Spending one day in Santorini is like stepping into a dreamy postcard come to life. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the island’s beauty and charm. Wander through the narrow streets of Oia, with its iconic blue-domed churches and whitewashed buildings perched on the cliffs. Take in the breathtaking views of the caldera and the shimmering Aegean Sea as you explore the picturesque villages and boutique shops.
Indulge in the delectable local cuisine, savoring traditional Greek dishes and sipping on refreshing local wines. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the island’s rich history and culture by visiting ancient sites like Akrotiri or exploring the fascinating museums. As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot to witness the famous Santorini sunset, painting the sky with hues of gold, pink, and orange.
One day in Santorini is a whirlwind of beauty, tranquility, and unforgettable moments that will leave you longing to return for more.
To help you make the most of your one day in Santorini, Greece, this itinerary will not only help you navigate the island’s highlights, but also soak up it’s wonderful beaches, from Red Beach to Black Sand Beach!
Start your Morning Cruising the Caldera
Sail from Athinios Port to small islands that are home to volcanos, hot springs, and traditional villages. Enjoy some free time on each island, enjoy the fantastic views and charming atmospheres of typical Greek countryside. Set sail from Athinios and enjoy live commentary on board throughout the journey.
First stop at Nea Kameni where you can opt for hiking to the crater of the active volcano. Please note that the hiking is done on your own and there is no guide with you, so you must take care of your safety. Next, the boat heads to Palea Kameni, where you have some time to swim in the volcanic hot springs. Please note that the sulfur in the water might leave a stain on light-colored swimwear.
Return to the boat for a short sail to Thirassia, where you’ll have free time to explore this charming village. There you can also visit Manolas, accessed by winding stairs, or by a donkey ride up the hill. This is optional of course.
If you book the extension option the boat will also take you to a port where a comfortable bus will be waiting to transport you to the mesmerizing village of Oia. Immerse yourself in its unique charm as you enjoy 2-3 hours of free time to wander through the winding streets, soak up the breathtaking views, and witness the magical sunset that has made Oia world-famous. As your time in Oia comes to a close, hop back on the bus for a relaxed journey back to your original destination. Reflect on the incredible memories you’ve made, carrying the beauty of Santorini in your heart.
Please meet your bus in Oia at the meeting point 15 minutes after sunset.
Hike to Skaros Rock
Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure to Skaros Rock in Santorini. Your hike to the Skaros rock starts in Imerovigli and the church of Agios Georgios (Saint George). The church is the perfect place for preparation and relaxation before the hiking.
This iconic landmark perched atop a dramatic cliff offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the island’s picturesque caldera. As you navigate the winding path (see picture below), you’ll be immersed in the island’s natural beauty, passing by charming villages and vineyards along the way.
The reward at the end of the trail is truly awe-inspiring, with the opportunity to witness a magical sunset or simply soak in the awe-inspiring vistas.
How to Get to Skaros Rock
The Skaros Rock hike is really pretty straightforward, with one way down and back.
The path is clearly marked and begins in Imerovigli, on the stairs that lead down from the Grace Hotel (I can guarantee you’ll be staring at their pool enviously as you make the sweaty return journey back up the stairs to Imerovigli!).
Alternatively, if you’re completing the Fira to Oia hike, you can follow the path left from Blue Note Restaurant.
How Long is the Skaros Rock Hike?
The hike takes about 45 minutes one way from the edge of Imerovigli to the outcrop, but shouldn’t be underestimated; it’s mostly up and down, and absolutely should be avoided in the middle of the day when the heat is searing (we know this because we made this mistake so you don’t have to).
You could also do the Skaros Rock hike as part of your longer Fira to Oia hike (guide coming soon!) – just add another 1-1.5 hours to your total itinerary.
Hiking to Skaros Rock is not just an exploration of nature, but also a journey into the history and charm of Santorini. So lace up your hiking boots (or gym shoes), breathe in the fresh island air, and get ready for an adventure that will leave you with lasting memories.
Best of all, the hike is FREE but make sure to bring plenty of water! Try to avoid hiking this in the middle of the day (I learned the hard way) and please wear proper sun protection!
Take a Sunset Winery Tour
Are you ready for some relaxation after your busy day?
How about learning about the history of winemaking in Santorini and what makes it so famous all over the world?
Taste a variety of the fine wines of Santorini on a wine tour of the island. Visit 3 Santorini wineries, and enjoy a Santorini sunset at your final stop. Sample as many as 12 different varietals, including wines made from the indigenous Assyrtiko grape. Learn about the island’s unique viticulture that produces some of the crispest and seductively sweet wines in the Mediterranean. Explore a volcanic vineyard, visit wine cellars, and enjoy a platter of local delicacies to accompany the wine.
Stop for tastings at Argyros Estate, Anhydrous Winery, and finally to the cliff-top SantoWinery offering sweeping views of the volcano, where you’ll enjoy both the wines and the sunset views.
Enjoy an Evening Stroll
You’ve had an extremely long day by now and it’s time to wind down.
Take in the last views of the caldera or grab a traditional Greek dish on the balcony of the many restaurants above the Aegean Sea. Look for crowded restaurants (worth the wait) or highly rated restaurants using Google Maps or Apple Maps before you even step foot into a restaurant.
You don’t want to get stuck with an incredible view and a less than desirable palette of food.
Traveler Tip: The restaurants overlooking the caldera will be much more expensive than those inland.
In Conclusion
If you have more time in Santorini, consider exploring other parts of the island.
Visit the ancient site of Akrotiri, an archaeological wonder that offers a glimpse into the Minoan civilization. Relax on the unique black sand beaches of Perissa or Kamari.
Take a wine tour and visit local vineyards to sample Santorini’s famous wines. And don’t forget to take a boat tour to explore the island’s impressive coastline and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Remember, Santorini is a place of beauty and relaxation, so take some time to soak in the island’s ambiance and enjoy the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
While its popularity means more visitors than ever, if you visit during the shoulder season, you’ll be able to appreciate this beautiful destination with fewer crowds.
For more information, check out this super detailed Santorini Travel Guide I wrote that includes more things to do, costs, safety tips, transportation advice, and ways to save money
Other Related Articles :
Book Your Trip Now!
Below are my favorite companies I use time and time again when I book my travel.
- Travel Coupons & Discounts – Get Cash Back at places like Hotels.com, Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline and many more with Rakuten. Sign up today & get $30!
- My Favorite Travel Credit Card – Chase Sapphire Prefered. This is by far the best way to book travel and earn miles/points while doing so. Use the Chase Sapphire Prefered for booking 3x travel, 3x dining and 3x on streaming services.
- My Second Favorite Travel Credit Card – In my opinion, the second best travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture. Use the Capital One Venture card for 2x the rewards on everyday purchases.
- Rental Cars – Search, compare and save on the best rental car company brands all in one place using DiscoverCars.
- Booking.com – Booking has the widest selection of budget accommodation in the world. In our studies, they constantly found the cheapest rooms. I also like their easy-to-use interface and no-money-down policy.
- Hotels.com – Hotels.com is my second choice for finding hotels. I love their selection and easy to navigate website. Use it often for free hotel stays with OneKeyCash.
- VRBO – The most popular vacation rental site in the US. ✓+2 million rentals worldwide ✓19+ million reviews ✓Secure online payment
- Selina Hostel – This is the best hostel accommodation in the world. Their unique CoLive stays, artwork and location are the best. Not to mention, they are a great value travel brand!
For companies, check out my favorite travel companies section that includes even more of my favorite travel companies that will help you value travel!
Previous Post
Next Post
