Santorini in 5 days

The most photographed sunset on earth - and the caldera views are even better in person. Best time to visit: April-June and September-October. Average daily budget: $120 to $250 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Oia, The famous blue domes and sunset crowds. Stunning, but arrive early or stay late.

Morning: Wine tasting at Santo Wines or Venetsanos. Assyrtiko grapes grown in volcanic soil. The whites are crisp, mineral, world-class.

Afternoon: Explore Oia, The famous blue domes and sunset crowds. Stunning, but arrive early or stay late.

Evening: Sunset in Oia - but walk the path from Fira. The 10km caldera trail is the best view on the island, and you skip the bus crowds.

Eat: Fava (yellow split pea purée) at any local taverna

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Fira, The capital. Bustling, cliff-side restaurants, nightlife, the cable car to the old port.

Morning: Akrotiri archaeological site. A Minoan city buried by the same eruption that created the caldera. Book ahead.

Afternoon: Explore Fira, The capital. Bustling, cliff-side restaurants, nightlife, the cable car to the old port.

Evening: Sunset in Oia (from the back streets). The famous caldera sunset is worth the hype but the castle viewpoint is a crush. Stake out a spot on a quieter back lane or a terrace bar an hour early, or watch from a boat instead.

Eat: White eggplant dishes - unique to the island's volcanic soil

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Imerovigli, The quiet luxury option. Same caldera views as Oia, none of the crowds.

Morning: Red Beach and White Beach by boat. Access is easiest by water taxi from Akrotiri. Bring snorkelling gear.

Afternoon: Explore Imerovigli, The quiet luxury option. Same caldera views as Oia, none of the crowds.

Evening: Caldera catamaran cruise. A half-day sail to the hot springs, the red and white beaches and Thirassia, with a swim and a sunset BBQ on board. The best way to see the island's volcanic cliffs from the water.

Eat: Fresh grilled octopus at a Perissa beach taverna

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Pyrgos, A medieval village at the island's highest point. Local tavernas, zero tourists at sunset.

Morning: Pyrgos village at sunset - better views than Oia, 10% of the people.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Pyrgos, A medieval village at the island's highest point. Local tavernas, zero tourists at sunset.

Evening: Megalochori - a traditional village with potholed streets and a hidden bell tower.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Baklava and Greek coffee in Megalochori

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Kamari / Perissa, The beach side. Black sand, laid-back tavernas, the ancient ruins of Thera.

Morning: The Santorini Brewing Company - Yellow Donkey beer, tastings, no crowds.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Kamari / Perissa, The beach side. Black sand, laid-back tavernas, the ancient ruins of Thera.

Evening: Profitis Ilias Monastery - the island's highest point, 360° views, cool even in August.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fava (yellow split pea purée) at any local taverna

Hidden gems

Pyrgos village at sunset - better views than Oia, 10% of the people.
Megalochori - a traditional village with potholed streets and a hidden bell tower.
The Santorini Brewing Company - Yellow Donkey beer, tastings, no crowds.
Profitis Ilias Monastery - the island's highest point, 360° views, cool even in August.

Getting around

Rent an ATV or a small car for 2 to 3 days. The bus connects Fira to Oia and the beaches but is packed in summer. Taxis are limited and expensive. Walking the caldera path is the highlight.

Safety

Extremely safe. The main risk is dehydration in summer (bring water everywhere) and donkeys on the steps to the old port (walk, don't ride - it's cruel and dangerous).

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