How many days should you spend in Santorini?
The answer depends on several factors such as where you want to stay, what activities you plan to enjoy, and whether or not you want to visit other islands.
Santorini is a Greek island located off the coast of mainland Greece. It is famous for its breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, and unique architecture.
There are many things to do in Santorini, from visiting archaeological sites to enjoying delicious food at local restaurants.
Santorini is a beautiful island with amazing views.
But how many days should you spend here? Well, you should aim for at least 3 to 5 days to enjoy everything this island has to offer.
There are many things to see during your stay including visiting the famous active volcano, Oia.
Other things to see include the ancient ruins of Akrotiri and Therasia. Day trips are available from nearby islands such as Crete and Rhodes.
Keep reading to find out more about Santorini, how long you should visit for and what this beautiful island has to offer.
How To Get To Santorini
There are two ways to travel to Santorini. One way is to fly into Athens International Airport (ATH) and then take a ferry to Santorini.
Another option is to fly directly into Santorini airport (SCG).
If you choose to fly into Athens International, you will arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH), which is approximately 3 hours away from Santorini.
If you decide to fly into Santorini airport, you will arrive at Santorini airport (SCG), which is approximately 30 minutes away from the city center.
Once at Santorini airport, don’t worry about how to get around because there are taxis and buses available that can take you anywhere you need to go.
Weather At Santorini
Santorini has a pleasant climate year-round. Spring and summer months see temperatures of around 23 to 29 degrees Celsius.
In the winter months, Santorini’s weather is known to vary greatly.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Santorini?
The best time to visit Santorini is between May and October. Summers are hot and sunny while winters are mild and comfortable.
Spring is pleasant and ideal for hiking while fall brings colorful changing leaves.
However, if you wish to avoid crowds, consider visiting later in the year.
Tips For Visiting Santorini
Check out our list of helpful tips below that will make your trip to Santorini smooth sailing!
- Plan your itinerary well.
- Make sure you book accommodation before arriving at your destination.
- Check out the flight times.
- Try and buy tickets early.
- Pack light as you will probably need to carry your luggage.
- Bring a hat and sunglasses.
- Do not bring too much cash as ATMs are available throughout the island.
- Visit the official website www.visitsantorinia.com. They provide all the necessary information you will need to know before planning your trip to Santorini.
- Be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
- Don’t forget a swimsuit and sun protection!
Things To Do In Santorini
Santorini offers plenty of top-notch attractions. The island remains popular for being an exotic spot to spend a vacation, and is a top destination spot for couples looking for romance.
Here is some information about the must-see spots on the island:
Volcanic Caldera
The largest attraction on the island is also the most spectacular view. This caldera is made up of multiple layers.
Some of these layers consist of thick rock formations while others are thin stone walls.
This volcanic crater was formed by the eruption of Mount Kamari on July 13th, 1863.
During that eruption, lava overflowed through cracks and gaps in the rocks, leaving behind huge amounts of ash.
Because of the thickness of the layer, the remnants of the volcano remain inside the mountain.
As a bonus, it is possible to climb down inside the volcano’s crater to reach the bottom.
Ancient Thira
Also known as “Fira” is the capital of the island. It is situated along with one of the cliffs with a great view over the entire town.
It is considered to be the oldest settlement on the island dating back to the 14th century B.C.
Today, Fira is a bustling commercial hub and tourist haven. It is home to numerous shops and boutiques.
A traditional Greek market known as “Thanasi” can be found in the heart of Fira.
Besides shopping, visitors can enjoy walking along various streets or explore the labyrinthine alleyways and backstreets where little museums, tavernas, art galleries, and boutique hotels can be found.
Thirassia Sea Cave
Located near Oia Town is this famous sea cave. Tourists come here to admire the stalagmites and stalactites.
These beautiful limestone columns were formed naturally during water seepage.
Visitors who want to experience something new can dive into the clear cold waters of Santorini and view the underwater landscape.
Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Just 10 km south of Fira lies the ruins of Akrotiri. This area used to be a thriving city until the 16th century B.C. when it was destroyed by an earthquake.
Amongst the structures that survived was the ancient Akrotiri Palace.
This was mostly built from marble but included large parts of coral stone and ashlar.
All the structures remained standing because they were mainly constructed of locally quarried limestone, even though there had been earthquakes since the region was populated.
By the way, did you know that the name of the palace comes from the word “Akros”? It means “the high place”.
Oia Bay
Close to the famous white cliff houses of Oia lies Oia Bay. This is a perfect place for swimming and snorkeling.
Sunbathing lovers love this beach because it offers endless views across the western coastline.
Snorkelers appreciate the shallow crystal-clear waters of the bay.
There are no dangerous waves or undertows due to the shape of the bay. It attracts thousands of swimmers each year.
Rethymnon Old Town
Rethymnon is the second largest town in Santorini after Fira. Nearby is the amphitheater where plays and concerts are held every summer.
The acropolis of the old town is worth visiting.
Here stands the Church of Panayiotis. Next to the church are some palaces and old stone houses.
Be careful not to touch anything in any of the buildings, as these are private residences.
Blue Lagoon
No trip to Santorini would be complete without a swim in the Blue Lagoon.
The lagoon itself is turquoise blue and surrounded by beautiful golden sands. The waters themselves feel like natural baths.
Itineraries and Visiting Other Islands
Get the most out of your stay by checking out these potential itineraries. How many days in Santorini will depend on the length of your visit.
24 Hours In Santorini
You can see some of the top sights in just one day.
After spending time in Fira and Oia taking pictures of the beautiful white houses, you can go to a café terrace overlooking the sea and eat a fish dinner and drink ouzo or a Greek wine.
You can also go up to the highest point in Imerovigli and enjoy the view of the sunset.
Black Sand is found at many beaches on Santorini. It is very attractive because of its unique appearance. There are also some other beaches with white sand.
Sample itineraries that combine a trip to Santorini with trips to other Greek Islands. A travel specialist can help you plan your trip.
2-3 Days In Santorini
Check out the Orthodox cathedral in Fira, go on a cruise to visit the volcano, and take a fascinating hike up it.
View Santorini’s beautiful white buildings and jump on a guided island tour so you can experience the amazing Greek culture and history.
You could visit its wine region, and stop at Santo Wines to purchase yourself a bottle.
Or, visit a smaller village vineyard for an authentic experience.
4 Days In Santorini And Hydra Island Tour
A 4-day tour of Santorini will take you both to the mainland as well as the island of Hydra.
If you’d like to visit Hydra, it takes around 90 minutes by ferry and costs €20 each way.
The island has great places to visit such as museums, restaurants, shops, etc. If you want to learn how it feels to live on the island, then stay here for a few nights.
5 Days In Santorini And Naxos Island
If you would like to explore even more of Greece, then you need to add another 2 islands together!
A 5-day cruise can be done from Athens to Santorini. The first stop in Naxos.
From there, you could head to Kythnos, Folegandros, or Milos. All these ports offer different experiences of Greece.
For example, if you choose Milos, you can experience the local food.
6-7 Days In Santorini And Mykonos
If you’re looking for something longer than 7 days, then consider adding Mykonos on the 6th day.
It is a popular destination in Greece for tourists who love nightlife and dancing! On the 7th day, you could go to Crete.
9 Days In Santorini, Corfu, And Athens
This island-hopping holiday allows you plenty of chances to try various Greek cuisines.
With the right planning, this itinerary provides excellent options for travelers who want to sample everything Greece has to offer.
Visit ancient UNESCO sites, walk along cobblestone streets, swim in crystal clear waters, take in breath-taking views, dine amongst locals, and soak up sunsets over the Aegean Sea.
10 Days In Santorini, Crete, And Kos
With this itinerary, experience Greece and explore the most famous destinations.
This island hopping tour combines two incredible countries and includes 10 days of exploring.
Start your journey visiting historical landmarks before being transported onto the shores of Crete where you’ll spend some time exploring the cities, towns, and natural beauties this island offers.
Spend a bit of time in Kos town that boasts beautiful scenery, rich traditions, delicious cuisine, and friendly people.
Where To Stay In Santorini
Santorini hotels range greatly depending upon which area of the island you’ll be staying in.
While the main areas include Fira, Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Palea Xirolimpi, Paraga, Ermoupoli, Neapoli, and Akanthou (the port), there are also several boutique resorts located outside of these established districts.
These more remote locations often have wonderful views of the caldera, as well as better opportunities for hiking and private relaxation.
Popular beaches usually lie within walking distance of all hotels in most parts of the island.
However, if you prefer experiencing a truly unspoiled part of Santorini, book accommodation further away from civilization.
Also, make sure to shop for scuba diving courses and equipment while on your trip – many dive schools will provide this service.
Places To Stay In Santorini
There are lots of different options to choose from when deciding where to stay for the duration of your visit to Santorini.
Villas And Apartments In Santorini
There’s no shortage of choices when booking villas and apartments in Santorini.
Whether you’re after an intimate retreat, or simply want to enjoy poolside entertainment, there are options with every price range.
Take advantage of free Wi-Fi and daily breakfast buffets at some properties.
You can find luxury accommodations ranging from traditional-style domed houses to quaint stone cottages.
Hotels In Santorini
The majority of budget-minded visitors choose to stay in one of the larger Santorini hotels. Accommodation prices start at around $15 per person per night.
Most hotel rooms can accommodate between three and six guests, though the size varies, so check when making reservations.
If you require a room with a view, ask for a unit overlooking the caldera. Expect decor to be simple and clean.
Where To Eat In Santorini
A huge variety of restaurants are available in Santorini. Traditional taverns serve meals using traditional recipes such as meatballs, cheese pies, souvlaki, and pastitsio.
Seafood dishes like calamari, octopus salad, and fresh fish are also common.
At night, most eateries turn into bars serving a selection of appetizers, drinks, and desserts.
Specialty restaurants feature traditional Greek fare, but also offer international cuisines and modern interpretations of Greek classics. And of course some wonderful Greek wines.
Reservations may not always be necessary, however, it is best to call ahead when possible to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Santorini has so much more than what we have listed above.
So ideally, how many days in Santorini? We recommend at least 3-5 days to see the major attractions, although spending a full week or two gives you a chance to truly experience all its beauty.
How long you spend in Santorini is down to personal preference, and of course whether you would like to visit any more of the many magnificent Greek islands.
Have fun exploring!