Santorini Itinerary: Perfect 3, 4 & 5 Day Guide (2026)

Planning a trip to Santorini but not sure how to make the most of your time?

We’ve created the perfect day-by-day itinerary for 3, 4, and 5 days in Santorini—designed specifically for couples seeking romance, stunning views, and authentic Greek experiences.

This guide covers everything from iconic sunset spots in Oia to hidden beaches, wine tasting at volcanic vineyards, and the best restaurants where locals actually eat. Whether you have a long weekend or nearly a week, you’ll know exactly how to spend each day.

How Many Days Do You Need in Santorini?

3 days is the minimum to see the highlights: Oia sunset, Fira town, a winery, and one beach. Perfect for a romantic long weekend.

4 days gives you breathing room to explore at a relaxed pace, add a boat tour, and discover quieter villages like Pyrgos.

5 days allows time for deeper exploration—hiking the caldera trail, visiting Akrotiri ruins, trying multiple wineries, and truly unwinding without rushing.

Our recommendation: 4 days is the sweet spot for couples who want to experience Santorini’s romance without feeling rushed.

3-Day Santorini Itinerary: The Essential Experience

This itinerary covers Santorini’s must-see highlights. It’s fast-paced but hits all the iconic moments.

Day 1: Fira & First Impressions

Morning: Arrival & Settle In

Arrive at Santorini Airport or ferry port
Pick up your rental car or ATV (highly recommended for flexibility)
Check into your hotel in Fira, Oia, or Imerovigli
Quick freshen up, then head out

Afternoon: Explore Fira Town

Walk the caldera rim for stunning views
Browse boutique shops and art galleries
Visit the Archaeological Museum (optional)
Late lunch at Argo Restaurant or Naoussa Tavern

Evening: Sunset in Oia

Drive to Oia (20 minutes from Fira)
Arrive by 6:30 PM to claim a sunset viewing spot
Watch the legendary Oia sunset (best from the castle ruins or Amoudi Bay viewpoint)
Dinner at Sunset Ammoudi Taverna (down by the water) or Roka in Oia village

Insider tip: Sunset crowds in Oia are intense in summer. For a quieter experience, try watching from Imerovigli or Skaros Rock instead.

Day 2: Beaches & Wine Tasting

Morning: Red Beach & Akrotiri

Visit Red Beach (unique red volcanic cliffs)
Arrive early (before 10 AM) to avoid crowds
Swim and take photos (bring water shoes—the pebbles are sharp)
Optional: Visit Akrotiri Archaeological Site (ancient Minoan city, like Pompeii)

Afternoon: Wine Tasting Tour

Lunch at a winery restaurant (try Santo Wines or Venetsanos)
Book a guided wine tour or visit 2-3 wineries independently:
– Santo Wines (stunning caldera views)
– Venetsanos Winery (cave winery built into cliff)
– Estate Argyros (traditional family winery)
Sample Assyrtiko (Santorini’s signature white wine) and Vinsanto (sweet dessert wine)

Evening: Dinner in Fira or Firostefani

Casual dinner at Pelekanos or Koukoumavlos
Stroll the caldera path at night (beautifully lit)

Day 3: Boat Tour & Final Sunset

Morning to Afternoon: Catamaran Cruise

Book a caldera cruise (most depart around 10 AM)
Swim in the hot springs near Nea Kameni volcano
Sail past the volcanic islands
Lunch on board (usually included)
Return around 3-4 PM

Evening: Imerovigli Sunset & Farewell Dinner

Watch sunset from Skaros Rock in Imerovigli (quieter than Oia)
Romantic farewell dinner at Anogi or Mezzo
Pack and prepare for departure tomorrow

4-Day Santorini Itinerary: The Balanced Trip

Follow the 3-day itinerary above, then add:

Day 4: Hidden Villages & Black Beach

Morning: Pyrgos Village

Explore Pyrgos, Santorini’s highest village
Climb to Kasteli fortress for panoramic 360° views
Wander the quiet, authentic alleyways
Coffee at Franco’s Bar (famous for sunset cocktails)

Afternoon: Perissa or Kamari Beach

Head to Perissa Beach (black volcanic sand, lively beach bars)
Or Kamari Beach (more organized, sunbeds, tavernas)
Swim, sunbathe, have lunch at a beachfront taverna
Optional: Visit Ancient Thera ruins (15-min hike from Kamari)

Evening: Megalochori Village Dinner

Stroll through charming Megalochori village
Dinner at Raki restaurant (authentic Greek taverna)
Watch sunset from a quieter, local perspective

5-Day Santorini Itinerary: The Complete Experience

Follow the 4-day itinerary, then add:

Day 5: Caldera Hike & Relaxation

Morning: Fira to Oia Caldera Hike

Start early (7-8 AM to avoid heat)
Hike from Fira to Oia along the caldera edge (10 km, 3-4 hours)
Stunning views the entire way—bring water, sun protection, camera
Finish in Oia, reward yourself with brunch at Karma or Candouni

Afternoon: Spa & Relaxation

Return to your hotel, rest, and recover
Book a couples massage or spa treatment
Relax by your hotel pool with caldera views

Evening: Final Sunset & Special Dinner

Watch your final sunset from your favorite spot
Splurge on a fine dining experience:
– Selene (modern Greek cuisine, Pyrgos)
– Alali (romantic, Oia)
– Catch Bar-Restaurant (seafood with caldera views, Fira)

Where to Stay in Santorini

Choosing where to base yourself makes a huge difference. Here are the best areas:

Oia — Most Romantic (But Priciest)

Best for: Couples celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries

Iconic white-and-blue architecture
Best sunset views
Most expensive hotels and restaurants
Very crowded during sunset hours

Fira — Central & Lively

Best for: First-time visitors who want convenience

Island’s capital with shops, restaurants, nightlife
Easy access to buses and taxis
More affordable than Oia
Caldera views still stunning

Imerovigli — Peaceful Luxury

Best for: Couples seeking quiet romance

Quieter than Oia and Fira
Stunning caldera views
Skaros Rock hiking trail
Upscale cave hotels

Perissa/Kamari — Beach & Budget

Best for: Beach lovers on a budget

Black sand beaches
Most affordable area
No caldera views
15-20 minute drive to Fira/Oia

Practical Tips for Your Santorini Trip

Getting Around

Rent a car or ATV: Essential for flexibility and exploring at your own pace
Book in advance: Rentals sell out quickly in peak season (July-August)
Buses exist but limited routes and schedules
Taxis are expensive and scarce

Best Time to Visit

May-June & September: Perfect weather, fewer crowds, better prices
July-August: Peak season—hot, crowded, expensive (book 6+ months ahead)
October: Still warm, great deals, some businesses start closing
November-March: Off-season, many hotels/restaurants closed

Money-Saving Tips

Book hotels 3-6 months in advance for best rates
Eat where locals eat (away from caldera-view restaurants)
Buy groceries and make breakfast/lunch at your hotel
Visit wineries independently instead of guided tours
Stay in Fira, Firostefani, or Imerovigli instead of Oia

What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets everywhere)
Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Light layers (evenings can be breezy)
Swimwear and water shoes (for rocky beaches)
Camera or good phone for sunset photos

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Santorini?

Yes, 3 days is enough to see the main highlights: Oia sunset, Fira town, wine tasting, a boat tour, and one beach. However, if you want a more relaxed pace with time to explore hidden villages and multiple beaches, 4-5 days is better.

What is the best way to get around Santorini?

Renting a car or ATV is the best option for freedom and flexibility. Buses are available but have limited routes and schedules. Taxis are expensive and hard to find during peak times.

Should I stay in Oia or Fira?

Stay in Oia if you want the most iconic views and don’t mind higher prices and crowds. Stay in Fira if you want more affordable options, central location, and easier access to buses and restaurants. Imerovigli is a great middle ground—quiet luxury with stunning views.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance?

Yes, especially for sunset restaurants in Oia and fine dining spots. Book at least 2-3 days in advance during peak season (July-August), or 1-2 days ahead in shoulder season (May-June, September).

What should I not miss in Santorini?

Don’t miss: Oia sunset (at least once), wine tasting at a volcanic vineyard, a caldera boat cruise, Red Beach, and a romantic dinner with caldera views. These are the quintessential Santorini experiences.

Is Santorini worth visiting in the off-season?

October is still great—warm weather and fewer crowds. However, November-March is true off-season when many hotels, restaurants, and tour companies close. If visiting in winter, stay in Fira where more businesses remain open.

Can you island-hop from Santorini?

Yes! Santorini is well-connected by ferry to Mykonos (2-3 hours), Naxos (2 hours), Paros (2.5 hours), and Crete (2 hours). It’s easy to combine Santorini with 1-2 other islands if you have 7-10 days.

How much does a Santorini trip cost?

Budget travelers can manage €100-150/day per couple (staying in Perissa/Kamari, eating cheaply). Mid-range couples spend €250-400/day (cave hotel in Fira, nice dinners). Luxury travelers easily spend €500+/day (Oia cave suites, fine dining, private tours).

Ready to Book Your Santorini Adventure?

Now that you have your perfect Santorini itinerary, it’s time to make it happen.

Start by booking your dream cave hotel in Oia, Fira, or Imerovigli—spaces fill up fast, especially for sunset-view rooms. Reserve your rental car early for the best rates and availability.

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Santorini Itinerary: How to Spend 3, 4 or 5 Perfect Days

How Many Days Do You Need in Santorini?