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 in Santorini? Either in the towns of Oia or Imerovigli. Both towns are trendier, have better restaurants, the clubs are more sophisticated, the hotels more luxurious and great sunset views.

  • Compared to Oia, Imerovigli is more quiet, less touristy and less expensive. Oia has more shops and restaurants, and more nightlife. During peak season in Oia, the crowds of tourists are overwhelming.

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

• Travel Adaptors: Type C and Type F.

• 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 is approximately one (1) hour to drive from one end to the other end of the island.   

• Athinios is the main ferry port of Santorini situated 23 km (45 minutes) of Oia. A plethora of boats arrive and depart from Athinios daily.

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

• Overnight: Oia (3 nights)

DAY 2

• Explore Oia with its narrow-cobbled streets and blue/whitewashed homes.

  • A village to enjoy! <read more>

• Explore Oia by foot. Its streets are filled with shops, taverns and cafes.

• 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 spot to have dinner in Oia is Ammoundi Bay, a beautiful setting. It can be reached by taxi or by a set of 300 steps leading down to the bay.

• 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.

  In addition to Nea Kameni, certain tours may also take you to Therassia, a tiny island that offers stunning views of the caldera, just like Santorini. However, unlike Santorini, Therassia remains relatively untouched by large crowds of visitors.

  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 you will have a difficut time walking the steep, slippery and hot paths.

  • 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 holds significant archaeological importance as it is home to the ancient Minoan Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri. Often referred to as the "Pompeii of the Aegean," Akrotiri was buried under volcanic ash and preserved remarkably well, providing valuable insights into the ancient civilization that thrived there around 3,600 years ago.

  • Visiting Akrotiri allows you to explore the excavated ruins of this ancient city. The remains offer a glimpse into the daily life, architecture, and artistic prowess of the Minoan civilization.

• 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 Santorini’s most popular beach. There are various beach clubs, cafes, and sunbeds available 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

• 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.