7-10 Day Itinerary for Santorini, Greece

This 7-10 day itinerary is designed to offer a complete experience of Santorini, combining the iconic must-sees with some of the island’s lesser-known gems. You’ll get to enjoy stunning sunsets, explore ancient history, hike breathtaking trails, and discover hidden beaches—all while indulging in the local culture and cuisine.

Day 1: Arrival in Santorini – Fira

Morning: Arrive at Santorini (Thira) International Airport and make your way to your hotel in Fira, the capital of Santorini. Check-in, settle down, and enjoy your first Greek coffee at a local café while taking in the views of the caldera.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon wandering through the lively streets of Fira, exploring the Archaeological Museum of Thera, and shopping at local boutiques.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Greek dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the caldera. End the night by experiencing Fira’s nightlife at a cocktail bar overlooking the water.

Day 2: Explore Akrotiri and Red Beach

Morning: Start with a visit to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. Learn about the history of this ancient Minoan city, often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” Explore its well-preserved streets, frescoes, and ancient buildings.
Afternoon: After visiting Akrotiri, head to the nearby Red Beach, famous for its volcanic red cliffs. Swim, relax, or go for a walk along the striking coastline. Stop by a seaside tavern for a light lunch.
Evening: Head back to Akrotiri village and enjoy a quiet evening dining at a local taverna, sampling fresh seafood.

Day 3: Oia – Sunset and Amoudi Bay

Morning: Take a leisurely morning hike from Fira to Oia along the caldera’s edge, which offers stunning views along the way. The 10km hike takes around 3-4 hours, so pack water and snacks.
Afternoon: Once you arrive in Oia, take time to explore the narrow streets, boutiques, and charming white-washed buildings. Visit Oia Castle for panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Evening: Prepare for the world-famous Oia sunset. Afterward, head down to Amoudi Bay for a seafood dinner at one of the waterside tavernas, with views of the caldera and the cliffs illuminated at night.

Day 4: Wine Tasting at Traditional Wineries

Morning: Start your day by visiting Santo Wines Winery to learn about Santorini’s unique winemaking tradition. Sample local varieties, including the island’s famous Assyrtiko wine, and take in breathtaking views of the caldera.
Afternoon: Continue your wine exploration by visiting Domaine Sigalas, a lesser-known but intimate winery located near Oia. Enjoy a relaxed tasting session and pair the wine with local cheeses and snacks.
Evening: Head to Pyrgos Village, the former capital of Santorini, and explore its charming narrow streets. End the day with dinner at Selene, a fine-dining restaurant that focuses on local ingredients and traditional flavors.

Day 5: Volcanic Exploration – Nea Kameni and Hot Springs

Morning: Take a boat excursion to Nea Kameni, the volcanic island in the center of Santorini’s caldera. Hike to the top of the active volcano for incredible views of the surrounding islands.
Afternoon: After exploring the volcano, sail to the nearby Palea Kameni island, where you can swim in the hot springs. The sulfur-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic properties.
Evening: Return to Fira and enjoy a sunset dinner at a local restaurant. Spend the evening wandering the streets of Fira or relax at your hotel.

Day 6: Discover the Hidden Vlychada Beach

Morning: Travel to the southern coast of the island and spend the day at Vlychada Beach, known for its lunar-like rock formations shaped by volcanic activity and wind. It’s a quieter alternative to Santorini’s more crowded beaches.
Afternoon: Swim in the crystal-clear waters or explore the unique landscape of Vlychada. Bring along a picnic or enjoy lunch at one of the local beachside restaurants.
Evening: Return to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening in Pyrgos Village or Megalochori, both of which offer peaceful, authentic experiences away from the crowds.

Day 7: Pyrgos and Ancient Thera

Morning: Start your day with a visit to Ancient Thera, located on a mountain between Kamari and Perissa. This archaeological site offers incredible insights into Santorini’s ancient history, with ruins of temples, houses, and markets.
Afternoon: After your visit to Ancient Thera, head to Pyrgos, a traditional hilltop village with panoramic views of the island. Wander through its winding streets, visit the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, and enjoy lunch at a local café.
Evening: End your day with dinner at a traditional taverna in Pyrgos, where you can enjoy homemade local dishes, including fava, white eggplant, and tomato fritters.

Day 8: Perissa Beach and Kamari

Morning: Head to Perissa Beach, known for its black volcanic sand. Spend your morning lounging on the beach or renting a paddleboard or kayak to explore the nearby coastline.
Afternoon: After a relaxing morning at the beach, drive to the nearby town of Kamari for lunch. Kamari also has a beautiful black-sand beach, but it’s livelier than Perissa, offering plenty of options for water sports, beach bars, and shops.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Kamari before heading back to your accommodation.

Day 9: Explore Imerovigli and Skaros Rock

Morning: Take a trip to Imerovigli, a small village perched high above the caldera. It offers some of the most spectacular views on the island, as it’s situated between Fira and Oia but remains quieter.
Afternoon: From Imerovigli, embark on a hike to Skaros Rock, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the island and the caldera. The hike isn’t too difficult and rewards you with incredible scenery.
Evening: After your hike, enjoy a leisurely dinner in Imerovigli at a restaurant with views of the setting sun over the Aegean Sea.

Day 10: Departure

Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final breakfast in Fira or take a last walk along the caldera before heading to Santorini (Thira) International Airport for your departure. Reflect on the beauty and hidden gems you’ve experienced throughout your Santorini adventure.