Santorini Best Itinerary Ideas – Big Time Holidays

Travelers to Greece typically plan a trip for 7 to 10 days when combining Santorini with Athens and Mykonos. If you’re not interested in Athens and Mykonos, 3 to 4 days is enough for your Santorini trip. With less time, it’s still possible to see the highlights in as few as 2 days. Check out our favorite Santorini trips below.

## Exploring Santorini and Beyond: A Guide to Greek Island Itineraries

Santorini, with its iconic whitewashed villages perched atop dramatic cliffs, is a dream destination for many travelers. But how many days should you dedicate to this stunning island, and what other Greek gems should you consider adding to your itinerary? Let’s delve into some recommended itineraries to help you plan your perfect Greek adventure.

**How many days do you need in Santorini?**

While the allure of Santorini is undeniable, the ideal length of your stay depends on your travel style and desired pace.

* **Most travelers spend 3-4 days in Santorini,** allowing ample time to soak in the beauty and experience the highlights.
* **Visiting Santorini in 2 days is possible,** offering a whirlwind tour of the island’s most famous sights, but it will inevitably feel rushed. You’ll be constantly on the go, trying to cram in as much as possible.
* **With 5 or more days,** most travelers choose to extend their Greek island adventure by adding other captivating destinations to their trip. This allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Cyclades.
* **The most common extensions are Athens, Mykonos, and Naxos,** each offering a unique flavor of Greek island life. Athens, the historical capital, provides a dose of ancient history and vibrant city life. Mykonos is known for its glamorous beaches and lively nightlife. Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, offers a more authentic and laid-back experience with beautiful beaches and charming villages.

## Recommended Itineraries for Santorini

Let’s explore some specific itineraries, each designed to provide a memorable experience while catering to different timeframes.

### Recommended Itinerary for 3 Days

Imagine yourself arriving in Santorini and immediately being swept away by its breathtaking beauty. This three-day itinerary focuses on the island’s most iconic sites, ensuring you experience the very best of Santorini in a short amount of time.

**(Image: Aerial view of Oia on the island of Santorini)**

The first day is dedicated to exploring the island through a captivating sightseeing tour, followed by an exquisite wine tasting experience. You’ll be introduced to the unique volcanic wines of Santorini while enjoying panoramic views of the caldera. The overnight stay is in Santorini.

Day two takes you on a mesmerizing catamaran cruise around the island’s shores. You’ll sail past stunning landscapes, swim in crystal-clear waters, and indulge in a delicious onboard meal. The overnight stay is also in Santorini.

On the final day, you’ll journey from Santorini to Athens, ready to depart from the Greek capital with unforgettable memories of your Santorini adventure.

| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—- | :————————————————– | :———- |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santorini – Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tasting | Santorini |
| Day 2 | Catamaran Cruise | Santorini |
| Day 3 | Santorini to Athens – Depart Athens | |

This quick three-day tour of Santorini’s most beautiful and iconic sites allows you to spend your Greek getaway taking in the white-topped cliffs and caldera views, cruising around the island’s shores, wine tasting, and enjoying sunsets to remember.

### Recommended Itinerary for 4 Days

With an extra day on Santorini, you can delve deeper into the island’s history and culture. This four-day itinerary builds upon the three-day experience, adding a visit to the fascinating prehistoric site of Akrotiri.

**(Image: Aerial view of Oia on Santorini)**

Days one and two mirror the three-day itinerary, immersing you in the iconic sights and experiences of Santorini. You’ll arrive in Santorini and embark on a sightseeing tour and wine tasting excursion, followed by a day of sailing on a catamaran cruise. As before, overnight stays are in Santorini.

On day three, you’ll journey to Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city buried by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Explore the remarkably preserved ruins and learn about the island’s rich history. Your overnight stay is again in Santorini.

The final day sees you traveling from Santorini to Athens, ready to depart Athens.

Spend the trip exploring its classic white-topped cliffs and caldera views, complete with island cruising, wine tasting, and stunning sunsets to spare. This is an ideal tour for travelers short on time in Greece, who want to experience some of the best the country has to offer.

## Extended Itineraries

For those with more time to spare, consider extending your Greek island adventure to include other destinations.

### 5-Day Itinerary Including Athens

This five-day itinerary combines the historical wonders of Athens with the stunning beauty of Santorini, offering a taste of both ancient history and island paradise.

**(Image: Aerial view of Oia on the island of Santorini.)**

The first two days are dedicated to exploring Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. You’ll visit the iconic Acropolis, marvel at ancient Greek mythology, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture. Overnight stays are in Athens.

On day three, you’ll travel to Santorini, where you’ll embark on a sightseeing tour and wine tasting experience, soaking in the island’s breathtaking beauty. The overnight stay is in Santorini.

Day four brings you on a catamaran cruise around the island’s shores, enjoying the crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes. Your overnight stay is also in Santorini.

The final day involves a journey from Santorini to Athens to depart from Athens.

| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—- | :———————————————————- | :———- |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Athens | Athens |
| Day 2 | The Acropolis & Ancient Greek Mythology & Museum Tour | Athens |
| Day 3 | Arrive in Santorini – Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tasting | Santorini |
| Day 4 | Catamaran Cruise | Santorini |
| Day 5 | Santorini to Athens – Depart Athens | |

You’ll start in Athens, with a day to experience the Acropolis and the capital’s buzzing neighborhoods. End the trip in Santorini with its white-topped cliffs and caldera views, complete with island cruising, wine tasting, and stunning sunsets to spare.

### 8-Day Itinerary Including Athens and Mykonos

For a more comprehensive Greek island experience, consider this eight-day itinerary that includes Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini.

**(Image: Aerial view of Oia on the island of Santorini)**

The first two days are spent exploring Athens, similar to the five-day itinerary. Overnight stays are in Athens.

Day three takes you to Mykonos, the glamorous island known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and iconic windmills. Overnight stays are in Mykonos.

Day four is devoted to exploring the authentic side of Mykonos, venturing beyond the tourist hotspots and discovering hidden gems. Your overnight stay is also in Mykonos.

On day five, you’ll travel to Santorini, where you’ll spend the next three days enjoying the island’s iconic sights and experiences. Overnight stays are in Santorini.

Days six and seven will have you partake in a Catamaran Cruise and Santorini Wine Tasting Tour.

On day eight, you’ll travel from Santorini to Athens before departing from Athens.

| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—- | :———————————————————- | :———- |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Athens | Athens |
| Day 2 | The Acropolis & Ancient Greek Mythology & Museum Tour | Athens |
| Day 3 | Athens to Mykonos | Mykonos |
| Day 4 | Explore Authentic Mykonos | Mykonos |
| Day 5 | Mykonos to Santorini | Santorini |
| Day 6 | Catamaran Cruise | Santorini |
| Day 7 | Santorini Wine Tasting Tour | Santorini |
| Day 8 | Santorini to Athens – Depart Athens | |

You’ll explore beaches, boardwalks, and nightlife under the island’s famous windmills. End the trip in Santorini with its classic white-topped cliffs and caldera views, complete with island cruising, wine tasting, and sunsets to spare.

### 10-Day Itinerary Including Athens, Naxos, and Mykonos

For the ultimate Greek island adventure, embark on this ten-day itinerary that takes you to Athens, Naxos, and Mykonos, offering a diverse and immersive experience.

**(Image: Santorini rooftop foliage)**

Days one and two will have you arriving in Athens where you will enjoy a welcome dinner and a food tour. Overnight stays are in Athens.

Day three brings you to Santorini. Overnight stays are in Santorini.

Day four is spent on a Catamaran Cruise, before you depart for Naxos.

Days five, six and seven are spent in Naxos, where you will explore beaches and villages by bike and enjoy a cooking class. Overnight stays are in Naxos.

Day eight brings you to Mykonos, and the following day will have you visit a farm and enjoy a Mykonian dinner. Overnight stays are in Mykonos.

On day ten, you’ll return to Athens before your departure.

These famous islands have captured travelers’ imaginations for centuries, and now it’s your turn to explore via boat, bike, and more, whether you’re riding smoothly past sunny beaches or settling in for dinner and stories on an island farm.

## How to Get to Santorini

The most convenient way to get to Santorini is to fly from Athens, although flights are available from a number of other locations in Europe and the UK.

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