Weekend Escape in Santorini

What if you only had a weekend on this magical island? Here is a detailed guide on how to plan the short getaway that you’ve promised yourself!

With the most stunning views, extraordinary beaches, and picturesque villages, Santorini is the dreamiest destination in the world! No wonder it attracts many visitors every year, as once you set eyes on this unique beauty, it never comes off your mind!

Day 1 in Santorini

Catch breathtaking views on a visit to Fira village

Fira Town, the magical capital of Santorini

Start your first day on Santorini Island by exploring one of the most charming villages on the side of the Caldera cliff, the cosmopolitan Fira! A walk in Fira will lead you to the center of everything, as, being the capital of Santorini, it hosts a variety of shops, from small graphic shops with souvenirs and local products to clothes boutiques and chic jewelry stores. What is more, the whitewashed cave houses built on the dramatic cliffs on the edge of the Caldera, the beautiful, Blue-domed churches overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea, and the narrow cobblestone streets, along with the tremendous view of the imposing Volcano of Santorini, all compose an amazing scenery, that should not be missed! Wonder around the paved streets and admire the wild beauty of the Caldera while searching for unique gifts for your loved ones or enjoy a morning coffee in tremendous surroundings at one of the cliff-clinging cafes.

If you are a history enthusiast, you should also not miss the opportunity to visit the village’s fascinating museums that tell a lot about its history and heritage, like the Archaeological Museum of Thera, which houses an impressive collection of all the excavated items from ancient Santorini. Another place that should be visited is the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, built to host findings from excavations at Akrotiri, a Minoan settlement lying preserved under the volcanic ash. You will have the chance to see some truly impressive frescoes and relics that survived the eruption shaping the island into what it is today.

Visit the extraordinary black beaches of Santorini

Kamari beach, on the south part of the island

The uniqueness of Santorini doesn’t stop in the impressive Caldera and the famous Volcano. This prominent island hosts some astonishing black sand beaches that are an addition to its wild volcanic scenery. Spend a lovely afternoon at one of the beautiful well-organized Santorini black beaches and take a refreshing swim in their clear blue waters. If you imagine yourself lying on a wide sunbed and enjoying the heat of the sun while sipping your favorite cocktail, Kamari Beach or Perissa Beach are the ideal places for you.

For crazy adventure and party lovers, Perivolos Beach is your place to be. The numerous beach bars with loud music all day long and the party vibes, create the liveliest atmosphere, while the water sports facilities, invite you to test your limits in water activities that will fascinate you.

Apart from the numerous beach bars and cafes, there, you will also find many seaside taverns and restaurants, where you can have a flavorsome lunch and taste the rich Greek cuisine.

For those who do not wish to spend their afternoon at the beach but wish to learn the history of the island, a visit to the Akrotiri archaeological site will offer them a journey into Santorini's past. This archaeological site is one of the best-preserved Minoan cities in existence. There, you can walk around ancient buildings with vibrant frescoes and beautiful pottery, offering you the opportunity to get a glimpse of the daily life of the ancient people on this island, while also meeting the remains of a civilization that once flourished on Santorini.

Not far from the diggings is the famous Red Beach, with its amazing red cliffs and a dramatic volcanic landscape. The beach framed with red and black lava rocks creates an incredible contrast with the turquoise waters of the Aegean.

Meet the magical Oia village

Oia: the iconic spot for breathtaking sunsets in Santorini, where the sky transforms into a masterpiece of color!

The scenic village of Oia, is also a village located in the Caldera of Santorini, offering amazing views of the volcanic islands and the Aegean Sea. Visiting Oia will give you the chance to witness the small, paved streets with the cozy cafes and buildings, as well as photograph the famous, blue-domed churches. Get ready for the most picture-perfect photos of your vacations!

What is more, watching the amazing sunset of Santorini in the beautiful village of Oia should definitely be on your to-do list! Get overwhelmed by the romance and the excitement of the moment when the sun disappears from the horizon and find yourselves in the middle of a festivity that comes to an end with a final applause while the sun is diving into the sea. It is a unique spectacle that highlights the beauty of the village and creates an idyllic scenery that seems taken out from a beautiful postcard.

For a perfect ending to your day, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants of Ammoudi Bay, located below Oia village, where you can treat yourself to a delicious seafood dinner and admire the staggering beauty of the enormous Caldera cliffs while listening to the waves gently lapping against the dock right by your table.

Day 2 in Santorini

Join a Volcano Tour or a Catamaran Cruise

Sulphurous springs & volcanic views! Witness the power of nature on a Volcano Boat Tour

Probably the best way to see the real beauty of Santorini is to take either a Volcano Tour or a Catamaran Cruise, as these tours offer unique views of the island from the sea while allowing you to also visit stunning locations accessible only by boat. A Volcano Tour will offer you the chance to hike up to the famous Santorini volcano, where you can see the rugged terrain and learn about its fascinating geological history. Afterward, you will get to unwind with a therapeutic dip into the nearby sulfur-rich Hot Springs while witnessing breathtaking views that bring all the glory of Santorini's landscape. Some Volcano tours also offer the option to visit the neighboring Therasia island.

Nothing beats a Santorini sunset from the water. A catamaran cruise is the perfect way to experience the island's beauty.

If you wish to have a more comprehensive experience, meet hidden coves along the caldera, and also visit some of Santorini’s iconic beaches, then a Catamaran Cruise is the best choice. In addition to the volcanic area, you will cruise past various landmarks like the Venetian Lighthouse, the interesting Indian rock formations, and the beautiful Red and White beaches, with many swimming opportunities along the way, and traditional Greek cuisine and local drinks on board. If you wish to perform the activity in the afternoon, the real treat of the cruise is the view of the famous Santorini sunset against the quiet waters of the Aegean Sea. You will get an overwhelming feeling of tranquility and romance, which will make the finale an unforgettable way to end a day on the island.

Try the unique Santorini Wines

Wine tasting with the beautiful Caldera view as a backdrop

Santorini is considered one of the top destinations for wine in Greece and one of the oldest vineyards in Europe, as the full of minerals soil of the island, led to the production of a wide variety of wines. Choose one of the many wineries on the island and find their unique flavor. Some of them, like Santo Wines and Venetsanos Winery, offer great wine tastings together with a breathtaking view of the Caldera and the volcano of Santorini. Pair the wine with a few local food bites while enjoying the stunning view of steep Caldera cliffs and, if the time is right, the famous Santorini sunset from these spectacular views.

If you want to get a feeling of tranquility, then you can visit one of the wineries located in some traditional villages of the island, such as Megalochori, and combine your visit with the chance to explore the villages as well. These villages have another atmosphere: quiet, genuine, and peaceful, while visiting one of them, with its narrow streets and simple architecture, will provide a more intimate view of Santorini's culture. From wine tasting overlooking the Caldera to quieter village settings, Santorini wineries are a must-visit!

Meet the vibrant nightlife of Fira Town

Fira cocktail bars offering a beautiful night glow in the Caldera

Santorini offers many different choices for holidays, catering to all types of travelers. Whether you are the type of person who enjoys relaxing all day by the pool, or you wish to party all night long at the local clubs, the island has something for everyone.

Fira town, as the center of entertainment, provides plenty of options. For a more relaxing evening, you have the choice of enjoying a refreshing cocktail, listening to some smooth jazz music, and gazing at the amazing view of the Mediterranean Sea. Alternatively, if you are in the mood for partying, you can dance your worries away at one of the many clubs in Fira, that also occasionally host some of the most prestigious DJs. Find the right place and enjoy your drink while dancing all night long with your company. A night out in Fira, whether it's a relaxing evening or a full-blown party, is the best choice for your last day in Santorini!

A weekend on the stunning island of Santorini will fill you with beautiful images and memorable moments that you will definitely have the desire to relive!