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Recently Updated On: December 17, 2025

4 Days in Santorini: The Perfect 4-Day Itinerary [2026]

Disclosure statement: I only recommend hotels and travel services I use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. If you book something via a referral link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A girl in white standing on a corner in OIa Santorini - 4 day santorini itinerary

We just got back from spending 4 days in Santorini, Greece and I knew straight away I needed to share an optimised, 4-day itinerary! 

Santorini is a chaotic island at the best of times, so planning out a proper itinerary is essential. This in-depth Santorini travel guide ensures you beat the crowds and visit all the iconic spots without wasting a second. 

It contains detailed information on the places to go and things to do each day, along with restaurant recommendations for lunch and dinner, and recommended guided tours where applicable.

Table of Contents

Toggle
    • 4 Days in Santorini at a Glance
  • Where to stay for this 4-Day Santorini Itinerary 
  • 4 Days in Santorini: Itinerary in Brief 
  • Day 1: Explore Fira and Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise
    • Overview 
    • Morning: Explore Fira 
    • Lunch: Volkan on the Rocks
    • Afternoon: Catamaran Sunset Cruise 
    • Evening: Cocktails with a View 
  • Day 2: Visit Pyrgos and the Famous Black Sand Beaches in the South 
    • Overview
    • Morning: Explore Pyrgos 
    • Lunch: Sea Side Beach Club
    • Afternoon: Enjoy Santorini’s Famous Black Sand Beaches
    • Evening: Open Air Cinema 
  • Day 3: Explore Oia and Ammoudi Bay 
    • Overview
    • Morning: Hike or Drive to Oia 
    • Lunch: Cooking Class or Amoudi Bay
    • Afternoon: Oia and Ammoudi Bay  
    • Evening: Fine Dining with a View
  • Day 4: Discover Hidden Villages and Go Wine Tasting 
    • Overview 
    • Morning: Discover Secret Santorini 
    • Lunch: To Psaraki
    • Afternoon: Go Wine Tasting 
    • Evening: Aris Restaurant 
  • 4 Days in Santorini: FAQs
    • Is 4 Days in Santorini Enough? 
    • Where to Stay in Santorini?
    • How to Get to Santorini?
    • Best Time to Visit Santorini?
    • How to Get Around in Santorini 
  • Top Travel Tips for Spending 4 Days in Santorini 
    • Related

4 Days in Santorini at a Glance

Aperto hot tub suites in Fira

Where to Stay:
San Giorgio: Stylish, no-frills hotel in Fira
Stella Rocca A Mare: Chic cave suites in Imerovigli
Aspaki by Art Maisons: Once-in-a-lifetime Oia hotel
Aperto Suites: Boutique hot tub suites in Fira (pictured)

Best Time to Go: June to September for the best weather, April – June and September/October to beat the crowds.

Don’t Miss: Island catamaran tour, sunset wine tasting, and an evening in Oia.

What’s the Weather Like:
May to September – Average daily high 28°C (82°F)
October to April – Average daily high 16°C (61°F)

Top Tip: Avoid central Fira and Oia during the middle of the day (11 am – 3 pm) when the cruise ship crowds are intense.

Where to stay for this 4-Day Santorini Itinerary 

a view of Fira in Santorini

If you only have 4 days in Santorini, I recommend staying in Fira, Imerovigli, or Oia (pronounced EE-a). 

Fira is the capital of Santorini and also the largest town, featuring the iconic warren of white-washed cottages built right into the cliffside. It’s very central, which makes it easy to get around and visit all the locations on this itinerary. 

Imerovigli is essentially a quieter part of Fira, about a 30-minute walk from the city centre. Imerovigli is ideal if you still want to benefit from a central location and beautiful views but prefer to stay out of the hustle and bustle. The evenings are quieter here but there are some stunning hotels to choose from. 

A view of Skaros rock in Imerovigli

Finally, Oia is a photographer’s paradise. It’s the place you think of when you picture quintessential Santorini: perfect blue domed churches perched high above the Aegean, and a patchwork of porcelain walls, bathed in the soft glow of sunset. 

Oia is located at the northwestern tip of the island, so the location is less convenient for exploring the rest of the island. It’s also the most expensive place to stay in Santorini. 

However, if your pockets are deep enough, you get the benefit of having this picturesque spot to yourself for a precious few moments each morning. Many photographers and content creators choose to stay in Oia and rise at dawn to get their photos, beating the crazy midday crowds. 

If it’s your first time in Santorini, I recommend staying in Fira/Imerovigli for the full experience. Since that’s where we stayed, this itinerary works best if you have also based yourself there. However, I will also include notes and edits for those who choose to stay in Oia instead!

For accommodation recommendations in Fira, Imerovigli and Oia, please see the FAQ section at the bottom of this post. We chose Aperto Suites (pictured above) for our trip – learn more about it in the later section of the article.

You Can Book Aperto Suites Here

4 Days in Santorini: Itinerary in Brief 

A girl in a blue and white dress looking through a blue doorway in santorini

Below you can see a quick overview of how best to spend 4 days in Santorini. I’ll go into each day in more detail afterwards, but this gives you a quick idea of what your overall trip might look like.

At the end of the guide, I’ll answer all the frequently asked questions such as how to get there, where to stay and so on.

For now, let’s discover the dreamiest 4-day Santorini itinerary!

Day 1: Explore Fira and Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Day 2: Visit Pyrgos and the Famous Black Sand Beaches 

Day 3: Explore Oia and Ammoudi Bay 

Day 4: Discover Secret Santorini Villages and Go Wine Tasting 

Day 1: Explore Fira and Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise

View of fira from Immerovigli

Overview 

Once you have scoped out the local area and seen what there is to see, hop on a once-in-a-lifetime caldera cruise, and enjoy your first Santorini sunset from an incredibly unique perspective. Spend the evening in the island’s oldest cocktail bar admiring the magic of Santorini by night! 

Morning: Explore Fira 

Exploring the white domed churches of Fira

The main streets of Fira can feel overwhelmingly busy at first. This is especially true during peak season when 6 or 7 cruise ships can be visiting the island at once.

I recommend heading out of the main centre and up through Firostefani to Imerovigli. Here, the streets tend to be quieter and you can get a fantastic view looking back towards Fira. the walk takes 30 to 40 minutes each way, but the views are worth it!

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes with ankle support! Even if you’re just planning a short stroll in Santorini, the streets are cobbled, uneven, and steep, which can make walking in slip-on sandals very difficult.

Some streets are also littered with donkey poo, so you’ll want shoes that keep your feet firmly out of the muck!

Heading down the stairs in Santorini by St. John the Theologian Holy Orthodox Church

Before setting off, you may want to stop by the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, which contains ancient Greek artefacts to tell the tale of how Santorini came to be. 

Don’t miss the many beautiful churches on your travels for those iconic photo opportunities!

The Three Bells of Fira is a beautiful blue domed church located between Fira and Imerovigli, while St. John the Theologian Holy Orthodox Church is below the main streets of Fira and offers a more unusual backdrop with its rustic red trim. 

Lunch: Volkan on the Rocks

The view from Volkan on the rocks santorini

Indulge in a delicious pizza at Volkan on the Rocks for lunch, a stylish spot located halfway between Fira and Imerovigli. Afterwards, head back to your accommodation in preparation to be picked up for the sunset cruise. 

Afternoon: Catamaran Sunset Cruise 

Santorini catamaran at sunset

One of the most iconic things to do in Santorini is to take a sunset catamaran cruise, sailing beneath the breathtaking caldera, set aglow at golden hour. 

I recommend planning your boat trip for the very first day. This is because the catamaran cruises can get cancelled if it’s too windy. Planning your cruise for day one gives you the option to reschedule for another day and shuffle your itinerary around in case it gets cancelled.

There are a few different options for sunset cruises in Santorini, but many include pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation, several stops for swimming, and a BBQ buffet dinner. They usually set sail at about 2:30 p.m. (depending on the time of year), but you’ll be picked up from your accommodation an hour or so before. 

I really recommend going with a small group cruise for a more intimate experience and better service. This one includes unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks as well as a gorgeous Greek island dinner to feast on as you watch the sunset over beautiful Oia.

Be sure to eat a big lunch, because it can feel like a long time on board before dinner is served!

Book the Sunset Cruise here
Another boat on the water at sunset in santorini

The majority of boat tours also stop off at some of the island’s most famous spots, such as White Beach, famed for its porcelain cliffs, and Red Beach, known for its rust-coloured sand. 

You’ll also get to swim in the thermally heated waters of the volcano (Nea Kameni), although I would say this isn’t as impressive as it sounds.

The waters weren’t nearly as warm as other hot springs I’ve visited, but it was still a fun experience nonetheless. Don’t wear a white swimsuit, because the sulphur can stain! 

Browse Boat trips & Book

Evening: Cocktails with a View 

The view from PK cocktail bar at night

The island will already be in darkness by the time you have been delivered back to your accommodation, and you should still be full from a delicious BBQ dinner. 

However, if you still have the energy and want to head out for a few more drinks, I recommend PK Cocktail Bar in Central Fira. This is the oldest cocktail bar in Santorini and has one of the best panoramic views of the Caldera, which looks just as impressive at night when the white balconies are lit from within. 

Day 2: Visit Pyrgos and the Famous Black Sand Beaches in the South 

Holding a strawberry daquiri up in front of the black sand beach on santorini

Overview

With their black sand, stylish beach clubs, and dramatic mountainous backdrops, the southern beaches of Santorini are definitely worth a visit.

On day 2, travel through the village of Pyrgos, known for its charming cobbled streets, authentic tavernas, and panoramic views before hitting the beach. In the evening, enjoy a movie under the stars at one of Santorini’s enchanting open-air cinemas. 

Morning: Explore Pyrgos 

A blue domed church in Pyrgos, Santorini

Pyrgos is fast becoming a must-visit for travellers to Santorini, and it’s easy to see why. This beautiful little spot is located right in the centre of the island and offers incredible views to all points of the compass, along with the traditional white-washed architecture Santorini is known for. 

You can get there by bus from both Fira and Oia, or you can drive if you have chosen to rent a car or scooter.

Surrounded by peaceful vineyards, you can spend your morning getting lost in the steep cobbled streets, checking out the local craft boutiques, and stopping for coffee in one of the charming Greek tavernas. Penelope’s Ouzeri is a particularly good spot with beautiful views. 

Pyrgos church up close

This village offers a more authentic side to Santorini and is the perfect antidote to the mayhem of Fira and Oia. History buffs can also check out the Santorini of the Past museum or the Museum of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artefacts, housed in a former chapel. 

There is also a beautiful blue-domed church for photographers to capture (Saint Dimitrios), and you should head up to the Castle of Pyrgos for the best panoramic views. 

Once you’ve had your fill of Pyrgos, you can jump back on the bus or your hired transport and carry on towards Kamari or Perissa Beach. 

Lunch: Sea Side Beach Club

the food at sea side beach club

There are countless options for food and drink on both Kamari and Perissa Beach, so it should be easy to find something that takes your fancy. We loved Sea Side Beach Club because it had a cool vibe and an incredible, Asian-infused menu – you can also hire beds for the afternoon here.

Wet Stories is another famous beach club in Perissa, although we weren’t a fan of the menu and felt the prices weren’t justified. 

If you’re looking for something a little more authentically Greek, head to Agios Georgios, which is the southern end of the beach from Perissa. Try Lava Tavern for peace and quiet and a tapas of traditional Cycladic dishes.

**Read a full guide to Agios Georgios and its quiet charm here!**

Afternoon: Enjoy Santorini’s Famous Black Sand Beaches

Perissa beach near Agios Georgios Santorini, a must visit when spending 4 days in santorini

Spend the afternoon of day 2 of your 4 days in Santorini soaking up the Greek sun on the beach.

You can rent a comfy sunbed at one of the many beach clubs, or simply lay your towel out on the charcoal sand to enjoy a relaxing few hours to the soundtrack of the sea. If you prefer to stay active, you could visit the neighbouring beaches instead. 

Vlychada is much quieter, popular with surfers (pictured below), and can be reached by bus from Perissa, or in about 45 minutes walking.

Kamari has a similar vibe to Perissa and can be accessed via water taxi from the northern end of the beach, or you can take on the challenging hike over the cliff, which takes about 2 hours. 

The hike takes you via the archaeological site of Ancient Thera, which would be cool to see if you’re into that kind of thing! It’s the place where the pre-historic settlers of Santorini first returned to the island after the volcano eruption that destroyed Akrotiri. 

A view of vlychada beach, santorini

Other options for staying active this afternoon include watersports (both Kamari and Perissa beaches have plenty of choice), and horse riding, which you can find halfway between Perissa and Vlychada. 

Horse riding is a stunning way to enjoy the more rugged coastline of Santorini that few people get to experience. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned pros, you can find private or group rides at a local stable with photo stops included.

Book Horse Riding on the Beach Here

Evening: Open Air Cinema 

At 5:00 pm, you can catch the last water taxi from Perissa to Kamari. Head to Prince for a delicious dinner, before strolling up to the atmospheric open-air cinema, where you can buy cocktails and popcorn and settle in for a classic movie such as Mamma Mia. 

Doors open at 8:30 pm, and tickets cost €10 (cash only). Afterwards, you can catch the bus back to Fira. If you have rented a car or scooter, you can easily drive from Perissa to Kamari and then back to Fira again. 

Alternatively, if you’d rather head straight back to Fira for the evening, there is another open-air cinema located at Volkan on the Rocks, which also serves delicious pizza with a view! 

Day 3: Explore Oia and Ammoudi Bay 

A girl in white on some stairs in Oia, Santorini

Overview

If you only have 4 days in Santorini, you’ll want to spend a whole day exploring Oia. From Fira, you can take a challenging (but worth it!) 3-hour hike, or you can catch the bus or drive. 

Amble down to Ammoudi Bay for lunch (also spelt as Amoudi Bay), one of the island’s most picturesque fishing ports. I recommended staying in Oia for the evening too, to enjoy that iconic sunset view and indulge in some fine dining. 

Morning: Hike or Drive to Oia 

A blue domed church on the hike from fira to oia

If you’re staying in Fira, you have multiple options for getting to Oia. If you love getting active and are up for the challenge, I recommend rising early and taking on the Fira to Oia hike, which takes 2-3 hours and offers some unparalleled views of the caldera from multiple perspectives.

Be sure to wear trainers or hiking shoes, as the terrain is challenging at times. Pack plenty of water too, and maybe a change of clothes – because you will get sweaty!

If photography is your priority, I recommend getting up early and getting on the first bus from Fira to Oia, or renting a car or scooter to get there instead.

You’ll want to be there as early as possible to take advantage of the precious quiet time following sunrise, and of course, the soft morning light. By midday, some of the most popular photography spots can have queues of over an hour!

A girl admiring the beautiful city of Oia while spending 4 days in Santorini

The final option for getting to Oia is to take the cable car down to the port in Fira, and then jump on the water taxi. If money is no object, this is certainly the most scenic and fun way to get to Oia! You’ll get dropped off in Ammoudi Bay where you can either walk up to Oia (20 minutes), or jump in a taxi. 

Once you have arrived in Oia, you are at free reign to explore! For the best photos with fewer people, try getting off the main streets and finding picturesque little spots down the back alleys. 

Stroll by the famous bookshop Atlantis, the pretty square with the Church of Panagia Akathistos Hymn, the iconic 4 Bells of Oia and of course the 3 Blue Domes. 

A girl admiring the beautiful city of Oia while spending 4 days in Santorini

Other popular photo spots include Kastro Oia houses (a seashell-hued boutique hotel on the way down to Ammoudi), and the views from Oia Castle. 

Similar to Fira and Imerovigli, sightseeing in Oia is mostly about strolling the charming streets, popping into the beautiful boutiques, and stopping for a coffee to admire some of the world’s most famous views. 

Lunch: Cooking Class or Amoudi Bay

Famous squid seafood at sunset restaurant in Ammoudi Bay, Santorini

For lunch, I recommend heading down the winding path to Amoudi Bay. There are a few different restaurants in Ammoudi Bay to choose from, but we were advised by a local to head straight for Dimitris, which is right at the end. If you’re travelling in peak season, it is essential to book in advance. 

For a more authentic experience, you can cook a traditional meal yourself with the assistance of Areti, a 68-year-old lady who will share all the secrets about the Greek and local Santorinian recipes.

This cultural and culinary adventure also saves you from the heat and midday crowds of Santorini’s most popular town.

Discover the Culinary workshop here

Afternoon: Oia and Ammoudi Bay  

Looking down to ammoudi bay from the oia path

If you fancy a little swim after lunch, follow the small path around the headland to the left of Ammoudi Bay. This lesser-known path takes you to Ammoudi Beach, which is less of a beach and more of a rocky outcrop surrounded by inviting turquoise waters. 

Here you can take a refreshing dip in the ocean, try a spot of cliff diving, or simply perch on the rocks and watch the locals have at it. If you are planning on cliff jumping, consider bringing some water shoes, as the rocks can be painful on bare feet.

Depending on how much time you had in Oia in the morning, you may want to head back up after lunch to see a little more of Santorini’s most famous city. You can either walk back up the donkey path, or hop in a taxi if you prefer. 

A view of oia santorini at sunset

Either way, you’ll want to be back in Oia by the time the sun starts to set. The most famous spot for sunset is by the ruins of the Venetian Castle of Agios Nikolaos, however, this place can get hideously crowded come sundown, and many reserve their spot hours in advance. 

As an alternative, you can continue down the path towards Ammoudi and find a spot on the old castle walls instead. Here you have a lower perspective of the city, but you might get lucky and have the place all to yourself. 

If you prefer your golden hour with a drink in hand, try booking a table at the upper terrace of the Sun Spirit bar, or arriving early to grab a walk-in seat. 

Blue domes at sunset in santorini

Evening: Fine Dining with a View

For fine dining with the most show-stopping caldera views, book a front-line table at Ambrosia for your evening meal. You’re only in Oia once, so I suggest splashing out for an unforgettable dining experience if you have the means.

Another great choice for gourmet food with a view in Oia would be Floga 1800, which is also a kind of living museum, housed in a sailor’s mansion dating back to 1845. 

If your budget can’t stretch to fine dining, Flora Comfort Cusine is a low-key spot for dinner which offers hearty portions of traditional Greek fare on a terrace overlooking the breathtaking caldera. 

Day 4: Discover Hidden Villages and Go Wine Tasting 

Taking the stairs at Aperto suites in Santorini

Overview 

Your 4 days in Santorini may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give your time on this incredible island the best send-off.

Spend the day exploring the secret side of Santorini, in some off-the-beaten-path villages and then toast to the beauty of the island with a wine-tasting experience like no other. Enjoy your last evening dining on an infinity terrace overlooking the Aegean. 

Morning: Discover Secret Santorini 

A quaint blue domed church in santorini

How you spend your final day depends on you. If you are lucky enough to be staying in a stunning hotel with caldera views and perhaps a swimming pool or private hot tub, you may want to make the most of your accommodation by simply staying in and soaking up those incredible views. 

If you are the type of person who can’t sit still when you’re on vacation, then you might prefer to get out and explore a little more of Santorini. If that’s the case, I recommend experiencing the lesser-visited side of Santorini for a break from the crowds and some truly unique photo opportunities. 

I recommend renting a car or scooter for the day if you haven’t got one already because these villages are harder to get to by public transport. But that’s just what makes them so special! 

The first stop is Megalochori, which is just a short 15-minute drive along the caldera from Fira. This gorgeous little village has churches built right into the cliffside, beautiful cobbled squares where locals get their coffee, and a warren of whitewashed streets where you can get lost among authentic Santorini architecture. 

A path in Megalochori santorini

For photography, you have the classic sapphire-crowned Church of Agios Nikolaos, as well as the incredible bell tower which overlooks the main square. 

Next up is Emporio, which is inland, a little like Pyrgos. It’s just a few minute’s drive from Megalochori. This medieval village has somehow managed to stay relatively untouched by tourism and offers a window into the authentic way of life on the island. 

The pretty curved chimneys and bougainvillea-draped walls are still present here, with plenty of spots for photography. The miniature marbled chapel of Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis is worth a visit, as is the Panagia Mesani Church in Emporio Castle.

Along with the typical chalk-white Cycladic architecture, Emporio is home to a few happy splashes of colour too, offering enticing and unique Santorini backdrops for your photos. 

Lunch: To Psaraki

lunch at To Psaraki

If you have hired a car for the day, I strongly recommend taking a 10-minute detour to Vlychada, to have lunch at To Psaraki.

This unassuming little taverna overlooks the harbour and offers fresh, authentic fare. It is overseen by a chef who once had his own Michelin-star restaurant but gave it all up to open a low-key fish restaurant on the quiet side of the island. Booking in advance is advised!

Afternoon: Go Wine Tasting 

White church in santorini

After lunch, if you have time, you can drive 10 minutes to Akrotiri on your way back to Fira. This is not exactly a secret spot in Santorini, but the picturesque lighthouse and fascinating history make it a popular spot when spending 4 days in Santorini.

Here, at the southernmost tip of the crescent moon, you’ll find ruins dating back to 4000 BC, when the first settlers arrived on Santorini. 

Similar to Italy’s famous Pompeii, these ruins are incredibly well-preserved thanks to an almighty volcano eruption that wiped out the Minoans who once called this spot home. You can purchase skip-the-line entrance tickets in advance or book a guided tour to explore the ruins. 

Close to Akrotiri is the famous Red Beach, which you will have seen from the water on day 1. If you want a closer look, you can drive by Red Beach on your way back to Fira. Staying here for swimming and sunbathing is not recommended, as landslides are frequent, so it can be very dangerous. 

Wine tasting tour - a must-do when spending 4 days in Santorini

In the late afternoon, you can’t miss a wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery Located south of Fira, this place offers a unique vantage point to enjoy your last sunset in Santorini or simply sip unique vintages from a volcanic island. 

If you’re really interested in the famous wine production of the island, you could also book a Sunset wine-tasting tour, which takes you to 3 traditional wineries around the island, culminating in a comprehensive sampling at golden hour. 

This really is a gorgeous way to round off your 4 days in Santorini!

Book a Wine Tour Here

Evening: Aris Restaurant 

The caldera view at sunset from Aris restaurant Santorini

For your final meal in Santorini, I can highly recommend Aris Restaurant in the centre of Fira. With stunning views and incredible food, this place also had surprisingly reasonable prices! Book ahead for a front-line table, and get the caramelised octopus! 

4 Days in Santorini: FAQs

Is 4 Days in Santorini Enough? 

4 days in Santorini is enough to see all the most famous spots and still have time for a little relaxing and seeing the lesser-known side of Santorini. Of course, there is always more to see and do, so if you have longer, you certainly won’t get bored! 

Where to Stay in Santorini?

A drink on the balcony at Aperto suites
A cave suite at aperto suites in santorini
a hot tub on the balcony at aperto suites

We stayed at Aperto Suites in central Fira, which is a stunning adults-only boutique hotel with just a handful of stylish suites. All rooms have stunning caldera views, and many also come with their own hot tub on the balcony, which makes for a dreamy sunset-viewing experience. You can see more photos, pricing, and availability here. 

Check Rates & Availability
A girl in a blue bikini enjoying the balcony at aperto suites santorini
A view of the sunset from Aperto suites in fira santorini

Other recommended options include:

Stella Rocca A Mare: A super chic hotel in Imerovigli with stunning cave suites, some with their own hot tubs, as well as an uber-cool communal bar and pool area. 

San Giorgio: A no-frills hotel in Fira with a small swimming pool and stylish rooms, perfect if your budget is a little tighter. 

Aspaki by Art Maisons: Breathtaking cave suites in Oia, ideal if you’re looking for the full, once-in-a-lifetime Santorini experience!

Alternatively, browse all properties in Santorini to find one that fits your budget and dates. I always recommend filtering by review score (8+), price, and facilities to find the best options for you. 

How to Get to Santorini?

A pink sunset cloud over Fira santorini

You can get to Santorini by plane from many major airports across Europe, or by ferry from other Greek islands and cities such as Crete, Athens, and neighbouring Cycladic islands.

I use OMIO to check ferry options and prices and book tickets in advance. Here are some of the most convenient ferry itineraries you could consider:

  • Athens to Santorini ferries (prices starting from €26)
  • Crete to Santorini ferries (prices starting from €17)

Make sure to book ferry tickets in advance rather than at the last minute as the price might go up 10 times for the proximate dates.

Check Santorini Ferry Times Here

When you arrive, ask your hotel to arrange a transfer to pick you up from the airport or ferry port. Many of the hotels are not located on a driveable road, so you will need a driver with knowledge of your hotel and how to get there. Some higher-end hotels will also send porters to help you with your luggage.

Best Time to Visit Santorini?

A giel sitting at a bar admiring the view of Santorini at night in September

The best time to visit Santorini is during the shoulder season in either September or May/June. The weather is still lovely and sunny at this time of year but there aren’t as many crowds. We went in late September and found it was still warm enough to sit out at night without a jacket.

In the daytime, it’s sunbathing weather for sure! It’s also typically less windy than it is in peak summer due to the absence of the Meltemi winds – a little-known fact about Santorini!

Read the full guide to visiting Santorini in September here!

How to Get Around in Santorini 

A church on the fira to oia hike walking path

Santorini has a good network of buses, however, these can often get very busy during the peak summer months. For this reason, many people choose to rent a car or scooter instead.

The prices are very reasonable and you get to see more of the island this way. You could also consider just renting a car or scooter on the days you plan to travel around a bit more. 

Compare rental car prices here

Taxis tend to be quite expensive and there aren’t enough for an island with so many visitors. However, you can book them in advance, usually by asking your hotel to arrange it. Water taxis also operate, primarily between Kamari and Perissa Beaches, and also between Fira to Oia. 

a white door at sunset in santorini

Top Travel Tips for Spending 4 Days in Santorini 

So now that you have the perfect Santorini itinerary nailed down, here are a few final top tips for spending 4 days in Santorini. 

  • Book things in advance: For the best hotels, activities, and restaurants with a view, it is essential to book before you go. Santorini is an incredibly popular place, and many of the best options get booked up many months in advance. 
  • Pack sensible shoes: Sure, take some pretty sandals for photos, but make sure you also pack something supportive to help you tackle the steep, cobbled streets (that are sometimes slick with donkey poo!)
  • Don’t rent a quad bike: ATVs are the leading cause of accidents in Santorini. The roads are chaotic and you’ll be driving something you’ve never driven before. Instead, rent a car or scooter to get around. 
  • Avoid central Fira and Oia during peak hours: If you can, I recommend avoiding central Fira and Oia during the middle of the day, when cruise ship guests take over the streets and everything feels very stressful and hectic. Instead, walk up to Imerovigli for lunch or down to Ammoudi in Oia. 

Have more questions about visiting Santorini? Fire away in the comments! 

Or perhaps you’re comparing multiple iconic European destinations for a long weekend? Check out my 4-day Paris itinerary for more inspiration!

RECOMMENDED LINKS AND RESOURCES

Booking.com: For the most comprehensive selection of hotels and accommodation in destinations worldwide.

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Get Your Guide: For the best range of tours and activities, rated by previous users.

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WayAway: For the best flight comparison platform with cashback on bookings.

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Dated: October 18, 2023 · Posted In: Bucket List Experiences, Destinations, Europe, Greece, Once in a Lifetime · Tagged: europe, greece, honeymoon, Santorini, travel

Comments

  1. Natalie says

    October 19, 2023 at 3:44 pm

    Such beautiful photos and helpful info!! Santorini is such a dream. I’d love to take a sunset boat cruise, I bet the views of the island are crazy gorgeous.

    Reply
    • Amabel says

      October 20, 2023 at 10:41 am

      You have to do it next time! The boat trip definitely offers a unique perspective and a chance to see lots of famous spots in a short space of time 🙌

      Reply
  2. Tigrest says

    April 18, 2024 at 12:03 pm

    Amazing photos! Love Santorini and need to visit it one day! Lunch with a view looks amazing! Also the beaches and churches as well as sunsets are among the best on this island

    Reply
    • Eriel Cleveland says

      April 18, 2024 at 5:10 pm

      I’ve been to Santorini for my birthday, and it was VERY BEAUTIFUL! My friend and I stayed in Pygros, and we were able to the views of the Island. I’m glad you added Pygros because I don’t think a lot of people know about it. Great article!

      Reply
    • Amabel says

      April 19, 2024 at 5:38 pm

      Thank you! 100% – You can’t beat a Santorini sunset.

      Reply
  3. Lucia says

    April 18, 2024 at 1:19 pm

    The photos in Santorini can never go wrong, the place is just amazing. Which month did you go because I’d love to get these kinds of photos without the crowds.

    Reply
    • Amabel says

      April 19, 2024 at 5:37 pm

      We went at the end of September! I recommend staying in Fira or Oia because it was still very crowded during the days with daytrippers. But mornings/evenings were lovely and quiet!

      Reply
  4. Rosemary Palmer says

    April 18, 2024 at 4:33 pm

    Greece and Iceland are at the top of my foreign travel trips. I would hate to choose. Your photos and ideas are perfect.

    Reply
    • Amabel says

      April 19, 2024 at 5:38 pm

      Thanks so much ❤️it’s easy when the destination is this photogenic. Hope you get to Greece very soon!

      Reply
  5. Eriel Cleveland says

    April 18, 2024 at 5:11 pm

    I’ve been to Santorini for my birthday, and it was VERY BEAUTIFUL! My friend and I stayed in Pygros, and we were able to the views of the Island. I’m glad you added Pygros because I don’t think a lot of people know about it. Great article!

    Reply
    • Amabel says

      April 19, 2024 at 5:39 pm

      So true, Prygos is one of the only undiscovered spots left on the island! Loved strolling around the more authentic Greek streets and tavernas there. Glad you like the article!

      Reply
  6. Lenore says

    April 20, 2024 at 1:34 am

    Santorini looks like an absolute dream! I’m hoping to visit soon. I’d love to check out the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, the black sand beaches and open air cinema.

    Reply
  7. zidane says

    October 18, 2024 at 10:25 am

    great place to visit, thank you for creating this article

    Reply
  8. Sonia says

    February 13, 2025 at 2:53 pm

    Love the photos. The sunset cruise looks wonderful, hoping to be able to do this.

    Reply
    • Amabel says

      February 14, 2025 at 12:22 pm

      Thanks so much! Definitely recommend the sunset cruise if you can squeeze it into your itinerary. Hope you have the best time!

      Reply
  9. Barbara says

    February 14, 2025 at 11:45 pm

    Such a romantic, beautiful place to explore! It is one of my dream list destinations! So beautiful and whimsical!

    Reply
    • Amabel says

      February 17, 2025 at 3:09 pm

      It really is one of the most romantic places! Especially if you can beat the crowds. Hope you make it there very soon.

      Reply
  10. Under flowery sky says

    February 16, 2025 at 2:44 pm

    Santorini is so beautiful, happy that I visited and I would love to explore more…

    Reply
    • Amabel says

      February 17, 2025 at 3:10 pm

      There is so much to see – always an opportunity to go back!

      Reply

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Like most European locals they are super friendly, Like most European locals they are super friendly, love a good catch of the day, and the afternoon nap is protected at all costs 🫶 

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Teensy reminder that Santorini looks like this nex Teensy reminder that Santorini looks like this next month ✨

September is honestly one of the dreamiest times to visit Santorini.

You still get that gorgeous Greek island sunshine, the sea is warm enough to swim in, and the summer crowds start to feel a little less chaotic.

It’s also usually less windy than July and August, which makes it the perfect time for sunset catamaran cruises, beach days and wandering those famous cliffside towns without feeling quite so frazzled.

A few things I’d add to your September Santorini list:

🌅 Take a sunset catamaran cruise around the caldera
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Ofc, Fira and Oia are still busy, but go early enough and you can get those dreamy blue dome streets almost to yourself.

Basically, September gives you the best bits of summer Santorini, but with a slower, more romantic feel.

Comment ‘September’ and I’ll send you my full guide to visiting Santorini next month, including what to do, what to pack and the tips I wish I’d known before going 🫶

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Comment your dream destination and I’ll do the Girl Math on it next! 🫶💖

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