Are you planning to spend a few days on the beautiful island of Santorini but not sure where to start? Where should you stay? What are the must-see places and things to do? I’ve got you covered to help you plan your trip and make the most of a few perfect days in Santorini.
Before we dive in, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. You can also watch my vlogs in Santorini, Athens, and discover the must-try Greek specialities. If you’re still in the planning phase, I also recommend reading my article on 5 tips to plan a stress-free trip.
Where to stay in Santorini?
Let’s start with the most important (and often tricky) question when visiting Santorini: where to stay without breaking the bank, while still being able to get around easily without renting a car. After a lot of research, we came across a YouTube video that clearly explains the different areas of the island. I’ll leave the link here.
We booked a hotel in Fira, which is quite central. I’ll share our thoughts and experience to help you decide what might work best for your stay.
- Oia was clearly out of our budget, so that decision was easy to make.
- We wanted to stay on the west side of the island to fully enjoy the sunsets. Keep in mind that not all areas of Oia actually face the sunset, so make sure to double-check this if it’s important to you.
- We also wanted to stay close to the water, so it would be easier to get around and be near activities, restaurants, and shops.
After exploring the island, we would probably spend a few days in Kamari if we were to come back for a full week, mainly to enjoy the beach and have a slightly different experience. Kamari is a really nice area, with plenty of restaurants, beach clubs, and activities focused around the beach.
Why we liked staying in Fira?
- Walkable area, with restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance.
- Close to the water.
- Central location, ideal for days spent exploring the north or the south of the island.
- Sunset views.
- More affortable than some other parts of the island.
“Here’s the name of our hotel — not the best we’ve ever stayed at, but definitely not the worst either: Mill Houses.
How to get around Santorini?
From the airport to our hotel, we booked a taxi through the hotel. It was much easier to go through them, though it wasn’t cheap (€60). Uber is very expensive on the island, so booking through the hotel was still more affordable.
Otherwise, we did a lot on foot. For activities we had booked, transportation was included, so they picked us up almost right at our door. For everything else, we used the bus, and on the last day we rented a quad (€65 for the day). I’m not a big fan of driving abroad, so we avoid renting a car if we can. The quad on the last day was perfect for reaching more remote spots — that’s the day we explored the south of the island.
The bus was really simple to use and very affordable (1.60€ per ticket). Buses cover most of the main towns and attractions, running frequently throughout the day, making it an easy and budget-friendly option for getting around Santorini. It’s also easier than worrying about parking a car or a quad.
Things to do in Santorini?
Exploring the Area Around Your Accommodation
This is something I would recommend no matter where you go: explore the area around your accommodation and wander the streets, discovering a new environment you haven’t seen before. It’s a great way to get familiar with your surroundings.
Visit Fira
I really loved our neighbourhood, and judging by the number of tourists, I wasn’t the only one! I would definitely recommend taking a walk there. It’s quite central, so you can also go there to watch the sunset. There are also some beautiful spots for photos and plenty of nice restaurants.
Spending a Day at the Pool in Oia
If you decide to spend a few days in Santorini, I recommend setting aside a day to relax by the pool. It’s a great way to fully enjoy your vacation and soak up the sun! We spent the afternoon at Lioyerma, but of course, you can do your own research to find something closer or better suited to your preferences.
Spending a Day on a Catamaran in Santorini
I think this was honestly my favourite activity we did in Santorini: a day on a catamaran. They pick you up right in front of your hotel and take you straight to the boat. It’s not a full day spent on the boat itself, but you should still plan for a full day between leaving your hotel and getting back.
I booked our catamaran day through Viator, as I usually do. I prefer using a platform where I can read reviews, especially since I don’t know anyone locally. A few things I looked at before booking were the round-trip hotel transfer to the boat, the number of stops (we were able to stop and swim, which was amazing, I even swam above the volcano!), whether food was included, and if it was an open bar.
Using a platform also makes it easier to compare similar experiences. Some tours may be cheaper but don’t include food and/or only offer a couple of drinks. I loved watching the crew cook on the boat’s barbecue!
It’s worth noting that there were several people on the boat, but it never felt crowded, everyone was very respectful. And between you and me, I definitely don’t have the budget to rent a private catamaran anyway!
Nikki Beach
There are Nikki Beach locations all over the world, and the one in Santorini is a bit secluded, I have to say. It’s not very easy to access or close to everything, so I wouldn’t necessarily book it as a place to stay. However, I did book it for a girls’ night out, and it was really nice. The setting is stunning.
They seated us at a table very close to the beach. We went in August, and it was surprisingly calm. I don’t know if we just happened to be there during a quiet moment for them, but it honestly felt like the restaurant was open just for us. It was a lovely experience, with beautiful decor straight out of a Pinterest board.
Where to Go Out in Santorini
After Nikki Beach, we decided to go dancing. We were there for a wedding after all, so we had to warm up our dance moves before the big day. As women, we were able to get into most places without paying, while the group of guys had to pay everywhere. That’s definitely something to factor into your budget.
Most of the clubs were located in Fira, and it was easy to walk from one to another. The club where we all ended up later in the night, and where the music was really good, is called Koo Club. I also really liked that it’s an open-air venue.
Visit Oia
I’m pretty sure that in almost every guide you’ve read about spending a few days in Santorini, you’ve been told to visit Oia. I’d like to add a bit of nuance here. Yes, it’s beautiful and worth seeing, but it’s also extremely crowded.
The rest of the island didn’t feel nearly as busy, even in August. In Oia, it really feels like busloads of people are dropped off all at once, and the streets quickly fill up. You’ll likely have to wait in line to get that perfect photo, although we did manage to find a spot with no one around.
I wouldn’t tell you not to go, but rather to know what to expect so you don’t end up disappointed.
Visiting an Archaeological Site in Santorini
I was going to say that surprisingly, I didn’t see this recommendation on many lists. But at the same time, let’s be honest, most people come to Santorini to relax, sip a cocktail by the pool, and enjoy seafood—not necessarily to explore archaeological sites.
On our last day, we ventured to the south of the island and did a little exploring. It’s a fairly quick visit, but it’s nice to learn more about the island’s history. The site is called Akrotiri. It’s an ancient village that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. Yes, it’s been around for quite a while.
Red Beach
Now that you’re in this part of Santorini, I have another recommendation for you. Red Beach is a truly unique beach. Be careful if you decide to go there and wear good shoes. The path is not an easy walk—it’s quite rough. Personally, we stopped at the highest point to admire the stunning landscape, but the beach itself was very crowded, so we didn’t go any closer. The red color comes from past volcanic eruptions.
Karami Beach
Driving our little quad, we then headed to Kamari Beach. And what a lovely surprise. The vibe there is completely different. You’re on the other side of the island, so no sunset over the sea here. But there are beautiful beaches and private beach clubs. Restaurants line the shore, perfect for a relaxed moment, and you can take a stroll along the beach. This side of the island feels gentler, slower, and even a bit more family-friendly. We thought that if we ever returned to Santorini, we would love to spend more time here.
I hope this article helps you make the most of your stay and explore the beautiful island of Santorini. Feel free to share your thoughts with me and tag me in your photos on Instagram so I can enjoy your adventures too. I loved Greece and I’m already excited to go back.
