Santorini—ancient Thera—rose from volcanic fire, its famed Minoan-era eruption (ca. 1600 BCE) shaping the dramatic caldera and, some say, myths of Atlantis. Today, whitewashed villages cling to sea-cliff rims, blue domes punctuate the skyline, and sunset light turns pumice cliffs the color of apricots.

Beyond the postcard, the island pulses with layers: Bronze Age Akrotiri’s frescoes, Cycladic churches, and vineyards rooted in lava where Assyrtiko grapes weave into basket-shaped kouloura. Food is hyper-local: fava purée, cherry tomatoes, white eggplant, capers, and line-caught fish cooked simply and perfectly.

Practical notes: summer is hot and crowded—reserve sunset restaurants and tours well ahead. Buses are reliable; driving and parking in Oia can be tight. Red Beach is prone to landslides—obey signage and view from safe points. Dress for sun and wind on boat days, and pack water shoes for pebbly beaches.

Santorini

Few places balance history, scenery, and flavor like Santorini. Spend days meandering Fira’s alleys, hiking the clifftop path to Oia, swimming off black-sand shores, and toasting the caldera from a catamaran as the sun slides into the Aegean.

• Top sights: Oia Castle ruins at sunset, Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Skaros Rock, Pyrgos Kasteli, and the Lighthouse at Faros.
• Must-do experiences: Fira–Oia hike, caldera sailing with hot springs swim, Assyrtiko wine tasting, and a sunrise photo session among blue domes.
• Flavors to try: tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), fava with capers, grilled octopus, baklava, and Vinsanto dessert wine.

Getting there: Fly into Athens, then connect to Santorini (JTR) or sail by ferry.

• Flights within Europe: Many cities offer seasonal nonstops to JTR. Compare fares and times on Omio flights (2–4 hours from hubs; ~$90–$250 round-trip).
• Athens–Santorini flight: ~45–55 minutes; fares often ~$40–$150 one-way on Omio flights.
• Ferries (Athens–Piraeus to Santorini): 5–8 hours depending on vessel; budget €45–€90 one-way. Check schedules and book on Omio ferries.
• Long-haul to Greece: Compare global deals on Kiwi.com and Trip.com flights.

Where to stay: Choose your view and vibe—cliffside suites in Oia, central Fira convenience, or barefoot-beach hotels in Perivolos/Kamari.

• Browse vacation rentals: VRBO Santorini
• Compare hotels: Hotels.com Santorini
• Oia splurge: Canaves Oia Suites or Canaves Oia Suites & Spa (iconic cave suites, private plunge pools).
• Oia luxury (sister property): Canaves Oia Hotel (refined cliffside rooms with sweeping caldera views).
• Beachfront comfort: Santo Miramare Resort (Perivolos) or Aegean Plaza Hotel (Kamari).
• Value pick near Fira: Villa Manos (friendly base with pool and easy bus access).

Getting around on the island: KTEL buses link major villages (about €1.60–€2.50 per ride). Taxis and hotel-arranged transfers are convenient; pre-book at peak times. Car or ATV rentals start around €35–€60/day (car) and €25–€45/day (ATV); park outside Oia’s core and walk in.

Day 1: Arrival in Fira – Settle into the Caldera

Afternoon: Arrive in Santorini and transfer to your hotel. Shake off the travel day with a gentle stroll from Fira to Firostefani for your first caldera panorama. Pause at To Briki (Firostefani) for Greek coffee and kataifi with a view.

Evening: Dine at Pelican Kipos, a leafy garden hidden in central Fira—order fava with capers, tomato fritters, and grilled sea bream. Craving casual? Lucky’s Souvlakis serves classic pork gyros and cold Mythos beers that hit the spot after a flight.

Night: Toast your first sunset at PK Cocktail Bar—try a masticha-laced gin fizz as the volcano lights up in twilight. Early night; tomorrow you walk the rim of the caldera.

Day 2: The Fira–Oia Cliff Walk and Tastes of Fira

Morning: Breakfast with a view at Galini Café (Firostefani)—eggs, yogurt with thyme honey, and strong coffee. Set out on the Fira–Firostefani–Imerovigli–Oia path (10–11 km; 2.5–3.5 hours). Pack water, a hat, and sturdy shoes; the Skaros Rock spur is optional but photogenic.

Afternoon: Reward yourself in Oia with gyros at Pitogyros or a seafood pasta at Roka’s garden terrace. Swim at Ammoudi Bay (rocky—bring water shoes) or linger over an iced freddo at Passaggio Bakery with postcard views.

Evening: Return to Fira by bus or taxi for a guided taste of the island on this small-group food walk through Fira and Firostefani:
Santorini Food Tour: Fira Half-Day Small-Group Tour with Tastings

You’ll sample creamy fava, local cheeses, loukoumades, and Greek coffee while learning flavorful backstories.

Day 3: Caldera by Catamaran – Swim, Sizzle, Sunset

Morning: Sleep in, then wander Kamari’s promenade for a beachy brunch at To Pinakio (homestyle meze and eggs), or grab a spinach pie from a local bakery for the sand.

Afternoon–Evening: You’re sailing today—hotel pickup included. Swim at the hot springs, snorkel off the White and Red Beach waters, and feast on a fresh BBQ as the light turns golden:
Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer

Back on land, cap the night with gelato in Fira’s lanes or a quiet glass of Vinsanto.

Day 4: Bronze Age Akrotiri, Red Beach Viewpoints, and Faros

Morning: Head to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, a remarkably preserved Minoan town. Plan 60–90 minutes; combined museum tickets are available seasonally. Wear cool layers—the site is covered but warm.

Afternoon: View Red Beach from designated safe points (landslides occur—respect closures). For lunch, book a table at Asterias (Akrotiri port) for grilled calamari, Santorini salad, and chilled Assyrtiko while boats bob in the bay.

Evening: Drive to the lighthouse at Faros for a quieter, cinematic sunset. Then dine at Metaxi Mas (Exo Gonia)—a local favorite blending Cretan and Santorinian bites; order apaki-smoked pork, baked feta in honey, and caper-dusted fava. Reserve ahead.

Day 5: Pyrgos Village and a Guided Wine Adventure

Morning: Explore Pyrgos, a hilltop village laced with blue doors and bougainvillea. Climb to the Kasteli ruins, then settle at Penelope’s for Greek coffee and an herb omelet on a tiny terrace.

Afternoon: Sip across the island’s terroirs on a small-group tour with tastings at three wineries (often including Santo Wines, Venetsanos, or Gavalas), paired with cheeses and local tapas:
Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset

Learn why basket-trained vines thrive in ash and wind, and how Vinsanto gets its sun-dried sweetness.

Evening: Book The Athenian House in Imerovigli for a gastronomic dinner suspended over the caldera. If you prefer something homier, Anogi delivers slow-cooked lamb, tomato fritters, and warm service.

Day 6: Black-Sand Beach Day – Perissa and Perivolos

Morning: Spread your towel on Perissa’s volcanic sands. Start at Tranquilo (bright, boho, and veg-friendly) with smoothies, pancakes, or a Santorini breakfast. Rent sunbeds; sea shoes help on pebbles.

Afternoon: Walk down to Perivolos for water sports or a dip by the mellow surf. Lunch at Forty One (a chic stone-built beach spot) for tuna tartare, salads, and chilled rosé, or go classic at Seaside by Notos with whole grilled fish.

Evening: Swing by Vlychada’s sculpted cliffs for sunset and dinner at To Psaraki above the marina—octopus in vinegar, tarama, and the catch of the day with lemon and olive oil.

Day 7: Blue Domes, Megalochori Alleys, and a Dream Photoshoot

Morning: Make art of your morning with a professional shoot (hotel pickup included). Flowing gowns, golden light, and iconic backdrops are handled by a local pro team:
Exclusive Santorini Flying Dress Photoshoot with Pickup

After, wander Megalochori’s quiet lanes, peeking into courtyards and bell towers.

Afternoon: Lunch at Marmita (Megalochori) for village-style meze and local wine. If you skipped Skaros earlier in the week, tackle the Imerovigli-to-Skaros Rock out-and-back now (1–1.5 hours, moderate, rocky in parts).

Evening: Dine at Avocado (Imerovigli)—a polished but relaxed spot with stuffed vine leaves, seafood linguine, and balcony seating. Finish with baklava and a nightcap under the stars.

Day 8: Fira Museums, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera (Fira) to connect Akrotiri’s story to the artifacts—spiral motifs, delicate fresco fragments, and daily tools. Grab crepes and espresso from Corner—Crepes & Waffles for a sweet send-off.

Afternoon: Final shopping for ceramics and capers, then transfer to JTR or Athinios Port. For flights in Europe, check Omio flights; for ferries, see Omio ferries. Long-haul options are easy to compare on Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you’re on a late departure, slip in one last caldera coffee at Iriana Café and promise yourself a return visit.

Optional upgrades or swaps: If you’d like a guided island overview instead of self-navigation one morning, consider:
Half-Day Santorini Private Tour

A driver-guide can weave in Oia, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, and hidden beaches efficiently.

Insider tips: Book sunset restaurants 1–2 weeks in advance (more in July–August). For Red Beach, enjoy the view from safe lookouts; do not pass closure signs. On catamarans, bring a light jacket—wind can be cool even in summer.

Wherever you base—cliff, village, or beach—use Hotels.com and VRBO to compare views, private pools, and locations across Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, Pyrgos, and Perivolos.

Eight days on Santorini let you do more than chase sunsets—you’ll taste its vineyards, trace its Bronze Age roots, and idle on volcanic shores. Come for the caldera; leave with a head full of Aegean light and a palate tuned to Assyrtiko and capers.