Whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, and a sea-filled volcanic caldera have made Santorini one of the world’s dreamiest island getaways. Once a Bronze Age hub (ancient Akrotiri), the island was reshaped by a colossal eruption around 1600 BCE—its dramatic cliffs are the edge of that story. Today, Santorini’s terroir yields celebrated volcanic wines and some of Greece’s most atmospheric sunsets.

Expect leisurely mornings, long seaside lunches, and golden-hour strolls. With a mid-range budget, you can base in Fira, Firostefani, Kamari, or Perivolos for value and easy access to beaches and buses. For a splurge night or two, Oia’s suites deliver bucket-list caldera views.

Practical notes: summer is busy (June–Sept); spring and fall are gentler. Red Beach access can be restricted due to rockfall—check local advisories and consider viewing by boat. Card acceptance is common; carry small cash for bakeries and buses. Tipping 5–10% is appreciated.

Santorini

Santorini (Thira) is compact, easy to explore, and perfect for a relaxing, food-forward week. Base in one spot and day-trip to villages, wineries, and beaches for a stress-free flow.

• Top sights: Oia’s castle at sunset, the Fira–Oia cliff path, Akrotiri ruins, Pyrgos hilltown, the lighthouse at Akrotiri, and the black-sand beaches of Perissa/Perivolos and Kamari.
• Food & wine: Try tomato keftedes, fava, capers, and fresh Aegean fish; sip Assyrtiko at clifftop estates with caldera views.
• Fun fact: Santorini’s vines grow in basket shapes (kouloura) to protect grapes from fierce winds and sun.

Where to stay (mid-range focus, with options):

• Budget-friendly base: Villa Manos (Karterados) — friendly, pool, quick hop to Fira.
• Beach comfort: Aegean Plaza Hotel (Kamari) — steps from the promenade.
• Relaxed resort vibe: Santo Miramare Resort (Perivolos) — loungers on the black-sand shore.
• Splurge with a view: Canaves Oia Suites or Canaves Oia Suites & Spa (also see Canaves Oia Hotel).

Browse more stays: VRBO Santorini | Hotels.com Santorini

Getting there: Fly into JTR (45–50 minutes from Athens, typically $40–150 in shoulder season) or ferry from Piraeus (5–8 hours, ~$50–90; faster high-speed options in summer). Book EU flights and ferries via Omio flights and Omio ferries. On-island, buses radiate from Fira (€2–3/ride); taxis/transfer vans run €20–40+ depending on distance.

Day 1: Arrival, Caldera First Impressions

Afternoon: Land at JTR or arrive by ferry and transfer to your hotel. Shake off the journey with a gentle caldera stroll between Fira and Firostefani. For a pick-me-up, grab a freddo cappuccino at To Briki in Firostefani and take in your first cliffside views.

Evening: Sunset drinks at PK Cocktail Bar in Fira or Galini Café’s terrace in Firostefani. Dinner at Aktaion (Firostefani, since 1922) for tomato fritters, octopus in vinegar, and slow-cooked lamb; or Argo (Fira) for seafood orzo and a view. Nightcap with loukoumades at LukuMum in Fira.

Day 2: Fira–Oia Cliff Walk, Oia Village & Ammoudi Bay

Morning: Early start for the 10 km Fira–Oia cliff path (3–3.5 hours at a relaxed pace). Stop in Imerovigli for bakery bites and photos near Skaros Rock. Wear hats and good shoes; carry water.

Afternoon: Celebrate in Oia with lunch at Pitogyros (fantastic gyros) or Roka (courtyard, seasonal dishes). Dessert at Melenio for orange-almond cake. If seas are calm, descend to Ammoudi Bay for a dip by the swimming rocks—mind the sea urchins and bring water shoes.

Evening: Sunset near Oia Castle is iconic but crowded; for a calmer experience, linger along the marble path by the windmills. Dinner at Avocado (Imerovigli, Mediterranean comfort) on your bus/taxi back, or keep it simple with Lucky’s Souvlakis in Fira.

Day 3: Caldera by Sea — Premium Catamaran Cruise

Morning: Slow start: coffee and bougatsa at Erotokritos Bakery (Karterados). Pack swimsuits and a light layer for the boat.

Afternoon: Set sail on a small-group catamaran with BBQ, open bar, and transfers. Swim at Red and White Beach coves, float by the Indian Rocks and Venetian Lighthouse, and pause at the hot springs. Book here:

Premium Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open Bar, Transfer

Evening: After your transfer back, keep dinner light at Pelican Kipos in Fira (garden setting—try the Santorini fava and caper salad) or a seaside pasta at To Psaraki in Vlychada if you’re nearby.

Day 4: Akrotiri Ruins, Red Beach Viewpoint & Perivolos Beach Day

Morning: Explore ancient Akrotiri, a Minoan settlement preserved in volcanic ash. Hire a guide at the entrance for context on the multi-story homes and frescoes. Walk to the Red Beach viewpoint for photos—heeds signs about rockfall and avoid restricted areas.

Afternoon: Claim a sunbed at Perivolos or Perissa for a relaxed beach day. For lunch, choose Tranquilo (vegetarian-friendly plates, smoothies), Forty One 41 (modern beach kitchen), or Sea Side by Notos (seafood risotto and grilled squid). Swim, nap, repeat.

Evening: Head inland for sunset in Pyrgos from the hilltop lanes, then dine at Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia—book ahead for slow-braised goat, baked feta with honey, and house raki with views toward the sea.

Day 5: Village Wandering & Volcanic Wine Adventure

Morning: Meander Megalochori’s bougainvillea lanes and bell towers. Coffee from the village bakery, then browse small artisan shops. Optional stop at Venetsanos or Santo Wines just for the vista.

Afternoon & Sunset: Join a wine-tasting tour that visits three estates, pouring up to 12 varietals (Assyrtiko, Nykteri, Vinsanto) with local tapas—stress-free transport included. Book here:

Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset

Evening: After drop-off, share mezze at Ouzeri in Fira (grilled octopus, marinated anchovies, Santorini salad) or grab a casual dinner along Kamari’s promenade if based by the beach.

Day 6: Volcano & Hot Springs, Kamari Beach, Open-Air Cinema

Morning: Board a traditional kaiki at Fira Old Port to hike Nea Kameni’s volcano and soak near Palea Kameni’s warm springs (sulfur can tint light-colored swimsuits). Book here:

Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port

Afternoon: Beach time in Kamari: rent loungers, paddle the shore, and lunch at To Pinakio (Cretan influence—dakos, lamb chops) or Vinsanto in Kamari for seafood spaghetti.

Evening: If in season (typically May–Oct), watch a film at the Open Air Cinema Kamari with a local wine or G&T. Otherwise, linger over sunset from Firostefani and dine at Taverna Romantica (grilled sea bream, stuffed tomatoes).

Day 7: Tailor-Made Morning Tour & Departure

Morning: With an afternoon departure, enjoy a flexible private tour to sweep up anything you missed—Emporio’s medieval Kastelli, the Akrotiri Lighthouse, Imerovigli’s viewpoints, or hidden cafés. Door-to-door and set to your pace. Book here:

Private Tailor-Made Santorini Tour with Local Driver

Afternoon: Farewell lunch by the harbor at To Psaraki (simple, immaculate fish, horta with lemon). Pick up edible souvenirs—capers, sun-dried cherry tomatoes, Vinsanto—then head to JTR or Athinios Port. Search your ride with Omio flights or Omio ferries.

Evening: Travel day. If you have a late flight, stroll Fira’s caldera edge once more and split a slice of baklava at Melenio or a gelato in Kamari.

Optional swaps for your style and season:

• Prefer more sea time? Choose an afternoon or sunset sailing instead of the morning volcano cruise: Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfers.



• Want total flexibility any day? A private, design-your-own island tour hits your personal wishlist: Best of Santorini Customized Private Tour.

Budget tips (target ~50/100): Base in Kamari/Perivolos or Firostefani for better rates; ride the KTEL buses; book a single standout sunset dinner rather than nightly splurges; enjoy long taverna lunches and simpler caldera-view picnics (bakery treats + local wine).

When you’re ready to book, compare EU routes and ferry schedules on Omio flights and Omio ferries, then lock in stays via VRBO or Hotels.com.

Summary: Across seven restful days, you’ll walk the caldera, sail the Aegean, taste Santorini’s volcanic wines, and laze on black-sand beaches—without rushing. This itinerary balances iconic moments with local flavor so you can return home sun-warmed, well-fed, and fully smitten with Greece.