Carved by fire and tempered by sea, Santorini (Thera) is the showpiece of the Cyclades—an ancient volcanic caldera ringed by whitewashed villages and cobalt domes. Minoan frescoes slept for millennia under ash at Akrotiri, while sailors once sought safe harbor where sunset-chasing travelers now gather at Oia’s castle walls. Today, the island is a tapestry of cliffside paths, terraced vineyards, and beaches the color of night.

Beyond its famous views, Santorini is a living island. Fishermen bring the morning’s catch into Ammoudi Bay. Vintners tend wind-trained Assyrtiko vines. In tiny chapels, saints watch over villages built like puzzles. Walk from Fira to Oia at golden hour, sip vinsanto as the caldera blushes, then dine where the tomatoes taste like summer itself.

Practical notes: summers are hot and crowded—book dinners and key activities ahead. Buses connect the island; taxis are limited at peak. Respect local advisories at Red Beach due to rockfall risk. Pack sturdy shoes for steps and the cliff-path, and bring reef-safe sunscreen for the Aegean breeze.

Santorini

Santorini’s star villages—Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia—perch on the rim of the caldera like a colonnade of white. Inland, Pyrgos and Megalochori whisper of medieval fortresses and stone lanes. South, Akrotiri’s archaeological site reveals a Bronze Age city frozen in time, and beaches like Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari promise lazy swims and long lunches.

Food is half the island’s soul. Seek out sun-sweet cherry tomatoes, capers, fava puree, and line-caught fish. Local favorites include Metaxi Mas (Cretan-Santorinian plates), To Psaraki (seaside seafood), and Katina in Ammoudi (octopus, grilled sea bream). For fine dining, Selene in Fira reimagines tradition with contemporary elegance.

Where to stay: Browse stays on VRBO (Santorini) or Hotels.com (Santorini). Standouts include Canaves Oia Hotel and Canaves Oia Suites & Spa for cliffside suites and private plunge pools; Canaves Oia Suites for honeymoon-worthy views; Aegean Plaza Hotel in Kamari for a resort feel steps from the beach; Santo Miramare Resort on Perivolos for a laid-back beachfront base; and Villa Manos for great value near Fira.

How to get there: From Europe, search flights on Omio (flights). Athens–Santorini takes ~45–60 minutes and can run ~€40–150 depending on season. Ferries from Piraeus or Rafina take 5–8 hours; book via Omio (ferries) and budget ~€40–90. Long-haul travelers can compare options on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. On-island, KTEL buses connect major villages (€1.60–2.50/ride); ATVs or cars are popular (reserve early in summer).

Day 1: Arrival, Fira Stroll, and Caldera Sunset

Afternoon: Land in Santorini and settle into your hotel. Get your bearings in Fira with a gentle caldera walk from the Cathedral of Saint John to Firostefani. Refuel at Pelican Kipos, a garden oasis serving fresh salads, grilled squid, and Santorinian tomato fritters.

Evening: For sunset, find a terrace above the cliffs—PK Cocktail Bar is a classic for Aegean meets citrus cocktails with sweeping views. Dinner at Argo Restaurant brings elevated Greek flavors; think slow-cooked lamb shank and mastiha-scented desserts. Nightcap stroll through Fira’s lanes for loukoumades at Lukumades Santorini.

Day 2: Orientation Tour, Imerovigli, and Skaros Rock

Morning: Coffee with a view at Galini Café in Firostefani—order Greek yogurt with thyme honey and a freddo cappuccino. Join a small-group island introduction to hit the highlights without navigating buses or taxis.

Featured activity: Santorini Sightseeing Half Day Small Group Tour (door-to-door, Oia–Imerovigli–Firostefani–Prophet Elias–black beach; typically ~5 hours).

Afternoon: Light lunch in Imerovigli at Avocado (fresh fish, excellent salads). Walk out to Skaros Rock for panoramas of the entire caldera—bring sturdy shoes and water.

Evening: Reserve Selene in Fira for a contemporary tasting menu built around island produce and heritage recipes. For a more casual option, Ouzeri in Fira serves meze plates perfect for sharing with local white Assyrtiko.

Day 3: Fira–Oia Cliff-Path Hike and Oia Photo Moments

Morning: Start early to beat the sun on the 10km Fira–Firostefani–Imerovigli–Oia cliff walk (2–3 hours). Reward yourself with coffee and a pistachio croissant at Passaggio in Oia.

Featured activity: Capture the moment with a signature island photoshoot—flowing dresses and blue domes included. Flying Dress Photoshoot in Santorini, Blue Domes and Caldera View.

Afternoon: Explore Oia’s quieter corners: the Maritime Museum, cave-house alleys, and bookshops. Lunch at Roka for island classics on a shaded terrace, or Vitrin for crepes with a postcard view.

Evening: Skip the crowded castle at sunset; instead, book dinner down in Ammoudi Bay. Katina or Dimitris Ammoudi grills octopus and whole fish feet from the water. Taxi back up or climb the old steps if you’re feeling energetic.

Day 4: Akrotiri Ruins, Red Beach Vistas, and South Coast Flavors

Morning: Head south to Akrotiri’s archaeological site—one of the Aegean’s most important Bronze Age settlements. The covered site is well-marked; hire a guide at the entrance for context on frescoes, urban planning, and the volcanic eruption that preserved it.

Afternoon: For Red Beach, heed posted advisories and view from the marked lookout if access is restricted. Continue to Vlychada’s lunar marina for lunch at To Psaraki—try the grilled sardines, taramasalata, and tomato fritters.

Evening: Sunset from the hilltop village of Pyrgos is sublime and less crowded than Oia. Dine at Metaxi Mas in nearby Exo Gonia; order the smoked pork apaki, fava with capers, and a carafe of local white.

Day 5: Santorini Wine Day—Assyrtiko, Caves, and Clifftop Cellars

Morning: Leisurely breakfast at Furnissimo Bakery in Megalochori (spanakopita, sesame koulouri). Stroll Megalochori’s bell towers and vine-strung lanes.

Featured activity: Spend the afternoon tasting at three emblematic wineries—learn about basket-trained vines and volcanic soils. Experience Santorini: Wine Tasting Small Group Tour (often includes Estate Argyros, Gavalas, and Venetsanos; ~4–5 hours).

Evening: Golden hour at Venetsanos Winery’s terrace if not included on your tour, then dinner in Fira: Naoussa for classic Greek mains and caldera views, or Idol Restaurant for seafood pastas and sunset cocktails.

Day 6: Beach Morning and Sunset Catamaran on the Caldera

Morning: Choose your sand: Perivolos for beach clubs and calm water, Perissa for a relaxed vibe, or Kamari for a promenade and water sports. Brunch at Tranquilo in Perissa (smoothies, vegan plates) or Gia Mas in Kamari (grilled meats, salads).

Featured activity: Sail the caldera on a catamaran—swim stops, hot springs, and dinner on board as the cliffs glow. Romantic Sunset Catamaran Caldera Cruise incl. Meal & Drinks.

Evening: You’ll return after sunset pleasantly full. If you still have energy, a final cocktail at Franco’s in Pyrgos pairs classical music with constellations.

Day 7: Last Swim, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Quick dip at Kamari or a stroll in Fira for last-minute gifts—look for capers, sundried tomatoes, and vinsanto. Coffee at Coffee Island in Fira or a traditional Greek brew at Kafenedaki.

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to the airport or port. If you’re ferrying to another island, compare routes and times on Omio (ferries); for intra-Europe flights, use Omio (flights). Long-haul options are easy to scan on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Departure day—kaló taxídi! If you have a late flight, grab an early dinner at Salt & Pepper in Fira for classic fare before heading out.

Optional upgrade (swap into any day): Prefer a private, all-in-one overview with flexible pacing? Book the 6-Hour Private Best of Santorini Experience for tailored stops across blue domes, panoramic viewpoints, and beaches.

Dining cheat sheet (save for later):

• Breakfast/coffee: Passaggio (Oia), Galini Café (Firostefani), Pelican Kipos (Fira), Tranquilo (Perissa)
• Lunch gems: Roka (Oia), To Psaraki (Vlychada), Naoussa (Fira), Gia Mas (Kamari)
• Dinner favorites: Selene (Fira), Metaxi Mas (Exo Gonia), Katina or Dimitris (Ammoudi Bay), Oia Vineyart (Oia)
• Drinks with a view: PK Cocktail Bar (Fira), Franco’s (Pyrgos), Hassapiko/Marykay’s (Oia)

Quick tips: Book restaurants for sunset; carry cash for small bakeries and kiosks; check Red Beach conditions locally; wear grippy shoes for steps; and start hikes early to avoid midday heat.

Seven days in Santorini lets you slow down—watch the light change, taste the island’s wines at their source, and wander villages where every alley is a viewpoint. With this itinerary, you’ll balance headline sights and hidden corners, leaving with memories as vivid as the caldera at dusk.