps Version to Take on the Go

Day 1: Caldera Views & Sunset Magic

Morning

After checking into your hotel, start your first day with breakfast and coffee nearby or at the hotel, if it’s included. If there’s one thing Greece hotels do right, it’s breakfast.

Then head out for the Imerovigli to Oia hike—a scenic 2 to 2.5-hour hike that follows the edge of the caldera and in my opinion, is one of the best things to do. This hiking trail is not technically difficult, but it is fully exposed to the sun. Go early, wear a hat, and bring water. Trust me, you’ll see some of the best views on this hike, including breathtaking views of the caldera.

You’ll also pass charming white-washed buildings, dramatic cliffside views, and plenty of photo-worthy stops. We even found a tiny juice stand mid-hike that made for the perfect refreshing break.

Afternoon

Head to Roka for lunch in Oia. It’s tucked away from the main road, so don’t be surprised if you need to ask for directions—locals and shopkeepers are usually happy to help.

Roka is such a great place and one of the best restaurants in Santorini. Everything on the menu is good, but don’t miss the fava—some of the best I’ve had in Greece. And if it’s on the menu, order the coffee crème brûlée for dessert.

By now it’s late afternoon so take some time to wander Oia’s narrow streets before the crowds arrive for sunset. Just be prepared, it’s the most popular town on the island, and it gets busy fast.

When you’re ready to head back, you can:

• Walk the trail again (if you’ve got the energy),
• Catch the bus to Fira (it stops in Imerovigli), or
• Ask a nearby hotel to help call a cab.

Evening

Grab a glass of wine (or two or three) at the Wine Bar, a perfect place to watch the sunset while soaking in the beautiful views.

After sunset, walk just a few minutes to Anogi for dinner. It’s cozy, unpretentious, and delicious—especially the baklava.

Day 2: Wine Tasting & Villages Off the Beaten Path

Morning

You’ll start the second day off with breakfast at your hotel or a local bakery.

Santorini has some of the best local wine I’ve ever had so today we are going to try some + learn more about it.

Your first stop is Hatzidakis winery. While most visitors head to Santo Wines for the views, Hatzidakis skips the crowds and delivers on quality. It’s one of the best wineries I’ve ever been to. I legitimately still dream of this wine and have paid exorbitant prices for a bottle in Boston before.

You’ll need a car or taxi to get there, but it’s absolutely worth the effort.

Want to visit a second winery? Gavalas Winery, a nearby family-run spot, is a great option. I haven’t made it there myself yet, but it’s high on my list.

If you don’t want to DIY and/or you don’t feel comfortable driving to the wineries yourself, there are multiple options for winery tours. I’ve outlined some great options below.

Afternoon

With a light buzz from the tasting, head to Megalochori, a quiet, charming village with traditional Cycladic architecture and a much slower pace than the caldera towns.

Grab lunch at a taverna that catches your eye, browse the pottery shops, and stop in at a local artisan store for souvenirs that aren’t mass-produced.

Still up for exploring? Head to Pyrgos, the highest village on the island, for panoramic views and a more local vibe.

Evening

For a sunset dinner, you have two great options depending on where you end up:

• Feggera (Megalochori) – Reviewers love its inventive Greek cuisine, warm service, and bougainvillea-filled courtyard
• Madame Sousou (Pyrgos) – Known for creative Mediterranean tapas, friendly staff, and incredible sunset views over the island

Day 3: Beach Time, Sunset Cruise & a Farewell Feast

Morning

By now, I hope you’ve fallen in love with Santorini.

Did you know Santorini has black sand beaches? Start your third day with a slow morning at Perissa Beach. If you have a car, it’s an easy drive. This black sand beach, shaped by the island’s volcanic eruption, is a great spot to unwind with a coffee or take a dip in the sea.

Afternoon

It’s your last day in Santorini and I feel like it’s the perfect time to now experience the island from the water. It’s personally one of my favorite things to do.

I recommend booking a sunset boat tour—most include drinks and snacks and give you a chance to swim, relax, and enjoy Santorini from a different perspective. This will depart from Ammoudi Bay and most tours offer hotel pick up so you don’t have to worry about getting there yourself

We did one on a past trip and ended up making friends with a lovely couple we spent the rest of the evening with!

I’ve narrowed it down to three standout boat tours in Santorini. You really can’t go wrong with any of them—it just comes down to your personal preferences when it comes to:

• The type of boat
• What’s included (like food, drinks, or hotel pickup)
• The itinerary and stops along the way

Not interested in a boat trip?

Consider a cooking class instead. There are several that highlight local ingredients and traditional recipes. It’s a meaningful (and delicious) way to close out your time here.

Evening

For your final dinner, how about a little splurge?

Selene is one of the island’s most acclaimed restaurants. You can opt for the tasting menu or go à la carte. I haven’t personally been (yet!), but it’s on my list and the reviews are consistently strong.

And of course, pair it with a glass (or two) of Santorini wine as a send-off.

Where to Stay in Santorini

Where you stay in Santorini can completely shape your experience—especially if you’re trying to avoid crowds and create a more thoughtful, memorable trip.

There’s no shortage of hotels on the island, but not all of them are worth the price. That’s why I put together a curated guide of Santorini boutique hotels I’d personally book, with picks that go beyond just a pretty view.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best areas to base yourself:

• Imerovigli – My personal favorite. Elevated, peaceful, and home to some of the island’s best design-forward hotels. Ideal for caldera views without the crowds of Oia.
• Oia – Picture-perfect and iconic, but often busy. If it’s your first time in Santorini or you’re after those famous dome-and-sea views, this is it—just stay somewhere with a private terrace to escape the chaos.
• Pyrgos – Great for travelers who want something more local and quiet. A hilltop village with panoramic views, fewer tourists, and easy access to the rest of the island.
• Megalochori – Surrounded by vineyards and full of charm. You won’t get ocean views, but you will get authenticity, peace, and some of the best boutique stays on the island.

What to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with grip (for cobblestone streets and uneven paths)
• Light layers and a wide-brimmed sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Longer dresses or skirts (it gets windy!)
• A small backpack or crossbody bag are always a good idea for day trips
• Power adapter + a lightweight scarf for visiting churches

Need more tips on packing? Check out my guide to what to wear in Greece.

Bottom Line

With the right plan, Santorini doesn’t have to feel overcrowded or overrated. This 3-day itinerary is designed to help you skip the tourist traps and actually experience what makes the island worth visiting—great food, scenic hikes, local wine, and quiet sunset views.

Whether it’s your first time or your third, I hope this helps you make the most of it.

Planning a longer trip to Greece? Check out the Greece destination hub for everything you need to plan your trip all in one place.

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