Last Updated on: 11th February 2024, 09:56 am
Many would agree that 4 days in Santorini would be enough to see all major landmarks of this beautiful island.
I beg to differ. A proper visit to Santorini calls for a minimum of one week.
The Fira – Oia hike, the sunset cocktails, the Ammoudi bay, the Old Harbor of Fira, the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, the Red Beach, Perissa, Perivolos, Kamari and the Ancient Thira are too many things to see and do for such as short stay. I didn’t even mention the wine tasting, the volcano, the thermal springs and the sunset boat cruises.
Nevertheless, you can do plenty of things and see amazing places on your first visit, even if you can only spend 4 days in Santorini.
Welcome to my comprehensive guide to spending four days in Santorini, one of the most beautiful and popular Greek islands.
4 Days in Santorini
Santorini’s stunning sunsets, unique Cycladic architecture, blue domes and whitewashed walls contribute to making this Greek island one of the most sought-after tourist destinations worldwide. Even a half-day stop on Santorini is well-worth it, as it can entice you into booking a whole new trip.
4 Days in Santorini | Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Upon your arrival at Santorini’s airport or port, I recommend checking into your accommodation and taking some time to relax and unwind.
4-Day Santorini Itinerary with Accommodation in Oia or Finikia
If you’ve got accommodation in Oia, start your 4-day Santorini itinerary with the exploration of this charming town.
Famous for its beautiful white houses, narrow streets, and incredible views, Oia is a great place to start your Santorini journey. Stroll around the town, visit the iconic blue domed churches, and enjoy some delicious Greek cuisine at one of the many restaurants overlooking the Aegean Sea.
The bonus of staying in Oia is that you get to enjoy the famous windmills sunset from your very first evening on the island.
The downside of Oia accommodation is the huge crowd of people that come to watch the sunset.
This is why Finikia is a great alternative to Oia when it comes to booking a hotel in this area of Santorini. You can walk from Oia to Finikia in as little as 10-15 minutes.
4-Day Santorini Itinerary with Accommodation in Fira or Firostefani
If you choose to stay in Fira or in Firostefani, start your vacation with a walk in Fira. This is the capital of Santorini, and the liveliest spot on the island.
All bus lines across Santorini start and end in Fira. The famous Fira – Oia pedestrian path also starts here.
Fira is home to a wealth of restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries. The Three Bells Church is in Fira.
Sunsets in Fira are not too shabby, either, with magnificent views of the caldera and of the giant cruise ships that complement the scenic panorama.
4-Day Santorini Itinerary with Accommodation in Imerovigli
If your hotel, apartment or villa is in Imerovigli, you can start your exploration with a walk to the Skaros Rock (the giant rock protruding into the sea right in front of the village of Imerovigli).
4-Day Santorini Itinerary with Accommodation in Akrotiri
Akrotiri is the name of a peninsula and of a village on Santorini. The best things to see in Akrotiri include the Akrotiri Archaeological site, the Akrotiri Lighthouse, the Red Beach, the White Beach, the Faros Market, the St. Epifanos traditional Orthodox church, the St. Elefterios church, and the Venetian Castle of Santorini.
Depending on the time you check into your accommodation, you may or may not have enough time to visit all of the above tourist objectives.
The White Beach and the Lighthouse are the easiest to visit. That’s what you should probably plan for your first day on Santorini.
The Akrotiri Lighthouse is one of the perfect spots to watch the sunset in Santorini. Keep in mind, though, that the sun sets over the water and not behind the islands.
Akrotiri Lighthouse or Faros is a popular sunset spot, so make sure you get there early to find parking and unobstructed views of the sea. Also, wear proper shoes or trainers, as the path is rocky and dusty.
The lighthouse building isn’t open to the public, so you won’t be able to get inside. Nevertheless, the rocky landscape and the scenic views of the caldera are worth it.
4-Day Santorini Itinerary with Accommodation in Perissa or Kamari
In the afternoon, head to the black sand beach of Perissa. Spend some time relaxing on the beach or take a dip in the crystal clear waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the nearby caves and cliffs.
4 Days in Santorini | Day 2: Exploring the Island
Start your day with a traditional Greek breakfast at one of the local cafes. Then, take a scenic drive to the historic village of Pyrgos. This hilltop village offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island and is home to the ruins of a Venetian castle.
Pyrgos is the former capital of Santorini. This beautifully preserved medieval town is home to several castles. Santo Winery is very close to Pyrgos, so you could also book wine tasting session for your second day on Santorini.
After exploring Pyrgos and maybe tasting some of the local wines, head to the famous Red Beach, if you haven’t visited it already.
This unique beach is known for its striking red and black volcanic rocks and clear blue waters. Spend some time sunbathing or take a swim in the refreshing sea.
End your evening in the lovely town of Fira. The town offers an abundance of shops, restaurants, and bars. Stroll around the town’s narrow streets, admire the unique architecture, and watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
If you enjoy walking and you can walk for 9-10 km without problems, consider doing the Fira to Oia hike, end your day in the Ammoudi Bay, and then take a bus or a taxi or walk to your hotel (depending on where you stay in Santorini).
4 Days in Santorini | Day 3: Volcano and Hot Springs
Today, take a boat tour to the nearby volcano and hot springs. The tour will take you to Nea Kameni, the volcanic island where you can hike to the top of the volcano and witness the stunning views of the Caldera.
After your hike, head to the nearby hot springs. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties, and it’s a great way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of exploration.
In the evening, head to the picturesque town of Imerovigli. The town offers some of the best views of the Caldera and is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and restaurants on the island.
4 Days in Santorini | Day 4: Wineries and Sunset Cruise
On your final day in Santorini, explore the island’s famous wineries. Santorini is known for its delicious wines, including Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Nykteri. Visit one of the many wineries on the island, taste some of the local wines, and learn about the island’s winemaking traditions.
Click here to see more details about one of the top winery tours in Santorini and to book your date.
The above mentioned tour allows you to sample up to 12-15 different wines including nykteri alongside local delicacies. You can also choose to upgrade and enjoy a lovely sunset by Santo Winery.
Alternatively, you can take a sunset cruise around the Caldera like this one, here.
Watch the sun set over the Aegean Sea and admire the island’s stunning landscapes from a different perspective.
Conclusion
You can make the most out of your 4 days in Santorini by following the above itinerary. Adjust it to match your travel style, your needs and your personal preferences.
Remember that you can always download our free Santorini travel checklist, here, to find inspiration.
If you want to ask specific questions or to connect with other Santorini lovers, join our Santorini Special Facebook group, here.
Enjoy your 4 days in Santorini and share your tips and photos with our community.