If you’re dreaming of iconic Greek island views, whitewashed buildings, and unforgettable sunsets, Santorini is exactly that and more. Known for its dramatic cliffs, blue domes, and caldera views, it is easily one of the most breathtaking destinations in Greece.
While Santorini is one of the most popular islands, it truly lives up to the hype when experienced intentionally. From slow mornings by the sea to golden hour dinners overlooking the caldera, every moment feels elevated and unforgettable.
We spent three days in Santorini after taking a ferry from Naxos, and it was the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights without feeling rushed. We rented a car, explored different parts of the island, and mixed in both planned experiences with slower, more spontaneous moments.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from how to get there and where to stay, to the best things to do so you can experience Santorini at its best.
Flying to Santorini
Santorini has its own airport with direct flights from Athens and many major European cities. Flying is the fastest and most efficient option, especially if you are short on time or trying to maximize your days on the island.
Arriving by Ferry
We arrived in Santorini by ferry from Naxos, which is a very common route when island hopping through Greece. The ferry ride itself is part of the experience, especially as you approach Santorini and begin to see the dramatic cliffs rise out of the sea.
Keep in mind that ferries can sometimes be delayed due to wind or weather conditions, so it is always best to plan with a little flexibility in your schedule.
Where you stay in Santorini will completely shape your experience, as each area offers a different atmosphere.
Fira is the most central and lively area, filled with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It is a great option if you want to be in the middle of everything.
Imerovigli is quieter and more romantic, offering some of the best views of the caldera without the heavy crowds you will find in Oia. It is perfect if you want a more peaceful, elevated experience while still being close to everything.
Oia is the most iconic part of Santorini, known for its blue domes, luxury stays, and postcard worthy views. While it is absolutely stunning, it can get very crowded, especially during sunset.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at this Airbnb in Imerovigli, and it was honestly one of the best stays of our entire trip: View our Airbnb in Santorini
This Cycladic style home is located in Imerovigli, one of the most scenic and peaceful villages on the island. It is perfectly positioned between Fira and Oia, making it easy to explore both while still having a quiet place to come back to at the end of the day.
What we loved most about staying here was how calm and private it felt compared to the busier parts of Santorini. After spending time in crowded areas like Oia, it was so nice to come back to a space that felt peaceful and relaxing.
The home has that classic Santorini aesthetic with white architecture and clean, minimal design, but what really makes it special are the views. You still get incredible scenery of the island and the Aegean Sea, without being directly in the middle of the crowds.
It was also super convenient having amenities like a full kitchen, WiFi, and even a private pool, which made it feel more like a luxury stay while still being comfortable and homey.
If you are deciding where to stay in Santorini, I cannot recommend Imerovigli enough, especially if you want that balance of views, location, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Oia: This is the Santorini you’ve seen everywhere, with blue domes, cliffside views, and iconic sunsets. It’s absolutely stunning and worth experiencing, but it is also the most crowded, especially later in the day. We loved exploring Oia, but personally preferred staying somewhere a bit more peaceful.
Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira: These three towns sit along the caldera and are all connected by a scenic walking path. Fira is the most lively, with restaurants, shops, and nightlife, while Imerovigli, where we stayed, felt quieter, more elevated, and had some of the best views we experienced on the island. Firostefani sits right in between, offering a balance of both.
Kamari: If you’re looking to slow down, Kamari has a completely different feel from the caldera side. We spent time here relaxing at the black sand beach, and it was the perfect reset from the more crowded areas.
Perissa: Located on the opposite side of the island, Perissa is more laid back and budget friendly. It’s a great option if you’re not as focused on caldera views and want a quieter, beach centered stay.
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Interactive Map of Santorini, Greece
This interactive map highlights the must see places in Santorini, from scenic viewpoints and iconic towns to beaches, restaurants, and unforgettable experiences. Save this map to Google Maps to easily navigate the island and plan your trip.
INTERACTIVE MAP
Visit Santo Wines
One of the most memorable experiences we had in Santorini was visiting Santo Wines during sunset. This winery is known for having one of the best panoramic views of the caldera, and watching the sun go down from here truly feels surreal.
We made a reservation for sunset, which I highly recommend doing in advance because it fills up quickly, especially during peak travel months. The atmosphere was relaxed yet elevated, and the wine was genuinely delicious. We enjoyed it so much that we ended up bringing a few bottles home with us.
Plan to arrive a little early so you can fully enjoy the experience before the sun sets.
You can make reservations here.
Relax at Kamari Beach
Santorini’s beaches are very different from other Greek islands, and Kamari Beach is one of the most well known. The black volcanic sand and deep blue water create a striking contrast that makes it feel completely unique.
We spent some time here relaxing and slowing down, which was a nice balance to the more sightseeing focused parts of the trip. There are plenty of beach clubs, restaurants, and places to rent sunbeds, so you can easily spend a few hours or even an entire afternoon here.
Water shoes can be helpful since the sand is rocky and can get hot, especially in the middle of the day.
Sunset Photoshoot in Imerovigli
My husband and I did a professional photoshoot in Imerovigli during sunset, and it was easily one of the most special and memorable experiences of the trip. Imerovigli is known for its elevated views and slightly quieter atmosphere compared to Oia, which makes it an amazing location for photos. The backdrop of the caldera, white buildings, and blue accents creates the perfect setting.
It was very windy the day of the shoot, which is something to keep in mind when planning outfits or hairstyles, but even with the wind, the photos turned out beautifully. I also got my hair professionally done beforehand, which made the entire experience feel more elevated and helped everything come together perfectly.
The photographer was Alona Papaki Photography, and she made the experience feel natural and easy while capturing beautiful results. For hair and styling, I visited Maria Coiffure, my husband visited Bulls and Barbers Barbershop.
Overall, it was such a special part of the trip and a great way to capture memories in such a scenic destination.
Ammoudi Bay
One of the most unique experiences we had in Santorini was visiting Ammoudi Bay, located directly below Oia at sea level.
To get there, you have two main options:
- Drive down a narrow, winding road that connects Oia to the bay
- Walk down from Oia via a staircase of approximately 250 to 300 steps (what we chose)
The walk begins in Oia and leads you down a series of uneven stone steps all the way to the harbor. While it is a bit of a workout, it is manageable at a steady pace and well worth it for the views along the way. Comfortable shoes are essential, and you will share the path with donkeys, so stay aware and give them space.
Once you reach the bottom, you’ll find crystal clear water, a small harbor, and waterfront restaurants. The atmosphere is much more relaxed compared to the top of Oia.
Dining here can be pricier, but it is still a great place to stop for a drink or light bite if you want to enjoy the scenery.
Explore Oia and See the Blue Domes
Exploring Oia is one of the most iconic things to do in Santorini. The narrow pathways, whitewashed buildings, and cliffside views make it feel like something out of a postcard.
Seeing the famous blue domes is a must, but it does require a bit of planning to find and photograph them.
The blue domes are located along the main pedestrian path in Oia, near viewpoints associated with the Three Bells of Fira style scenery.
To get there:
- Walk along Oia’s main caldera path
- Follow signs toward “Three Domes” or “Three Bells viewpoint”
- Look for clusters of churches with blue domes and white walls
- Use side staircases for the best photo angles
A nearby landmark is the Church of the Anastasis, which helps with navigation.
There is often a line for photos, especially later in the day. Going early (before 9 AM) helps avoid crowds and harsh lighting.
Be respectful of private property, as many areas are near homes or hotels.
Beyond the blue domes, take time to wander, explore hidden corners, and browse small shops.
Visit the Many Churches
Santorini is home to around 450 churches, many featuring the iconic whitewashed walls and blue domes the island is known for. While the famous blue-domed churches get most of the attention, there are plenty of others worth seeing as you explore.
Some notable ones include the Santorini Catholic Cathedral, Panagia Mesiani Church, St. John the Theologian Church, Anastasi Church, and the Three Bells of Fira. Walking around Oia and nearby areas, you’ll naturally come across many of these beautiful and photogenic spots.
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Santorini offers a beautiful mix of casual eateries and elevated dining experiences, many of which come with incredible views that truly enhance the overall atmosphere.
From wine tastings at local wineries to unforgettable sunset dinners overlooking the caldera, food is a core part of the Santorini experience. Dining here isn’t just about the meal… it’s about the setting, the views, and the moment.
One of the highlights of visiting Santorini is the abundance of restaurants that combine authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with breathtaking scenery. Many spots are designed to showcase the island’s famous views, making them just as memorable as the food itself.
While exploring the island, be sure to try traditional Greek dishes, along with local cheeses, fresh olive oils, Santorini-grown wines, and seafood when available. The island is known for its unique volcanic soil, which contributes to distinct wine varietals you won’t find anywhere else.
Below is a curated list of some of the best restaurants to visit during your time in Santorini.
If you are wondering how many days to spend in Santorini, three days felt like the perfect amount of time for us. It allowed us to experience the highlights, enjoy a few special moments, and still have time to relax.
From watching the sunset at a winery to walking down to Ammoudi Bay and exploring Oia, Santorini felt like a collection of unforgettable experiences.
It is absolutely worth adding to your Greece itinerary, especially if you are island hopping.
Have you been to Santorini before or is it on your travel wish list? I would love to know what you would add or what you are most excited to experience. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
