The Perfect 4-Day Santorini Itinerary
Why Santorini?
Santorini is one of the most popular Greek Islands and boasts unique natural beauty, the famous village of Oia, once in a lifetime sunsets, and much more! Whether you are making a special trip for just Santorini or it is a stop on your Greek Island adventure, here is how to get the most out of your short time.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1 - Arrive in Santorini and explore the village of Perissa
Day 2 - Boat tour and evening in the village of Fira
Day 3 - South Santorini Beaches and Oia
Day 4 - Village of Oia and depart Santorini
Day 1
Arrive in Santorini by airplane (Santorini Airport in the village of Kamani) or by ferry (to the Port of Santorini in the village of Thira). We opted to rent a car for the duration of our stay in order to have a more independent experience, but the island has plenty of scheduled bus options that are linked below. Another popular option for getting around the island is to rent ATV's, which can be a convenient and fun option depending on your needs.
After picking up your vehicle (or riding the bus), make your way to your chosen accommodation in the village of Perissa. Spend the afternoon exploring Perissa's beautiful Black Sand Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Santorini.
After a day of settling in a relaxing at Perissa Beach, try one of the local restaurants right in the heart of the town. My recommendations are all listed at the end of this page and can be seen also on the interactive map.
Day 2
Grab your morning coffee at one of the many local coffee shops in downtown Perissa, and with your chosen mode of transportation head to the village of Fira, located about a 20 minute drive from Perissa.
Book your chosen boat tour departing from the famous Port of Fira; there are a few choices listed below. The tours range in boat size, duration, and price, so choose the tour that is best fit for your preferences.
BEWARE!! - There are a few different ways to access the Old Port of Fira, but be sure to leave at least 30 minutes of extra time to descend the cliffs. The three ways are to walk down the 588 steps, ride the mules down the steps, or ride the cable car down. I highly recommend taking the mules on the way back up, as it was one of the most fun experiences we had on this trip and definitely a highlight of the day.
After your boat cruise, end the day with magical sunset with your choice of staying in the village of Fira, or venturing off the beaten path near the southwest parts of the island. Santorini sunsets are some of the most famous in the world, so make it a priority to find a good viewing spot. There are a few linked in the interactive map toward the southwest end, and most restaurants in Fira will provide a beautiful view as the entire village is perched high on the cliffs.
Day 3
Start your day early by venturing to the more remote beaches of southern Santorini, Red Beach and White Beach. These are more easily accessible if you have elected for ATV or car rental, as not many of the public bus transports provide access.
After spending the morning at the beach, its time to check out of your Perissa accommodation and head to Oia. It is about a 45 minute drive from Perissa to the northern tip of the island that situates Oia, the most famous village of Santorini.
Check into your Oia accommodation and explore the beautiful residential area on the coast including the famous blue domes. Head to the western most tip of the island to catch the most beautiful sunset - but beware, you WILL be met with crowds. Depending on the season, Oia is filled with tourists and can become crowded on the main streets, so seeing the best views of the sunset can come at a cost.
After sunset, head to your choice of restaurant (my recommendations are listed below) to enjoy your last dinner on the island.
Day 4
Spend your last morning continuing to explore the shops and restaurants in Oia. If you are feeling adventurous, make the journey down the cliffs to Armonia Beach, one of the only beaches in Oia. Go for a dip or admire the natural beauty of the island from a different perspective.
Prepare for your departure by heading to either the Santorini airport or your chosen ferry port to head home or your next destination, with lots of new memories and photos that will last a lifetime.
Accommodation Options
Here is list of numerous accommodation options for both Perissa and Oia varying in price point, group size, and accommodation type.
Perissa
Oia
Map Location Links
Here is a link to all of the locations and restaurant recommendations listed on the map to the right.
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