The famous white cliff-side buildings, cobbled streets and jaw-dropping sunsets – it’s the Greek Island everyone dreams of. We’re here to tell you our ideal itinerary for 5 days in Santorini.
Day 1 – The perfect introduction
Start your holiday at Melenio Café in Oia for breakfast. Enjoy traditional Greek pastries, cakes and coffee, all whilst soaking in the caldera views on the café terrace.
Now you are fuelled with Greek cuisine, it’s time to start exploring. Experience the stunning west coast of Santorini with a 10km hike from Oia to Thira – Santorini’s capital – where you can roam the cobbled streets and appreciate the famous Cycladic architecture.
Whilst in Thira, make sure to treat yourself to a Froyo (trust us, you will need it after the hike). The Greek frozen yoghurt shop serves sweet treats, with toppings ranging from local fresh fruit to your favourite chocolates and sweets.
Back in Oia, make your way over to Skala, a rustic family run restaurant overlooking the sea where you will find a range of classic Greek main dishes, mezze and desserts, all of which are highly recommended.
Overlooking the coast of Santorini
Day 2 – Time to relax
And relax… after your day of adventure, a beach day is exactly what you need. Head over to Kamari Beach, where the sun beams onto the black sand and pebbles. Relax on the sun loungers and enjoy the many bars and restaurants on the beachfront; perfect for light-bites and a lunch-time drink.
The Greek Islands are renowned for their fresh seafood, so it would be rude not to sample the local delicacy. Amoudi Bay is the place to go to find the best fish restaurants on the island, so a trip there in the evening to experience the tastes of the island’s fresh seafood for dinner is highly recommended.
Top tip: Beach sun loungers belong to the bars and restaurants. Don’t pay a daily fee, just choose a place you want to drink or eat lunch and they will let you use them for free all day
Make your way down to one of many breathtaking beaches…
Day 3 – Enjoy the sunshine
Top up your tan on Perissa Beach, find your perfect spot of sand and unwind in the Greek sunshine. For refreshments and a bite to eat, visit one of the shacks along the beachfront. As the evening draws in, make sure you take a trip back over to Thira to catch the breath-taking sunset with a freshly made cocktail from PK Cocktail Bar.
At dinner time, take the cheap and cheerful option by going to a local kebab house and ordering Gyros –our personal favourite. The famous Greek kebab consists of rotisserie meat (typically pork) with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki and fries wrapped in a pitta bread. It really is heaven in a mouthful. If you’re a bit of a fussy eater, the restaurant are more than happy to cook it to your personal preference.
Top tip: For getting around the island, opt for a Quad bike or public transport
Sit back, relax and enjoy the glorious sunshine
Day 4 – See the sights
So your tan is glowing and you’re fully relaxed, a sight-seeing day is well in order. Book a boat trip with Sailing Santorini – we suggest the Sunset Tour. Take a mud bath in the volcanic hot springs on your first stop, then visit a Red, White and Black beach all whilst passing ancient monuments and rock formations. Finally, watch the beautiful sunset below the city of Oia and hop off at either Amoudi Bay or Athinios Port.
If you have eaten on the boat trip, make your way back to Melenio Café or any other local dessert house for baklava and Greek coffee. If you’re hankering for a drink, visit one of the many bars in the area and sample Santorini’s beer ‘Crazy Donkey’ – Yellow Donkey is our preference.
Santorini has so much to see and do…
Day 5 – One last adventure
Once you’ve had your breakfast, hop over to Katharos beach for one last day of sun worshipping. We recommend this beach as the last stop as it is the quietest beach on the island, so you will leave feeling more peaceful than ever.
Take a wander around the streets of Oia and call into the charming shops it has to offer. Find trinkets to take home as presents or grab yourself a souvenir to keep Santorini close to your heart forever.
If you loved Skala as much as we did, dine there again for your last night. Not only are there plenty of mouth-watering dishes to try, but Santorini locals love loyalty and the restaurant owner will more than likely offer you shots as a thank you for returning.
Santorini at sunset will score top points with your Instagram followers…
Top tip: Stay in a cave house on the caldera, the quaint accommodation will add a unique touch to your holiday and offers morning views that will leave you speechless. One of our favourites is Andronis. You can see all of the Aegean with a holiday from On the Beach or you could hop on a luxury yacht cruise
Find your perfect Santorini holiday here
