Santorini is one of the most-visited islands in the world – attracting an impressive 2 million visitors annually. It’s the home of Insta-friendly white-washed cave houses, breathtaking sunsets, and cliffside restaurants. And having just one day in Santorini means you’ll get a taste for this stunning island but you won’t have time to explore it fully and visit Santorini’s hidden gems.
I was surprised by what we squeezed into one day in Santorini! For example, we hiked the famous Fira to Oia hiking trail, got to explore the towns of both Oia and Fira and even managed to join a sunset boat cruise at the end of the day!
I’ve visited Santorini several times now and in the below itinerary, you’ll find a mix of wow-worthy sights and incredible tours so that your one day in Santorini will be one you’ll remember forever!
Is It Possible to Visit Santorini in One Day?
Yes, it’s possible to see the best of Santorini in one day but you’ll have to be efficient with your time.
Santorini is one of the most visited islands in Europe and so as you can guess there’s loads to do on this stunning island, as well as plenty of world-class restaurants and bucket-list-worthy hotels. This is why deciding what to do with just one day in Santorini was a huge challenge for me. To be honest, I recommend allowing at least 3 days in Santorini as then you’ll be able to visit a black sand beach and, explore the Akrotiri archaeological site (dubbed the Pompeii of Greece).
I’ve done the research so you don’t have to – in one day in Santorini, you’ll get to tick off the island’s must-see attractions like the Fira to Oia trail and a sunset boat cruise.
Morning – Explore Fira
Fira is one of the busiest areas of Santorini as this is where the cruise ships dock. It’s where most hotels, restaurants, and bars are located and it’s a great spot for shopping. As you can imagine, seeing as Fira is sat atop a 220-meter cliff the views from here (especially at sunrise and sunset are astounding!)
For your only morning in Santorini, we recommend getting away from the crowds and wandering Fira’s quaint back streets before breakfast. These flower-filled streets are a world away from the busy main shopping area in Fira.
If you have time before breakfast be sure to check out some of my favorite stores in Fira – Ammos Greek Spirit a bright blue store with boho-inspired clothing within and The Lace, which also sells colorful dresses.
For breakfast, we loved Iriana Cafe which is part of the Iriana Hotel. This cozy inviting spot is rated by many as having the best breakfast in Fira and we have to agree. Be sure to get their Greek breakfast! Plus, the view of the Aegean Sea from their terrace is stunning! It’s the perfect spot to fuel up before your hike later this morning!
Related Read: We spent over 6 weeks in Greece and we explored Meteora and Syros among other places, but Santorini was one of our favorite stops!
Late Morning – Walk from Fira to Oia
If you’re visiting Santorini in the summer we recommend starting this trail no later than 10 am to avoid the intense mid-day heat and the crowds!
The Fira to Oia trail is 10.4 km (6.5 miles) and will take most people 3 hours to complete (one-way). Be sure to wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes for the walk – I wore flip-flops and it wasn’t my finest idea. By starting the trail around 10 am you’ll arrive in Oia in time for lunch.
The walking trail is typically flat and easy, although there are a few uphill sections. It follows the rim of the caldera, so as you can imagine, the views are stunning. It passes through the villages of Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Oia.
We recommend having water on you as there’s limited places to buy snacks and drinks along the way and their opening hours can be unreliable. There is a restaurant called Avocado Restaurant about halfway along the trail, which is a great spot for lunch if you can’t wait until Oia.
Early Afternoon – Wander around Oia
First stop – lunch. As I’m sure you’re hungry after the hike. For lunch today we highly recommend Elinikon. It specializes in share dishes and meze platters and the best part is that it has one of the best views from any restaurant in Oia. Definitely book this one in advance!
If you’re looking to do a spot of shopping Oia is the place for you. It has everything from luxury clothing and jewelry stores to quaint souvenir stores.
If you’re a book lover or just love charming places, why not spend some time in one of the coolest bookstores in the world? Atlantis Books in Oia is quirky, charming, and colorful. It’s located on Nomikos Street in Oia and is actually housed within a historic Greek villa. Atlantis Books is owned and operated by several creatives who are very active in the local community, in fact, they set up a cool program called ‘the book donkey’ which brings books to the local schools.
For sale here are fiction and non-fiction books in most languages (Greek, French, Italian etc.) as well as rare antiquarian books and collectors’ first editions. Most tourists though come here to take photos of its qu mish-mashed interior.
Late Afternoon – Go on a tour
This afternoon we recommend going on a unique tour, which tour you choose depends on the type of traveler you are. For example, our choice of horse riding on a stunning beach is perfect for adventurous travelers. In contrast, travelers who want to relax can enjoy a wine tour or a sunset boat tour.
Option 1: Horse-riding
This is a 90-minute tour and costs from €95 per person. It takes you through sand dunes, along a golden beach with stunning canyon views all-round. Get ready to take loads of Instagram-worthy photos!
This tour is suitable for all skill levels, and if you’re feeling less than confident, your experienced guide will take the time before you depart to show you the ropes (literally!). You will ride through the sand dunes on a beautiful beach near Akrotiri and into the surrounding mountains. The tour departs in the afternoon at 1:30 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm or 6 pm. So there’s plenty of choice.
You can BOOK the afternoon horse riding tour here!
Option 2: Wine tour
If you’re a wine-lover (like me) then you’ll love this wine tour. The mild Greek climate, combined with Santorini’s volcanic soil, enables a few unique grape varieties to grow. In fact, wine has been produced in Santorini for approximately 3,500 years!
The best-known wine varieties in Santorini are Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani – all whites and Mandilaria, Mavrotragano, and Voudomato – all reds.
Why not try a slightly more wine tour that offers a departure at 2 pm or 4 pm for the sunset tour. It includes a stop at 3 wineries (and 12 wine tastings), ending at Santo Wines which has an epic view. Worth noting is that it’s a small group tour (limited to just 10 people). Included is a cheese platter and nibbles as well as hotel pick-up and drop-offf. Again, it’s one of the best-rated tours in Santorini with over 1,000 5-star reviews.
You can BOOK the afternoon wine tour here!
Option 3: Sunset Boat Tour
Oia is the most popular village in Santorini where you can watch the sunset, specifically in front of Oia Castle. However, this spot is thronged in the busy months – there are literally hundreds of tourists gathered in this small area vying for space and trying to get that iconic sunset photo.
So, a great way to enjoy the sunset and avoid the crowds is to book a sunset boat tour. That’s because the crowds in both Oia and Fira for sunset are CRAZY!
This sunset boat tour which leaves from Oia is one of the most popular and unique things to do in Santorini. And it’s been awarded a traveller’s choice award thanks to its 2,500 5-star reviews. It’s a small group tour, just 20 people so it makes for a more intimate experience. We loved that about it – as our sunset-watching experience in Fira and Oia was very crowded.
A light dinner, white wine and soft drinks are included in the price. You’ll also get to go swimming in the Santorini Hot Springs and see Red Beach and White Beach. It will pick you up from your chosen location in Oia around 3:30 pm.
Tickets for the sunset boat tour cost €116 per person and you can BOOK IT HERE!
Evening – Watch the sunset
If you didn’t choose the sunset boat tour option then it’s still essential you watch the sunset before going to dinner. Santorini is after all, one of the most famous sunset-watching spots in the world.
The best places to watch the sunset in Santorini are –
- In front of Oia Castle in Oia. However, this spot is thronged in the busy months – there are literally hundreds of tourists gathered in this small area vying for space and trying to get that iconic sunset photo.
- At Skaros Rock in Imerovigli (the town in between Fira and Oia) – I must admit this is my favorite place to watch the sunset in Santorini because the castle ruins are illuminated by the red-pinkish light of the sunset, which makes for a great photo
- The three bells of Fira are just above the Three Bells church in Fira. But, aim to get here around 30 minutes before sunset as it gets really busy!
Dinner in Oia
We highly recommend having dinner in Oia tonight.
Panorama Balcony in Oia has only one table in the restaurant and one seating per night between 8 – 11 pm. The only table in the restaurant overlooks the deep blue ocean and the food is fine-dining-style!
As you can guess, you will need to book this one months in advance!
If you can’t nab a table at this insanely popular spot, we also love Candouni an authentic Greek restaurant which often has live music acts or Roka a charming, quiet eatery with excellent food!
Grab drinks afterward at Hassapiko or Fino Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in Oia!
Where to Stay in Santorini
There are hundreds of hotels on Santorini and deciding where to stay can be a challenge to say the least. The hotels here are gorgeous! We recommend basing yourself in the towns of Fira, Oia or Imerovigli!
$$$ – SPLURGE
- Perivolas in Oia – Possibly the most famous hotel in Santorini, featured in numerous travel magazines and instagram accounts. Perfect for honeymooners, the view from your infinity pool is to-die-for. Save this one for a special occasion! Rooms from €833 per night.
- Iconic Santorini in Imerovigli – A small hotel in the quieter town of Imerovigli with a shared pool and a stunning view over the Caldera. Rooms from €700 per night.
- Katikies Hotel in Oia – A larger hotel with 3 infinity pools all with excellent views of the caldera and the deep blue sea. Rooms from €646 per night.
$$ – MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROAD
- Afroessa in Imerovigli – Brilliant value for money for what you get – each room has a private balcony with stunning views. Rooms from €233 per night.
- Carpe Diem Santorini in Pyrgos – No kids allowed in this adults-only resort. For the views alone and the stunning rooms it’s great value for money. Rooms from €394 per night.
$ – BUDGET
- Chez Sophie Rooms & Suites in Kamari – Family-run, excellent value for money and in a great location close to the beach. Sure, you don’t have the caldera views like you would in Oia or Fira but you have the beach. Rooms from €126 per night.
Thanks for Reading!
I hope you enjoyed reading my guide to spending one day in Santorini! If I’ve missed anywhere or if you have any questions please let me know in the comment section below!
Last Updated on November 27, 2024 by snaphappytravel