one day tour santorini

One Day in Santorini: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

A day in santorini: best things to do + itinerary + tips.

You’re planning to spend one day in Santorini and you’re looking for the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 1-day itinerary in Santorini.

First, I will give you practical information about how to get to Santorini and transportation on the island. Then, I will give you a detailed itinerary for your day , with all my best tips to make the most of your visit.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities, I will also give you my selection of the best hotels in Santorini depending on your budget and itinerary ideas, in case you plan to continue your trip on other Greek islands.

So, what are the best places to visit in Santorini in a day? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Book your ferry crossing

Go to santorini for 1 day: flight prices, rent a car for 1 day in santorini, one-day stop in santorini during a cruise, one last tip for a perfect day in santorini, a: visit to fira, b: hiking from fira to oia, c: visit to oia, the best organised outings to do when spending 1 day in santorini, best hotels in oia, best hotels in fira, other best places to stay in santorini island, more things to do and see in santorini in 1 day, where to go after your stay in santorini, rent a boat in santorini, map of your 1-day itinerary in santorini, cyclades (greek islands), my best tips to spend 1 day in santorini.

To go and spend a day in Santorini from another Greek island or Athens , the first thing to do is take the ferry.

Travel times and fares vary depending on the size and therefore the speed of the boat.

I recommend that you book your tickets in advance so that you can choose your schedule. Santorini is one of the most touristic destinations in Greece !

If you want to make the most of your time on the island, try to arrive as soon as possible.

Directly look at the timetables, prices and book your boat trips to Santorini with the green button below:

From the port of Santorini , you will be only about ten kilometres away from the very popular village of Fira, where I propose you start your one-day stay in Santorini.

You can get there by bus, taxi or car.

The second way to get to Santorini is by flight, as the island has an international airport.

You can then get to the main villages by bus, taxi or car.

The prices of flights to Santorini vary greatly, it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparison tool , in partnership with Skyscanner. It is the assurance of getting the best price.

You don’t necessarily need a car to spend a day in Santorini. As I told you, after arriving at the port or the airport, you just have to take the bus or taxi to get to Fira.

If you follow the route I have prepared for you, you will not need a vehicle.

But if you have already come to Santorini or you don’t want to visit the 2 main villages , it is better to rent a car to avoid wasting time on public transport.

In this case, I recommend you go through the website Rentalcars.com . It is very convenient to compare the rates of the rental companies present at the airport or the port of Santorini.

Click on the button below to book your rental car and drive around Santorini in 1 day:

In case you go on a cruise with a one-day stopover in Santorini, the boat will drop you not at the main port, but at the old port of Santorini, which is located at the foot of Fira.

If you wish to visit the island independently and not with the tours offered by the cruise (which are generally quite expensive), you can totally follow the schedule of visits that I propose just after.

You just have to reach the centre of Fira by taking the cable car (easy version!) or the stairs for the more athletic types. You can also climb the steps on donkey-back, but given the way they are treated, I don’t necessarily recommend it.

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As Santorini is one of the most touristic places in the world , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Santorini by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at traveler’s favorite hotels in Santorini.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Santorini, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

1 day in Santorini: the best itinerary

After these few tips to get to the island, we get to the heart of the matter with my one-day itinerary in Santorini.

I have prepared a tour to visit the most famous places and the most beautiful places that are not to be missed on this splendid day!

So, what are the best things to do in Santorini in 1 day?

I suggest you start this 1 day tour in Santorini with the island’s capital: Fira.

Whether you arrive by flight or boat, it is the closest village and is the most easily accessible by public transport. But it is especially one of the most beautiful ones!

Located on the edge of the caldera , Fira is nothing less than a postcard decor par excellence: typical white and blue houses, luxury hotels with an infinity pool, cobbled streets and an exceptional view!

I do not recommend a particular route to visit Fira. Walk about freely and enjoy the views. Wherever you go, you will instantly fall under the charm of this magnificent island of the Cyclades !

You will also find a lot of small chic boutiques, ideal for shopping during your day in Santorini.

In Fira, you can also take the cable car that goes down to the small port at the bottom of the village. A round trip costs around €12 and allows you to admire a unique view of the island for a few minutes.

History and archaeology buffs will also find something to keep busy by visiting one of Fira’s 2 museums:

The prehistoric Thera museum has the remains discovered on the site of Akrotiri
The archaeological museum and its collection of elements from Akrotiri and Ancient Thera

After discovering Fira, I recommend that you continue this short one-day visit to Santorini with a small walk.

Take the path that runs along the top of the cliff to first reach the village of Firostefani in only 10 minutes on foot and continue the walk to Imerovigli (another 20 minutes).

I would like to warn you that you will probably take a little more time with all the photo stops you are sure to take! In Imerovigli you will find yourself at the highest point of the caldera.

From there, it is possible to walk to Oia , the second splendid must-see village during this 1-day itinerary in Santorini.

This path connecting Fira to Oia is the mythical path of the island . It is known for offering magnificent views and I can assure you that its reputation is well-deserved!

It is approximately 9 km long from Imerovigli and a 2-hour walk will take you to Oia. A little more, if like me, you stop every 10 metres to take a photo…

The path is well marked and accessible but you should take at least a pair of sneakers . Flip-flops or going barefoot are not really recommended! And considering it’s right under the hot sun, bring water and a hat.

If you don’ t feel like walking or don’t have time , you don’t have to go hiking from Fira to Oia. All you have to do is take the bus or a taxi to get to Oia.

I would advise you to walk a little along the caldera at the end of Fira, towards Firostefani, so as not to miss a few views.

If you plan to visit Santorini for one day , you have to go through the village of Oia.

It is the second most famous village on the island!

Just like in Fira, you just have to walk around the alleys to enjoy the view. It also has the white houses, the churches with blue domes and the 5* hotels!

But Oia is, above all, the best place to go to while spending a day in Santorini to admire the sunset. Every evening, hundreds of people come to watch this exceptional and romantic show!

One of the most beautiful spots is found at the ruins of the Byzantine castle. I recommend that you plan to arrive 1-2 hours beforehand to get a good seat.

Many people also choose to book a table in one of the bars with a view of the caldera to enjoy a quieter atmosphere while sipping a good cocktail.

Another alternative to see Santorini in 1 day: choose an organised tour.

This type of outing is very convenient to see a maximum number of things in a short time without having to worry about organising anything. You will benefit from the explanations of a guide who will accompany you all day long and the transport.

I have selected the best trips for you to take in 1 day in Santorini:

1) Bus tour with sunset in Oia.

This guided tour in English includes:

Visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri
The village of Emporio
Perissa beach
The vineyards of Santorini with wine tasting
Passing through the island’s highest point
Visiting Oia at sunset.

Book this trip in Santorini directly with the button below:

2) A private 6-hour tour of the island’s best places to visit

During this private guided tour (available in English) you can discover all the main tourist attractions of the island. And what’s great is that this 1-day itinerary in Santorini is flexible and customisable!

Other advantage: the shuttle service between the airport or the port to the meeting point with the guide is included. And for those arriving by boat, the guide will wait for you at the top of the Fira cable car.

3) Minibus tour to Oia and Firostefani

This tour is ideal for cruise ship passengers as it only lasts for half a day with departures in the morning or afternoon.

You will go to Oia with your guide and then you will start a minibus tour to enjoy the best views.

If these tours do not suit you, you can find all the best tours and activities to do on the island right here: All tours and activities in Santorini.

Where to stay in Santorini?

If you only have one day to spend in Santorini and you are spending one night on the island before continuing your tour in Greece , I advise you to stay in one of the 2 main villages: Fira or Oia.

This is not necessarily the most economical option, but it is certainly the most practical one to get to the port the next day. And it’s worth it to enjoy a beautiful hotel with a view of the caldera!

One piece of advice: try booking your accommodation in Santorini as early as possible to get the best rate.

Aethrio Hotel: Located in Oia, only a few steps away from the main square. You can rent double rooms, studio flats or apartments with balcony for most of them. The price starts from 160€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the swimming pool, the large rooms, the rooftop to admire the sunset. It’s one of the cheapest places in Oia, and it offers a great value for money!
Caldera Premium Villas: Located in the centre of Oia. You will love the troglodyte suites with a breathtaking view of the sea and the caldera, starting from 290€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the design of the rooms, and the location.
Theodora Suites Apartment: Located in the heart of the city. Studio flats with small kitchen, fridge, private terrace and hot tub, starting from 350€, breakfast included. What I loved: the hot tubs, the breathtaking view, the kind staff.
Andronis Boutique Hotel: 5-star hotel located in Oia. You’ll enjoy large suites with a view of the caldera, private balcony and private hot tub or pool, starting from 800€ with breakfast included. Strong points: the idyllic scenery and the calm. It’s my recommendation for a one-week romantic stay in Greece!
Katikies Hotel – The Leading Hotels of the World: This luxurious hotel offers rooms and suites with a great view, bathtub and spa. The price starts from 1000€ with breakfast included. What I loved: the pools, the spas, the splendid views and the food! It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Santorini!

Katikies Hotel The Leading Hotels of the World

Galatia Villas: Located 10 minutes away from Fira’s city centre. The double rooms are quite basic but nice, and the price starts from only 80€ per night. Strong points: the hot tub on the roof, the kind staff, the great value for money for Santorini.
Lilium Santorini Villa: Located on the edge of the caldera. These elegant and modern double rooms with sea view are available starting from 315€, breakfast included. What I loved: the pool, the exceptionnal location, the warm and welcoming staff.
Cosmopolitan Suites – Small Luxury Hotels of the World: Located in the heart of Fira. You will enjoy lovely rooms with private balcony, decorated in the purest Cycladian style, starting from 550€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the infinity pool over the cliff, and the luxury hotel services. This is the perfect place to stay with your lover in Santorini!
Aria Suites: Located in Fira, this high standard hotel offers only 6 suites and luxury villas, fully equipped (you even get a laptop), starting from 700€ per night. What I loved: the magnificent place, the pool and the staff availability. This is a great choice for a luxurious and romantic stay in Fira!

Memories Beach Hotel: Located just accross Monolithos beach. These comfortable modern rooms starts from 65€ per night, with breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the calm and the adorable staff.
Rose Suites: Located in Vourvoulos, only 4 kilometers away from Fira. Those studio flats and apartments are well equiped and decorated, with a small kitchen and a private terrace. The prices are starting from 75€ per night. What I loved: the pool, the calm, the decoration. The fridge is also full with everything you need for breakfast. This is the best choice in Santorini for its exceptional value for money!
Hippocampus Hotel: Located in Kamari, only 50 meters away from the beach. The rooms, with a view on the swimming pool or the garden, are starting from 85€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the ideal location close to the beach, and the really kind staff.
Meltemi Village Hotel: Located in Perissa, only 5 minutes away from the Black beach. The rooms and suites with hot tubs are starting from 100€ per night, with the breakfast included. What I loved: the pools, the spa, and the great breakfast. A great choice for a stay on Santorini’s shore!

If you prefer to organise your Santorini tour programme in 1 day as you want, you will find plenty of other ideas for things to do in my dedicated article.

Whether you want to take a boat trip , spend time at the beach or discover the other villages of the island , there is something for everyone!

You will find all the details and information by clicking on the following link: The 17 best things to do in Santorini

After deciding to spend 1 day in Santorini , you can choose to discover another island of the Cyclades to continue your trip in Greece.

From Santorini you can easily get to the following islands by ferry :

Ios, if you want to enjoy the beaches by day and party at night.
Amorgos , ideal for hiking with its many marked trails. All my best tips for visiting the island can be found here: The best things to do in Amorgos
Naxos , an island of the Cyclades renowned for its beautiful beaches. Do read my dedicated article: Best things to see in Naxos
Mykonos, whose reputation as a festive and trendy island is well established!

I have prepared a description of all the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades in this article: The best things to do in the Cyclades

To give you an idea of how to organise your tour to visit the Cyclades, I recommend you read my other articles:

Itinerary: 1 week in Greek islands – How to visit the Cyclades in 6, 7 or 8 days
Itinerary: 10 days in Greek islands – The definitive guide to visit the Cyclades in 10 days!
Itinerary: Greek Island Hopping routes – The best 2 weeks itinerary to visit the Cyclades

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Santorini, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Santorini? 😊

To help you visualise your itinerary during your day in Santorini, I have created a map for you listing the places you will visit. You can display the map legend by clicking the button on the top left with a small arrow.

You will then be able to view the places names.

Do you need help in organising your 1-day itinerary in Santorini? Feel free to ask me any questions you may have in the comments section.

Greece travel guides

Buy the Lonely Planet Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
Buy the DK Eyewitness Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Greece ? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Greece : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Greece are listed there.

The 20 Best Things to do in Greece – The Ultimate Bucket list!
The 15 Best Things to do in Peloponnese – All the must-see attractions
Itinerary: 4-5 days in Greece – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Greece
Itinerary: 1 week in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Santorini!
Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
Itinerary: 10 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Central Greece in 9-10 days
Itinerary: 2 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + Cyclades (Santorini)
Itinerary: 3 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + even more Cyclades islands!
Itinerary: 1 month in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Greece in a month!
Road trip in Greece – The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days.
Athens: The 20 Best Things to do and see
Thessaloniki: The 12 best places to visit
The 15 Best Cyclades Islands to visit – With all the must-see attractions
Amorgos: The 8 best places to see
Andros: The 7 must-see attractions and activities
Naxos: Top 10 things to do
Paros: The 10 best places to visit
Tinos: The 10 best things to do
Where to stay in Santorini? Find the perfect hotel for an EPIC stay in Santorini!
Rhodes: Top 12 best places to visit

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One Day in Santorini Itinerary – Top Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

Iconic, unique, and instantly recognizable, this gorgeous island stands out as one of the authentic Greek holiday destinations. In addition to the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea and the perfect climate, this small island is also famous for its almost alien landscape due to its red and black sand-covered beaches. Santorini’s ruins and its barren caldera stand in stark contrast with its quaint towns and villages, whose peculiar houses with bright white façades and blue rooftops shine in the midday sun. Perhaps it is precisely this sense of subtle danger paired with the seeming timelessness and perseverance of the scattered settlements that made Santorini one of the most popular marriage/honeymoon destinations in all of Greece. If at all possible, spend at least one day in your life here – it will be absolutely magical!

Plan your trip to Santorini

1. WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SANTORINI? 2. A FEW FACTS ABOUT SANTORINI 3. ONE DAY IN SANTORINI ITINERARY 3.1. Rent a Car or Plan How to Get Around 3.2. Visit Akrotiri First 3.3. Check out the Red Beach 3.4. Enjoy the Sweeping Views from Profitis Ilias 3.5. Explore Ancient Thera 3.6. Taste Some Excellent Greek Wine 3.7. Grab a Bite to Eat Before Moving On 3.8. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira in Fira 3.9. Drive to Imerovigli 3.10. Continue to Oia 3.11. Set Aside 30 Minutes for the Maritime Museum 3.12. Take a Short Walk to the Byzantine Castle Ruins in Time for Sunset 3.13. Pick a Good Spot for Dinner 3.14. Enjoy Santorini’s Nightlife 4. WHERE TO STAY IN SANTORINI? 5. SANTORINI DAY TRIPS 6. EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING SANTORINI

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SANTORINI?

As per usual, there’s no such thing as the best time to visit Santorini. It all depends on your own needs and preferences, and, of course, your budget. Winters are mild and the rates are much more affordable, but if you want to spend some time at the beach and go swimming/snorkeling , you’ll have to visit between May and September , the absolute best time to visit Santorini when it comes to the weather. However, July and August are relatively poor choices in case you hate crowds.

TIP: Need a transport from/to an airport ? Pre-book your transfer with Welcomepickups . They offer the cheapest prices and most comfortable ride along with the possibility to pre-order essential travel products.

On the other hand, the island hums with activity during the high season, with a subdued, yet vivid nightlife scene providing a refreshing alternative to typical activities such as sightseeing, dining, and swimming. There are plenty of religious festivals on the island throughout the year, and you may want to come and check out the Ifestia Festival at the end of summer.

However, the sweet spot months for visiting are either April and May or October . These months are certainly the best time to visit Santorini if you’re looking to combine entertaining tours, long pleasant walks, and an occasional party. Naturally, there will be fewer people, too.

A FEW FACTS ABOUT SANTORINI

In spite of its fame, very few people know Santorini’s actual name. Officially, the island is called Thira . Before its current name caught on, Santorini was mostly known as Kallístē (literally “the most beautiful one”). With only 15,000 permanent inhabitants, Santorini is not a particularly populous island, although more than 1.5 million visitors spend their vacation there every year.

The recognizable white houses with blue rooftops have become a veritable symbol of Santorini. This is not merely a stylistic choice. The colors imitate the blue and white of the Greek flag – the blue symbolizes the sky and the sea, and the white purity. The unique beaches are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions that shaped the island’s extraordinary landscape. Vestiges of the volcanic eruption that created Santorini are visible throughout the island, as well as the visible traces of a tsunami that affected Crete millions of years ago.

Santorini’s numerous hot springs are another result of the island’s ongoing volcanic activity . The most famous eruption on Santorini was the notorious “ Minoan eruption ”, which took place in the 17 th century BC and completely destroyed the ancient civilization on the island. According to one theory, the massive eruption may even have inspired the legend of Atlantis . The Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program rated the Minoan eruption a seven on its Volcanic Explosivity Index, which is the highest possible score for a historical eruption.

Apart from the enchanting landscape, Santorini’s world-famous wine and amazing local cuisine made it a very popular destination, especially among the rich and famous.

ONE DAY IN SANTORINI ITINERARY

You will be forgiven for thinking that this is paradise! Santorini just has that kind of effect on people. However, in order to make the most of your time here, you will need a reliable itinerary. This is exactly that – check out the top sights and things to do on your one day in Santorini.

Rent a Car or Plan How to Get Around

While Santorini is not a very large island, it is still too big to traverse on foot. It takes 3 hours or more to get from one landmark to another or to cross the distance between the small towns. The easiest (and still very affordable) way to navigate the island is by car . You can rent a car or a motorbike at the Santorini Airport and basically every town, especially Fira , the capital of Santorini. Santorini’s buses (KTEL) connect all the villages, with daily routes to most of the major places to visit in Santorini.

However, the bus ticket costs up to 2.50 EUR per route, which means that you can rent a car (starting from 25 EUR per day ) for the price of ten bus rides.

Visit Akrotiri First

Located near the southern tip of Santorini, the prehistoric town of Akrotiri is one of the most important settlements discovered on the island. It is notable for its age, predating the Mycenaean Period, when the Greeks arrived on Santorini for the first time. Old Akrotiri is a Bronze Age settlement , belonging to the early Cretan civilization, as evidenced by the distinctive writing system (Linear A). There is evidence of habitation dating back to the late Neolithic , around the 4 th millennium BC.

The settlement was very advanced, with a complex drainage system and sophisticated multistoried buildings whose numerous wall paintings and magnificent furniture indicate that the town vas very powerful, prosperous, and well-connected. A lot of the artifacts are well-preserved since they were buried in volcanic ash after a powerful eruption in the 16 th century BC destroyed the town, preserving priceless wall paintings and everyday objects.

Akrotiri today is a minor town slightly to the north of the archeological site. You can park at the small parking lot near the Akrotiri Museum , a short walk from the excavations. Both the archeological site and the museum opens at 8 , so try to get there as early as possible. In many ways, this place is reminiscent of Pompeii, which is more famous, in spite of being more recent.

Check out the Red Beach

Many consider visiting the Red Beach as one of the top things to do in Santorini, and for a good reason. The most famous and arguably the most scenic beach on the island is located approximately 1 km southwest of Akrotiri. You can get there on foot in 12 minutes or less, or you can drive to the nearby Saint Nikolaos Orthodox Church , a pretty little church whose white walls and blue windows stand out against the dark cliffs in the background.

Take the short path around the cape and you’ll get to the Red Beach, a unique sight due to its dominant red color surrounded by massive volcanic rocks washed by the crystal-clear deep blue waters. The beach is a bit touristy, but it is quite sheltered, with plenty of shade due to its orientation, which means that it doesn’t get as hot as some other places on the island. If you want to go for a swim, this is a great place, especially before it gets crowded later in the day.

Enjoy the Sweeping Views from Profitis Ilias

After the Red Beach, go for a short 20-minute drive to Profitis Ilias, the highest summit on the island . The summit gets its name from Moni Profiti Ilia (Prophet Elias), the monastery that is located there. The monastery, which was built in 1712, played an important role in Santorini’s intellectual and cultural life. During the monastery’s prime, the monks owned a ship and conducted profitable business. This allowed them to amass an enviable collection of bibles, icons, ethnographic material, and ecclesiastical objects.

The on-site museum contains most of these artifacts. The best thing about the location, however, is the breathtaking view of the whole island essentially. It is one of the best places to visit in Santorini for amazing panoramic photos.

Explore Ancient Thera

Another scenic mountaintop spot, Ancient Thera is located slightly to the east of Profitis Ilias. However, you’ll have to go through Pyrgos Kallistis, Exo Gonia, and Kamari to get there. The latter is a small village and resort in the shadow of Mesa Vouno , a large, steep, rocky mountain to the south. The ruins of ancient Thera are located at the very top of the mountain. A narrow, winding road leads up to the entrance and parking. You’ll need to hike a short stretch to the top, past the Ekklisia Agios Stefanos (small old church) and Sanctuary of Artemidoros, a part of the ruin complex.

The rock carvings found there are impressive, although not as impressive as the remains of the public buildings in ancient Thera. These include temples, markets, baths, two cemeteries, and a theatre. Ancient Thera was founded by Doric colonists from Sparta , who recognized its strategic importance, but left few artifacts in terms of the arts since they were quite conservative. The archeological findings are mostly comprised of statues, vases, and figurines, dating back to the 6 th and 7 th centuries BC. The view from the top ranks among the most impressive things to see in Santorini.

Taste Some Excellent Greek Wine

If you are not sure what to do in Santorini, touring the local wineries is always a good start. And the very best winery on the island is Santo , near the shore west of Pyrgos Kallistis. From Thera, it takes approximately 20 minutes to get there (total distance: 8.5 km). Santo is situated at the very top of the caldera wall looking out towards the west and the Kameni islands in the middle of the famous caldera.

In addition to being a winery, Santo is a remarkable historic institution that serves as the headquarters of the grape growers’ union. It pairs great wine and delicious food with sweeping caldera views from large terraces. Santo is dedicated to preserving the culture of Santorini, with regular winter workshops teaching the island’s children about their ancestors and long-forgotten customs.

Grab a Bite to Eat Before Moving On

Spend some time enjoying the breathtaking view from the terrace with a glass of wine. The 10-wine tasting is the best option, with excellent wines at a reasonable price. Two people can easily split the wine unless you are a die-hard wine enthusiast. In case you decide to order some food , you certainly won’t regret it.

The offer includes some great cheese and meat charcuterie platters, although you can also choose the complete tasting and gastronomy experience . That way, you get premium wines ideally paired with dishes such as octopus & fava mousse, stuffed pork tenderloin, and Greek Santorini salad. And that’s just the start!

Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira in Fira

After a lovely lunch, hit the road again and drive to Fira, the island’s capital. The Museum of Prehistoric Thira is one of the town’s biggest attractions. While small, the museum is an exciting find for everyone who appreciates ancient art. It is worth a visit for the beautiful frescoes alone, not to mention other priceless artifacts from the archaeological sites of Akrotiri, Potamos, and others.

The Archaeological Museum of Thera is a decent alternative, although slightly less popular and containing similar finds. The nearby Folklore Museum is also worth checking out if you want to learn about the more recent Greek culture and history. Located in a traditional house, the museum exhibits old furniture, clothing, utensils, and old family heirlooms.

Drive to Imerovigli

A small village just north of Fira, Imerovigli is often listed among the most beautiful and scenic places on the island. It is particularly famous for its breathtaking sunset, as well as the way the houses are built around the caldera. After a scenic drive to Imerovigli, make sure to check out the Monastery of Saint Nikolaos . There’s also the church of Ai-Stratis , in the center of the village. The main square leads up to the Caldera and the traditional cave settlements. There are several viewpoints in the village that offer amazing views of the volcano.

Continue to Oia

As the last stop of your one day in Santorini, make your way to Oia . It is a beautiful picturesque village near the coast north of Imerovigli. It takes about 20 minutes to get there by car. The village is filled with charming little churches, such as the famous blue-domed church in Oia. Notable for their classic Cycladic architecture, the churches are also excellent viewpoints, with spectacular views over the volcano and Thirassia, the nearby island. You can spend some time exploring the narrow streets filled with small shops, cafés, and numerous art galleries.

Set Aside 30 Minutes for the Maritime Museum

Although the Maritime Museum in Oia is not nearly as famous as the ancient ruins, visiting the museum is just one of those things you simply must do in Santorini if you want to learn more about the island’s history and see a bit more than the top one or two places. Simple and unassuming, the museum pairs sweeping views of the sea with fascinating exhibits. These include model ships, regional nautical artifacts , sailor chests, and portraits and preserved uniforms of notable local captains.

The museum is actually inside a gorgeous two-story mansion – one of several old captain’s houses in Oia. It provides its visitors with a window back in time, when shipping was a vital part of local culture and economy, playing a major role in Santorini’s development. If you want to learn about the exciting evolution of Greek navigation, you’ll love the log books, delivery records, and numerous nautical charts on display. The tickets are affordable, so don’t miss out!

Take a Short Walk to the Byzantine Castle Ruins in Time for Sunset

Located at the very edge of the cliffs south of the Maritime Museum, the 15 th -century Byzantine Castle Ruins are among the best places to visit in Santorini, especially around sunset. The quaint whitewashed buildings lining the hillside are just as photogenic as the sunset itself. But when bathed in the warm evening reds and yellows, they are magical.

If you are there during the peak season (July & August), you will have to arrive almost an hour early since the place usually gets crowded around dusk. Spend a couple of minutes exploring the remains of the hilltop settlement before you zero in on a great spot to enjoy the mesmerizing views.

Pick a Good Spot for Dinner

While the castle ruins are ideal for watching the sunset, there are several restaurants and inns in Oia that offer equally uncompromising views. That way, you get to try the best Greek dishes in the most extraordinary setting. One of them is Melitini , a charming tapas restaurant with a large terrace. They serve only the best that traditional Greek cuisine has to offer, relying on trusty family recipes handed down from generation to generation.

The rooftop space is absolutely brilliant and ideally complements the delicious food. Try their beer ( Melitini IPA – they make it themselves!) and their amazing desserts. The traditional Greek orange pie and the chocolate mousse are a real gem!

Enjoy Santorini’s Nightlife

When it comes to things to do in Santorini, partying all night is rarely the first choice. Most visitors agree that the options are somewhat underwhelming – or perhaps just overshadowed by all of the other things that Santorini is famous for.

If you want to have a few drinks after dinner, you should return to Fira , home to a large number of mostly quite upscale wine and cocktail bars. One of the best ones is Casablanca , located in the heart of old town Fira’s jewelry area. Unlike many other nearby bars, which are quite mellow, Casablanca can get very loud. They often book great live bands and renowned DJs here to bring the house down.

WHERE TO STAY IN SANTORINI?

Kirini Santorini, The Leading Hotels of the World

Main Street, Oia

The only thing better than enjoying the dramatic sight of Santorini’s volcano island in the middle of the crystal-clear blue waters is to do so from the comfort of Kirini Santorini, The Leading Hotels of the World’s cliffside and pool area, with facilities for relaxation carved into the rock. This luxury hotel, located in Oia, perfectly utilizes the island’s traditional architecture spread across the multi-leveled terraces. All of the suites have been recently decorated, with high-quality wooden floors, top-shelf bath amenities, and gorgeous open verandas looking out over the iconic Caldera.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Santorini Palace

Main Street, Fira

With an excellent central location in Fira, Santorini Palace is close to all of Santorini’s most popular towns. Gorgeous views of the Caldera can be enjoyed mere steps from the hotel, as well as a breathtaking sunset to rival the famous Oia sunset. In terms of amenities, the hotel features a free-form pool, a fitness center with a jacuzzi and sauna, and a modern fitness center. All of the air-conditioned rooms come with a balcony, with a view of either the Aegean Sea or the well-manicured garden.

Makris Beach Hotel

Kamari, Kamari

On the other side of the island, Makris Beach Hotel overlooks the famous Kamari black pebble beach. Enjoy the views of the sea or the hotel’s garden available from the well-appointed, comfortable apartments. As Kamari Beach is one of the most inviting places to visit on Santorini, Makris Beach Hotel is an ideal choice if you plan on spending a large portion of your time swimming and sunbathing. Everything else is also close – including the ruins of Ancient Thera and the airport.

Bedspot Hostel

Thanks to Besdspot Hostel , you can visit Santorini on a budget and still stay in a comfortable place. This lovely place is modern and exceptionally well maintained. In addition, it is right in the heart of Fira, so you’ll be able to get around the town quite easily. You can also enjoy a wonderful view from the hostel’s roof or rent a bike and explore the island. Oh, and airport transfers can also be arranged. Absolutely everything you’d expect from your hostel stay and more!

SANTORINI DAY TRIPS

With so many quaint little towns, ancient ruins, and remarkable natural wonders, there are enough things to do in Santorini to keep you entertained for a long, long time. However, you can always opt for one of the many organized Santorini day tours. Examples include the various private tours to some of the most important landmarks on the island – all of them with dedicated, knowledgeable drivers ready to share every little detail.

For those looking for something a bit more nuanced, the Santorini Wine Tasting and History Tour is a great option. It’s a tour of the island’s top three wineries where you can learn about traditional winemaking techniques and their importance in the island’s history. You can also opt for a day trip from Athens to Santorini . In fact, you can come to Santorini on a day trip from many of the major Greek cities. However, Santorini can also be a good starting point for exploring other Greek islands. You can, for example, set up a day trip to Mykonos, another exceptionally popular place. It takes about two hours for the ferry to make the trip, and you can enjoy some stunning architecture and beautiful beaches here, too. But make sure you visit Little Venice and check out the 16th – century windmills above the town. On top of that, the island is quite known as a party destination.

Another interesting day trip from Santorini is the one to Crete. Just think of the history on that island! However, the nature there is quite beautiful, too. You can get to Crete from Athinios, and the trip also lasts about two hours. More beautiful beaches can be found here, but the Minoan Palace of Knossos is something no visitor should miss. You can’t go wrong with this day trip!

EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING SANTORINI

The easiest, most efficient way to arrive in Santorini is to book an experienced local driver to pick you up at the airport. The best service in that regard is offered by Welcome , which acts as your personal travel assistant . In addition to transfer, you can count on expert advice and recommendations, as well as a simple, to-the-point welcome package to get you started, with museum tickets, passes, maps, and everything else you may need on your one day in Santorini. Instead of running around, you’ll get it delivered to you at the airport by the very driver who will take you anywhere you want to go.

While donkey riding seems like one of those cute, harmless things to do in Santorini, you may want to take the cable car instead when descending the steep Caldera wall in Fira. The animals actually do suffer injuries – some of them not immediately visible, such as ropes cutting in under their tail.

The atmosphere on Santorini is more relaxed than on Ios and Mykonos. Don’t be surprised if the party scene isn’t all that hot.

While the official language on the island is Greek, you can count on most people speaking pretty reasonable English . In fact, the staff in hotels in restaurants is usually fluent in multiple languages .

The official currency on Santorini is the Euro. Don’t worry, there are numerous banks and ATMs across the island.

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Santorini Itinerary, feel free to share them in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

24 hours In Santorini: What To See & Do If You Only Have One Day?

Updated On: March 25, 2024

Written By: Pavlos Inglesis

What should you see and do if you only have 24 hours in Santorini and very limited time? Here is the perfect Santorini Itinerary and the Best Private Day Tours for you.

Santorini, Greece : You have heard so much about it and probably also read so much about it. It is now your time to come and see it for yourself. But you only have one day to discover it all.

So what do you do if you only have one day in Santorini ? Where should you go, and how should you get there? What are the places you absolutely have to see before you go? Where to start?

BEST SANTORINI PRIVATE TOUR FOR 24 HOURS: 6-Hour Classic Panorama Private Tour

If you are wondering what to do in Santorini for a day and you have many questions, I am here to answer everything and hopefully help you make the most of the time you have and plan your perfect one day in Santorini.

In this article you will find a Basic Day Trip Plan for first-time visitors in Santorini , additional suggestions for returning visitors , advise for cruise passengers and everything you need to know to get around without wasting any time. You will also find more information on Santorini Private Tours and of course…. A guide on food and wine!

Just keep reading..

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

Best Things to Do/See (for first timers) in 1 Day in Santorini:

visit the amazing Oia village
visit or swim at the Black Beach
visit a winery and have a wine tasting experience
visit the picturesque Pyrgos village or the Emporio village
go to the Mount of Prophet Elias
visit or swim at the Red Beach

Best Things to Do/See in Santorini (for returning visitors) in 1 Day:

visit Akrotiri Lighthouse and the Akrotiri Archaeological excavations ( see it on Google Maps )
walk around and take pictures of the picturesque village of Imerovigli
hike between Oia and Fira ( video )
visit La Ponta Venetian Tower
hike to Ancient Thira ( see it on Google Maps )
visit the Santorini Prehistoric Museum
visit the Santorini of the Past Museum

Best Things to Do after sunset in Santorini (e.g. if you leave late…):

watch a movie at the Kamari Open Air Cinema
have a cocktail close to the airport at the Night Flight cocktail bar
have a cocktail close to the airport at the Night Flight awesome cocktail Bar

Best Private Day Tours in Santorini :

Private Custom Tour: Santorini in A Day ( book it here )
Private Sightseeing Half-Day Santorini Tour with stops to the famous Oia-Fira hiking trail ( book it here )
Winetasting and Vineyard Tour in Santorini ( book it here )
Electric Bicycle Santorini Tour ( book it here )
Santorini Kayaking Tour ( book it here )

Keep reading…there is more!

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:

🛏️ Booking.com is the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete (more than Airbnb!)

⛴️ Ferryhopper is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands

🏺 Get Your Guide has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

🚙 Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options

✈️ Booking.com Flights has all the available flights to and from the greek islands

🚕 Book Your Driver (Taxi) directly with booking.com’s large and safe platform of available certified drivers

Are you visiting Santorini for the First Time? Here is a Basic Plan For 1 Day in Santorini

Okay, so this is your first trip to Santorini. And you are very very excited about it, it has been on your bucket list forever , I know… And you want to make sure you don’t miss any of the important sights of Santorini in this one day.

Here are the ones I would suggest you visit:

1. Visit Oia Village

Oia is on the north edge of Santorini, perched at the edge of the cliff. It is the prettiest village in Santorini and the most popular one. Here is where you will find all the “postcard shots” you have probably seen somewhere on the internet, or…Instagram… 🙂 Oia is truly stunning.

Read Also: The 10 Best Hotels of Oia (wow…!)

Pictures you have seen really don’t do it any justice, so you have to come and see for yourself. There is a lot of hype about Oia, all of which is true. I can assure you. Oia is mainly famous for the sunset, but it is a lovely place to visit any time of the day, any time of the year.

Here is Oia on Google Maps .

Where are the famous blue domes of Oia ?

Oia is the place you will also find the famous blue-domed churches you are looking for and the ruins of a Venetian Castle. Many people go looking for this particular spot you can see on this picture with the two blue domed churches. It is actually super easy to find them. Start walking on the main path of Oia as if you are walking to the Castle, so with the cliffside on your left hand side. At some point you will see “ Alexandros” Jewelery Shop on the left, right at the corner. Make a turn there and walk down the steps. You will find yourself standing in front of a door. Go to the right there and enjoy the view. Take as many photos as you can, sometimes you even have to queue to get a picture there – I am not joking!

Here are the famous Blue Dome Churches of Santorini on Google Maps .

2. Visit or even swim at the Black Sand Beach

There are a few black sand beaches in Santorini. The very best one is Perissa/ Perivolos on the south side of the island.

Read Also: The 7 Best Beaches of Santorini (plus a secret one…)

Perissa/Perivolos is a really one long beach with two different names on each side: Perissa on one side and Perivolos on the other. The beach itself is about 4km long and has plenty of beach bars, restaurants, cafes to choose from ( Tranquilo Beach Bar is one of the best). The sand is really black, because of the volcano. Have you seen a black sand beach before?

I love the contrast of the black sand with the blue water and sky. You will like it too!

Here is Perissa/Perivolos Black Beach on Google Maps.

3. Visit a Santorini winery & have the Ultimate Wine Tasting experience

There are so many wineries on the island to choose from.

Read Also: The 16 Best Best Wineries and Wine Tours of Santorini (seriously…this is the most detailed guide on Santorini’s wineries on the internet)

Some of the wineries are more traditional, some have amazing views but they all have extremely good wine to taste. Choose the one you prefer but just make sure it works with your schedule – in terms of location and distance. No matter which winery you choose it is essential to try the 2 wine varieties of the island, before you leave: Assyrtiko and Vinsanto . These two are the most popular and unique ones in Santorini. If you can only make it to one winery then make it the Santo Wines Winery just outside of Pyrgos . You can thank me later.

4. Visit and get lost in Pyrgos and Emporio villages

Pyrgos village and Emporio village are two of the most traditional settlements in Santorini. They are both very beautiful and will give you a taste of how Santorini used to be and how local people live now. Both villages have ruins of Venetian Castles you can visit (check also our Guide on the Best Castles and Fortresses of Santorini) . But apart from that there is quite a lot of things to do in Pyrgos .

Emporio is a bit easier to access and does not require you to walk for long, but Pyrgos is on higher ground so it offers better views. Pyrgos is also amazing during the Greek Easter time (read also our Guide for the Greek Easter in Santorini )

5. Visit the Mount of Prophet Elias for a less touristic amazing view

Prophet Elias is the highest point of Santorini. From up here you can see the whole island! This way you will get a better idea of how Santorini looks like and you will realise the huge difference between the touristic side on the cliffs to the west and the traditional side on the flat part of Santorini to the East.

At the top of the mountain, there is an old monastery, a small chapel you can visit and a shop where you can taste products and wine the monks make. Make sure to taste the honey, the olive oil and also the wine “Nama”. This is the one we use for “Holy Communion” here. It is rather sweet, but I quite like it.

Here is the Mount of Prophet Elias on Google Maps .

6. Visit, take pictures but don’t swim at the Red Beach

The Red Beach in Santorini is really unique and it is worth visiting simply to admire it for yourself. It is not such a great place to swim though (too narrow, no amenities and super crowded in the summer), so I would rather go there just to see it and then go swimming to Perissa/Perivolos (Black Beach) instead.

Here is the famous Red Beach of Santorini on Google Maps .

Read Also: The 7 Best Beaches of Santorini (plus…a secret one!)

How to organize your day to make all of this happen within a limited time on the island?

Here is what I would do if I were you:

I would start from Oia. Ideally, I would rent a car and drive there directly. If that is not possible, I would catch the bus. It is easy to do that from the main square of Fira. Taking into account some traffic or small delays, you would be in Oia in about half an hour. Maximum 40 minutes. Spend about an hour there. That is enough time to see the whole village, do some shopping and explore all the best spots along the way, as well as visit the castle and admire the windmills.
Second stop would be the village of Pyrgos and/or Prophet Elias. These two can be well combined because they are close to each other. You can always choose one of them. Now the bus will delay you a bit, since you have to catch one from Oia to Fira and then another one from Fira to Pyrgos Village. At this point, I think you should be convinced that renting a car or booking a tour is really the best way to do this in Santorini ! You have to walk in Pyrgos, so you need about 40 mins there . In Prophet Elias you can park just outside and enjoy the views, so it would take less than 10-15 mins. If you prefer to visit Emporio instead of Pyrgos, then you can do that on the way to the Black Beach, which is the next stop. In Emporio, you will need less than half an hour.
Moving on to the Black Beach . I would again spend about an hour there and probably have lunch or at least a snack and a drink on the beach. I guess you will get hungry around this time of the day, and what better place to eat than the beach? There is a bus that can take you to Perissa/Perivolos. Again that would be about 20mins to half an hour (from Fira).
After the black beach, I would go to the Red Beach. The car again is ideal for this one, since the bus will drop you off outside of Akrotiri Excavations and that means you have to walk about 15 minutes to get to the red beach and another 15 mins to get back to the bus station . I know that is not a lot. But trust me…when it is 38 degrees C outside, it feels like a marathon – to me, at least.
I would leave the wine tasting for last, so I can enjoy my wine without having to rush or worry about not seeing all the places I wanted to see. This is the perfect ending to a great day!

One Day in Santorini from Cruise Ship

If you are arriving to Santorini on a cruise ship please be aware of the following facts:

Your ship will most probably dock just outside the Old Port in Fira.
From there, you will take a tender boat to come into the Old Port and then the cable car up to the town of Fira.
It is either the cable car or 600 steps to get to town and I wouldn’t recommend the steps. By steps I don’t mean exactly what you have in mind. I mean you have to step up, then walk three or four steps and then reach the next step.You have the alternative of getting a donkey to take you up, but I am not a big fan of that either to be honest. I just feel so bad for the donkeys….
There are queues everywhere! You usually have to queue to get into the tender boat, and then to get to the cable car. From what I hear (from other cruise passengers I have met over the years) some cruise lines give priority to people paying for ships excursions. Which means they will leave the ship first and you might have to wait a bit.
On the way back, you might also have to queue to get the cable car down to the old port.

When I am on tour, I usually bring people back to Fira one hour in advance (one hour before their last tender) just to make sure they will be there on time. My point is that all these will take up some time, so do factor that in when you are planning your day. I have been at the top of the cable car so many times waiting for my tour for an hour, an hour and a half or even more..

Bottom line is you need to plan your day to make the most of it.
There are some cruise ships that dock at the port of Athinios, but that is rare.
Most people coming to Santorini on a cruise get about 5-6 hours on the island.
Furthermore, I am sad to say that they rarely get a chance to watch the sunset, as their ship usually leaves earlier.

Now I know you all want to see the sunset from Oia, but just in case that is not possible, here is what I would suggest for you:

Once you get off the boat and into Fira town, start from Oia. Whatever you have planned for the day it is wise to start from there. This is because Oia always gets busier in the afternoon (because everyone wants to watch the sunset from there). That also means that you might find traffic , you might struggle to find a taxi and the bus might be delayed. I know there are a lot of “mights” in this sentence, but honestly I don’t think you would want to take your chances and miss the cruise ship.

Just saying, this is what I would do… 🙂

What to Do in Santorini if this is your 2nd time on the island?

Well if you have been here before, you already know which place you wanna go back to – Did I hear you say Oia? If you missed out on some places from the basic plan last time, you can always start from those. But in case you need some ideas, here are some additional places you can discover:

Best Places in Santorini for Photography lovers

You can walk around in Imerovigli , explore one of the traditional villages (like Pyrgos , Emporio , Megalochori ), take pictures of a Venetian Castle or go to the southern part of Santorini to discover the lighthouse in Akrotiri. If you can, watch the sunset from there. It is such an amazing place…

Best Places to visit in Santorini for culture and history

There are many museums and archeological sites you can visit in Santorini.

Akrotiri Prehistoric City is one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. Think of it like Pompeii. This was a city buried under lava when the volcano erupted and it is just so impressive to see how advanced that civilization was. It should take you about an hour to visit Akrotiri, but the good thing is that it is indoors, so you do not have to worry about the sun and the heat. ( Akrotiri Excavations on Google Maps )

There is a Prehistoric Museum in Fira that also explains the geology of Santorini and how it took the shape it has today. I believe the Prehistoric Museum explains in a way a lot of the things you will see in Akrotiri, so it will all make more sense if you can visit both places. Please keep in mind the museum is closed on Tuesdays. ( The Prehistoric Museum of Thira on Google Maps )

Ancient Thira is a settlement from the 9th century BC. Do you know Santorini is also called “Thira”? This is where the name comes from. This is a very interesting place to visit, but it does require a bit of walking and it can be too hot during the summer ( see Ancient Thera on Google Maps ). Here is a video of how the place looks like:

Santorini of the Past is a museum in Pyrgos Village with many pictures from santorini through the years as well as artifacts from older times and everything you need to know about the culture and traditions of Santorini ( find it on Google Maps ).

La Ponta is a Greek bagpipe exhibition and workshop. It is hosted in a 13th century Venetian tower in the castle of Akrotiri. Yannis will take you on a journey through time and teach you about our history and culture, Greek mythology, tradition and so much more. All through music. The best part is you get to participate as well and play one instrument. It is like you are in a small band ( see La Ponta on Google Maps ).

Best Beaches to visit in Santorini (if you’ve already visited the Black and the Red Beach…)

If you have been to the black sand beach in Perissa and Perivolos already and you have seen the Red beach as well, there are two more places worth discovering: Vlychada and Kamari beach . Vlychada Beach looks like a white sand beach (Vlychada on Google Maps) .

I always say it looks like you are walking on the moon. Very very different and very unique, this is a less touristic place. Close to the beach there is a small port for fishing boats and some amazing fish restaurants. Try “To Psaraki” restaurant. It has some of the best fresh fish I have ever tried and some tasty starters to choose from. Try their grilled octopus and their pastry rolls with “Chloro” local cheese, sundried tomato and spearmint. Nom nom nom…

This is the type of place where you can see the fish and choose the one you like. Fish fans around the world: you will enjoy it!

In Vlychada you will also find the (really unique…) Tomato Museum of Santorini !

Kamari Beach on the other hand, is worth visiting to go on a lovely walk by the beach. You can find many shops and beach bars here. The beach itself is not the best, since it has pebbles and small rocks which hurt your feet but the overall experience is great. Kamari is also a great place to come in the evening for a walk and a drink or maybe go to the open air cinema if you have time!

Best Areas for Shopping in Santorini

Shopping is very straightforward in Santorini. There are three shopping places: Fira, Oia and Kamari. Fira has a wider choice of shops, Oia has more brands and expensive boutiques and Kamari offers a cheap alternative combined with a walk on the beach.

Leaving late at night? Things to do in Santorini after sunset

If you are catching a late flight, you can go to the open air cinema in Kamari. It is such a lovely place. ( see it on Google Maps ) You can also go for a drink at Night Flight , which is close to the airport.

Read Also: Santorini Nightlife Ultimate Guide – All the Best Bars, Clubs and Beach Bars

How to get around in Santorini ?

When it comes to getting around Santorini you have four choices: getting a taxi or the local bus , renting a car/ ATV or booking a private tour. The Santorini Local Bus (also called KTEL) is very reliable and cheap but as in every public transportation everywhere in the world, it won’t take you anywhere and you have to wait at the bus station as it runs on specific times. Check the Santorini Local Buses Timetables here.

There is a Taxi Station in the main square of Fira. You can catch a taxi from there. Do keep in mind that there are less than 40 taxis in Santorini, which means it is hard to find one in high season. Furthermore, taxis do not have meters, so make sure to check the price with your driver.

Here is where the Taxi Station in Fira is on Google Maps .

Buses run regularly in the summer. You can catch a bus to any direction from the main bus stop in Fira.

Rent a car or ATV

This is probably the best choice if you want to be flexible. Same rule applies for any Greek island you plan on visiting. You can arrange for a car or ATV in advance and pick it up from the port or the airport as soon as you arrive. This way you will not waste any time.

Rentalcars has the most available cars on the island.

Book a Private tour

This is the ideal solution if you are visiting Santorini for the first time and want someone to show you the best spots. Also, a great choice if you are like me and can’t be bothered to drive when on holiday! I highly recommend you add a private tour in your Santorini itinerary.

The best website to book a Private Tour in Santorini is Get Your Guide as it has the most available private tours on the island.

Should you book a Private Day Tour in Santorini?

There are Day Tours, Wine Tours, Walking Tours, Photography Tours and so much more to book in Santorini. I really think there is a tour to match your taste.

What should you expect from a private sightseeing tour?

If you are going on a private tour, your tour guide will come pick you up from the cable car or the airport (or any other place you choose). Once you meet with him, you can discuss what you want to do. There is always a set itinerary for the tour that you have probably read before you booked it. But because it is a private tour, most companies are rather flexible. Which means you can pretty much go anywhere you want.

Your tour guide will suggest a few places if you ask him and you can always tell him if there is some place you absolutely want to visit. On my tours, I have met people who wanted to stay in Oia the whole day, others who only wanted to visit wineries only, others who wanted to hike. And they’ve all booked the same tour! Bottom line is… It is your tour.

Have it your way!

So, there you have them. These are the best things that I believe are perfect for one day in Santorini. i highly recommend you hire a Private Tour (such as this one)

🚕 Book Your Driver (Taxi) directly with booking.com's large and safe platform of available certified drivers

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TOP RATED HOTELS IN:

Oia: Maregio Suites Fira: Cosmopolitan Suites Imerovigli: Grace Santorini Firostefani: Tsitouras Perivolos: Orabel Suites Perissa: Anastasia Princess Kamari: Sunrise Studios

TOP RATED VILLAS IN:

Oia: Anemi House

Fira: Anteliz Villa

Kamari: Eolia Villa

Pyrgos: Sensation Villa

Akrotiri: Cavo Ventus

Firostefani: Villa Aura

Imerovigli: Grace Villa

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI:

🌄 Sunset Cruise with Meals and Drinks

🍷 Half-Day Wine Adventure Tour

🥾 Hike the path from Fira to Oia

ALL AVAILABLE FERRIES TO GREEK ISLANDS:

Readers said:.

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One Day In Santorini From A Cruise Ship Or Day Trip

Tight on time, and only have 1 day in Santorini? This guide will show you how to see the best of Santorini in one day as hassle free as possible.

How to spend 1 day in Santorini

I'll start this Santorini travel guide with the assumption that you already know just a day in Santorini is probably not enough time.

I'll also assume, a day there (or maybe a little less) is all you have, and so you want to make the most of your time in Santorini.

This guide will show you the best ways to catch some of the highlights of Santorini in one day.

If by some chance though, you came across this guide but want a longer Santorini itinerary, you should check these two articles out:

Santorini in 2 days
Santorini 3 day itinerary

Santorini in one day

With that out of the way, I'll move onto my second assumption. And that is you only have time enough to see Santorini in one day because of the following reasons:

You're arriving into Santorini on a cruise ship
You're Greek island hopping on a tight schedule
You're visiting Santorini on an ambitious day trip from Athens

If this is the case, taking an organized tour is probably going to be your best way to see the popular destination of Santorini in 6 or 7 hours. If that sounds like you, take a look at these 3 options:

Santorini in a Day: Best of Santorini Private Tour (Most Popular)
Santorini Private Sightseeing Tour (Cruise Passengers meet top of cable car)
Santorini Private Tour Designed By You (Up to 12 hours)

If you'd prefer to see what you can of Santorini without a tour guide though, put aside a couple of minutes to read the rest of this post.

Let's start by asking a question….

Why do you want to go to Santorini Greece?

An view out over Santorini during the evening. Santorini is a must visit when planning a Greek island itinerary.

Before you plan a trip to Santorini, take some time and ask yourself a couple of questions. Why do I want to go to Santorini? What do I want to do there? Then, ask yourself a few more:

Do you want to see the blue domed churches and the sunset views?
Are you interested in a trip to the volcano?
Were you planning to visit Akrotiri archaeological site and the museums in Santorini?
Do you want to spend some time on the beach?
Is it the wineries that mostly caught your attention?

There's obviously not time to do all this with one day in Santorini, so you'll have to narrow it down. There's also another thing to keep in mind…

Expectations vs reality

We’ve said this before, and we’ll say it again – if you can, avoid visiting Santorini in the peak season . Not only are prices higher, but the number of visitors can be almost ridiculous.

Like a few other places in Europe, Santorini has become a bit of a victim of its own success. Things are changing very rapidly in Santorini, so if you were there even a few years ago, do not expect to find the place as you left it.

In peak season, Santorini now receives up to six cruise boats carrying up to 8,000 passengers, on a daily basis. This is on top of the people who visit on ferries from other Greek islands.

Those who stay in hotels and rooms for rent add to the numbers, with a total capacity not far off a whopping 100,000 beds. For an island with a current estimated population of 25,000 people, this is a crazy!

In short, you might have been sold on the idea of Santorini with its beautiful villages, whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches, but nearly 150,000 people have also been sold the same dream, and will be there on the same day you are. Keep this in mind, as it might affect what you decide to see and do with your one day in Santorini.

Best time to visit Santorini

Our conclusion? While the island is definitely worth visiting once in your lifetime, you will have a much better experience if you choose to go during a less busy time of the year. We were there in November, and we absolutely loved it. Another trip we took to Santorini in late September was also very enjoyable.

However, if summer is the only time that you can visit, be prepared for the crowds, and plan ahead.

Take into account that public buses will most likely be full, and that driving around on your own might not be as relaxing as you think, due to traffic, parking restrictions and rules.

If you are coming on a cruise, calculate the time that you need to get off and back on your boat, and allow for possible delays. Finally, don’t have high hopes of island photos, without the crowds. You’ve been warned!

Arriving in Santorini

If you've only got one day in Santorini, where you arrive and depart from is going to be an important factor in planning your itinerary. There are three main access points when arriving in Santorini.

Santorini in one day by cruise boat

Santorini is frequently included in cruise itineraries around the Mediterranean. These cruise ships arrive near the Old Port, just below the town of Fira. Cruise passengers will have less than one day in Santorini, ranging anywhere from 5 to 16 hours.

Boats arrive and depart at several times during the day. Many of them only stay on the island between 16.30 and 21.30, which gives barely enough time to see the famous Oia sunset.

What many cruise passengers don’t realize is that even getting off and back on the boat is likely to take a substantial chunk of time.

As Santorini’s port is not big enough for large ferries, people are generally taken to the island on small tender boats. We have read that passengers who have pre-booked tours in Santorini are given priority to get in the tender boats, but we don’t have our own experience.

Going up from Santorini Old Port to Fira

The tender boats take visitors to the Old Port, from where they can either walk up a few hundred steep steps or take the cable car to Fira town.

As you realize, the queues for the cable car will be quite long, and getting into town might take you a while. There is also the option of a donkey ride, but we definitely do not suggest it.

It's difficult to put an exact time on how long it will take you to get from your cruise ship to Fira in Santorini, but anywhere up to an hour might be realistic. As such, plan your time on the island accordingly.

Santorini Day Trip from Athens

It is technically possible to plan a day trip to Santorini from Athens by choosing well timed flights. These change from year to year, but basically, you'd be looking at the earliest flight to Santorini possible from Athens, and taking the latest one back. Or going on to another destination of course.

Santorini airport is located around 6kms from Oia, and there are various options on how to get from the airport into the town, with the quickest being a pre-booked taxi . I've got a full guide here – How to get from Santorini airport to Oia .

Arriving in Santorini by Ferry

Santorini is connected with Athens and many other Greek islands by a network of ferries. These arrive at either the Old Port, or the New Port, depending on which service you take.

A supercat making the journey from Athens to Santorini

Again, whilst there may be bus services and taxis to use, you might be best pre-booking a taxi in order to cut down on wasted time.

Ok, I'm on Santorini, Now What?!

So, you now know where you'll be arriving into on Santorini, it's time to plan out your day! If you're seriously tight on time, and don't want the hassle of planning everything yourself, a tour is the way to go. You might even want to consider a private driver for the day. This is especially so for people arriving by cruise boat to Santorini.

These are the best tours for people spending just a day in Santorini:

Best of Santorini Full-Day Private Guided Tour (7.5 hours)
Private Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of Santorini (5 hours)
Best of Santorini Experience Private Tour (6 hours)

One Day in Santorini Itinerary

A complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini.

Tours aren't for everyone though. If you prefer to explore Santorini independently, you'll need to cherry pick the ideas that suit you best from the following information.

Getting around Santorini

While taking one of the above tours will be a great addition to your Santorini experience, you might prefer to be more flexible and get around on your own. Transportation will be the main issue here, especially in high season.

There are plenty of inexpensive “KTEL” buses going around the island, costing from 1.80 to 2.50 euro for each ride. Be prepared for queues, and allow enough time, especially if you have a ferry or cruise boat to catch.

Most buses depart from the capital of Santorini, Fira. If you want to visit both Akrotiri and Oia, you will have to take two different buses as there is no direct route. You can find bus schedules here .

Renting a car, quad, moped (or bicycle!) is another option. Take into account that Santorini’s narrow streets can get very busy in summer, so be prepared for traffic jams. If you want a specific type of car, you will definitely need to book in advance. Parking will be another issue, especially in popular places like Oia.

Do not rely on hailing a taxi down the street. The island only has about 40 taxis! If you want to pre-book some form of transportation from the port or the airport, click here .

Things to do in Santorini in a day

With the logistics out of the way, we will now list the best things to do in one day in Santorini, and you can choose according to your preferences.

Best way to see Santorini views in a day

Hiking from Fira to Oia. The views are truly spectacular.

One of our favourite things to do in Santorini was hiking from Fira to Oia . It’s entirely possible to do the hike on your own, but you can also do it as a guided tour if you prefer.

The trail is about 10 kms (just over 6 miles) long and apart from a couple of spots is an easy hike. You should allow at least 3 hours, as you will want to take several photos!

The path passes through some of Santorini’s prettiest and most quaint villages – Firostefani and Imerovigli – and ends at Oia, with the famous sunset. Take a small detour to see the Skaros rock, and if you have several hours wander into the pretty villages.

Hiking from Fira to Oia in Santorini is a great option to absorb the ambience of the island and to admire the wonderful views. In fact, if we went back to Santorini for a day, this is the one activity we would absolutely do again.

Take into account that summer can be very warm, so avoid afternoon hours when the sun is at its hottest. The best time to do the hike is either early in the morning or late in the evening, to coincide with the sunset in Oia.

Make sure you have prearranged your transport back to Fira .

Romantic Santorini in a day – Santorini sunset in Oia

The best hotels to stay in for the Santorini sunset

Many cruise boats depart in the afternoon or early evening. However, if your schedule allows for the sunset in Santorini, you are likely to want to get to Oia for that. Although Oia is really beautiful, in our experience the villages close to Fira, such as Firostefani and Imerovigli, are also very picturesque. In fact the Santorini sunset is impressive no matter where you are!

Remember that Oia is very popular and is likely to be quite crowded. If you are after the sunset views, rather than Oia itself, you might actually prefer to spend your evening in a less popular village – or simply somewhere along the hiking trail mentioned above.

As for what to do in Oia, if you are like us, you might find that it’s too crowded for your liking in summer. Our suggestion is to try and find a relatively quiet place to enjoy the views. If you are after the blue domed churches, this is where they are. You can’t miss them – just follow the crowds! Quite frankly, it might be best to visit the village early on in the day, as things will get hectic afterwards because of the numbers people who want to see the sunset.

If you visit Oia in winter, however, you will experience the village at its best. Walk around the cobbled streets, sit for a coffee somewhere, and just enjoy the sunset views.

Best way to see ancient Santorini in a day

Visit Akrotiri during 3 days in Santorini

If you are interested in ancient history, Santorini has a lot to offer. The most popular ancient site on the island is the ancient site of Akrotiri.

Often compared with Pompeii, this is a site that was buried under lava and ashes, when the Santorini volcano erupted in the 16th century BC. It is possible to get to Aktoriri by bus, rented car or pre-booked taxi, though if you want to learn more about Santorini’s history you can always take a guided tour .

A less famous ancient site on Santorini that is also very interesting, is the site of Ancient Thera (or Thira). This citadel was founded by the Spartans in the 9th century BC, much later than the destruction of Akrotiri, and was named “Thera” after their leader.

Ancient Thira is located at the area of Mesa Vouno, between Kamari and Perissa beaches. You can see many ruins dispersed all around the area, including the ancient Agora, several temples, a theatre, gymnasiums and a cemetery. The site is closed on Tuesdays.

Museums in Santorini

Apart from the ancient sites, you should also visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira. It’s not too big, but it contains superb wall paintings, frescoes, ceramics, jewellery and several other fascinating artefacts, excavated in Akrotiri and nearby Potamos. It covers Santorini’s history up to the Late Cycladic I period. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Another great museum in Fira is the Archaeological Museum of Thera. Its collections include artefacts from the Roman and Hellenistic Periods. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Visiting all of these will be a history overload for most people, but if you have a special interest in Greek history you can easily visit all of them in one day. Note that Ancient Thera and the museums close around 15.00-16.00, depending on season.

Finally, a museum that has just opened earlier in 2019 is the Lost Atlantis Museum in Megalochori. Santorini is said to be one of the possible locations of the lost Atlantis, and this interactive museum promises to explain the history of this mythical land. We have no opinion of our own, but we’d be curious to visit when we return to Santorini.

Visit the Santorini volcano

While exploring the Santorini volcano isn’t on everyone’s list, we enjoyed it a lot when we visited. The black-gray sand is quite unique, and the landscape is otherworldly. If you are into weird landscapes by all means go, just make sure you have a hat, water and sunblock.

We’ll be honest though – we probably wouldn’t have enjoyed hiking there on a hot day, as the dark sand gets incredibly hot. If you are visiting in peak season think carefully about the high temperatures and decide for yourself.

If you are interested in boat tours in Santorini, this article will help – Santorini Boat Tours .

Santorini in one day – The beaches

Our biased opinion – Santorini beaches are far from the best beaches in Greece. They are definitely quite photogenic, especially the Red Beach , but our advice is to not really bother with the beaches in Santorini, especially if you are going to other islands in Greece.

At the same time, there is no denying that many visitors enjoy the long stretch of black pebbles to the east side of the island. Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos beaches are quite popular, and you might want to include them in your one day Santorini itinerary. If you do, let us know what you thought!

A less frequented beach is the small beach at Ammoudi, just under Oia village. You can easily walk down from Oia, and also have a meal at Dimitris taverna.

Santorini for wine lovers

Make sure to try a wine tastng tour when spending 3 Days in Santorini Greece For A Dream Vacation

Apart from the views, the incredible sunsets, the volcano and the ancient sites, Santorini is also famous for its wine. Its unique volcanic soil allows for distinctive types of grapes to grow in the area, and the varieties of wine produced cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

There are many wineries in Santorini that you can visit. Some famous names are Kanava Roussos, Kasteli, Argyros, Sigalas, Boutaris, Koutsogiannopoulos, Gavalas, Santo Wines, Gaia, Art Space and Venetsanos, to name a few.

As the wineries in Santorini are dispersed around the island, you will need to have your own transportation, and a designated driver. However, the best way to visit the wineries in Santorini is to take a dedicated wine tasting tour , where you will be able to learn more about the wine making process and enjoy local delicacies to match each wine.

It is also possible to combine a winery tour with other places of interest, according to your preferences.

Santorini for foodies in a day

Apart from its unique wines, Santorini also has several local products and dishes worth tasting. If you want a more authentic experience away from the tourist crowds, you can consider taking a private tour revolving around traditional products, cooking and wine.

Get to know the famous Santorini fava (yellow split peas), tomatoes and other delicacies, and attend a cooking class in an original farm.

What to do in Santorini in one day

Santorini in One Day - What to see if you only have 1 day in Santorini

We hope that all of the above has helped you plan what to do in Santorini in one day. As you can see, there are many choices for things to do, and it all depends on what you like, as well as the time of year, to a certain extent.

To summarize – If you are coming to Santorini in summer, it might be best to arrange a private tour. This way you won’t have to deal with the hassle of transportation and parking, and you will definitely see more of the island as your guide will know where to take you. Even if you never take tours, this might be one occasion where it’s necessary, to make the most of your limited time.

If you are coming to Santorini during the off-peak months, it will be easier to explore the island on your own if you prefer. If you want to visit multiple places, you can rent a car and drive around. However, another great suggestion is to do the hike from Fira to Oia, and take in the views. If you want, you can add in a wine tasting tour, and enjoy the famous Santorini wines. The choice is yours!

One day in Santorini – Your experience

Have you ever been to Santorini for a day? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments!

FAQ About Visiting Santorini for One Day

Readers planning a first trip to Santorini and only have a day to explore the island often ask questions similar to:

Is 1 day enough for Santorini?

You can see a lot of the highlights of Santorini in one day if you plan out your itinerary well, but two or three days is really needed to explore and appreciate the whole island.

Is it worth going to Santorini for a day?

If one day is all you have to spend on Santorini, it is definitely worth it. Make sure to put time aside to get photos of those famous blue domed churches, the picturesque village of Oia, and of course the amazing views of the sunset!

Can you travel around Santorini in a day?

You can travel around the entire island in a day if you have a rental car or are taking an organized tour. It is more complicated and impractical to travel around Santorini in a day on the buses, and a taxi for the day would be very expensive.

How much time do you need in Santorini?

The ideal amount of time to spend in Santorini would be two or three days. This would allow time to see its many attractions such as the archaeological site of Akrotiri, the traditional villages, Santorini's wineries and more.

What are the significant attractions in Santorini?

Visitors should aim to plan a Santorini itinerary around some or all of the most important attractions on the island which include: Fira, Oia, the Caldera, Akrotíri Archaeological Site, Red Beach, Wineries, Pyrgos, black sand beach at Perissa, Ammoudi Bay, and of course the world-renowned sunset.

Dave Briggs visiting an island in Greece

14 thoughts on “One Day In Santorini From A Cruise Ship Or Day Trip”

Is it feasible to bike along the trail to Oia from Fira?

Hi Scott, No it’s not possible to cycle along the Fira to Oia trail in Santorini. There are sections where there are steps, and also in both towns many visitors which makes cycling on the paths there impossible.

For a solo traveler in Santorini, arriving by ferry 3pm day 1 and departing by ferry 3pm on day 2, what sightseeing do you recommend and how to go about it? Best way to go around in the island. Most group sightseeing require at least 2 people, is the problem I’m encountering trying to book a short group tour. My hotel is in Fira. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

So, Fira is definitely the best place to stay in Santorini for one night. The problem you have with the tour of Santorini, is you arrival and departure time – most tours start in the morning and finish late afternoon. I would suggest on the first afternoon to take a bus or taxis to Oia for sightseeing and sunset. The next morning, spend exploring Fira. ]I don’t think you’d have a lot of extra time for much more, unless you took a private half day tour .

I have heard horror stories of passengers waiting for an hour or more for the cable car up to Fira. This is because they line up to buy tickets and then line up to get on the cable car. Can the tickets be bought in advance, on line, to save one line? I have been unable to find any website to do this. Your info would be appreciated. Thanks. Raj

Hi, No the tickets can’t be bought in advance. Depending on how many people are ashore from the cruise ship, the wait for the Santorini cable car can be up to an hour. If you are able to, walking up to Fira from where the cruise ship leaves you might be quicker – it takes about 20 minutes with stops on the way for photos.

We will be on a cruise in late July and will have a partial day in Santorini. I was wondering how far the Cable Car entrance is from the cruise ship dock. Do you have directions? The tour we were looking at has already filled up — but would like to take my grandson on the cable car ride. Thanks for any information you can give me

Hi Beverly,

Passengers are taken to Santorini shores by tender boats from the cruise ship. Most tender boats go to the old port, which is where the cable car is (the cable car is really only for cruise ship passengers). It’s best to check with your cruise company to see where you will be left in Santorini. If you use the cable car, you will arrive in Fira town. If you are only in Santorini for a few hours, you can find some things to do here, and enjoy the views. Fira isn’t as pretty as Oia, but there’s still places to be explored for good photos.

Will you miss the Santorini subset with an 8pm cruise departure on a early September cruise.

Sunset in Santorini in September is normally around 19.30 ish. The colors in the sky some 10-1 minutes after that. If your boat leaves at 20.00 you might be better off planning to see the sunset from the boat.

Suggestions please for best way to get group of 8 people from Oia sunset back to cruise ship… Also – approx how long would that journey take?

Hi, Probably pre-booking is the best options with: Welcome Taxis I believe it will allocate a mini-van to you rather than two taxis. You can take a look at their site, and send them a message if unsure. You’ll need your cruise details of departure time and where it will depart from.

very informative, thanks dave… we are going to be there in mid july from 1pm to 10 pm on a cruise. i know, not ideal but i’m a teacher…. if we want to go to the beach then oia for example, do we still need to mess with the cable car? or can we be picked up where the tender disembarks?

what beach is a good bet not too far away from port but not overrun with tourists?

do you have a good itinerary to share?

thanks a lot best julie NY

Hi Julie, If I’m to be honest, I wouldn’t recommend spending time on the beaches in Santorini if you have just 9 hours or so. The beaches in Santorini are not very good (in my opinion), and no one really goes to Santorini for a beach holiday. If you have other islands on your cruise they might be better for beaches (depending on which islands!) Your tender will either take you from the cruise ship to the cable car (but you an walk -about 15/ 20minutes if you don’t want to wait) or perhaps to Ammoudi. You’d need to check. For Santorini for this amount of time I’d probably say to spend a couple of hours in Fira, then bus or taxi to Oia. Sightseeing Oia. Sunset in Oia and then bus/taxi back to Fira. Food and then get to where you need to be for your return to the ship.

Santorini in One Day: A Day Trip Itinerary

What's in This Post?

This Santorini itinerary enables you to see the capital town Fira, the world-famous Oia and the black sand beach of Kamari in one day.

Suppose you’re making a day trip to Santorini from another island, a cruise stop, or you only have limited time to explore this beautiful island. In that case, you may be looking at how much you can fit into visiting Santorini in one day.

Each day trip to Santorini will be slightly different depending on which island you’re coming from due to the differing ferry schedules giving different amounts of time on the island.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

one day in Santorinisantorini 1 day itinerary,

MAP: Santorini, Greece Location

The island of Santorini is located in the Cyclades islands, close by to the islands of Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros and Amorgos. The island is served by many ferries passing through the Cyclades. Many fast ferries pass by Santorini, such as the high-speed ferry to Crete.

Is a Day Trip to Santorini Worth It?

In my opinion, a day trip to Santorini is definitely worth-it. If you have more time to spare, it is worth staying in Santorini, even if it’s for a short time. The island should be high on your European bucket list.

Ensure that the ferry schedules allow for a reasonable amount of time on the island. You will need at least 5 hours and much more if possible. If you can, arrive in Santorini in the morning and stay until sunset.

Use the search bar below to check if the ferry schedules work during your dates:

A day trip to Santorini can either be done independently by catching buses or arranging your own transfers OR as part of an organised bus tour around the island. This post covers precisely how to make an independent day trip to Santorini. Guided trips to Santorini can be booked on Get Your Guide here.

Santorni 1 Day Itinerary

If you’re going on a day trip to Santorini, or you have just one day in Santorini, we’ve got you covered with this fantastic itinerary!

Morning: Arrive in Santorini and travel to Oia via Fira

When planning your trip to Greece, you can book your ferry tickets online through Ferry Hopper . Ferries to Santorini often get booked up, so make sure you book in advance.

If you arrive in Santorini by ferry, you’ll arrive at Santorini’s new port, also known as Athinios port, backed with massive cliffs. Your first stop is Oia, world-famous for its cliffside villas, the best in the world sunset.

The cheapest and most efficient way of getting to Oia from Santorini’s new port is by bus. To do this, you’ll have to change buses in Fira, Santorini’s central bus hub.

How to get from Athinos port to Oia

Take the bus to Fira. Buses are run by KTEL and meet each ferry. The bus will cost €2.30 and take 20 minutes. Once you’re in Fira, change buses to get to Oia. Buses from Fira to Oia run every 30 minutes in high season and take 30 minutes to reach Oia. The trip will cost you €1.60. Click here to view bus timetables for your dates.
To reach Oia fast, you can book a private transfer in advance to save the bus change. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travellers.- Local English-speaking drivers- Flat, pre-paid fee- Flight monitoring for delays- 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation

Arriving into Santorini by Cruise Ship: How to Get from Santorini Old Port to Fira

If you’re arriving in Santorini on a cruise, you’ll have less distance to travel as the old port (cruise ship port) is in Fira. To reach Fira from Santorini old port, you have three options:

Take the cable car up to Fira. A ticket cost €6 each way and more if you plan on bringing luggage. You can check schedules and prices here.
Walk up the 580 steps from Santorini old port to Fira.
Take a donkey ride up the steps. A ride will cost around €8

Oia is located in the far North of the island. It’s the village often pictured in images of Santorini all over the word. The town features picturesque Cycladic style blue-domed churches and white stone buildings. Oia hangs off the edge of the island’s caldera, giving fabulous views out to sea and making the area a photographer’s paradise.

oia, santorini, greece, santorini travel guide, santorini day trip., Santorini in one day,

Top things to do in Oia, Santorini

Take in the view – The view of Oia’s caldera is the most famous in Greece. You could spend hours taking it in. To reach the view from the bus stop, follow the winding steps and lanes uphill, and you’ll come to a shopping street with fabulous caldera views.

See how many blue churches you can find – The blue dome on top of the whitewashed Cycladic churches is an icon. Churches make up quite a bit of the postcard shots of Oia. There are so many to be explored near the caldera and deep into the village.

Watch the Sunset – The sunset in Oia is one of the world’s most famous. The views out into the caldera and how the sun reflects onto the whitewashed buildings are definitely something you’ll remember forever. To do this, you’ll need to stay overnight in Santorini. You can either travel by bus or join an organised sunset tour.

Shop for souvenirs around the winding streets – I always find Greece the perfect place to buy souvenirs, from local delicacies of wine, greek herbs and ouzo to homemade pottery and crafts. You’ll definitely find some excellent gifts.

Bus from Oia to Kamari via Fira

First, to reach Kamari from Oia, take the bus back to Fira. The journey will take 30 minutes – with stunning views along the way and cost €1.60. Once in Fira, change buses to Kamari.

Buses from Fira to Kamari often meet the bus coming from Oia. You shouldn’t have to wait more than 15 minutes. The bus from Fira to Kamari takes 20 minutes and cost €1.60.

Once you’ve arrived at Kamari, simply turn left from the bus station and walk down the shopping street. This will take you to the sea.

The star attraction of Kamari is the beautiful black sand beach. The beach is wide and long, boasting many amenities like water sports, rows of sun loungers and plenty of tavernas.

Top things to do in Kamari, Santorini

Food with a view – The street running alongside Kamari beach is packed with a massive variety of tavernas and cafes. Take your pick and enjoy some excellent local cuisine.

Enjoy some time on Kamari beach – Being a black sand beach, Kamari beach is a somewhat different experience from other beaches in Greece. The beach is formed of volcanic pebbles and backed with high cliffs. Even if you just put out a towel for an hour – it’s definitely an experience you won’t forget.

Take a dip – After all the sightseeing, why not cool down with a dip in the sea?

Souvenir shopping – The road from the bus stop to Kamari beachfront is lined with hundreds of souvenir shops. Prices a cheaper than elsewhere in Santorini, so grab a bargain!

Bus from Kamari back to Fira + Exploring Fira

Fira is the capital of Santorini, so there’s plenty to do here. The bus from Kamari to Fira will cost €1.60 and take 20 minutes. If you’re short on time, an absolute must do is to see the caldera views in Fira old town.

I recommend getting ice cream to keep you cool and take in the views. Alternatively, you could grab a bite to eat or a cocktail from one of the cliffside bars. Simply walk all the way uphill, and you’ll reach the caldera.

Fira caldera, santorini, Santorini day trip, Santorini in one day

Bus from Fira back to Santorini New Port

Buses from Fira to Santorini port usually meet the ferries. Schedules are released each week and posted on the board at the bus station. The bus will cost €2.30 and take 20 minutes. Alternatively, you could book a private transfer from Fira to the new port to meet your ferry.

Once at the port, there are plenty of snack shops and cafes if you have a wait.

Now it’s time to say goodbye to Santorini after a fabulous day trip. Safe travels!

Staying overnight in Santorini | Best places to stay

Our recommendation: anessis apartments , fira.

We chose to stay at the Anessis Apartments for 2 nights as part of our travels around Greece this summer . Anessis is just a minute’s walk away from Fira’s bus station, where buses run all over the island. You can also walk to the centre of Fira within 5-10 minutes for the fantastic caldera views and sunset.

The apartments are suitable for most traveller types, especially couples and families. Rooms sleep 2-3 adults + kids, depending on the room chosen. We had a fantastic experience staying with a baby. The triple rooms often come with a lovely ground-floor outside area with views across the island and an impressive sunrise in the morning.

Other fantastic places to stay in Santorini include Perivelos, Oia and Fira. You’ll find fantastic hotels, some even with private pools! Make sure you book in advance as accommodation in Santorini often sells out.

Other Things To Do in Santorini

Which island can i take a day trip to santorini from, a day trip to santorini from ios.

Ferries from Santorini to Ios range between €7-48 one way. Most ferries are run by SEAJETS and DIONISIS SOLOMUS.

Journey times can be as little as 35 minutes or as long as 1 hour, 50 minutes. You’ll most likely take each journey with a different ferry company. View the latest schedules and prices for your dates here.

View our in-depth guide on the best places to stay in Ios for families here

One Day Trip to Santorini from Crete

Many tour companies all over Crete offer guided day trips to Santorini on high-speed ferries. Some tours even run from Rethymno and Chania. You can view the tours available below.

For an independent day trip from Crete to Santorini, you’ll most likely need to go from the port of Heraklion. Fast ferries can be as quick as 1 hour, 45 minutes. However, it may be best to stay in Santorini overnight.

Day Trip to Santorini from Mykonos

Ferries from Mykonos to Santorini can take as little as 2 hours, 5 minutes with Seajets. Ferries leave for Santorini around 10:00 AM.

However, due to the popularity of both islands and the route being one of the most travelled by island hoppers, tickets can be as much as €66.

The return ferry schedule times mean you wouldn’t have enough time to explore Santorini on a day trip. You may want to think about staying overnight in Santorini or visiting Santorini as part of an organised tour from Mykonos. You can see the tours available below:

Day trip to Santorini from Naxos

Ferries from Naxos to Santorini can take as little as 1 hour, 30 minutes (€42) with SeaJets or 2 hours, 15 minutes (€20) with Blue Star.

Expect to reach Santorini around 12:15 PM. Returning ferries leave around 15:30, so you may want to consider staying overnight in Santorini or visiting as part of an organised tour where you’ll have more time to explore the island.

More ferries may become available in the high season, making it possible to visit Naxos on an independent day trip.

Day trip to Santorini from Paros

Ferris from Santorini to Paros takes around 2 hours with Seajets (€46) or 3 hours, and 15 minutes with BlueStar (€21).

Ferry schedules don’t provide enough time to make a 1-day trip to Santorini, although you would have plenty of time if you stayed 1 night in Santorini. You can view accommodation for your dates here.

Below are several organised tours where it would be possible to visit Santorini in one day:

Pan Your Trip to Santorini

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The best one day in Santorini itinerary

David Angel

The caldera clifftop, cave houses, whitewashed churches, blue domes and THAT sunset – everyone should try to spend at least one day in Santorini (and a night too, ideally…).

Here’s our guide to spending one day in Santorini, the extraordinary volcanic Greek island in the sparkling southern Aegean Sea.

If you have a day spare in your Greece itinerary then there is nowhere more spectacular to spend it than Santorini.

It’s one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, indeed the world, with its whitewashed villages, cave houses and blue-domed churches, not to mention its breathtaking sunsets.

Staying overnight means you’ll get to experience a Santorini sunset. If your schedule doesn’t allow this we’ll show you how to see the best of Santorini in a day, giving you an unforgettable few hours in this amazing place.

We’ll also advise on possible tours, how to get around Santorini and places to eat. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Overview Of a 1 day Santorini itinerary

Here’s a quick snapshot of things you can see with a day in Santorini:

Explore the white buildings and blue-domed churches in the beautiful village of Oia
Visit gorgeous Ammoudi Bay
Explore the beaches of Santorini
See a famous Santorini sunsets at Fira

Why Visit Santorini

Image of Three Bells of Fira church at sunset Santorini Greece

Santorini is one of the most beautiful Greek islands, with a unique, stunning landscape formed by volcanic eruptions.

Santorini’s architecture, with its cave houses and whitewashed churches with blue domes, is the most striking in Greece.

Santorini’s sunsets are among the most magical anywhere in the world, looking out over the Aegean Sea with the sun setting behind distant islands.

It’s also worth seeing at least one of the volcanic beaches in Santorini, where you’ll encounter mostly black sand.

One Day In Santorini Planning Tips

Image of typical Santorini church with blue tower

I’ve written this one-day trip to Santorini guide on the basis that you will be staying in Santorini for one night.

I’ll tell it straight. Seeing a Santorini sunset is by far the best Santorini experience that we had , and we’d strongly urge you to factor this into your Greece itinerary.

You can visit on a Crete to Santorini day trip , or from some of the neighbouring islands such as Ios , but the ferry schedules just aren’t conducive to seeing a sunset in Santorini , getting back to the port and then travelling onwards or back to wherever you’re staying.

I’ve included an alternative one day in Santorini guide for day trippers and cruise passengers who will only have a few (probably a maximum of eight) hours in Santorini. I also summarise these after the main itinerary.

Top Tip: Cruise ships call at Santorini, but give you very little time on the island. They berth in the caldera, with passengers making their way via boats to the Old Port below Fira.

By the time passengers make their way up to Fira (most will go by cable car, few will walk up, especially in the heat) and then the return journey later in the day, the most they will get in Santorini is eight hours.

With this in mind, we suggest a range of day tours – some covering the main sights in the villages of Oia and Fira, and others delving a little deeper, taking you to some of the best Santorini villages and beaches or to one of the Santorini vineyards.

Good to know : If you’re looking to see as much of Santorini as possible, hiring a car will get you around much further than if you’re using public transport.

If you’re relying on Santorini buses, you’ll have time to visit Fira, Oia and possibly one of the best beaches in Santorini.

How to spend a magical 24 hours in Santorini

Morning – oia.

Image of the Anastasi church Oia Santorini Greece

You arrive in Santorini – either waking up in a hotel, arriving at the ferry port or, if you’re a cruise passenger, boarding a boat to get to Fira old port, from where you catch the cable car up to the main town.

If you opt to hire a car, we recommend booking through discover cars, which compareall agency prices, giving you best value for money.

If you’re travelling by bus, most Santorini buses terminate at Fira bus station , a 5-minute walk from the caldera.

Whether driving or travelling by bus, I suggest starting your day by catching a bus to Oia , half an hour away from Fira.

Oia (pronounced EE-a) is one of the most famous Santorini villages, where many people (and I mean hundreds ) to a small area for sunset.

It’s a breathtakingly beautiful place, its simple white buildings and blue-domed churches among the most famous landmarks in Greece.

I suggest heading there in the morning so you can appreciate the blue domes without the sun flaring directly at you later in the day.

The famous three blue domes (pictured above) in Oia belong to two different churches, and make a striking sight with the whitewashed buildings around and the dramatic view over to Thirasia island.

The viewpoint for the three domes can be found off Oia’s main street, Nik. Nomikou – turn off near the Apollon Gallery shop.

You can also walk down to the Byzantine Castle for the famous view over the village with the Windmill. This is where massive crowds gather at sunset, but in the daytime you’ll only have a few visitors for company.

It’s one of the most beautiful villages in Europe, and this is one of the best views of it.

Noon – Lunch

Image of the windmill at Oia Santorini Greece

Oia has plenty of places for lunch. Up in the village, Elinikon Oia is one of the best, a short walk away from the caldera and across the street from the Windmill of Oia.

Some of the best restaurants in Santorini are at the bottom of the hill from Oia in the waterfront Ammoudi Bay , including the Ammoudi Fish Tavern and Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna. You can either get there down a 278-step staircase or by taxi (usually around €10), and there’s also the option of walking down the steps then getting a taxi back up the hill – the restaurants will order a cab for you.

There is also a small swimming area around the corner from the restaurants, where you can swim out to a small islet and back.

Afternoon – Head For The Beach or Fira

If you’re staying overnight in Santorini then now is the time to visit one of the famous Santorini volcanic beaches. Most of them have black sand (it’s often close to pencil grey) but there aren’t too many places in the world to see it so there’s a novelty value to seeing one.

There is also a red beach in Santorini, more on which later in this section.

If you’re driving, I suggest driving the length of the island to the best and busiest of the Santorini beaches, Perissa beach .

The village has plenty of restaurants, and there is also a proliferation of beach bars stretching all the way to the far end of the sand, which is known as Perivolos beach.

We also recommend Vlychada beach in the south of the island.

TIP: – The black sand gets painfully hot on your feet. Wear some flip-flops.

Many visitors also make their way to Santorini Red Beach . It’s a spectacular sight, with dark red cliffs and sand, but it is not safe. Major rock falls have happened numerous times on this beach, most recently in 2022, so we recommend seeing it from the headland (from where I shot the image above) and heading back to your car or the bus stop.

Signs everywhere tell you not to go down to the beach – heed them.

Image of Black Beach in Santorini with houses built into cliffs

Depending on how much time you have available, there are more beaches to explore in the vicinity of Akrotiri village. I loved Mesa Pigadia beach – also known as Black Beach Santorini – a secluded black sand strand with a great little taverna.

And there’s also Caldera Beach , the one Santorini beach that is on the caldera, at its southern end, below Akrotiri.

Image of Caldera beach Sand harbour in Santorini

If you’re travelling by bus and still have a few hours after lunch, head back into Fira then change at the bus station for Perissa or Kamari, another great black Santorini beach just beyond the airport.

If you need to return to your cruise ship or ferry, you should catch the bus back from Oia, but don’t go all the way back to Fira – alight at Firostefani (the stops are all clearly announced) main square to begin your caldera walk to Fira .

Late Afternoon / Evening – Fira

Image of Agios Minas Church and the caldera in Santorini at sunset Santorini Cyclades Greece

However you get around the island, we recommend finishing your one day in Santorini in Fira. The caldera views are the main reason to visit Santorini, and this is the best place to spend the rest of your Santorini day.

Image of people watching the sunset in Fira Santorini

There are many places to eat in Fira, but many of those with caldera views serve up mediocre food at extortionate prices. I found several places serving great food a little back from the caldera, including Romantica, which is close to the square in Firostefani, at the northern end of Fira.

Our friends stayed in Santorini at the same time as us, and raved about Parea Tavern, on a side street between the main square and caldera.

Now you’re free to savour your Santorini sunset, the magical experience that makes this wild place so special.

Image of the Three Bells of Fira church Santorini at sunset

I loved walking along the caldera rim, from Agios Minas church at the southern end to Agios Stylianos, then detouring through the back streets to the Three Bells of Fira , a typical Santorini church with a triple bellcote and blue dome which is one of the best places to watch a sunset that I have ever visited.

Image of Fira village at dusk Santorini Greece

Then find a bar overlooking the caldera, buy yourself a glass of Santorini wine (or Mythos or Alfa beer) and savour the incredible afterglow behind the other islands of the Aegean.

Santorini One Day Itinerary Summary

Image of statue at a bar in Fira Santorini Greece

If Driving On Santorini

Morning – Oia

Lunch – Oia or Ammoudi Bay

Afternoon – One of the beaches on Santorini – Perissa, Perivolos, Vlychada , Kamari or Red Beach

Evening – Fira with sunset on the caldera

If Travelling By Bus On Santorini

0900 – depart for Oia

1200 – lunch in Oia or Ammoudi Bay

1300 – 1700 – Perissa or Kamari Beach

1800 – Fira with sunset on the caldera

Cruise Passengers / Day Trippers

Image of the view from Fira Santorini towards the island of Nea Kameni

0900 – Santorini day tour or make your way to Oia

1400– Bus to Firostefani (on Fira route) then caldera walk via the Three Bells of Fira church

1700 – return to cruise ship

More Than 1 Day In Santorini – Other Things To Do In Santorini

If you have more than one day in Santorini, you have time to branch out further and experience more of the island.

Having visited Oia and Fira, I would suggest visiting one of Pyrgos and Emporio , two of the best villages in Santorini .

Pyrgos – also known as Pyrgos Kallistis – is the highest village in Santorini. It has a minute fraction of the throngs of Oia and Fira passing through its whitewashed alleys, and I loved exploring every corner of it.

As well as the superb Cyclades architecture, there are also a couple of great cafes (step forward, Franco’s Café) and places to eat around the village.

Emporio is a couple of miles inland from Perissa village and beach. I particularly loved the narrow alleyways in and around the Venetian kastelli , and you can even stay in some of the wonderful cave houses there.

Day Trips From Santorini

The Santorini ferry schedules mean that relatively few islands are feasible as day trips from Santorini. For example, most of the Santorini ferries to Crete leave in the middle of the day or afternoon, and the return trips all tend to leave in the morning. When you island hop in Greece you often have to stay on each island.

Thirasia is the one island you can comfortably reach and return to Santorini in a day. It’s only a 15-20 minute boat ride from Santorini, and is worth visiting for its completely different feel.

It was once part of Santorini, until separated by a violent volcanic eruption, and has similar Cycladic architecture. This includes the distinctive cave-like houses and whitewashed churches with blue domes. And you’ll largely have the place to yourself.

Boats depart from Ammoudi Bay (below Oia) or Athinios (the modern Santorini port), or you can also book tours to Thirasia and nearby Nea Kameni island, with its volcanic hot springs.

Where Is Santorini

Image of boat cruising in the caldera in Santorini Greece

Santorini – which is also sometimes referred to as Fira, Thira or Thera – is located in the southern Aegean Sea, in the eastern Mediterranean.

It is the southernmost island in the Cyclades chain of islands – the islands to the east of Santorini are part of the Dodecanese archipelago.

Santorini is 235 km from the Greek capital Athens, and 123 km north of Heraklion, the capital of Crete.

How To Get To Santorini

You can get to Santorini by air or by boat.

If you’re planning to fly there, Santorini Airport (airport code JTR ) is served by flights from over 20 countries, including most in western Europe and Turkey, Israel and the UAE in the Middle East. Within Greece, there are regular flights to Santorini from Athens.

Alternatively, you can reach Santorini by ferry. We caught the Heraklion to Santorini ferry, which took a little over two hours, and made the return journey a week later. Day trips from Crete to Santorini are popular, partly because of the relatively short journey time.

If you’re travelling from Athens to Santorini, the ferry takes five hours, sometimes more. So this rules put any day trip from Athens to Santorini – unless you fly back late in the evening!

How To Get Around Santorini

Image of bus and taxi signs in Santorini port Greece

Buses will cover you for getting around during your one day in Santorini. Bear in mind that all services terminate at Fira bus station. If you’re travelling from the port or airport to Oia, you need to get a bus to Fira, then change for another service to Oia. You pay the driver or conductor in cash on the bus, and most single fares are €1.80.

You can also arrange transfers from the port or airport to your hotel – this saves a lot of hassle queuing in the heat before a not particularly enjoyable zig-zag journey up the mountainside from the port to Fira.

Image of a car on road in Akrotiri Santorini Greece

Driving is by far the easiest way to get around Santorini. The buses cover you between main locations such as Fira and Oia, but if you’re looking to head anywhere off the beaten path, particularly some of the beaches, then you should think about hiring a car for your one day in Santorini.

Taxis are another way useful way of getting around. We stayed in the village of Karterados for the first few days of our stay, and had a 1 km walk from the nearest bus stop. Taxis are very useful for covering the gaps between places not covered by the buses.

Typical fares from the port (Athinios) are €25 to Fira and €40 to Oia, while fares from the airport to the same destinations tend to be around €5 less.

Best Time To Visit Santorini

Image of Three Bells of Fira at sunset Santorini Greece

The Santorini tourist season is from April to October, and the beginning and end of the season – April to May and late September to October are the best times to visit . The one thing to bear in mind with visiting Santorini – or any of the other Greek islands – in the ‘shoulder season’ is that some places (e.g. restaurants and hotels) aren’t necessarily open, and ferry and bus services are less frequent than during peak season.

Summer – when we visited – is hot, and that’s when prices are highest, especially for accommodation. It’s also when it’s at its most crowded. Santorini is small, and overtourism does make it feel like its infrastructure (especially on buses and at busy places like the Byzantine Castle in Oia) is bursting at the seams.

How Many Days In Santorini Ideally

Four or five days is plenty of time to see Santorini. This will give you time to enjoy the sunset at both Oia and Fira and visit at least one of the volcanic beaches in Santorini. You would also have time to explore one of the less-frequented villages of Pyrgos and Emporio with this amount of time available.

One Day In Santorini – Final Thoughts

You come to Santorini for the extraordinary caldera views, and the most important thing is that you leave Santorini having experienced that magic. Anything else is a bonus.

So allow yourself some time in Oia and Fira, and if you’re on the island long enough, soak in a Santorini sunset at either of these.

Explore more of Santorini

Three Bells of Fira – one of the best sunset views in Santorini
Sunset in Santorini – the best places to watch one
Best beaches in Santorini
Beautiful villages in santorini
Churches in Santorini

Image of David Angel found of Delve into Europe Travel Blog / Website

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times. David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

Take a look at more of our articles on Greece here:

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Falassarna Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll see in your life
Elafonissi Beach – pink sand paradise in the south-west corner of Crete
Things To Do In Chania – Crete’s second city – but by far its most beautiful
Kalypso Beach Crete – a fjord – in Crete – honestly!
Bali Crete Beaches – the five beaches of this gorgeous seaside town
Best Beaches In Crete – 26 stunners on Greece’s largest island

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One Day in Santorini

November 2, 2020 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

One Day in a City Itinerary: Santorini, Greece…

Tips for spending a day on the island of santorini for cruisers and other visitors short on time..

One example of the stunning architecture of Santorini.

For such a small island, there is a lot to see and do on Santorini, the stunningly gorgeous Greek isle that is such a wondrous place it’s rumored in legend to be the lost city of Atlantis. Here is how to best spend one day in Santorini to experience as much of the island as possible.

Most people arrive to Santorini via water and that should be the start of your experience in Santorini. Get outside and to the edge of the boat once Santorini comes into view and stay there for the entire ride in as you’ll most likely be sailing between the caldera and volcano, offering incredible views of both. The now mostly submerged volcano erupted thousands of years ago and the eruption was so powerful it resulted in most of the island falling into the ocean and producing the caldera, on which many of Santorini’s most picturesque towns perch.

One Day in Santorini - Sailing into Santorini

Start Your Day in Fira, Santorini

Fira is the main town in Santorini and will probably be the first you hit during your one day in Santorini. Fira lacks a lot of the charm the other towns and villages of Santorini have and is a bit of a tourist trap so plan on getting out of there quickly.

Here are the main sites to see once you leave Fira: The Red Beach, one of the black beaches, Oia, and the sunset. Read on to find out what to do at each one.

Santorini Transportation Cheat Sheet

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The Red Beach

While you may not have time to lie on the beach if you only have one day in Santorini, you should still visit them because the beaches there are pretty remarkable due to the volcanic ash. The Red Beach is my favorite. After a climb over some rocks (note it is a bit of a hike to get there from the town of Akrotiri so may not be ideal for some people) you descend upon a narrow piece of beach with red pebbles and a red and black rock backdrop cradling a little alcove of turquoise water. It’s a stunning sight.

Black Beaches

Santorini has a few black beaches – called so due the volcanic ash permeating the sand and giving it a black tint. Perissa Beach is easily accessible and a good choice if you want to visit one of the black beaches. Keep in mind the black sand means walking on it is extra hot so be careful stepping on it without shoes. If you’re hungry after your beach jaunt try one of the restaurants in the area and enjoy the beach view while you eat. Don’t dawdle too much at lunch as you’ll probably want a few hours to spend in Oia once you’re there. Oia is a tiny town, but it lures you into its charm and makes it hard to want to leave.

What to Pack for Your Day in Santorini

Sunglasses — I like polarized ones for traveling.
Don’t forget a cover-up , too!
These ones are good for warm weather, but sturdy (necessary for cliffside trails!) .
You also may want to throw some water shoes into your daypack since the black beaches get hot to walk on.
And this is a must if in Santorini on a hot summer day

During the drive up to Oia , you can pass some of the vineyards and wineries. If wine tasting is your thing, stop for a tasting, otherwise, keep going so you’ll have more time at the other sites. Many restaurants also serve wine produced in Santorini so you can try the local wine with lunch or dinner to help save on time.

One Day in Santorini - Greek Salad and Santorini Wine

Oia, Santorini

Oia is built into the side of the cliff with some definite gravity defying buildings hugging the edge of the caldera. The precarious looking nature of the architecture results in some jaw-dropping views.

Walk around the many paths winding through Oia and enjoy the views of the volcano, ocean, white-washed buildings, and blue domed churches. And keep an eye out for donkeys running through – or leaving behind some surprises on the ground! Oia is my favorite place in Santorini and it’s hard not to fall in love forever with the island while wandering around it.

The Santorini Sunset

Watching the sunset from Oia is ideal. However, for some people who have ferries or cruise ships to catch shortly after it sets, getting back from Oia in time isn’t your best bet and can be risky if you have to rely on public transportation due to needing to find a taxi or take a bus if your scooter or car has already needed to be returned. In that case, head to the north part of Fira and eat at one of the several restaurants situated along the caldera there that are perfect for dinner while you watch the sunset. Make a reservation or get there early in order to get a prime sunset viewing table. Had an excellent dinner and view at Zafora restaurant .

And why is it so important to have a perfect view for the Santorini sunset and make sure you don’t miss it? I’ll let this picture below do the explaining:

One Day in Santorini - The Famous Santorini Sunset

The above sightseeing is if you have a completely full day in Santorini. If you’re really short on time in Santorini, I recommend just visiting Oia – it is quintessential Santorini and what most people have in mind when they dream of Santorini.

Where to Sleep in Santorini

If you need somewhere to lie your head while in Santorini, I have two options. The first is in Oia, because I love it there. The second is in Fira, and is a good option if you need somewhere to sleep before catching a ferry off the island the following day.

Oia Hotel Option: Aris Caves Hotel , which puts you up front and center to all of Oia’s charm, including an incredible view of the sea and volcano, and luxurious cave rooms dug into the side of the caldera.

Click here to see pictures and prices for Aris Cave Hotel.

Fira Hotel Option: Dream Island Hotel makes it convenient to get to and from the harbor by arranging transportation for you and giving you a place to stow your bag if the ferry leaves later in the day. It also has well-appointed rooms and sea views.

Click here to see pictures and prices for Dream Island Hotel.

You can also search for other Santorini hotels using Booking.com and choose the one with your favorite view. There are some pretty amazing ones! Booking.com is my favorite accommodation reservation site for Europe since it is easy to use, includes the lowest prices, and has free cancellation for most hotels.

Booking.com

Found these Santorini tips helpful? Pin for later!

What to see and do when short on time on the gorgeous Greek island of Santorini. Great tips for cruisers or day trippers!

This article was originally published on January 26, 2011; updated on October 9, 2015.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I get paid a percentage of any purchases made through those links at no extra cost to you, which helps me cover the costs of running this site. I only link to brands and products I use and like. Thanks for supporting One Day in a City!

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

April 6, 2018 at

Hi Joo, I don’t recommend going to Santorini while in port in Piraeus. You’ll lose too much time in transport to make it worth it. Instead, I recommend exploring Athens while there.

March 18, 2018 at

My cruise will dock at Piraeus at 7am and will leave the port at 5pm. What would be the best means of transport to Santorini given that 10hrs ?

August 17, 2017 at

Double check sunset time for when you’re there, but I would think your ship doesn’t leave until after the sun sets and will give you time to get back. I’d recommend an island tour shore excursion in the afternoon that is 3-4 hours and then to have dinner reservations somewhere in Fira along the caldera to watch the sunset. Oia is best for the sunset, but you’ll want to make sure you can get back to the ship in time if you watch it there.

July 17, 2017 at

Very helpful blog. I will be visiting Santorini on royal Caribbean cruise with my 78 year old father. The ship arrives at 2pm and leaves at 10 pm. What do you recommend regarding shore excursion? Thanks for your advice in advance.

May 6, 2017 at

Wow! Thank you so much for posting this! It is helping me tremendously. We will be cruising around July 4th this year and get in at 1pm and leave at 10pm. Do you have a suggestion on when we need to start heading back to the ship? I know the cable car usually has a long time. When should we make dinner reservations for?

February 1, 2017 at

What a great guide for travelers. All about this island is just amazing! Thanks for sharing.

October 5, 2016 at

Thanks, Monika!

September 28, 2016 at

I must say your blog is excellent and also have great pictures! I have learned some new things from you and it will be on my to-do list when I plan my visit to Greece.

August 22, 2016 at

This an excellent review on the best places to stay in Santorini and our preferred village is Imerovigli and Oia.

Thnx George

August 12, 2016 at

Hi Carol, it’s pretty easy to take a 4 wheeler to Oia. It didn’t take longer than 15 minutes to pick up and less than that to drop off. Make sure you find out when they close and give yourself plenty of time to get back to your ship (that is a big benefit of doing a shore excursion on Santorini through the cruise line as they’ll make sure you’re back to the ship on time. Normally not a problem though if you don’t rush yourself at the end.) You can see the whole island in a day, but it won’t include much time for stopping. If Oia is really important to you, focus on that and maybe skip the beaches on the south end of the island. Also, I’m not completely sure of the shore excursion options on Royal Princess, but I’m guessing you’ll have more time to explore Oia if you go there on your own than via a guided tour. Make sure you check how much time you’re given there. It’s definitely a town that’s lovely to meander around at your leisure — and a great place to grab a bite to eat.

August 10, 2016 at

We have booked royal princess cruise and it will be reaching santorini at 7 am and leaving at 10 pm could you please advise if we can cover the island in a day if we hire a 4 wheeler? How much extra time is consumed in picking and dropping off the vehicle and how much do they cost to hire for the day. Is it better to do this than take a guided tour offered by Royal princess. What is another alternative to the 4 wheeler, Oia is something I do not want to miss.

August 2, 2016 at

Glad you found the blog helpful, Jacqueline! Enjoy your trip!

July 25, 2016 at

Hi! I just wanted to say thank you for your blog, I am doing a trip around Europe for the first time in September (I come from New Zealand so this is all very new to me), and I was starting to worry that maybe I shouldn’t have booked in Santorini because I only have two nights there. I arrive late afternoon on a Tuesday and leave early afternoon on the Thursday, and I am staying at a hostel in Fira. But then I came across your blog and it’s great to know it can be done in one day! I will be traveling/adventuring by myself though, so hopefully I find it ok hiring a bike etc and not getting lost on the island! I am traveling around a lot of places in Europe over five weeks and I am just doing 2 or 3 nights per place, so thank you so much for these handy tips, your Venice in one day has popped up so I am going to check that one out next! When I leave Santorini I am flying to Venice for two nights! ☺️

June 16, 2016 at

Hi, Thanks for the blog. We have booked Royal Princess cruise and it will be reaching at Santorini at 7 am and leave at 10 pm. Could you please advise if we can cover the island in a day if we hire a 4 wheeler? How much extra time is consumed in picking and dropping of the vehicle and how much they cost to hire for a day? Is it a better option than taking a guided tour offered by Royal Princess? Thanks!

February 11, 2016 at

Thanks so much, Mia! My second time in Santorini was on a Celebrity cruise. You’re going to have a great time. As for doing it on your own or booking a tour, it kind of depends on what you want to see. If you want to visit the historic sites or some of the wineries, a tour might be best since then you’ll also have a guide. If you just want to explore the beaches or streets of Oia, I’d recommend renting a car or some 4-wheelers and doing it on your own. Also, one thing to note if doing it on your own is that you’re going to get off the ship later. I think Celebrity still tenders while in port in Santorini which means you’ll have to get a ticket for a time to take a small boat to shore. Those with shore excursions through Celebrity get priority to leave first. For tickets, make sure you get to the counter onboard the second they start releasing them so you can get one of the first slots to leave the ship after the excursion passengers get off.

February 9, 2016 at

Hi, we are booked for the Celebrity Cruise in october and the ship will leave Santorini at 9pm. I’m traveling with friends i a big group. We arrive at 2pm. Do you think it’s best to do the tour on our own or best to book it with the cruise ship. Your blog is great. I chanced on it while doing research for our up coming trip.

November 3, 2015 at

Thanks for nice tips Gina.

September 13, 2015 at

I would definitely rent your own transportation for the day. You’ll be able to see more of the island. If your cruise leaves late enough, make dinner reservations in Fira at a restaurant on the caldera and request a table that is on the edge for the best view of the sunset. (Or Oia, preferably, but most cruise lines don’t leave late enough to give you time to get back to your ship from Oia after the sun sets.) Hope you enjoy your cruise!

August 30, 2015 at

We visit Santorini as part of our cruise in September and it is also our 25th wedding anniversary.!! What would you recommend so we get the most from our day but to also mean it is relaxing and memorable! I fancy somewhere nice for lunch and not fussed about the beach. Suggestions appreciated x

August 18, 2015 at

Hi Vicki, you’ll still be able to enjoy it, though it will likely be blocked a bit more by the caldera. Enjoy your trip! Oceania is a great cruise line.

August 15, 2015 at

Our cruise ship sails at 6pm so probably have to be on board at 5 pm so probably can’t see the sunset. Is it still a good sight from the cruise ship. (Oceania Riviera ship)

July 14, 2015 at

Hi, Thank you for all your post. We will be visiting Santorini in Cruise on September 2015. The cruise docks at 7:00 am and departs at 5:00 pm. Not sure on which port. But, what is your recommendation on how to tour Santorini in 10 hours?

June 22, 2015 at

Hi Vivian, it’s definitely possible if you fly instead of taking a ferry. I love Santorini so I would of course recommend staying the night so you have more time 🙂 but if that’s not possible, I would try to find the earliest flight / latest flight as possible to and from Santorini from Athens. Then take a cab from the airport as opposed to public transportation so you can quickly start your day in Santorini. Hope that helps!

June 10, 2015 at

Hi! I chanced upon your blog as I was researching about a trip to Greece in late September. As we only have limited time there, my friend and I were wondering if it is feasible to spend a day in Santorini and make it back to Athens within the same day. Would be happy to hear your thoughts 🙂

Best regards, Vivian

May 16, 2015 at

Hi Pia, we didn’t need an International Driver’s License to rent a 4-wheeler and that was very easy to use to get around the island. I wrote more about that here: https://www.onedayinacity.com/scooters-4-wheelers-and-santorini/ Have fun in Santorini!

Hi Lee, you will have so much fun in Santorini! My guidebook, One Day in Santorini, has additional recommendations on things to do in Santorini: http://www.amazon.com/Santorini-Greece-Travel-Guide-2014-ebook/dp/B00BCQ69TC

April 26, 2015 at

My family with total 4 people would stay in Santorini for 3 nights in coming June. What would you recommend for us to do in Santorini for these4 days? Thank you in advance.

April 16, 2015 at

Hi Gina, your blogs are divine!!

I am visiting Santorini in the first week of June for 2 days and would be staying in the Fira town. We wont hiring a car or a scooter as we haven’t got international drivers license. What is the next best option to see the island?

February 17, 2015 at

I would definitely recommend staying a night, particularly if leaving the same day would mean having to leave before sunset.

February 12, 2015 at

Hello, We plan to visit Athens in four days in mid April and would love to visit Santoroni. Since we don’t have much time, we are thinking to fly to Santorini in the morning and come back to Athens in the evening or late night. We wonder one day in Santoroni should be enough or it’s better to stay at least one night.

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One Day in Santorini From Cruise Ship: Epic Itinerary

Are you looking for an incredible one-day in Santorini from a cruise ship itinerary to make the most out of your shore day in beautiful Santorini? Then I got you covered!

Whether you’re a young couple wanting to explore the romantic island off the beaten tracks, or someone interested in immersing themselves in culture and history, Santorini has something for everyone.

90 % of cruise ship guests tour the famous villages of Oia and Imerovigli, which makes them insanely crowded. I have been to Santorini many times, and have almost gotten run over by the crowds. To avoid all the masses, I have created an alternative itinerary.

This guide will provide everything from tips on the best beaches in Santorini to suggestions on breathtaking day trips and excursions. I’ll give you all the ingredients for a dreamy voyage that can easily be tucked into just 10 hours!

Don’t spend your precious port call exploring only Oia. Let’s explore this beautiful island together.

santorini oia view with colorful flowers and orange houses

One day in santorini from cruise ship – in short, the santorini cruise port, best guided excursions for 1 day in santorini, about pyrgos/megalochori, noon: traditional greek lunch, early afternoon: volcanic beaches of santorini, 1. akrotiri archeological sites, 2. ancient thira, 3. santorini wine tasting, 4. santorini catamaran trip, 5. santorini lighthouse, 6. visit exo gonia, 7. walking tour with a local guide, early evening: shopping in santorini, what to pack for santorini on a cruise, how to get around santorini, conclusion: one day in santorini from cruise ship, more 1-day cruise itineraries, faq’s 1 day in santorini, about the author.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.

When coming to Santorini on a cruise ship, you have a couple of options on how to spend your day. You can either book a guided day trip or explore the island on your own with my suggested itinerary :

Morning : Visit the adorable villages of Pyrgos and Megalochori
Lunch : Lunch in a traditional Greek restaurant
Early Afternoon: Explore one of the volcanic beaches of the island
Late Afternoon: Cultural experience (wine tasting or sightseeing)
Early Evening: Souvenir Shopping

Santorini is a popular destination for cruisers. Many cruise lines have Santorini as a port of call on their Eastern Mediterranean routes.

There are two major ports in Santorini where your cruise ship might dock.

Old Fira Port is one of the oldest ports in Santorini, and this is also where many cruise ships will dock. The port has been a main point of entry to the island since ancient times. It is still used today by cruise ships, ferries, and local boats.

It is located right down the cliff from Thira, the capital city of Santorini. The port is home to a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and tourist information centers.

The second important port in Santorini is the Athinios Port. The Athinios Port is located at the foot of Mount Profitis Ilias in Santorini and has over time become the main port on the island. You will need a bus to get from the port to major attractions.

If your vessel docks at the Old Fira port, you can walk up about 600 steps to reach Fira. There are also cable cars available that make the journey a bit easier. Please refrain from riding up on a donkey, as this is very straining for them. The cable car costs around EUR 6,00 for a ride.

Both ports are too small for bigger cruise ships, so you will arrive via tender boats .

stunning picture of the santorini cruise port with a cruise ship sending tender boats towards the island

As an avid cruiser, I know that booking a shore excursion with the cruise line can be quite expensive . In the end, you’ll be in a big group waddling around the island.

To avoid this issue, I usually book a tour with my favorite company Viator . They have a great selection of tours (also private ones) and you can cancel them free in case the ship is delayed or the stop is canceled.

If you feel like exploring the island on your own, you might not need a day tour at all. But if you wish for a little more guidance and are not excited to operate an ATV or a rental car, this might be just the right thing for you.

Also, private tours in Santorini are surprisingly cheap, so it is worth considering. We have done these tours ourselves, and I can absolutely recommend them.

Here are my favorite day tours and half-day tours in Santorini:

6-Hour Private Best of Santorini Experience 🤩 5/5 Stars (336 Reviews)

5-Hour Santorini Luxury Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Drinks 🤩 5/5 Stars (999 Reviews)

Private Santorini Tailor Made Tour – Choice of the guest! 🤩 5/5 Stars (177 Reviews)

Santorini Must-See Highlights: Private Sightseeing Tour 🤩 5/5 Stars (81 Reviews)

Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset 🤩 5/5 Stars (571 Reviews)

Santorini Private Instagram Tour 🤩 5/5 Stars (79 Reviews)

the author lying on a boat relaxing in front of red beach santorini

Morning: Pyrgos and Megalochori

As you make your way up to Fira from the cruise port, you’ll need to grab an ATV, rental car, or cab. Our journey will take us to some of the most underrated spots on the island .

Many famous photo spots you see on Instagram are taken in the famous village of Oia . But the truth is, it is crowded and you will have a hard time getting a good shot there.

Luckily, I spent so much time on this island that I found equally nice spots – without crowds.

If you are looking for white houses, churches with blue domes, and no people – head over to Pyrgos or Megalochori.

the author posing in santorini in front of a white washed building with blue accents

Megalochori is a picturesque village on the island of Santorini . It has narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with traditional blue doors and shutters. You can also find ancient churches topped with white domes.

My husband and I took our wedding photos there because it looks like the famous Oia but without any crowds.

Pyrgos is a village full of charm and beauty, close to Megalochori. It offers an incredibly beautiful atmosphere, with far fewer people.

If you are looking for a traditional Greek white-washed building with beautiful blue accents – Pyrgos is the place.

The village is situated among vineyards and olive groves , with stunning views of the Aegean Sea . Hike up to Pyrgos Castle for the best view.

stunning view of pyrgos castle from below

If you wish to see a village on the cliffs with white-washed houses, Imerovigli is your best bet. It is a smaller version of Oia . From this village, you will have stunning views of the Caldera and the Aegean Sea.

The name Imerovigli translates to “day watch,” as it was once a strategic point for spotting approaching pirates. You can hike all the way from Thira to Imerovigli – it is an easy hike with lots of pretty views.

Looking to take a mid-day break from your busy 1 day in Santorini? Look no further than the best places for lunch and coffee. Santorini has some amazing food to offer – sadly it is hard to find.

Most places serve tourist food for tourist prices. Luckily for you, I know all the great, and authentic food spots in Santorini.

My suggestion is to have lunch in Megalochori or Pyrgos as well. If you prefer to be oceanside, begin the drive toward Kamari.

Here are my favorite restaurants for lunch in Santorini (off the beaten paths):

Penelope’s in Pyrgos (the best tzatziki on the island)
Pyrgos Restaurant in Pyrgos
Olio in Megalochori
Tavern Mythos in Pyrgos
Taverna Alexander in Kamari
Mesogaia Restaurant in Kamari

cute restaurant called penelopes in pyrgos

Santorini is famous for its cliffside white-washed architecture and stunning sunsets, but did you know it also has some pretty unique beaches? After a nice lunch it is a great time to drive by some of the stunning beaches on the island.

If you had lunch in Kamari – look no further. Kamari Beach is a black volcanic beach that is super stunning. It has a great boulevard with restaurants, shops, and beach clubs.

Another hidden gem is Red Beach, named for its reddish-black volcanic sands and towering red cliffs. It is hard to reach, so you’ll need to plan this carefully.

Another standout is White Beach , a tiny pebbled paradise accessible only by boat. And for something truly off the beaten path, head to Vlychada Beach . It has eerie lunar-like rock formations.

Snorkel enthusiasts will be happy to hear that Santorini has some of the best snorkeling in the Aegean Sea. Check out Black Beach, Caldera Beach, or Ammoudi Beach and explore the volcanic underwater world of Santorini.

huge white cliffs and small beach in front of it

Do you need travel insurance in Santorini? Yes, travel insurance in Santorini is highly recommended. Unsafe roads, water sports accidents, and food poisoning are only a few examples of when travel insurance could come in handy. EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.

Afternoon: Sightseeing or Wine Tasting

If you are looking for a cultural experience to fill the rest of your one day in Santorini from a cruise ship, then you are in the right spot. Here are some amazing ideas you should put on your Santorini itinerary.

Sadly, you won’t have too much time for all of them, so you’ll have to pick and choose.

My tip: if I had to choose between all these amazing experiences, I would choose a wine-tasting experience.

The Akrotiri Archeological Sites are a must-see when spending one day in Santorini. Located on the southernmost tip of the island, the site is an ancient settlement that dates back to the Minoan civilization. The site has its origins in the Bronze Age (around 2000 BC).

The ruins are believed to have been buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of the volcano under Santorini.

Visiting the Akrotiri Archeological Sites is a unique experience that you should not miss when in Santorini.

The site is open daily, from 8:30 am to 3 pm. The price of admission is EUR 12,00 pp.

excavation site in Santorini called akrotiri archeological site

Ancient Thira is another ancient settlement located on the southern tip of Santorini. It dates back to the 9th century BC and was believed to be founded by Dorian Greeks.

The ruins are located on a steep hillside. You can see the T emple of Apollo, an agora, a theater, and several other interesting structures.

It is a bit of a hike to reach the ancient structures, but the view from the hilltop is amazing. You can see all the way over Kamari Beach.

Keep in mind that most of the structures are pretty much destroyed, so you will need a lot of imagination. I enjoyed the experience, but I was a bit disappointed in the ruins.

You can drive almost all the way up to the ruins in Ancient Thira. The drive takes approximately one hour from the main port of Fira.

Spending 1 day in Santorini would not be complete without experiencing its great wine culture.

Santorini’s main export product is indeed white wine.

The volcanic soil and unique climate of the island provide ideal conditions for producing white wines. They have a distinctive character, intensity, and complexity. The most popular varietals include Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, and Mandilaria.

All of them are grown in cute little baskets. They keep the plants safe from the winds.

Many different wineries in Santorini offer tastings. I have been to four of them myself and I have loved all of them, even though they were quite different from each other.

I suggest you visit at least one of these wineries when in Santorini:

Canava Roussous Winery
Winery Anhydrous
Hatzidakis Winery
Santo Wines

If you only have time to visit one of them, I would suggest Santo Wines . Their view of the Caldera is simply to die for.

Winery Canava Roussos in santorini entrance of a building with pink flowers

A catamaran trip is almost a must when on the island. Onboard you can enjoy exquisite local food and drinks, take a dip in the crystal clear waters , and even take some amazing photos of the Caldera.

I can wholeheartedly recommend taking a half-day Catamaran Trip. We had an amazing experience and the crew was super friendly.

We visited Red Beach, and White Beach and saw the sunset over Oia.

If you don’t have enough time for that, book a private boat tour instead. They can bring you back on time for when the ship leaves.

The Santorini Lighthouse is an iconic landmark on the island , providing breathtaking views of the caldera and nearby islands.

Located on the edge of a cliff at Cape Akrotiri , the lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in Santorini and a popular tourist destination.

It was built in 1895 and it is about 25 meters high . You can drive there with your ATV or rental car and check it out.

Akrotiri Lighthouse overlooking the ocean picture taken from a cave

Exo Gonia Santorini is a picturesque village located in the heart of Santorini’s caldera, perched on cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea.

This traditional Cycladic village was one of the few settlements to survive the destruction caused by the Minoan eruption in 1650 BC.

It is quite interesting to see and should be on everyone’s 1 day in Santorini itinerary.

Exo Gonia village overlooking the ocean in the Aegean Se

We booked a walking tour with a local guide in a historic village. The guide was super sweet and knowledgeable and he showed us traditional Santorini cave houses.

The residents of Santorini build cave houses due to the island’s unique geology. The volcanic eruption that happened in 1650 BC caused much of the landscape to become infertile and difficult to cultivate, making it difficult to build traditional homes.

Additionally, they needed insulation from the often intense heat in the summer months. Our last hotel was built as a traditional cave house and it was so nice and cool inside.

I recommend this tour wholeheartedly for your one day in Santorini from the cruise ship itinerary. We were a private group of four people and the atmosphere was nice and relaxed and the guide made sure to teach us a lot.

The best places to go shopping in Santorini are the cute towns of Fira and Oia. Fira is the capital of Santorini, and it’s filled with shops, boutiques, and markets selling everything from traditional Greek souvenirs to trendy fashion items.

The streets of Fira also offer numerous jewelry makers, tailors, and local artists.

If you are looking for a sustainable souvenir from local production, I suggest bringing home a bottle of Santorini wine. They also make lovely jams and spreads that make for amazing gifts.

Keep in mind that shopping in Santorini is quite expensive. If you are looking for cheaper souvenirs, check out the smaller shops in Pyrgos and Megalochori instead.

View from Thira over the old cruise port

When planning your shore excursion to Santorini, be sure to pack light but bring items that will make your day comfortable and memorable.

For sunny days in Santorini, a good pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, and a large hat are essential items. Don’t forget comfortable sandals (lots of walking and many steps) and lightweight clothing.

The sun is quite strong in Santorini, but you will probably not feel it because of the wind. Use lots of sunscreen , even when it doesn’t feel hot.

Lastly, keep in mind that it is extremely windy in Santorini, so avoid items that easily fly away (such as loose-fitting hats). It can also be a bit chilly, so I suggest a cover-up.

Other items that you should bring on your shore excursion for 1 day in Santorini:

GoPro (if you go snorkeling)
Snorkeling Equipment
Travel Guide

The Author in a pink dress in front of a cute house with pink flowers in Pyrgos

When staying 1 day in Santorini, the best way to get around is by renting a car or hailing a cab . Santorini has only 26 cabs, so you might wait a while.

If you are only in town for a day, a private driver might be a good option. He can bring you to all the hot spots on the island.

For those looking for a more adventurous way to explore Santorini, motorbikes, scooters, and bicycles can also be rented from various rental companies.

The roads are paved and relatively narrow, so it can be tricky to navigate with a car. I found the ATVs to be the best way to get around the island.

The author and her husband with their ATV in Santorini

Well, it looks like one day in Santorini may not be enough to explore the island and truly experience the beauty of its beaches!

Luckily for you, some of the best things about Santorini can be done during a short cruise stop – from exploring the signature white cliff houses to the stunning beaches of Santorini. And of course, a glass of their Assyrtiko wine must be on your itinerary.

So put on your shades, grab your favorite sun hat, and get ready for an unforgettable day of exploring all that Santorini has to offer. If you wish to learn more about Santorini, make sure to check out my ultimate Santorini island guide with lots of helpful tips.

The best way to see Santorini from the cruise ship is on your own – and this is the full guide on how to do it.

I hope you enjoy your amazing 1 day in Santorini and this guide was helpful!

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Yes, one day is enough to get a small taste of the breathtaking beauty of Santorini, but it is certainly not enough to experience all that the island has to offer. From its unique white cliff houses and stunning beaches to its renowned Assyrtiko wine, countless attractions and activities would keep you busy on a longer stay.

Yes, it is worth spending a day in Santorini! With its timeless views of the caldera, unique whitewashed architecture, and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini is a highly sought-after destination for travelers from all around the globe.

June and September are the best months for a cruise to Santorini. There are fewer crowds than during the main season as it is a bit warmer than in Spring.

Yes, Santorini is a very walkable destination. The main town of Fira is small and car-free, providing an ideal environment for exploring the area on foot. Furthermore, the local streets are lined with beautiful buildings and sweet shops. If you wish to explore further, you need a car or ATV.

blonde girl pink dress in front of blue door santorini

Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in the Netherlands. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

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8 of the best day trips in Santorini, Greece (without a car)

Posted on Last updated: April 18, 2024

Eight great day trips in Santorini, Greece – from unspoilt villages and buried cities to beach resorts and sunset spots – all of which you can visit without a car, either using public transport or on a tour.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

8 of the best day trips in Santorini, Greece (without a car)

The gorgeous Greek island of Santorini is one of the country’s most popular destinations, with those iconic views of clifftop villages overlooking the Aegean. But as well as soaking up the caldera views, there’s plenty more to see on the island, from relaxing on black-sand beaches and visiting traditional Greek villages to boat trips to nearby islands.

Santorini’s fairly compact size makes it ideal for exploring on day trips, and its bus and ferry connections mean you don’t need to hire a car to get around the island. So here are eight of my favourite day trips in Santorini without a car, with details of how to visit each place independently as well as tour options if you don’t want to do-it-yourself.

Note: Public transport details start from Santorini’s capital Fira, so if you’re staying elsewhere on the island you may need to get the bus to Fira first.

Map of day trips in Santorini

Beautiful Oia is Santorini’s picture-perfect spot with its pastel-painted houses, windmills and domed churches spilling down the hillside. It’s one of the most popular places to stay on the island, but if you’re staying elsewhere it’s definitely worth visiting on a day trip.

Take a stroll around Oia’s narrow streets for one photo opportunity after another, from houses draped with pink bougainvillia to church towers silhouetted against the blue Aegean Sea. It’s a good place to wander around and see what you find, with lots of cafés, rooftop bar, art galleries and boutique shops selling local crafts to stop off in.

There are plenty of panoramic viewspoints, including the Castle of St Nicholas and the blue-domed churches. And don’t miss a famous Oia sunset, though the town is the most popular place on the island to watch the sun go down so it can get very busy.

The cliffside village of Oia in Santorini, Greece

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Oia is easy to reach from Santorini’s main town Fira (Thera) . Buses to Oia leave from Fira’s bus station around every 30 minutes. The journey takes 25 minutes and costs €2 one way (cash payment only). There can be big queues for the bus in high season so if you don’t want to wait you can also take a taxi to Oia which costs €30–€40 one way.

Or if you’re feeling energetic you can walk the 10km/6 miles from Fira to Oia along the edge of the caldera. The walk takes around 3 hours and has fantastic views along the way.

Take a tour

Most Santorini tours include a stop in Oia. You can visit as part of a full-day island highlights trip * which ends with sunset in Oia. Or there’s a half-day tour * designed for cruise passengers, which visits Oia as well as Megalochori and a black sand beach.

2. Akrotiri

Known as Santorini’s Pompeii, Akrotiri was once a prosperous Minoan port city on a trade route between Europe and the Middle East. But around 1600 BC it was buried beneath 200 feet of ash when a giant volcanic eruption blew the middle right out of Santorini.

Akrotiri was forgotten about until the 1860s when quarry workers dug down and found some of its ancient artefacts. Excavations started properly in 1967 and are still carrying on today, with just a third of the site uncovered. The Akrotiri archaeological site is open to the public and gives a fascinating insight into what life was like for the Minoans.

The town was surprisingly advanced, with houses built over two and three storeys with underfloor heating, hot and cold running water and even indoor toilets. And the ash has helped preserve original features like frescoes and clay pots. Now open to the public, the site is one of the best day trips in Santorini to learn about the island’s history.

Read more: Visiting the buried city of Akrotiri, Santorini

The ruined city of Akrotiri in Santorini

Buses run from Fira’s bus station to Akrotiri and take around 20 minutes, costing €2 each way. Entry to Akrotiri archaeological site costs €12 adults/€6 concessions. The ruins are just a short walk from the Red Beach so it’s easy to combine the two.

You can also take a day tour * which includes bus transfers to Akrotiri with stops at the Prophet Elias Monastery, Megalochori, the Red Beach and black-sand Perivolos beach.

Once the capital of Santorini, the medieval village of Pyrgos lies on the slopes of Mount Profitis Ilias, surrounded by vineyards. Pyrgos is Santorini’s highest point and right at its peak is the Venetian Kasteli Castle, with 360-degree views across the island.

Pyrgos is a great place to come for sunset away from the crowds, with some good traditional Greek restaurants. There are also 40 churches around the village and the Santorini of the Past Museum, where you can find out about the island’s traditional way of life.

Pyrgos is also close to Santo Wines , which is one of Santorini’s best-known wineries, who make reds, whites, rosés and Vinsanto dessert wine. Their winery is set on the edge of the caldera and has stunning views of the cliffs from its terrace. You can do a winery tour and tasting of four wines for €62, and there’s also a restaurant, shop and deli.

You can reach Pyrgos by bus from Fira. Catch the regular bus towards Perissa (not the express bus which doesn’t stop in Pyrgos). It takes around 10 minutes and costs €2. Buses also stop at Santo Wines, or it’s a 15-minute walk from Pyrgos to the winery.

A visit to Pyrgos is included in a day tour * of Santorini’s Venetian Castles, along with stops in Emporio, Akrotiri and Oia. Or you can take a private tour * which starts in Pyrgos before visiting the Wine Museum and doing a wine tasting before finishing in Oia.

4. Megalochori

One of Santorini’s lesser-known spots, the hillside village of Megalochori was once the haunt of pirates who plundered the seas around Santorini. Today it’s a peaceful spot with narrow cobbled streets, squares lined with tavernas and church bell towers.

Megalochori was founded in the 17th century but many of the village’s older buildings were destoyed by an earthquake in 1956. Since then it’s been restored to its former glory and you can see some of the village’s historic highlights like its traditional cave houses and the mansion houses built with high walls and thick walls to keep out pirates.

Just outside Megalochori is a viewpoint known as the Heart of Santorini. This heart-shaped (ish) naturally carved hole in the rock looks out across the bay and is a favourite spot for loved-up couples to take photos, especially around sunset.

Buses from Fira to both Akrotiri and Perissa stop in Megalochori along the way, with the journey taking around 10 minutes and costing €2.

There are no tours of Megalochori village itself, but you can visit the Venetsanos Winery on the edge of the village as part of a half-day wine tou r *.

The seaside town of Perissa sits on the southeast coast of Santorini and is one of the island’s top beach resorts. Don’t expect golden sands though – Santorini’s volcanic geology means that instead Perissa has black sand, which contrasts with its clear blue waters.

If you fancy a beach day, Perissa is a classic beach resort, with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire and watersports like jetskiing or parasailing. The beach is lined with tavernas where you can grab lunch or a drink, and there are more bars and restaurants in town.

From Perissa you can also visit the ruins of Ancient Thera. This archaeological site on the top of Mesa Vouno Mountain was an important city in the 9th century, with the remains of buildings from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. To reach Ancient Thera, follow the trail from the end of the beach, which takes around an hour.

Perissa black sand beach, Santorini Greece

Buses run from Fira’s bus station to Perissa, with both regular and faster express services. The journey takes around 20 minutes and costs €2.50 one way.

You can also visit Perissa as part of a full-day island highlights tour * which also stops at Prophet Elias Monastery, Emporio, Pyrgos, the Wine Museum and Oia.

6. Thirassia

Santorini’s little sister, Thirassia (also known as Therasia) was created when the eruption of 1600 BC blew the centre out of the island. Thirassia is only a mile offshore from Santorini but it’s a real contrast, swapping the cosmopolitan bars, hotels and restaurants for a quieter, slower pace of life, with only around 300 full-time residents.

Steps from the port take you up to Thirassia’s main town, Manolas, which is built on top of the caldera. Its traditional Cycladic houses and peaceful streets feel like going back in time to what Santorini would have been like 50 years ago. There are a couple of cafés and tavernas where you can stop off for lunch with views across to Santorini.

You can also follow walking paths through the unspoilt volcanic landscape to the hilltop church of Profitis Ilias and explore traditional small villages – including Agrilia and Potamos which have cave houses and wine cellars built into the rocks.

You can reach Thirassia by ferry from the port of Ammoudi below Oia. The ferry takes around 10 minutes to reach Rivas, Thirassia’s new port. There are also larger car ferries running from Athinios, the main port in Santorini, a few times a week. Once you’re on the island, there’s a local minibus which runs to Manolas and the main villages.

There are also lots of boat tours to Thirassia, though most don’t actually give you time on the island, other than this full-day trip * which also includes Palea and Nea Kameni.

7. Palea Kameni & Nea Kameni

Volcanic activity on Santorini also created the two islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, which you can see in the middle of the caldera. Their name translates as old and new burnt island, and it’s a pretty good description of their barren, lunar landscape with its black lava rocks and fumaroles emitting steaming gas, where almost nothing grows.

Palea Kamini was formed around 2000 years ago and is known for its hot springs. You can relax in the therapeutic mineral-rich waters, which are heated to 35°C and tinged a rusty yellow colour by high levels of sulphur, and cover yourself in mud.

Nea Kamini was formed more recently, with new lava flows adding to it right up until 1950 – making it one of the world’s youngest islands. This uninhabited island is a protected geological park, and you can still see signs of volcanic activity all around you. Take a 20-minute hike up to the crater and you can look down at the molten lava below.

Looking out at the islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni from Santorini

Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni are only accessible by sea, so the only way to visit the islands independently would be to hire a boat .* A range of different size and type of boats are available to hire with or without a skipper through SamBoat. And you could also combine the islands with other spots like the Red Beach near Akrotiri or Perissa.

There are several Santorini day trips to Palea and Nea Kameni, often on board traditional wooden boats. This day tour * departs from Athinios Port and stops in Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Thirassia, with an optional Oia add-on. Or you can take a sunset cruise * to the islands which also includes a buffet dinner and local wine on board.

Another of the Cyclades group of islands, Ios is one of the closest to Santorini so it’s possible to visit for the day. Ios has a reputation as one of Greece’s top party islands, but if you steer clear of peak season in July and August things are a lot more relaxed.

The heart of Ios is the main town, known as Chora, set on a hilltop with a maze of narrow streets, bougainvillea-draped houses and sleepy cats. Ios has 365 churches – one for each day of the year – and if you climb to the highest point in Chora you’ll find four of them at the peak, with views down to the port and out over the Aegean.

Ios has some beautiful golden sand beaches, including Mylopotas Beach where you’ll find beach clubs, bars and restaurants. It’s also a hub for watersports, with paddleboards, kayaks and boats for hire so you can explore the coastline’s smaller coves.

Read more: Off-season in Ios: Visiting Ios in spring and autumn

Sunset over the town of Chora in Ios, Greece

Several ferry * companies make the journey from Santorini’s Athinios port to Ios. The port is 8km south of Fira, with buses connecting to two taking 20 minutes and costing €2.50 one way. From Athinios there are a mix of regular and high-speed ferries – with the quickest taking 40 minutes. Sailings get very busy in summer so book in advance.

Once in Ios there’s a bus which connects the port to the main town Chora (which is up a steep hill) and Mylopotas Beach, which costs €1.60 one way.

There are no organised day trips from Santorini to Ios. But if you got the ferry across you could then take a speedboat tour * which visits seven different beaches.

The golden sands of Mylopotas Beach in Ios, Greece

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Eight great day trips in Santorini, Greece – from unspoilt villages and buried cities to beach resorts and sunset spots – all of which you can visit independently by public transport or on a tour | Day trips from Santorini | Santorini excursions | Santorini day trips by public transport | Tours from Santorini | Santorini tours

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Discover the picturesque beauty of Oia

Explore the vibrant streets of fira, immerse in the local culture in pyrgos, visit other villages that stand out for their beauty, visit amazing santorini beaches and the volcanic hot springs, visit the famous blue-domed churches, explore the ancient ruins of akrotiri, discover the volcanic landscapes of the caldera, sample local cuisine and traditional delicacies, explore the island’s markets and shops for souvenirs.

Learn about Santorini’s wine heritage

Experience traditional Greek music and dance performances

How do i plan a day in santorini, how to get around santorini in a day, how long is the cable car ride in santorini, can you walk from the port in santorini.

Make the most of your one day in Santorini

Embark on an unforgettable adventure during your one day in Santorini from a cruise ship. The stunning Greek island beckons with its captivating beauty and myriad of experiences. With limited time at hand, it is essential to plan your itinerary wisely to make the most of every moment.

From exploring enthralling villages perched on cliffs to engaging in the rich culture and savoring local delicacies, Santorini offers a treasure trove of delights. Get ready to soak up the breathtaking vistas, wander through charming streets, and create lifelong memories during your brief but exhilarating visit to this picturesque island.

It is, but it requires careful planning. While Santorini is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, the restricted time frame presents a challenge to explore everything the island has to offer. However, with a well-structured itinerary, you can make the most of your brief visit and experience the essence of Santorini.

Our most important tip is to prioritize the top attractions and activities based on your interests. Santorini offers a range of experiences, from exploring picturesque villages to immersing in the island’s rich history at archaeological sites such as Akrotiri.

While it may not be possible to see everything in one day, focusing on a few key highlights will allow you to soak in its beauty and create lasting memories. With proper planning and flexibility, your one day in Santorini from a cruise ship can be a fulfilling experience.

Exploring enchanting villages in Santorini

During your one day in Santorini from a cruise ship, make sure to explore the island’s captivating villages, each offering its own unique charm and cultural experiences. Here are some must-visit places to consider:

Oia is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and whitewashed buildings perched on the cliffs. Wander through its narrow streets, shop at boutique stores, and capture impressive views of the Aegean Sea. Don’t miss the chance to witness the mesmerizing sunset from the Oia Castle.

As the capital of Santorini, Fira offers a lively atmosphere with a mix of traditional and modern elements. Explore its bustling streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take a cable car ride or descend the steps to the old port for panoramic caldera views. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera to learn about the island’s ancient history.

Pyrgos is a traditional village perched on the highest point of Santorini. Discover its narrow alleys, Cycladic architecture, and blue-domed churches. Climb up to the Pyrgos Castle for a sea view as far as your eyes can see and get to know the authentic local culture.

If time allows, consider visiting Imerovigli and Megalochori. Imerovigli offers outstanding views of the caldera and the volcano, while Megalochori is known for its beautiful architecture, charming squares, and vineyards. With a Private Santorini day tour , you can pay a visit to the scenic villages without wasting time making your itinerary.

Blue-domed church in Megalochori, Santorini

More things to do in Santorini in one day

In addition to exploring the above villages, your one day in Santorini from a cruise ship should include its iconic landmarks. Here are the must-see attractions that showcase the island’s unique beauty and rich history:

One of the best ways to make the most of your day trip is to opt for a cruise, which is ideal if you wish to see enough sights within a few hours. By booking a Santorini day cruise or a Santorini Catamaran tour , you can benefit from a thorough itinerary that covers some of the island’s most renowned attractions.

Providing a seamless experience, such tours take you to iconic beaches while offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the island’s beauty from the water.

No visit to Santorini is complete without seeing the celebrated Santorini blue domes . Head to the village of Oia or Fira to witness these picturesque structures that have become symbols of the island. Marvel at their stunning architecture and capture memorable photos against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.

Step back in time by exploring the ancient ruins of Akrotiri. The well-preserved archaeological site offers a glimpse into the Minoan civilization that thrived thousands of years ago. Wander through the excavated streets, admire the intricate frescoes, and learn about the fascinating history of this ancient settlement.

Tourists in the archaeological site of Akrotiri

The Santorini caldera is a geological wonder and a sight to behold. Take in the dramatic volcanic landscapes, steep cliffs, and the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Enjoy panoramic views from viewpoints such as Skaros Rock, Prophet Elias Monastery, or the Santo Wines Winery.

Experiencing Santorini’s unique culture

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Santorini during your one-day visit by exploring its culinary delights, local markets, and traditional performances. Here are some experiences that will give you a good taste of the local way of life:

Indulge in the flavors of Santorini by savoring the Greek cuisine and its heavenly delights. Taste the famous tomato keftedes, fava dip, and freshly caught seafood dishes. Join a private Santorini cooking class and learn how to prepare your own delicious meals.

Stroll through the bustling markets and charming shops of Santorini to find unique souvenirs and keepsakes. Uncover handmade crafts, local artwork, jewelry, and traditional products. Take a piece of Santorini’s culture home with you and support local artisans and businesses.

Learn about Santorini’s wine heritage

Santorini is renowned for its wine production, so a private Santorini wine tasting tour is a not-to-be-missed experience. Visit local wineries and vineyards to learn about the island’s wine tradition. Savor the distinct flavors of Santorini’s volcanic terroir and gain insights into the winemaking process. Don’t miss the opportunity to try a unique local wine named Assyrtiko, known for its crisp and refreshing taste.

Lose yourself in the sounds and rhythms of Greek music. Enjoy live performances showcasing the vibrant culture of the island. From lively bouzouki music to energetic syrtaki dances, these performances will transport you to the heart of Greek traditions.

FAQ about one day in Santorini from cruise ship

To plan a day in Santorini, start by identifying your top priorities and must-visit attractions. Create a flexible itinerary that allows for sufficient time at each location. Consider booking from Tailor-Made Santorini Private Tours to maximize your experience and ensure a well-organized exploration based on your own preferences.

Getting around Santorini in a day can be efficiently done through various means of transportation. Santorini day tours are a convenient option, as they provide transportation and a pre-planned itinerary. Additionally, taxis, buses, and rental vehicles are available for independent exploration.

The cable car ride in Santorini from the port of Athinios to Fira typically takes about 3 minutes. It offers a quick and scenic ascent, providing breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.

While it is technically possible to walk from the port of Gialos to nearby destinations, such as Fira, it is not recommended due to the steep incline and limited time during a one-day visit. Opting for alternative transportation options like the cable car or through Santorini tours is more convenient and time-efficient.

One day in Santorini from a cruise ship offers a glimpse into its enchanting beauty and rich culture. With planning and prioritization, you can make the most of your limited time. Consider booking one of the many available Santorini day tours for a well-organized itinerary so you can embrace the charm of Santorini and create lasting memories.

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Home > One Day In Santorini Itinerary – Santorini Cruise Port

One Day In Santorini Itinerary – Santorini Cruise Port

Written by our local expert Nick

Nick is is digital nomad originally from Athens, Greece. You will now find him exploring the Greek islands, Bulgaria and beyond.

Are you heading to Santorini on a cruise and wondering how to make the most of your stop? When your ship pulls into Santorini Cruise Port, you will see how this is one of the most beautiful places in Greece. This guide is all about crafting your perfect Santorini itinerary.

From strolling past the iconic blue domes and whitewashed buildings in the early morning to chilling on a black beach in the late afternoon, we’ve got your day planned out. We’ll help you discover breathtaking sunsets and the best caldera views, making your one day in Santorini, Greece, absolutely unforgettable. So, let’s dive in and explore this stunning island!

Greece Travel Blog_How To Spend One Day In Santorini

Santorini, the whitewashed heaven of the Cyclades Islands , is one of the major tourist destinations on the Aegean Sea. The island is famous for its picturesque settlements and magnificent beaches ; with its rich history and natural wonders, Santorini offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to its visitors.

If you are tired of the hustle of urban life, visiting this extraordinary island might give you the energy to recharge yourself. It might be time to look for a cruise to the Cyclades – particularly Santorini.

If you have limited time to explore the island, you need not worry; we have the perfect guide to spending one day in Santorini !

Keep reading to learn more about everything you can do on a single day in Santorini.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Is 1 Day In Santorini Enough

Like every place on earth, Santorini has its own unique culture, profound history, and rich cuisine. That’s why it’s impossible to discover the entirety of the island in a single day. Nevertheless, you can explore the major highlights of Santorini and experiment with local dishes during a one-day trip. Who knows, this short trip might give you a reason to come back to the island in the future.

Also, it’s worth noting that Santorini is a small island with relatively few things to do; that’s why you’ll be able to see the major tourist attractions on the island during a one-day trip. Santorini promises you an unforgettable adventure as long as you know where to look. From the fascinating town of Oia to the stunning Red Beach, each corner of this cute little island has much to offer.

Santorini Cruise Port is a popular cruise destination in the Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades island group of Greece. When cruise ships arrive at Santorini, they anchor in the deep Caldera Bay, and passengers are tendered to The Old Port of Santorini, which takes around 10 minutes.

Don’t get confused between The Old Port and Athinios Port in Santorini.

Athinios Port is the main port of Santorini and serves as the primary entry point for visitors arriving by ferry, not cruise ships.

The Old Port is located in the town of Fira, which is the capital of Santorini. As you approach the island, the views from the tender boats are genuinely awe-inspiring, with the iconic whitewashed buildings perched on the cliffs against the backdrop of the deep blue sea.

Once you are on land after your tender ride – how should you spend the day in Santorini? First, how do you get to the top where all the attractions are?

When Is The Best Time To Go To Santorini

The best time to visit Santorini depends on your preferences and priorities. Santorini enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters.

Summer (June to August): this is the peak tourist season in Santorini when the temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The island gets crowded during this period, and prices for accommodation and flights tend to be higher
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October): these shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The crowds are smaller in Santorini in September compared to summer, the prices are relatively lower, and you still have many sunny, swim-worthy days
Winter (November to March): Santorini experiences mild winters, with temperatures averaging around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). While it’s the off-peak season, some hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities will be closed

Getting From The Port To Fira (Thira)

Ports in Greece - Amazing evening view of Fira, caldera, volcano of Santorini

To travel from the Old Port to Fira (also known as Thira) in Santorini, you have a few options:

If you’re up for some exercise, you can walk from the Old Port to Fira. The route involves climbing a series of stairs carved into the cliffs. It can be a steep and challenging ascent, but it offers a chance to experience the island’s scenic views and charming architecture. Remember that it may take around 30-45 minutes to reach Fira on foot, depending on your pace. And once you start, there is no changing your mind!

Donkey Ride

We do not condone these. Although a traditional and unique way to ascend from the Old Port to Fira, riding a donkey is just plain cruel.

Donkeys have been used as a means of transportation on Santorini for many years, but the use of donkeys has been a subject of debate due to animal welfare concerns.

Now that is all out of the way, let us show you ways to spend a day in Santorini.

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Morning itinerary ideas in santorini.

In the morning, try to hit the cultural and historical sites. From taking in local life to digging into past civilizations, there’s something for everyone to explore Santorini’s unique culture. Depending on how long you want to linger, you will probably only choose one of these options.

The Town Of Oia

Winter in Greece - Small town Oia on Santorini

Greek towns are famous for their rich cuisines, warm cultures, and picturesque scenery. And one of Greece’s most scenic and fascinating towns, Oia, is located on the tiny island of Santorini. If you happen to visit Santorini and have only one day to discover the island, Oia must be on your itinerary .

Lying on the northwestern tip of Santorini, Oia is famous for its stunning sunset views and whitewashed Greek houses with blue details. The vine-adorned narrow streets of Oia are full of colorful flowers and Mediterranean plants, creating a romantic atmosphere with a touch of exoticism.

Most buildings on Oia have blue details, like domes and window frames. Although this is a common feature of Greek townhouses, Oia’s je ne sais quoi turns it into something unique.

Besides these, Oia also boasts many restaurants and cafés, where visitors can enjoy local dishes on terraces and balconies facing the Aegean.

The Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Recovered ancient buildings in prehistoric town of Akrotiri, one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. An archaeological site of Akrotiri in Santorini, Greece

Most Greek islands in the Cyclades feature archaeological sites from ancient civilizations . Most of these sites were founded by the once-thriving Minoan civilization, which ruled over the Aegean islands – most significantly, over Crete . Today, the ruins of these settlements of yore offer visitors a glimpse of the ancient past. And for history enthusiasts, Santorini’s Akrotiri is a must-see gem.

The Akrotiri Archaeological Site is an ancient Minoan city in the southern part of Santorini. The settlement, discovered in the late 1960s, is considered one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites .

Akrotiri was once an advanced Mediterranean settlement; many pieces of pottery and golden figurines were discovered in the city, pointing to an artisan society. One of the city’s most impressive features was its extensive drainage system, which was made up of stone channels and terracotta pipes that carried water and waste away from the city. Unfortunately, this thriving society was shaken and buried by the Theran eruption in the 16th century BC.

Today, visitors can see Minoan-era houses, everyday tools, and ancient pottery at the excavation site. For history fans, a trip to Akrotiri might be an awe-inspiring and exciting experience.

Fira Museums

Visitors interested in the island’s culture and history may prefer to visit some of the museums in Fira. They are great to visit after seeing the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, but if you only have time to tour the museums, they are interesting to visit on their own.

Archaeological Museum of Fira : This museum is home to artifacts from the island dating back to the 3rd millennium BC from the island’s former Minoan civilization
Museum of Prehistoric Thira : This museum has objects actually found at the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, along with information on island geology.

Afternoon Itinerary Ideas In Santorini

Santorini is known for incredible beaches and natural beauty, so putting a beach or hike on your to-do list in the afternoon is the perfect way to experience the outdoors.

Perissa Beach

Once you’ve spent the morning visiting cultural and historical attractions, pay a visit to the famous Perissa Beach and embrace the endlessness of the Aegean.

Perissa Beach is famous for its crystal-clear water and unique black sand. The reason behind this unusual color is the very volcanic activity that created the island itself. It’s important to note that the color causes the sand to absorb heat, so make sure you have a towel to rest on and shoes to wear.

Since Perissa Beach is several kilometers long, visitors can take a stroll along the beach and discover various restaurants and beach clubs . Visitors can have a meal or a few drinks , gazing at the magnificent horizon and the Aegean.

Since the island has a small population, the beach is almost never overcrowded, meaning visitors can sunbathe, swim, and unwind in tranquillity. The beach is also a favorite destination for families due to its calm and shallow water.

Perissa Beach is also a famous spot for water sports, with several facilities where visitors can rent equipment for snorkeling, windsurfing, and jet skiing.

Depending on how long you linger, you may only have time for one beach. If Perissa doesn’t strike your fancy, Red Beach is another unique beach to visit. A volcanic sand beach on the southern coast of Santorini, the beach is a unique and stunning destination known for its dramatic red cliffs and red sand.

The surrounding red cliffs provide a dramatic and breathtaking setting for sunbathing, swimming, and taking pictures. The red color of the beach’s pebbles charmingly contrasts the turquoise waters of the Aegean.

Since the beach is only accessible via a narrow path along the edge of the cliffs, it might be challenging for people not used to hiking. Fortunately, the serenity and gorgeous scenery of the beach are really worth the hassle.

Hike The Magnificent Caldera

Sitting in Akrotiri Santorini overlooking the Caldera

A massive, crescent-shaped basin that was formed by a volcanic eruption around 3,600 years ago, the Caldera is a stunning natural wonder located on the beautiful island of Santorini.

With its steep cliffs rising up from the sea and providing panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the blue waters of the Aegean, the Caldera offers a breathtaking sight. Visitors can explore the Caldera on foot via a myriad of hiking trails winding their way along the cliffs.

However, if you don’t have time to wander the trails, two of the island’s most famous towns, Fira and Oia, are perched on the edge of the Caldera, offering stunning views of the natural wonder.

Evening Itinerary Ideas In Santorini

As the day winds down, finding a place to really embrace the cuisine of the island is a great way to spend the evening, especially if you can catch a famous Santorini sunset while you’re at it. These are a few evening options to choose from.

See The Gorgeous Wineries Of Santorini

Like most Greek islands, Santorini also boasts gorgeous wineries where locals make wines with unique flavors. The island’s unique volcanic soil and warm climate produce the ideal growing conditions for the grape varieties.

If you have a limited time and want to visit a place that combines local cuisine and culture, then visiting Santorini’s wineries might be a great idea. During your visit to wineries, you can taste the flavourful samples of local wines and learn about the island’s history of winemaking and the unique techniques to grow and harvest the grapes.

Dine In Fira

The largest town and capital of Santorini, Fira is known for its stunning views of the Caldera, narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

As the town is located on the edge of the Caldera, most buildings are perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. And dining in one of the restaurants with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the Caldera is an unforgettable experience. The town’s restaurants serve wonderful Greek cuisine that is unrivaled anywhere else.

Greek Breakfast Foods - What To Eat For Breakfast In Greece

As you can see, Santorini is a special place full of wonders. If you have only one day, or several hours, to spend in this paradise, you can visit some of the attractions mentioned in this post. Nevertheless, Santorini has many other gems to discover. That is why, before planning your itinerary, you should read our other posts to learn more about Santorini and its attractions.

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FAQs About Santorini For The Day

What are the best things to do on a 1-day visit to santorini.

Santorini offers diverse experiences including a visit to Akrotiri, exploration of black sand beaches, indulging in wine tasting, and shopping in Fira.

What can I do to make the most of my one-day visit to Santorini?

Start by exploring the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, then relax on one of the island’s iconic black sand beaches. Afterward, enjoy some wine tasting and shopping in Fira.

What should I not miss during a one-day trip to Santorini?

Don’t miss the chance to witness the unforgettable sunset in Oia, renowned for its breathtaking views. If you have more time, consider exploring other parts of the island or indulging in local cuisine.

Is it possible to visit Santorini in one day from a cruise ship?

Yes, it is possible with careful planning and prioritizing top attractions based on personal interests. Efficient transportation options are available for getting around the island in a day.

What are the must-see attractions when visiting Santorini from a cruise ship?

The must-see attractions include exploring enchanting villages such as Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos, visiting iconic landmarks like beaches, blue-domed churches, ancient ruins, and volcanic beaches, and experiencing the island’s unique culture.

How can I experience Santorini’s unique culture during a one-day visit?

To experience Santorini’s unique culture, you can sample local cuisine, explore markets for souvenirs, learn about the island’s wine heritage on a wine tour, and enjoy traditional music and dance performances.

What are the transportation options for getting around Santorini in a day?

Efficient transportation options for getting around Santorini are essential. The best way is a Santorini day tour. Then, you also have taxis, buses, rental vehicles, and pre-planned itineraries provided by your cruise ship guided tour.

We hope that you enjoy Santorini in one day so much that you go back again!

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Santorini Itinerary

Greece › Santorini › Santorini in 1 to 7 Days Updated: February 11, 2023 By Santorini Dave

Best Things To Do in Santorini
Best Hotels in Santorini
Where to Stay in Santorini

Santorini Itinerary Best Things to Do in Santorini : Fira-Oia Caldera Hike • Ancient Akrotiri • Outdoor Cinema in Kamari Best Tours : Santorini Wine Tours • Santorini Boat Tours • Santorini Helicopter Tours Best View : Agios Georgios Chapel in Imerovigli Best Restaurant : Athenian House in Imerovigli Best Beach : Perissa Beach Best Nightlife : Fira Most Fun Activity : Jet Ski to the Volcano Best Hotels : Grace Hotel • Cavo Tagoo • Katikies • Canaves Suites • Athina Luxury Suites

Top 5 Santorini Highlights

1. enjoy the views of the caldera and volcano.

2. Do a Boat Tour of the Volcano

One day in Santorini – Boat tour of volcano.

3. Do a Santorini Wine Tour

Wine tour in Santorini – Best tour for one day

4. The Very Best Restaurants on Santorini

5. Santorini Nightlife

Best bars with view of volcano and sunset in Santorini.

One Day in Santorini

Do the Fira-Oia Hike or if that’s too much explore the caldera paths in Oia or walk between Fira and Imerovigli.
Do a boat or wine tour .
Eat at The Athenian House in Imerovigli or Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia.
Watch the sunset from Fira, Oia, or Imerovigli.

Two Days in Santorini

Do the Fira-Oia Hike .
Do both a boat and wine tour . With good use of time you can do both.
Eat at The Athenian House in Imerovigli and Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia.
Watch a movie at the Open Air Cinema in Kamari .

Three Days in Santorini

Do both a boat and wine tour .
Visit the ruins at Akrotiri and the village of Pyrgos (if you have a rental car) or one of the beaches (Kamari or Perissa) if you don’t.
Eat at The Athenian House in Imerovigli, Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia, and a few of the other best restaurants in Santorini .

Five Days to One Week in Santorini

If budget allows do one or more of the private Santorini tours .
Rent a car for at least one day.
Visit the Akrotiri Ruins , The villages of Pyrgos and Emporio, Kamari Beach , and Perissa Beach .
Eat at The Athenian House in Imerovigli, Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia, and several of the other best restaurants in Santorini .
If you have more than one week I highly recommend you do the first week in Santorini and then visit one or two of the fantastic nearby islands like Paros , Naxos , or Mykonos .
Best Tours & Things to Do in Santorini
Maps of Santorini
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The Complete Santorini Travel Guide

About Santorini Dave

We are staying in Imerovigli in Santorini from the end of September until after the beginning of October for our honeymoon. We are going to Athens for two days and then spending 7 days in Santorini. We were wondering if we need to make reservations for all the restaurants and tours now or if we would be able to pick and choose once we arrive? We didn’t know if everything would be booked by the time we got there.

If there was a tour or restaurant that was very important then yes, reserve a month or more in advance. But for most tours you’d be fine booking a week or so in advance. For most restaurants a day or two in advance – or less.

My wife and I will be in Santorini the first week of October. (Staying at the Grace Santorini.) We are planning to do some wine tasting. Any particular wineries you would recommend (someone suggested Domaine Sigalas)?

Thanks in advance for your insights!

– Michael

Gavalas winery in Megalochori has the best wine. Art Space in Exo Gonia is the most interesting. Venetsanos has the best views.

Hi Dave Thanks for the great information on this site. We are travelling from Boston to India in June and visiting Greece on our way back. Family of 2 adults and 2 kids (7 and 10 years old)

We arrive at Athens July 13 @ 1:15 pm. We leave Athens for Boston on July 21 2:30 pm.

Our plan is to stay in Athens for 2 nights (July 13, 14), travel to Santorini and stay there for 4 nights (July 15-18), travel to Mykonos and stay there for 2 nights (July 19-20)

We are looking to stay at Pantheon or Ramezzo in Santorini and Mykonos Princess in Mykonos.

We would like to get your thoughts on our travel within Greece. 1. What hotel would you recommend in Athens that is not too far from the airport? The main places we want to cover is the Acropolis. 2. Easy to get to for a flight to Santorini on Jul 15. 3. Since our return flight from Athens is at 2:30 pm, what is the latest time that we should leave Mykonos to make it to Athens in adequate time? 4. Are flights for Athens easier to get and with more frequency from Santorini vs Mykonos? If yes, then we can go to Mykonos first and then Santorini and then return to Athens. 5. Do we have the time to do a day trip to Naxos? 6. Any other recommendations you may have?

At this point, our travel plans for Greece are quite flexible and I would appreciate your input before we make any reservations.

Thanks and Happy Holidays, Sangita

1. You’ll see my favorite hotels on my Athens hotels page. I would not stay near the airport if you want to see the Acropolis. If you overnight in Athens on your final night (in transit from the islands through Athens) then staying at the Airport Sofitel is a good plan. 3. I’d be sure to arrive in Athens at least 2.5 hours in advance of your departure. But even then it’s not a 100% that you arrive in time. 4. Santorini does have more flights than Mykonos but both have plenty. You only need one flight, if Mykonos has a time that works for you then do that. 5. Possible, but I’d spend that time in Santorini.

Is Amoudi Bay a good place to swim? Is it worth going down the steps to explore this place? Alexandre

The swimming and cliff jumping is great. Lots of fun.

I’m so glad I stumbled across your site, it is so helpful! We are staying at Perivolas in Oia for 7 nights from 30Sep-06Oct. After reading through much of your site, it seems like renting a car for a day or two may be a good idea based upon our location and amount of time we have on the island. What places would you suggest visiting during those 2 days with a car and in any suggested order? Thank you! Kara

Yes, renting a car for a day or two will be a great way to see the island but you don’t need it for the whole week.

Places to visit while you have your rental: -drive the east coast starting east from Oia to Baxedes (not taking the main road back to Fira) -Pyrgos -Emborio -Akrotiri (the ancient historical sight) -Red Beach -Outdoor Cinema in Kamari -Lighthouse on southwestern tip – Metaxy Mas Restaurant – Good Heart Restaurant – Yalos by The Sea Restaurant

I would do a wine tour instead of visiting with your rental car but if you do go on your own most of the wineries lie in the area between Kamari and Megalochori. They are marked with a road sign that you’ll quickly recognize.

Your site is amazing and has been a tremendous help in planning my solo trip to Greece later this month. I’m going to Mykonos for a few days and then Santorni. I’ve written out a whole itinerary, including key Greek dishes I’d like to eat. Needless to say, I like to plan ahead. I’d like to get your thoughts on it if you can take a look. And suggestions you would strongly make? Or red flags? Let me know!

About me: 25 year old American woman (New Yorker). Not really into the crazy party scene. I don’t even drink. But I do like hanging out at bars and dancing. I’m a big foodie. I’m also very physically fit and love hiking.

Mykonos (21st – 24th)

Day 1 (arriving nighttime):

Activity: Explore Mykonos Town (Matoyianni Street) Dinner: Bakalo Restaurant (Lakka, Mykonos Town)

Activity: Platys Gialos Beach (maybe Paraga and Paradise as well) Lunch: Yialo-Yialo (Platis Gialos, Mykonos) Dinner: Katerina’s Bar for Sunset (Little Venice, Mykonos)

Activity: Hike from Ano Mera to Lia beach to Kalafati Lunch: Paprika (Ano Mera) Dinner: Kiki’s Tavern

Day 4 (Morning):

Activity: Ornos Beach (morning) Lunch: Markos Falafel Depart Mykonos at 1:50 Hellenic Seaways to Santorini

Santorini (24th – 28th)

Day 4 (arriving late afternoon):

Activity: Explore Fira Lunch: Gyro at Lucky’s Activity: Sunset in Imerovigli at Skaros Rock Dinner: Anogi

Activity: Ancient Thera, Perissa Beach Lunch: Tranquilo Dinner: Metaxy Mas Tavern Activity: Kamari Cinema at night

Activity: Hike Fira to Oia Lunch: Roka Dessert: Lotza (in Oia) Activity: Koo Club or Tropical Bar

Activity: Explore Fira, Ammoudi Bay Lunch: Ammoudi Fish Tavern Activity: Sunset in Oia

Day 8: (whatever)

Depart Santorini on 6:50 flight

DISHES TO EAT:

Appetizers Courgette Balls (Kolokithokeftedes) Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmadakia) Greek Salad (Choriatiki) Tzatziki Spanikopita Calamari

Entrée Gyro Meatballs (Keftethes) Moussaka Souvlaki Octopus

Dessert Balaklava Galaktoboureko Revani Loukoumades

Thanks, Cherice

Looks wonderful. Getting from Metaxy Mas to cinema you’ll need a car or ATV – not walking distance and taxis are hard to find.

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One day cruise to Santorini island from Heraklion

Heraklion, Santorini
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From 185 EUR

Enjoy the fabulous and breathtaking views with this full day cruise from Heraklion to Santorini! Santorini the volcanic half moon Island. Valid for 2023-24.

Visit one of the most famous island of Greece
Admire the famous volcano
Wonder around the town of Oia & Fira
Enjoy fabulous & breathtaking views
Enjoy a wonderful one day cruise and tour

Schedule / Prices

Daily from 12/04/2024 to 30/10/2024 & 12/04/2025 to 30/10/2025 Adult 185 € / Child 93 € /up to 10 years old
Transfer services by our buses (including port picks up and drop off in Santorini) from pick up points in Heraklion
Roundtrip ferry tickets
Land excursion in Santorini
Expert escort in Santorini

Not Included

Entrance fees
Volcano tour including the hot springs, by traditional wooden boats (20€ pp)
All personal expenses
Gratuities (optional)
Everything that is not specifically mentioned in the "Included" section

In order to forward us your reservation request and for further information and assistance, or if you wish to partake in a departure that is less than 3 days away, please, contact us at 0030 6974823355 mobile WhatApp or at [email protected] or fill out the following form.

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Island Bus Tour: The Majestic Spots of Santorini 9-10 Hours

From 51 EUR

Discover Santorini’s highlights, from monasteries and villages to excavations. Visit the famed Red Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset view in Oia.

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Matala Hippie Beach 7 Hours

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Join us on a bus excursion to Matala, one of the most picturesque villages in Crete.

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Explore the convenience and flexibility of our diverse transfer services designed to enhance your experience in Santorini.

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One Day Tour to Santorini Island from Athens

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Your tour begins early in the morning, when the air conditioned coach will pick you up from or near your hotel in Athens and take you to Piraeus port to embark on a ferry to Santorini. Enjoy a 5.5 hour cruise in the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea and arrive in Santorini at approximately 12:40. The minibus will drop you off at the main town of Fira, where you will witness the breathtaking view of the Caldera and walk through picturesque alleys and vibrant shopping market. Spend about 6 hours at your own leisure, visiting villages nearby or swimming on the black or red beach.

You may also choose an optional Oia tour supplement which with a small fee includes a round trip minibus transfer and a one hour walking tour in Oia, a small town known for its famous sunsets and whitewashed houses carved into the rugged clifftops which overlook the one-of-the-kind Caldera with Nea and Palia Kammeni islets that were created by the volcanic eruption.

As the group returns from Oia, they will meet the rest in Fira town where everyone will be taken for a walk through the main town, before being transferred to Santorini port as the ferry departs at 18:30 and arrives to Piraeus port late evening, after which you will be taken back the center of Athens.

This tour is organized (group) with minimum number of participants 1, and is offered in English and Greek language. Other languages (Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and German) are available upon request at extra cost.

Children (2 – 10 years old) and infants are welcome to participate with parental guidance.

Please remember to prepare a beach bag (with bathing suits, beach towels etc) as you may choose to take a swim during your stay in the island. It is also advisable to bring a light windproof jacket since it might be chilly onboard during early morning or late evening ferry travel.

Ferry schedules are a subject to change without prior notice, in which case, your tour times may be rescheduled accordingly. All boat transfers and tours are weather permitting.

Be Equipped for a Day in the Sun (wear sunscreen/ hat/ sunglasses)
Wear flat, comfortable shoes
Note: Stairs or uphill walking
Bring your passport or identity card as required by the port authorities

Experience Santorini island in one day, the most famous Greek island with turbulent history, with the entire villages situated on the cliff panoramically overlooking the astonishing Caldera that was created by the volcanic eruption almost 3500 years ago. Your tour begins early in the morning, when the air conditioned coach will pick you up from or near your hotel in Athens and take you to Piraeus port to embark on a ferry to Santorini. Enjoy a 5.5 hour cruise in the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea and arrive in Santorini at approximately 12:40. The minibus will drop you off at the main town of Fira, where you will witness the breathtaking view of the Caldera and walk through picturesque alleys and vibrant shopping market. Spend about 6 hours at your own leisure, visiting villages nearby or swimming on the black or red beach.

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The top day trips from Santorini

Greek islands: bet you can’t just visit one!

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The island of Santorini is a world-renowned holiday destination, famous for its amazing volcanic landscape, idyllic beaches, breathtaking views, and whitewashed houses. Located on the southernmost part of the Cycladic archipelago , Santorini is ideal for island hopping !

White terrace with blue door in Santorini, Greece

The whitewashed houses of Oia overlooking the Aegean Sea

The compass points to Santorini and tells you to prepare for your next destination! During your visit to the cosmopolitan island, you can hop on a ferry to the islands near Santorini.

You can reach Crete, the Dodecanese or the Cyclades from Santorini in just a few hours. Whether you want to go on a one-day trip or multi-day tour , there are many options for ferry trips from Santorini!

On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry routes and ferry ticket prices to plan your island hopping from Santorini.

Find more info and tips about the best Santorini island-hopping tours and enjoy your Greek adventure:

Folegandros

Dream big and have a day trip from Santorini to Mykonos

The Santorini to Mykonos day trip is one of the most popular as it combines two of the most beloved Greek islands! Mykonos is the island of luxury and cosmopolitan experiences.

It attracts many travelers who are after intense nightlife, fine-dining restaurants, exclusive beaches, and top-notch holiday services. You can go island hopping from Santorini to Mykonos for the day or longer as the island is rich in attractions and activities.

Ferries serving day trips from Santorini to Mykonos are available up to 6 times daily during the summer. The Santorini to Mykonos ferry departs from the port of Athinios in Santorini and arrives at the new port of Mykonos in Tourlos.

The ferry from Santorini to Mykonos takes about 2-3.5 hours . The fastest ferry takes 1 hour 55 minutes and tickets usually start at €70 .

Tip : find out how to plan your 2023 day tours from Santorini to Mykonos and Crete for the ultimate island-hopping experience in Greece .

The sandy Elia beach with turquoise waters in Mykonos, Greece

The sandy Elia beach in Mykonos

Follow up the leads for a day trip from Santorini to Paros

One of the ultimate Cycladic destinations is Paros . It’s a cosmopolitan yet relaxing island with azure waters circling heavenly beaches.

Swim to the famous beach of Kolymbithres , visit the majestic village of Lefkes, go shopping, and try exceptional traditional delicacies in Naoussa or take a stroll in Paros Park . Already packing?

Then, jump on the ferry from Santorini to Paros and spend a day exploring the magnificent island! If you're wondering how long is the ferry from Santorini to Paros, the answer is that it depends on the type of vessel.

The fast ferry takes less than 2 hours with a ticket cost starting at €50 while the ride with a conventional ferry takes about 3.5-4 hours with a ticket price of around €32 .

Tip : the ferry time from Santorini to Paros can change depending on the type of vessel and the weather conditions.

Explore Naxos island from Santorini

Naxos is the perfect destination to visit after Santorini if you’re eager to find out more about the Cycladic tradition . The largest island of the Cyclades has something for everyone!

Try the delicious arseniko and graviera cheese, swim in magical beaches such as Plaka and Agios Prokopios, visit archaeological sites, and explore remote villages maintaining their authentic character.

You can go on a one-day trip from Santorini to Naxos daily with at least 5 ferry crossings . The earliest ferry from Santorini to Naxos departs at 06:45 from the port of Athinios, arriving around 08:45 or 09:10 in Naxos.

Both high-speed ferries and conventional vessels are operating on this route. The ferry ride lasts from 1.5 to 3 hours , depending on the vessel and the itinerary. As for the ticket price, it normally starts at €30 .

Tip : see more useful information about 2023 ferry schedules for the Greek islands to plan your island hopping from Santorini.

The remains of the Temple of Apollo with the white gate in Naxos, Greece

The imposing Portara of the Temple of Apollo in Naxos

Santorini to Crete (Heraklion) day trip

Visiting Crete is one of the best day trips from Santorini in Greece. The island of Crete is great if you want to explore the untamed Greek nature and get familiar with the traditional way of life. In Crete, you can swim on amazing beaches of exquisite beauty such as Matala, Elafonisi and Lygaria.

Moreover, we recommend that you visit the mountain villages of Crete to drink raki with the locals and taste amazing dishes. As for cultural sightseeing, the Minoan Palace of Knossos in Heraklion is a must!

Is it possible to go on a day tour from Santorini to Crete? Yes, it is! Although Crete is not in the Cyclades, high-speed vessels are traveling from the port of Athinios in Santorini to Heraklion, Crete. The fast ferry from Santorini to Crete takes 1 hour 40 minutes .

In the summer, ferries for the day trip Santorini to Crete are in operation daily with 2-3 crossings . The ferry from Santorini to Heraklion usually arrives in the early evening. Tickets for day trips from Santorini to Crete with a high-speed ferry start at €78 .

Tip : if you’re already in Crete, keep in mind that you can normally go on a Santorini day trip from Crete via 3 ports : Heraklion, Rethymnon and Sitia .

Go to an adventure to Ios from Santorini

If you’re wondering what islands are close to Santorini, the one-day trip from Santorini to Ios perfectly answers your question! This is one of our favorite island hopping tours in the Cyclades, as the islands are very close and you can make the most of your visit, even if you’re just heading to Ios for the day.

The Greek island of Ios is known for its wild nightlife , party atmosphere, heavenly beaches, and distinct architecture! Ferryhopper suggests you swim at Mylopotas and Magganari, watch the sunset at Palaiokastro and spend a night dancing in Chora.

You can travel by ferry from Santorini to Ios throughout the year. Ferries serving day trips from Santorini to Ios are more frequent during the summer months. There are up to 8 daily ferry crossings during summer. Ferries to Ios depart from the port of Athinios in Santorini, which is 22 km from Oia and 8 km from Fira.

The ferry duration from Santorini to Ios ranges from 35 minutes to around 2 hours , depending on the type of vessel. Tickets range from €6.5 to €65 .

Tip : except for the majestic island of Ios, you can also catch the ferry for day trips from Santorini to other islands such as Amorgos, Anafi , Milos, and Folegandros.

White houses of Cycladic architecture in the Chora of Ios, Greece

The beautiful Chora of Ios under the morning light

Speed up your pace for a Santorini to Milos day trip

This is one of the most romantic island hopping day trips from Santorini, as it combines two of the best destinations for couples' vacation .

In Milos , you will swim in quaint beaches such as Sarakiniko, visit picturesque villages, go on boat excursions, and enjoy cocktails at easy-going bars around the island. Plaka, the island capital, is one of the top viewing spots in Milos, where you can also find local restaurants and cute shops.

Day trips from Santorini to Milos are available year-round, as there are frequent ferry routes. According to 2023 ferry schedules, there are 2-4 daily crossings from Santorini to Milos. Ferries depart from Athinios port in Santorini and arrive at the port of Adamas.

The ferry from Santorini to Milos takes around 2-7 hours depending on the type of vessel. If you’re going to Milos just for the day, we recommend that you catch a fast ferry and be in Milos in just 2 hours 10 minutes . Tickets for this crossing start at €93 .

Tip : discover more beautiful Greek islands for romantic holidays and keep in mind that you can also go for a Santorini day trip from Milos or Folegandros.

Hop on a ferry from Santorini to Amorgos

Going island hopping from Santorini to Amorgos is a great summer experience! Amorgos is distinguished by its untamed nature, beautiful hiking trails, relaxing vibes, important monuments, and inviting blue waters!

If you visit Amorgos just for one day, we recommend that you visit the beautiful Agia Anna beach, explore the villages of Katapola and Aegiali, see the shipwreck “Olympia,” and go hiking on Palia Strata trail.

Day trips from Santorini to Amorgos are available from April to October. There is at least 1 daily ferry crossing to the island of Amorgos during the summer. Ferries depart from the port of Athinios, the main port of Santorini.

The duration of the trip ranges from 1.5 to 5 hours depending on the type of ferry. We recommend you travel with a high-speed ferry to have a smooth and fast journey. Ticket prices start at €11 for standard vessels and around €74 for fast ferries.

Tip : if you’re more of a last-minute kind of traveler, no worries! You can book Santorini island hopping ferry tickets on your mobile through the Ferryhopper App , with just a few taps and swipes!

The crystal-clear waters of Agios Pavlos beach in Amorgos

Set off for a day trip from Santorini to Folegandros

If you are looking for an unspoiled island with traditional character, idyllic secluded beaches and relaxation then, congratulations! You just found the perfect island for you, Folegandros !

Named after the son of king Minos, this off-the-beaten-path destination dazzles visitors with its wild rocky landscape and the picturesque Chora. We suggest you visit the beaches of Agkali and Karavostasi, explore the Castle of Folegandros and follow hillside hiking trails leading to the Church of Panagia in Chora.

The ferry schedule from Santorini to Folegandros depends on the season. During summer, there are 2-3 ferry crossings taking about 45 minutes to 3 hours. The earliest ferry departs from the port of Athinios at 07:00 and arrives at 09:55 to the port of Folegandros.

Therefore, we recommend you take the ferry from Santorini to Folegandros , spend the day on the paradisiacal island and catch the ferry the following day leaving at 11:40 to Santorini or continuing your island hopping. The ticket price for day trips from Santorini to Folegandros costs around €70 .

Tip : you can continue your island hopping from Folegandros to Milos which is 1-2.5 hours of travel depending on the type of vessel.

For more Santorini island hopping ideas, you can check Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries . Find up-to-date ferry routes, book day trips from Santorini to Athens or plan your personalized island-hopping tour in the Cyclades with no hidden fees !

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Almost three millennia ago, a volcanic eruption formed the now-magnificent caldera named Santorini. Officially known as Thira, this gorgeous slice of land is nothing short of perfection. With white, black, and red sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters stretching for miles, and unreal views, Santorini is a must-visit.

The island of Santorini has a distinct magnetic charm that attracts newlyweds looking for a romantic getaway, adrenaline junkies looking for an adventure, and people looking to be swept away by the beautiful places to destress from their daily life.

When so many things are packed into one place, it is often overwhelming to plan a vacation. Don’t worry because our guide to the best things to do in Santorini will ease some of that burden.

In a Nuthell

Best hotels in santorini.

Best luxury hotel : Abyss
Best mid-range hotel : Delion View Hotel
Best budget hotel : Nautilus Dome

Best Tours in Santorini

Luxury Catamaran Day Trip
Wine Tasting Adventure
Akrotiri Prehistoric City Private Guided Tour

Where To Stay

Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, something in between, or budget hotels, Santorini is a great place to stay.

The Abyss is a five-star hotel where you can experience the island in a unique way. Located in the village of Oia, it has top-notch amenities, including air-conditioned rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. The dome-like hallways and minimal aesthetic are phenomenal.

🏨 See photos and availability here

When looking at mid-range hotels, Delion View is an ideal place to stay. The place is Instagram-worthy, spick, and span, and the staff is amicable. They also have in-room electric teapots and a gorgeous view and are located near a popular tourist attraction, the ancient Thira.

If none of these hotels fit your budget, Nautilus Dome is a great way to cut extra costs while still having an excellent place to stay. With spacious rooms and swimming pools, it offers a spectacular view at half the price. The archaeological site of Akrotiri is only five miles from here.

Enjoy a Sunset in Oia Village

To fully immerse yourself in the Santorini experience, you can’t miss out on a mesmerizing sunset from the highest point of the Oia Castle. Not only can you see the yellow-orange rays dancing in the sky, but you’ll also be able to see volcanic rocks up here.

The Castle of Oia also has breathtaking views of the caldera that will leave you stunned. Additionally, once you’re here, you must visit the Maritime Museum, lined with paintings, art, documents, and more. Below Oia, you can see the Ammoudi Bay as well.

Read also: Best Greek Islands for Beaches

Look at the Sunset in Imerovigli

The Santorini village of Imerovigli offers an alternative to the jam-packed Oia Village. From here, you can enjoy stunning sunsets that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful Cycladic architecture, but this small village also offers some of the best boat tours to explore the volcanic island.

For adventure seekers, a short hike to the Skaros rock, which leads to the most epic views, is one of the best things to do here.

Visit the Fira Town

Fira, the capital of Santorini, is home to glorious blue-domed churches with a volcano backdrop, the Old Port with steep cliffs in the surroundings, and the Fira Main Square, packed with bustling life and delicious local cuisine.

This cosmopolitan area is one of the best ways to spend time in Santorini because of its rich history. You can also enjoy a movie at the open-air cinema on the main road to Fira town.

See the Caldera Cliffs

An eruption 3,500 years ago created a giant crescent-shaped volcanic crater known as the caldera. Visiting these enigmatic cliffs is one of the most popular activities for tourists since they have their own unique charm. To fully explore the place and immerse yourself, you can take an organized tour on a catamaran and enjoy the stunning view of the area.

🏛️ Book a Luxury Catamaran Day Trip

Read also: Insta-Worthy Places in Europe

Explore the Red Beach

Santorini’s beaches are known to be some of its best destinations, with people worldwide coming to enjoy their time. The Red Beach is a unique location with red cliffs and sand pebbles that make it stand out. The striking contrast between the beautiful waters and the area’s color is truly one of the most amazing things to experience.

Visit the Black Sand Beaches

If you think red beaches are fantastic, Santorini is also home to black beaches like Perivolos Beach, Perissa Beaches, and many more. The black sand is a result of molten lava caused by volcanic ash. Not only can you enjoy the bizarre yet mesmerizing view, but you can also enjoy scuba diving, swimming, and boat trips and have the time of your life.

Swim at the White Beach

Unmissable Things To Do in Santorini Swin at the White Beach

Santorini is so diverse that you will even find Lefki Ammos, or the White Beach, here. The best time to visit is during the summer months to fully enjoy the water, white cliffs, and warmth of the place, though it can get a little busy. To see the colorful beaches of Santorini, you can also venture on a cruise ship to hit every spot in one day.

Read also: Pocket-Friendly Beach Destinations in Europe

Walk on the Vlychada Beach

One of the best beaches in this area is Vlychada Beach, which has cute spots for spectacular pictures. You’ll also find an open bar with delicious beverages and exotic cocktails to chug down as you take in a whiff of fresh air and fully relax. Since this is a popular place, you can even rent sunbeds. People also love to visit the tomato industrial museum when they’re here.

Read also: Top European Spring Destinations

Dip Your Toes at Kamari Beach

With crystal-clear water and black sand, Kamari Beach is filled with fun and adrenaline. Though it can get quite packed during high season, the best time to go is early morning. The locals are known to be very friendly and welcoming, which makes the experience even better. Since the water dives deep, keeping children away from it is essential.

Read also: Top European Beach Destinations

Swim in the Hot Springs

Also known as the Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, the hot springs are a fun experience for those visiting Santorini for the first time. These waters are known for their therapeutic properties and attract many people worldwide. While they aren’t hot, they’re warmer than typical beach water, and people enjoy jumping off cruise ships into the water below.

Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

What better way to enjoy the late afternoon than to go on a sunset cruise ? You can select from various options depending on your budget and needs. There are luxury sunset cruises that offer mouth-watering food and live music, but there are also cruises that are budget-friendly yet still allow you to explore picturesque villages.

🏛️ Book a luxury sunset cruise

Read also: Awesome Natural Wonders in Europe

Divulge in Wine Tasting

Santorini’s local culture and rich history include wine making, which is one of the top things to do here, especially for wine lovers. This delicious and crisp nectar can be enjoyed at one of the many wineries here, like Hatzidakis, or you can even go on a wine tour to test various options in one go.

🏛️ Book a wine adventure tour

Go on a Volcano Hike

One way to experience the essence of this place is to go on a volcano tour or hike to witness views that will leave your mouth hanging wide open. You can venture to the top by taking the 2.6-km loop trail near Nea Kameni, a medium-difficulty hike that takes approximately 50-55 minutes to complete, which isn’t long for trails.

Read also: Gorgeous Small Towns in Europe

Hike from Fira to Oia

Regarded as a spectacular hiking trail in mainland Greece, traveling from Fira to Oia can be great fun. Though it is considered a generally easy path, it does take 3-4 hours, so stamina is critical. But you don’t need to do it in one go.

Enjoy your surroundings, and look at the Ancient Thera. This beaten track will be easy to conquer.

Read also: Fantastic Hidden Gems in Europe

Bask in Luxury With the Santorini Helicopter Tour

If you have the money, a helicopter tour is one of the best ways to enjoy the ancient ruins and jaw-dropping cliffs with your friends and family. From the very top, you can enjoy the views and make memories that last a lifetime. You can even book a tour between Mykonos and Santorini.

Ride a Cable Car From Old Port to Fira

The Cable Car serves a dual purpose; it’s both recreational and functional. While there might be plenty of means of transport to travel between Fira and the Port, a cable car only takes four minutes, making it efficient. You can even bring your luggage. However, you can also just ride it for the complete experience. Remember to book your tickets in advance since it does get busy.

Read also: Top Secret Spots on Greek Islands

Explore Ancient Akrotiri

Akrotiri is one of the well-preserved historical sites inhabited by the Minoans in 3000 B.C. However, the entire place was leveled with volcanic ash after the eruption. You can explore the place with a travel guide who will tell you about the ancient stories and take you to the archaeological museum. But that’s not all. You can also climb up the Akrotiri Lighthouse for a romantic getaway.

🏛️ Book an Akrotiri Prehistoric City Private Guided Tour

Read also: Budget-Friendly Greek Islands

Learn About History at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira

Visitors can learn about Santorini and its history by visiting the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. The place is lined with pottery pieces, wall paintings, and artifacts, which help you learn a lot. While the place is small, it packs years and years of history into it, so it’s a must-visit, especially if you’re a history buff.

Read also: Instagrammable Spots in Greece

Visit the Venetian Castle Ruins

This 13th-century castle has a deep historical significance. It was constructed during the Venetian occupation as a defense tower. Behind it, 200 houses were built to protect the inhabitants. The climb up there can look daunting, but it’s not as bad as it seems, and you also get to enjoy the gorgeous scenic view.

Read also: Spectacular Day Trips From Athens

Enjoy the Top Restaurants With a Sunset View

Head to Petra in Oia for a taste of fine dining and a caldera view. Not only is it reasonably priced, but it also has a 360-degree view of the Pyrgos Village.

You can also visit the Eros Beach Bar, which is much more secluded, making it easier to get some privacy while enjoying the mesmerizing views. The staff is very friendly.

For the most scrumptious meal and a breathtaking view, you should also head to Le Moustache Caldera.

Gobble Down the Local Cuisine

The most awaited part of any vacation is the delicious, hearty meals from different cultures. Santorini’s best places offer their delectable sfougato, which is their version of an omelet, the Greek delicacy called fava beans, perfectly cooked octopus, tomato keftedes made with an array of vegetables, and much more. You can also find seafood restaurants at Amoudi Bay, selling mouth-watering and juicy fresh marine life.

Read more: Best Greek Foods to Try in Greece

Best Time To Visit Santorini

There is shoulder season in Santorini from mid-April to June and September to mid-October, making it the best time to visit.

While the summer months are ideal since Santorini is home to many beaches, these months offer peace, unlike peak seasons, when tourists are jam-packed in every nook and corner. Additionally, this timeframe will cost you much less, and you can enjoy a vacation even with a tight budget.

How To Get to Santorini

The best option is to travel by air since it will take considerably less time but is costly. There are direct flights from Athens, and Santorini has an international airport so that you will arrive straight to your destination.

If you don’t want to spend that much money on transport, you can use ferries to travel. The time it takes to get to where you want to go varies depending on your ferry choice, as some are faster than others.

There is also a helicopter ride from Crete, Mykonos, or Athens; however, it costs a kidney and some.

We compare all airlines with this search engine to get the lowest price possible for flights. You can also set ‘Everywhere’ as destination and it gives you the cheapest flight anywhere on any given day or find out when is the lowest price to fly to a specific destination.

Search for flights here

Read also: Top Greek Islands With Airport

How To Get Around Santorini

There are many ways to get around, including by bus, foot, ferry, car, and taxi. During peak season, buses are the best way to travel as they have frequent schedules, almost one every hour, and they also cost less than other means. Walking is also doable since there is little area to cover.

You can also rent a car from the various rental places near airports or take a taxi, though that can be more expensive. For day trips, an ATV might be the best option.

We always use this search engine to find the best car rental deal. They compare all major companies, like Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, and more, and you get the lowest price. The earlier you book a car, the lower the price. You also get free cancelation up to 48 hours before pick up, which is great if anything happens

Search for rental car deals here

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World Wild Schooling - https://worldwildschooling.com 20 Unmissable Things To Do in Santorini for Your Bucket List - https://worldwildschooling.com/things-to-do-in-santorini/

Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She is regularly featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire, and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.

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Forget Mykonos and Santorini, Syros is the best Greek island. Here are 10 of my favorite things to do there.

Posted: April 25, 2024 | Last updated: April 25, 2024

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Syros, a short ferry ride from Mykonos, is a luxurious and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/greece-underrated-island-crete-better-than-santorini-frequent-traveler-2024-3">underrated island to visit in Greece</a>.</li><li>I <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/living-in-los-angeles-us-and-athens-greece-biggest-differences-2024-4">visit every year</a>, and love spending the day at a beach club and seeing a show at Apollon Theater.</li><li>Belle Époque, Theosis, and Allou Yialou are some of the best places to eat and drink on the island.</li></ul><p>Tourists flock to the Greek islands of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/greece-santorini-mykonos-best-greek-islands-to-visit-2018-8">Mykonos and Santorini</a> every summer. But people are finally <a href="https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/06/08/mykonos-and-santorini-experience-decline-in-tourist-traffic-visitors-share-disappointing-reviews/">starting to catch on</a> to the fact that many popular destinations are overpriced and overcrowded.</p><p>Luckily, Greece has over 220 inhabited islands to explore — and just a short ferry ride from Mykonos lies Syros.</p><p>My grandmother is from the island, and I visit it every year. It's one of the most underrated and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-luxury-travel-destinations-experts-wellness-safari-cruise-wildlife-city-2024-2">luxurious destinations</a> in Greece.</p><p>Here are 10 of my favorite things to do on Syros.</p><div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/syros-greece-underrated-better-than-mykonos-santorini-what-to-do-2024-4">Business Insider</a></div>

Syros, a short ferry ride from Mykonos, is a luxurious and underrated island to visit in Greece .
I visit every year , and love spending the day at a beach club and seeing a show at Apollon Theater.
Belle Époque, Theosis, and Allou Yialou are some of the best places to eat and drink on the island.

Tourists flock to the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini every summer. But people are finally starting to catch on to the fact that many popular destinations are overpriced and overcrowded.

Luckily, Greece has over 220 inhabited islands to explore — and just a short ferry ride from Mykonos lies Syros.

My grandmother is from the island, and I visit it every year. It's one of the most underrated and luxurious destinations in Greece.

Here are 10 of my favorite things to do on Syros.

<p><span>One of Syros' most </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/famous-landmarks-construction-2018-3"><span>prominent landmarks</span></a><span> is Miaouli Square, located just a few steps away from the harbor in the main city of Ermoupoli. </span></p><p><span>It's a great place to start exploring the island — people of all ages gather to chat and catch up, kids play, and teens socialize on the steps of the town hall.</span></p><p><span>I love sitting in one of the many cafés around the plaza, like Belle Époque, and enjoying pastries and Greek coffee while I watch the town go by.</span></p>

Grab a coffee at Belle Époque in Miaouli Square.

One of Syros' most prominent landmarks is Miaouli Square, located just a few steps away from the harbor in the main city of Ermoupoli.

It's a great place to start exploring the island — people of all ages gather to chat and catch up, kids play, and teens socialize on the steps of the town hall.

I love sitting in one of the many cafés around the plaza, like Belle Époque, and enjoying pastries and Greek coffee while I watch the town go by.

<p><span>Ciel Syros is a beach bar located near the picturesque neighborhood of Vaporia. But there's no sand there — you can eat and drink on a promenade over the water and dive directly into the sea.</span></p><p><span>The water here is a beautiful, deep, clear blue, but there are no shallows, so it's only recommended for strong swimmers. </span></p><p><span>You may occasionally get sprayed by waves while enjoying your drinks, but the atmosphere is always fun, especially on summer afternoons when there are endless parties with Greek music.</span></p>

Take a dip at Ciel Syros.

Ciel Syros is a beach bar located near the picturesque neighborhood of Vaporia. But there's no sand there — you can eat and drink on a promenade over the water and dive directly into the sea.

The water here is a beautiful, deep, clear blue, but there are no shallows, so it's only recommended for strong swimmers.

You may occasionally get sprayed by waves while enjoying your drinks, but the atmosphere is always fun, especially on summer afternoons when there are endless parties with Greek music.

Window shop in the streets of Ano Syros.

If you can manage all the steps, walking uphill to Ano Syros from Ermoupoli is a treat.

You'll find a lot of craft, jewelry, clothing, and other shops, as well as cute cafés to explore in this part of the island.

Make sure to arrive in the morning or late afternoon as many stores close for a bit around midday.

<p>Theosis Bar is a newer addition to Ano Syros. It's o<span>wned by the same man who operates Kouchico — one of the </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-new-york-city-bars-impress-clients"><span>best cocktail bars</span></a><span> in Ermoupoli — and serves carefully curated and crafted drinks.</span></p><p><span>Instead of tables, people sit around a pedestrianized square on stairs and cushions, making the upscale atmosphere feel more casual and less stuffy.</span></p>

Get a cocktail at Theosis.

Theosis Bar is a newer addition to Ano Syros. It's o wned by the same man who operates Kouchico — one of the best cocktail bars in Ermoupoli — and serves carefully curated and crafted drinks.

Instead of tables, people sit around a pedestrianized square on stairs and cushions, making the upscale atmosphere feel more casual and less stuffy.

Catch a show at the Apollon Theater.

Designed as a miniature version of the La Scala opera house in Milan, Apollon Theater hosts shows and performances on the island.

It's also one of the many reasons Syros is considered an island of the arts. Each year, the venue hosts multiple events, including an international film festival .

Spend the day lounging at Ono Concept beach club.

Agathopes Beach has always been popular with families and tourists thanks to its clear, shallow water and golden sand.

With the addition of the elegant Ono Concept beach club, which opened a few years ago, beachgoers can tan on luxurious lounge chairs while enjoying food, coffee, and cocktails.

<p>In the northern part of the island, where few tourists (or even locals) venture, there's an amazing <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/oldest-winery-united-states-brotherhood-washingtonville-new-york-photos-2020-1">winery with a stunning view</a>. </p><p><span>I recommend touring the </span>Chatzakis<span> facility in the evenings. Guests can sample the wines alongside charcuterie and snacks while enjoying a mesmerizing Greek sunset.</span></p>

Tour Chatzakis Winery.

In the northern part of the island, where few tourists (or even locals) venture, there's an amazing winery with a stunning view .

I recommend touring the Chatzakis facility in the evenings. Guests can sample the wines alongside charcuterie and snacks while enjoying a mesmerizing Greek sunset.

<p><span>Syros has become well known for its gastronomy, and </span>Allou Yialou at Kini Beach is one of <span>the best </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/greece-local-things-all-tourists-should-know-travel-tips-2024-4"><span>upscale taverna</span></a><span> experiences.</span></p><p><span>Indulge in classic Greek family-style dining featuring plenty of seafood. You can also catch a stunning sunset here as the restaurant faces west.</span></p>

Enjoy dinner and a sunset at Allou Yialou.

Syros has become well known for its gastronomy, and Allou Yialou at Kini Beach is one of the best upscale taverna experiences.

Indulge in classic Greek family-style dining featuring plenty of seafood. You can also catch a stunning sunset here as the restaurant faces west.

<p><span>The architecture in the streets of Ermoupoli is more reminiscent of Venice than the other </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-things-to-do-greece-vacation-with-friends-mistakes-avoid-2024-2"><span>Greek islands</span></a><span>. </span></p><p><span>Syros has always been known as a very aristocratic island, and some of its old, pastel-colored neoclassical houses have been renovated into boutique hotels.</span></p><p><span>Check out Aristede Hotel, Villa Selena, or Arion for historic and </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-all-inclusive-vacations-to-book-this-year-travel-planner-2024-4"><span>luxurious accommodations</span></a><span> with incredible hospitality.</span></p>

Stay at one of many converted neoclassical houses.

The architecture in the streets of Ermoupoli is more reminiscent of Venice than the other Greek islands .

Syros has always been known as a very aristocratic island, and some of its old, pastel-colored neoclassical houses have been renovated into boutique hotels.

Check out Aristede Hotel, Villa Selena, or Arion for historic and luxurious accommodations with incredible hospitality.

<p><span>Syros is famous for its loukoumia, the Greek version of </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-moved-to-istanbul-loves-it-cheap-cost-of-living-2024-1"><span>Turkish delight</span></a><span>. </span></p><p><span>The treat is available at many shops across the island, but Loukoumia Leivadaras is one of the most highly rated.</span></p>

Go to Loukoumia Leivadaras to try one of the island's specialty sweets.

Syros is famous for its loukoumia, the Greek version of Turkish delight .

The treat is available at many shops across the island, but Loukoumia Leivadaras is one of the most highly rated.

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Santorini in one day
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10 Best Things to Do in Santorini

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One Day in Santorini Greece: Spend the Day With Us Exploring Santorini & Oia
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COMMENTS

One Day in Santorini: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)
One-day stop in Santorini during a cruise. One Last Tip for a Perfect Day in Santorini. 1 day in Santorini: the best itinerary. A: Visit to Fira. B: Hiking from Fira to Oia. C: Visit to Oia. The best organised outings to do when spending 1 day in Santorini.
One Day in Santorini, Greece (Guide)
If at all possible, spend at least one day in your life here - it will be absolutely magical! Plan your trip to Santorini. 1. WHAT'S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SANTORINI? 2. A FEW FACTS ABOUT SANTORINI 3. ONE DAY IN SANTORINI ITINERARY 3.1. Rent a Car or Plan How to Get Around 3.2. Visit Akrotiri First 3.3. Check out the Red Beach 3.4.
24 hours In Santorini: What To See & Do If You Only Have One Day?
Best Things to Do/See in Santorini (for returning visitors) in 1 Day: visit Akrotiri Lighthouse and the Akrotiri Archaeological excavations ( see it on Google Maps) walk around and take pictures of the picturesque village of Imerovigli. hike between Oia and Fira ( video) visit La Ponta Venetian Tower.
One Day In Santorini From A Cruise Ship Or Day Trip
Cruise passengers will have less than one day in Santorini, ranging anywhere from 5 to 16 hours. Boats arrive and depart at several times during the day. Many of them only stay on the island between 16.30 and 21.30, which gives barely enough time to see the famous Oia sunset.
Santorini Full Day Tour 2024
Santorini Unique Experience Organized Half Day Tour. $92.28. Santorini, Cyclades Islands. Romance in Santorini Island Private up to 4 People. $980.32. Per group. Santorini, Cyclades Islands. eSIM Data Plan For UK Turkey Greece with Europe 32 countries. $5.84.
Santorini in One Day: A Day Trip Itinerary
Ferris from Santorini to Paros takes around 2 hours with Seajets (€46) or 3 hours, and 15 minutes with BlueStar (€21). Ferry schedules don't provide enough time to make a 1-day trip to Santorini, although you would have plenty of time if you stayed 1 night in Santorini. You can view accommodation for your dates here.
THE TOP 10 Full-day Tours
Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Full Day Tour. 36. Experience Santorini's nature and history on this all-day guided excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, explore Akrotiri, a well-preserved Bronze Age settlement buried in ash nearly 3,600 years ago in a volcanic eruption.
Santorini Day Tour with Sunset in Oia 2024
Santorini In One Day Bus Tour with Oia Sunset & optional Sailing. 3. 10 hours. Free Cancellation. From. $59.95. Likely to Sell Out. Sunset In Oia & Traditional Villages Bus Tour. 26. 7 to 8 hours. Free Cancellation. From. $44.69. Santorini Highlights Tour day or sunset. 17. 5 hours. Free Cancellation. From. $163.49. Santorini Full Day Tour. 36 ...
BEST One Day In Santorini Itinerary (2024)
0900 - Santorini day tour or make your way to Oia. 1200 - lunch in Oia or Ammoudi Bay. 1400- Bus to Firostefani (on Fira route) then caldera walk via the Three Bells of Fira church. 1700 - return to cruise ship. More Than 1 Day In Santorini - Other Things To Do In Santorini. The gorgeous village of Pyrgos.
One Day in Santorini: What to Do When Short on Time
Here is how to best spend one day in Santorini to experience as much of the island as possible. ... I'd recommend an island tour shore excursion in the afternoon that is 3-4 hours and then to have dinner reservations somewhere in Fira along the caldera to watch the sunset. Oia is best for the sunset, but you'll want to make sure you can get ...
One Day in Santorini From Cruise Ship: Epic Itinerary
Here are my favorite day tours and half-day tours in Santorini: 6-Hour Private Best of Santorini Experience 🤩 5/5 Stars (336 Reviews) 5-Hour Santorini Luxury Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Drinks 🤩 5/5 Stars (999 Reviews)
46 Best Tours & Things To Do in Santorini
Santorini Things To Do: Tips & Advice. One or Two Days in Santorini: Hike along the caldera between Fira and Oia, do a boat tour of the caldera, and have dinner at the Athenian House or Metaxi Mas.; Three Days in Santorini: Add a wine tour, food tour, or jet ski tour.; Four Days or more in Santorni: Visit ancient Akrotiri and Pyrgos.Lots more walking (the best way to explore Santorini).
8 of the best day trips in Santorini, Greece (without a car)
Now open to the public, the site is one of the best day trips in Santorini to learn about the island's history. Read more: Visiting the buried city of Akrotiri, Santorini. Among the ruins of Akrotiri Go independent. Buses run from Fira's bus station to Akrotiri and take around 20 minutes, costing €2 each way. Entry to Akrotiri ...
One Day in Santorini from Cruise Ship: Best Itinerary
One day in Santorini from a cruise ship offers a glimpse into its enchanting beauty and rich culture. With planning and prioritization, you can make the most of your limited time. Consider booking one of the many available Santorini day tours for a well-organized itinerary so you can embrace the charm of Santorini and create lasting memories.
THE TOP 10 Santorini Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)
Discover one of Greece's most famous islands on this half-day tour through Santorini. With a small group, visit the island's most important landmarks including the village of Oia, the iconic blue dome church of Firostefani, the red beach, and the black beach of Perissa.
One Day In Santorini Itinerary
Santorini Cruise Port is a popular cruise destination in the Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades island group of Greece. When cruise ships arrive at Santorini, they anchor in the deep Caldera Bay, and passengers are tendered to The Old Port of Santorini, which takes around 10 minutes. Don't get confused between The Old Port and Athinios Port in ...
Santorini Itinerary for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 Days
One Day in Santorini. Do the Fira-Oia Hike or if that's too much explore the caldera paths in Oia or walk between Fira and Imerovigli. Do a boat or wine tour. Eat at The Athenian House in Imerovigli or Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia. Watch the sunset from Fira, Oia, or Imerovigli.
One day cruise to Santorini island from Heraklion
Enjoy a wonderful one day cruise and tour; Santorini Day Cruise: From Myth to Marvel The Greek island of Santorini the volcanic half - Moon Island, is and always has been a popular tourist place steeped in history with a very cosmopolitan feel that will amaze all on its volcanic background. Great poets have sung its praises, a 4.000 year old ...
One Day Tour to Santorini Island from Athens
Your tour begins early in the morning, when the air conditioned coach will pick you up from or near your hotel in Athens and take you to Piraeus port to embark on a ferry to Santorini. Enjoy a 5.5 hour cruise in the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea and arrive in Santorini at approximately 12:40. The minibus will drop you off at the main town ...
Private Guided Full Day Tour Of Santorini
To book the Santorini Full Day Tour and secure your spot, simply check availability, reserve now and pay later, and enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The pricing for the tour starts from $938.88 per group (up to 4 people) and offers a Lowest Price Guarantee.
The Top Day Trips from Santorini
The ferry from Santorini to Mykonos takes about 2-3.5 hours. The fastest ferry takes 1 hour 55 minutes and tickets usually start at €70. Tip: find out how to plan your 2023 day tours from Santorini to Mykonos and Crete for the ultimate island-hopping experience in Greece. The sandy Elia beach in Mykonos.
20 Unmissable Things To Do in Santorini for Your Bucket List
One way to experience the essence of this place is to go on a volcano tour or hike to witness views that will leave your mouth hanging wide open. You can venture to the top by taking the 2.6-km loop trail near Nea Kameni, a medium-difficulty hike that takes approximately 50-55 minutes to complete, which isn't long for trails.
THE TOP 10 Santorini Day Trips (w/Prices)
Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with Meal Drinks and Transfers. 2,634. Experience Santorini's coastline and volcanic islands from the water on this half-day catamaran cruise with hotel transfers. Choose between daytime and sunset bookings: Both allow you to travel with an intimate group of 20 or fewer fellow passengers.
Forget Mykonos and Santorini, Syros is the best Greek island ...
Syros, a short ferry ride from Mykonos, is a luxurious and underrated island to visit in Greece.; I visit every year, and love spending the day at a beach club and seeing a show at Apollon Theater