SANTORINI 5 days

Santorini is a small island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast of Greece's mainland. It is essentially what remains after a volcanic eruption created the current geological caldera.

Santorini is instantly recognizable for its whitewashed, cube-shaped buildings adorned with blue accents, steep cliffs. The island attracts 2 million visitors each year, drawn by a dormant picturesque volcano, its magical sunset views, delicious Greek food and unique wines.

🇬🇷 Island tips:

• Fira the main town consist of streets filled with hundreds of tightly packed shops and restaurants. The town is very touristy where many budget and tour company visitors stay here. Best prices are found here.

• Fira is the party place of Santorini. It is here that you will find a lot of action and a busy nightlife.

  -Otherwise it is NOT the true Santorini many visitors would desire.

• Where to stay? While Fira is the bustling heart of the island (best for nightlife and budget shopping), it can feel overly commercial. For the "true" Santorini experience, stay in Oia or Imerovigli.

  • Oia: High-end, iconic views, and vibrant energy.

    • During peak season in Oia, the crowds of tourists are overwhelming.

  • Imerovigli: Sophisticated, peaceful, and known as the "balcony of the Aegean."

• Santorini is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world. <How to get married>

  • What Legal Documents are required.

• Travel Adaptors: Type C and Type F.

• Guidebooks: Fodor’s Greek Islands Guide and Moon Greek Islands Guide.

  DAY 1

• On arrival, transfer to your hotel in the beautiful village of Oia. (at the northern tip of island)

• Oia is situated on top of an impressive cliff and offers spectacular views. A traditional village with charming houses in narrow streets, blue domed churches and sun-bathed verandas.

• Santorini takes about one hour to drive from end to end.

• Athinios is the main ferry port of Santorini located 23 km (45 minutes) from Oia. Many boats arrive and leave Athinios daily.

• Santorini airport: taxi, bus or car rental are available.

• Overnight: Oia (4 nights)

DAY 2

• Dedicate today to exploring Oia’s charm at a slower pace.

  • Explore by foot: Discover hidden art galleries, boutiques, blue/whitewashed homes and traditional tavernas tucked into the cliffside. <read more>

• One of the MUST DO's on Santorini is to watch the incredible sunset from Oia. Try to catch the sunset each night as the setting in Oia is one of the most gorgeous in the world.

• Best place for dinner in Oia is Ammoudi Bay, a lovely spot. You can get there by taxi or down about 300 steps. This small fishing port is the island’s best secret for fresh seafood right on the water.

• Diversion: Just 2 miles south of Oia explore the quiet village of Imerovigli, also with amazing sunset views.

• Overnight: Oia

DAY 3

• Experience the beauty of Santorini by embarking on a Day Cruise across its blue waters.

  🚢 During the cruise, you'll have the opportunity to stop at Nea Kameni, an island that houses an inactive volcano. Once there, you can embark on a trek to the volcano's summit, where you'll be treated to inspiring views.

  • Some tours also visit Therassia, a small island with great caldera views like Santorini, but far fewer tourists.

  General Information on cruise:

  • Duration: From 3 to 6 hours, depending on the cruise.

  • Wear a hat, running / hiking shoes (NOT flip-flops), use sunscreen,otherwise the steep, slippery and hot paths will be difficult to walk.

  • Cruises leave from Athinios Port or Oia.

• Overnight: Oia

DAY 4. 

• Visit Akrotiri - The Red Beach.

• The Red beach is one of the most scenic and interesting beaches on the island.

  • Because of its popularity, it can get crowded during peak seasons. Therefore, it's advisable to visit early in the day or during less busy times to appreciate the natural wonders it offers.

    Distance from Red Beach:

    • 45 min. from Oia

    • 23 min. from port (Athinios)

    • 18 min. from Perissa black beach.

• Explore Akrotiri village. located near Red beach.

  • The village is archaeologically important because it contains the ancient
    Minoan Bronze Age town of Akrotiri. Called the "Pompeii of the Aegean," Akrotiri was buried by volcanic ash and very well preserved, giving important insights into the civilization that lived there about 3,600 years ago.

  • Visiting Akrotiri lets you see the excavated ruins of this ancient city, showing Minoan daily life, buildings, and art.

• On your return back to Oia, detour to Perissa.

  —The Black Sand Beach is located at the village of Perissa on the eastern coast. It is the island’s most popular beach with beach clubs, cafes, and sunbeds for visitors to lounge and soak up the sun. <monthly water temperature>

• Overnight: Oia

DAY 5.

• Depart to your next Greek destination.

• Airline serving Santorini: Aegean Airlines or Sky Express.

• Historical Weather Data - click here.

• Greek Islands have dry periods in April through September.

• The warmest months are July and August. High temps reach the 90's

• The coolest months are December through February.

• January is the wettest month.

• Sunrise/Sunset time.

• Monthly beach water temperature.