The Ultimate Guide – Santorini in 4 days

The Ultimate Guide – Santorini in 4 days

The Ultimate Guide – Santorini in 4 days

the-artistic-oia-in-santorini-blue-domed-church-at-oia-santorini-greece-europe-143-

Santorini is probably one of the most picturesque and romantic of all the Greek Islands, known for its whitewashed, cubist houses with turquoise roofs, and breathtaking views of the mythical Aegean Sea from the cliffs of Fira and Oia.

If you’re planning a holiday to Santorini and are looking for inspiration for your travel itinerary, here is The Ultimate Guide to exploring Santorini in 4 days…

Day 1

Lunch in Ammoudi Bay

For the best fish in town and beautiful views of the caldera, hike down 300 zigzaging steps from Oia to the tiny port of Ammoudi Bay, and eat at Sunset in Ammoudi.

The fish counter is stocked daily with the freshest catch from the Aegean, caught by fishing boats that have been used for families for generations.

20150611_173115

20150611_172902

20150611_173048

20150612_130615

20150612_130556

Sunset in Oia

santorini_new_oia

The village of Oia is located at the northernmost tip of Santorini on an impressively steep cliff face, and offers gorgeous views of the sun setting over the volcano of Palia, Nea Kameni and the island of Thirassia.

The narrow streets that wind up and down the cliff are bedecked with classic blue-domed churches and white buildings, inside which are boutique clothing shops, patisseries and restaurants with views out onto the sparkling blue sea. You could easily spend a whole afternoon exploring Oia before settling into one of the many bars or restaurants and watching the sun ebb into the Aegean Sea. It is utterly beautiful.

Q9Om1PrT9L6CNCsTdR3CGuMWxYhScYhlpntwgfC8HKU

20150611_165136

Photo Credit getyourguide.co.uk

Day 2

Exploring Fira (and A Donkey Ride for the Brave)

Like Oia, Fira is a traditonal village in Santorini located on the west coast of the island, on the caldera cliffs opposite the volcano and with its own spectacular views of the ocean. The wider walkways of Fira mean that it often feels less crowded that Oia, and the sun-bathed verandas with their white architecture and bright blue skies provide ample opportunity for a photo.

Screen Shot 2015-06-22 at 23.56.12.png

20150610_152530

20150610_160248

Donkeys are available to hire for $10 euros to ride down the steeper, winding pathways, but you’d have to be brave to do it…

Donkey
Photo Credit blog.studyabroad.wisc.edu

A Yacht ride along the Caldera

For an unforgettable experience try out a private cruise along the Caldera, catching a yacht from either the Old Port of Fira, Athinios Port or from the Ammoudi Port of Oia.

The experience of getting up close to the volcanic island in the middle of the serene Caldera is fantastic, before being taken to the hot-springs where you can dive into the hot sulpheric water and be carried away into the history of the volcano.

Photo Credit canaves.com
Photo Credit canaves.com

Day 3

Boat rides to Ios for the golden sand beach

Beaches on Santorini are known for their volcanic pebbles and although they are gorgeous in themselves, if you fancy visiting a fine sand beach then take a ferry to Ios. Ferries depart from the harbour at Fira, but only run a few times a week so be sure to organize the trip in advance.

Ios Island Greece
Photo Credit georgelizardos.com

Day 4

Kamari Beach, the laid back southerly village

Kamari Beach is the largest and most well organized in Santorini, with a long parade of restaurants, boutique hotels and resorts to choose from. The beach itself is formed of black pebbles, courtesy of the islands volcanic history, and the best advice is to walk on the beach with scuba shoes. Many shops on the beach parade sell these for around 8 Euros, so no real need to bring your own.

From the many eateries on the beach try the fat, meat-filled souvlaki, homely kleftiko stews and sprightly feta in filo with honey.

H-04N2H7Sw-husE78LHgpBeZtmO3p82RPImkr6sHzn0,zMdGQO5rK2nzqwehYzX1tKS1Fwo_yAo1dUuxsB5QbNY

20150611_075607

20150610_082423

Kokkini Paralia, the peaceful red beach

The stunning beach of Kokkini Paralia is backed by almost sheer red, rock-faced cliffs, and is one of the quietest in Santorini. Reached by taking a 15 minute bus to Perissa and then a boat from Perissa to Kokkini Paralia.

The-Red-Beach

Have you been to Santorini before? Where would you recommend going?

14 Comments

  • 8 years ago

    As always, love reading about your adventures Mehreen! Santorini looks like such an amazing place!

    • Mehreen A
      8 years ago

      Thanks Frances! I’ve been meaning to put this post together for a while so I’m just glad I could get it out in time :)

  • Absolutely, absolutely incredible!

    • Mehreen A
      8 years ago

      Thanks gorgeous xxx

  • 8 years ago

    Ah, this was one of my favorite visits! I love how you captured the photos. Takes me right back!

    Stephanie ● Sartorial Diner

    • Mehreen A
      8 years ago

      Thanks Stephanie, this is one of my favourite places to visit too x

  • 8 years ago

    Everything looks stunning. Every last bit of it. Including the mermaid tits. x

    • Mehreen A
      8 years ago

      Espiecially the mermaid tits! Hearts for Santorini x

  • 8 years ago

    Santorini looks amazing. I need to go there! Stunning photos!
    xo Yvonne

    • Mehreen A
      8 years ago

      Thanks Yvonne :) I loved Santorini, such a beautiful place x

  • 8 years ago

    Santorini has been on my list forever! I wanted to try and take a boat from Mykonos to Santorini recently but the timings didn’t work out unfortunately. After reading your post, I am totally in lust after Santorini so it’s definitely going on the 2017 travel plan! The sunset in Oia looks beautiful xx

    • Mehreen A
      8 years ago

      Mine too, was so glad when I got the chance to go! You’d have such a great time, hope you get to go soon x

  • I love this. Your photos are incredible. Thanks for sharing! :)

    • Mehreen A
      8 years ago

      Thanks Bryony!

Leave a Comment

Leave A Comment Your email address will not be published

Editors' picks