Santorini is one of the most popular islands to visit in Greece. Surrounded by breathtaking views, mesmerising infrastructure, and wonderful landscape, Santorini is the perfect location for wanderers who want to explore an ancient volcano in Greece.
Known as Thira in ancient times, Santorini is an island in the southern Aegean Sea and possibly one of the most romantic locations in Greece. According to the historical pages of the places, there was a volcanic eruption in 16th BC, leaving Santorini with a rugged look with cities hanging on a cliff.
The first human presence here is dated back to the Neolithic Period and has left its marks all over the island.
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Santorini 5 Day Itinerary – Your Guide to 5 Days in Santorini
Five days in Santorini is a great time to explore many of the great sights around the island. In this 5 day Santorini itinerary, we will share more information about the following places.
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- How to get around Santorini
- History of Santorini
- Oia
- Oia Castle
- Ammoudi Bay
- Fira
- Kamari
- Sea Chartering
- Island Hopping
- Before you leave for Santorini
Where to Stay in Santorini
If you are looking for where to stay in Santorini, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can stay at one of the best hotels in Fira on the cliff side with a swim out pool, or you can opt for one of the more budget options on the island.
Luxury – Aspaki Art Maisons is one of he most luxurious places to stay in Santorini with a swim-out cave leading out of your bedroom to the most incredible cliffside views. The price of this accommodation includes free wifi and an outdoor pool, spa centre with a sauna, and a bar.
These stylish suites are a bucket list place to stay in Santorini.
Read more about Aspaki by Art Maisons here.
Mid-range – Kokkinos Villas is a beautiful place to stay in Santorini that offers sea and cliff views from the terrace.
The inside is modern and stylish and there is a pool with magical views on the rooftop.
Read more about Kokkinos Villas here.
Budget – Kalimera Hotel is a great hotel with a swimming pool and sea view in Santorini. This family-run hotel is nearby the beach and a continental breakfast is included.
Read more about Kalimera Hotel here.
If you are more into the hostel scene when you travel, there are an unbelievable number of funky, cheap, and social hostels spread throughout the country. Browse the full range of hostels that Split has to offer and book your stay right here.
How to get around Santorini
The best way to get around Santorini is by renting a scooter or a quad bike. The island is large and on a steep hill so you will need a mode of transport to get around easily. There are many rental shops around the island and the cost will vary depending on the season that you visit. In peak season, you can expect to pay around €30 per day for the rental of a quad bike or scooter.
There is also a bus service on Sanorini, however this doesn’t give you the same flexibility as renting a vehicle.
History of Santorini
Santorini has been a witness of eras and made its name literally! One of the names is Thera. This was coined by the Spartans who arrived here in the late 12th century BC according to the folklore. Later it was changed to Santorini in the 13th century AD. The latter name refers to Saint Irene (Santa Irini), one of the prominent Saints.
Santorini holds a lot for its visitors and offers a great deal of entertainment for them. It is now a popular destination wedding island in Greece as it is one of the best Greek Islands for couples.
Day 1 – Unfolding Oia
Situated in the northwest part of the island, Oia is a picturesque and charming town, entertaining visitors for centuries now.
Oia has made its place within the globetrotters’ books with its to-die-for beautiful sunsets but there is something more that wins the heart!
This little town in Greece gladly showcases the essence of color in its infrastructure. White-washed and blue-domed buildings with the Caldera cliffs illuminated by pink, purple, and gold pastel light as the day closes with the sunset is surely a one-in-a-million experience even though you share it with many others present there.
However, Oia has many attractions other than the sunset and color-influenced lifestyle.
Oia Castle
Still standing proudly at the coast of the Aegean Sea, the Oia Castle has managed to grab eyes from all over the world.
This magnificent structure carries a long list of history with it, which somehow manages to take you back in time. According to folklore, the castle was built by the Venetians and dates back to the late 15th Century (somewhere around 1480). The castle was believed to be inhabited by the Dargent family. The Royal Family was descendants of Romanos Argyros, a Byzantine emperor.
The serene location of the castle was more than just beautification for the eyes. Its structure made the perfect spot for observing the surrounding water and helping be on the lookout for the impending threat. Though now pirates are not a threat, at that time, the town was under their terror. The outer layer of the castle was built similar to a curved-wall which would make it difficult for the pirates to climb up whereas the middle of the castle had residences belonging to the Venetian rulers.
The castle was much more difficult to ever be captured but the Turkish invaders conquered it in 1577 and the Dargent family was captured in Syria.
While all this was going on in history, time passed. In 1956, a major earthquake hit and severely damaged the building, resulting in a major part of the castle collapsing into the sea. It seems as if mother Earth was the only one who could conquer this castle after all!
At present, only a tower remains from the castle with fragments of the walls and residential parts which are flooded with tourists who love to watch the sunset into the horizon.
Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay holds a special place in the rich heritage of Greece. The bay was a transshipment port and the magnificent buildings present here served as warehouses. But this soon came to halt as in 1956, the bay also suffered deeply and greatly from the earthquake.
After some time, the Greek Tourist Organization took up the responsibility and began rebuilding the damaged buildings present here. They also built a promenade along the bay of Ammoudi up to the islet of Agios Nikolaos Peramataris. The length of this promenade is approximately 800 meters long.
Apart from the rich history, the bay also showcases a part of nature that astonishes even the researchers! In Ammoudi Bay you can peacefully enjoy and admire the interesting red volcanic rocks. These are built from ignimbrite which is formed as a result of a volcanic eruption and the falling out of pyroclastic materials.
Along the port, you would find various restaurants serving rich and delicious seafood. A variety of seafood is presented and caught by the local fishermen. One of the famous delicacies is Grilled Octopus!
Sunset in Oia
Oia is one of the most incredible places to watch the sunset in Santorini. A great spot to watch the suset over the sea is from Oia Castle, although it is worth keeping in mind that this gets extremely busy, so if you want a good spot, get there early!
Day 2 – The Centre of Attraction: Fira
Considered the capital of the island, Fira is literally the center of attraction for travelers coming from all over the world. Since the 18th Century, this capital has never been just a boring place. Globetrotters have always looked forward to visiting this town and exploring various restaurants, museums, galleries, and the local’s favorite- shopping centers.
Fira has its own version of rich heritage and folklore but the presence of ruins with the recent developments has now set a bar too high. The tourists get to enjoy the best of natural beauty with the luxury of recent technologies.
The town also exhibits a wide range of dining and nightlife which has gained a lot of attention. The Caldera hosts a large part of bars and cafes whereas the quaint cobbled streets hold up the bigger section of larger clubs.
Apart from the nightlife, Fira offers the beauty of nature in the best way possible. This cosmopolitan settlement of Santorini is located on the western edge of the island. It is located opposite a volcano and the two volcanic islands, Palaia Kammeni and Nea Kammeni, that lie in the sea.
Day 3 – Visit Kamari and Enjoy a Sunset Tour
Explore the beach-y side of Santorini with a visit to Kamari. It is a seaside village situated on the southeastern coast of Santorini and at the north foot of Mesa Vouno mountain which is a few kilometers away from the capital.
Kamari- a unique and notable name, has a story behind it. According to the legends, its name comes from a small arch, which was part of an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon, standing on the south end of the beach.
With this belief, Kamari has followed the ritual of welcoming tourists and offering them a deal worth remembering for! The village is blessed with modern infrastructure and with a plethora of facilities, all made up according to comfort. Kamari is also the only place that has Santorini airport.
While you are here, you might get a chance to listen to and enjoy traditional Greek live music. Also, plan a visit to the only cinemas on the island where one of them is a charming open-air cinema surrounded by trees.
Other traction includes the famous Kamari beach- the only beach which has been awarded the blue flag. It is long and lying under the captivating mountain, owning crystal clear waters and uncommon black sand and pebbles. Being here is a bliss for people who are searching for some serenity.
While you plan to explore Kamari, take out some time and visit local wineries. Spread across the island, these wineries are perfect for enjoying sunset amongst the beautiful Santorini. You can learn about the rich Greek wine culture and taste a variety of grapes at the Venetsanoa, Roussos, and Koutsoyannopoula Wineries, to name a few.
Perfect for wine lovers, history buffs, and anyone who wants to enjoy local snacks and wine while watching the sun go down, these sunset tours are a good choice.
Day 4 – Riding the waves and going Sea Chartering
Since Santorini credits its beauty to the majestic waters, hence, exploring these waters is a must! The place is filled up with companies offering boat tours that you can choose according to your budget.
Riding the waves is a good alternative as it would open doors to a different angle from where you can look at the place. Also, these aren’t just waters rather they hold an aspect of Santorini’s history.
It is believed that the island appeared after a volcanic eruption and since then, this beautiful island has seen a lot of changes over time. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, the first people to reach the island again were the Phoenicians in the 13th century BC, who gave it the name Kallisti. Kallisti means something which is most beautiful and the reason behind this name as they were mesmerized by its extraordinary beauty.
Since then, the water has supported the island and provided the basic necessities to the locals. While you are exploring the waves, then look out for the different islands near Santorini. They too have an influence on the town and played their parts in history.
Day 5 – Go Island Hopping
Island hopping has to be on your bucket list as it is worth it!
Santorini has always bewildered tourists with its gorgeous infrastructure and build mesmerising sunsets, and lip-smacking food, but the neighbors give it a worthy competition.
On your quest, you can plan and prosecute day trips or even hop on a local ferry to the charming islands of Naxos, Paros, Paxos, Anafi, and Amorgos from Santorini’s shores. Apart from these islands, the other tourist-loved islands are Ios, Mykonos, and Crete, which can be reached within hours if you continue on your Greek exploration.
The one island which grasps more eyes is Paros. It is one of the closest islands and is quite a beauty. Its cobblestoned streets tell the story of time whereas the quaint villages give a glimpse of a modernized version of village life. If you want, you can explore the island for a day or even stay for a while to unfold more.
One of the most beautiful towns in Paros is Lefkes. It is as majestic as it could be and to add on to its beauty are the traditional Greek houses and surrounding pink trees.
How to Prepare for Your Visit to Santorini
Before you set off on your trip to Santorini, there are a number of things you will need to organise to ensure a smooth and successful trip. These include what to pack for Santorini and what is the best travel insurance for your trip. Both of these will be discussed in the following section.
How to get to Santorini
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Santorini
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
What Should You Pack for Santorini?
What you need to pack for Santorini will rely highly on when you make your trip there. During the Spring and Autumn months, temperatures and weather patterns vary wildly between beautiful sunny skies and rainy days. During the Summer, you are pretty much guaranteed nice weather with temperatures ranging from 20-35 oC. The hottest months are July and August, so these will be the most popular for a Summer holiday.
During the winter months in Santorini, the rain will become more frequent and the temperatures will drop to between 10-20 oc. If you need more inspiration on what to pack for your trip, check out our full packing guides for all-weather conditions over here.
When it comes to toiletries, we recommend that you don’t forget to pack sunscreen. The sun in Santorini is very strong, especially during the summer months. Apply a lot of suncream regularly to prevent a nasty burn from ruining your trip. We use this specific sunscreen to protect us as it is not as oily and irritating as other sunscreens.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you will see in Santorini, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Shure VP83 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 9 Black and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 2
Camera Bag – Lowepro Flipside 300 AW and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socket
Where to Stay in Santorini
Luxury – Aspaki Art Maisons is one of he most luxurious places to stay in Santorini with a swim-out cave leading out of your bedroom to the most incredible cliffside views. The price of this accommodation includes free wifi and an outdoor pool, spa centre with a sauna, and a bar.
These stylish suites are a bucket list place to stay in Santorini.
Read more about Aspaki by Art Maisons here.
Mid-range – Kokkinos Villas is a beautiful place to stay in Santorini that offers sea and cliff views from the terrace.
The inside is modern and stylish and there is a pool with magical views on the rooftop.
Read more about Kokkinos Villas here.
Budget – Kalimera Hotel is a great hotel with a swimming pool and sea view in Santorini. This family-run hotel is nearby the beach and a continental breakfast is included.
Read more about Kalimera Hotel here.
If you are more into the hostel scene when you travel, there are an unbelievable number of funky, cheap, and social hostels spread throughout the country. Browse the full range of hostels that Split has to offer and book your stay right here.
So there you have it, your 5 day Santorini itinerary. If you have visited Santorini recently, let us know what you thought of the sights listed above, or if you have any suggestions let us know in the comments below.
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this photo guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own Santorini adventure. If you are planning the trip for yourself, make sure you have a look at the rest of our Greece content for more inspiration to our beautiful home country.
When you set off on your own adventure, be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram and we will share them with the rest of our community. In the meantime, why not follow us over there to see what we are currently up to and keep up with us on our Instagram Stories.
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