Santorini is one of those places that tends to end up on everyone’s bucket list, and with good reason. The island is absolutely beautiful. We spent 3 days in Santorini, Greece and I would definitely return to spend a few more.
Here’s what I got up to on my trip.
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Where to stay in Santorini
Oia
The picturesque village of Santorini. If you have the money, this is a great area to stay in.
My Oia Picks
lava caves | caldera premium villas | old castle oia | armeni village
Fira (Thira)
In the heart of all the action. Fira is more reasonable than Oia price wise, and still has lots to offer.
My Thira Picks
enigma suites | lilium santorini villa | katikies garden hotel | nefeles luxury suites
Akrotiri
This is where we stayed during our trip. What’s nice about staying in Akrotiri is that you can find some great accommodations for a great price. Also, this area is close to the lighthouse, black and red sand beach, and the Prehistoric Town of Akrotiri. We stayed at the Alafropetra Luxury Suites which were super clean and well decorated. I would only recommend staying in this area if you’re spending at lest 3 days in Santorini as it is a little far from the major sites.
Book Your Stay at Alafropetra Luxury Suites
WHERE TO EAT IN SANTORINI
- Akrothiri Bistro & Cocktail Bar
Avocado toast for the win. Also, you can’t go wrong with a chocolate and banana crepe. Plus, the restaurant is super cute. - Vitrin Cafe Creperie
The waffles are good and so was my cappuccino freddo with ice cream. - Pyrgos Restaurant
Probably the best meal we had during our 3 day in Santorini. Super cute atmosphere and amazing views. We tried the Hellenic salad, homemade cheese pies, mushroom risotto, and the lamb kleftiko. Everything was delicious! - Metaxy Mas
Lovely place to eat. We received some free small bites and ouzo when we sat and a delicious piece of cheesecake after our meal. - PitaGyros
Best gyro I had while in Greece.
What to do with 3 Days in Santorini
- Check out the Prehistoric Town of Akrotiri –
A tour guide let us sneak in with her group when we visited, and it was definitely nice to have someone explain to us all the things we were seeing. - Wander the streets of Oia and Fira –
Wander early to avoid crowds and get pictures in famous locations. - Rent an ATV or car to explore the island –
We did one 30 minute walk in the heat and decided that some sort of transport was necessary. There are public busses, but we liked the freedom of being able to get around on our own. Don’t forget to get an international driver’s license - Relax on one of the many beaches –
The Red Beach is dirty and super pebbly. I’d recommend taking photos from the view point, and then making your way to Perissa which was much cleaner and not as hard to walk on. There’s also plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops around this beach area. - Take a catamaran cruise –
If you do anything on this list, let it be this! We did a sunset sailing and it was hands down the best part of our time in Santorini. - Watch the sunset from the Caldera –
Many people say watch from Oia but honestly any area with a caldera view is amazing. - Explore Ancient Thera –
This place is up a huge hill of switchbacks, and I’d only suggest doing it if you have some sort of motor vehicle or you’re in super amazing shape. Also, the “ruins” aren’t much to look at but the view of Santorini from the top is pretty great.
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16 COMMENTS
Megan
5 years agoGorgeous! This is on my bucket list 🙂
Timpani
5 years ago AUTHORDefinitely a must visit place!
josypheen
5 years agoFab post! I especially love your photos of Ancient Thera.
I visited Santorini yeears ago (before facebook or instagram) so I had no idea what to expect. I remember loving all those white buildings and the black beaches. It seems like everywhere has since become a teeny bit more pristine. If anything, it looks more beautiful these days, but I guess you have to share those lovely views with hundreds of other people.
Retha the Roaming Nanny
5 years agoDid you end up renting an ATV or a car? And where did you rent from?
Timpani
5 years ago AUTHORWe rented a car from a place next to Alafropetra suites. I don’t have a name but it was literally around the corner from the suites.
Nikki
5 years agoI mean, this place looks soooo dreamy. And you look so relaxed in your pics. Thanks for the recs on restaurants, too. It’s always super helpful when visiting a new place.
Rania Kalogirou
5 years agoThe island of love did not disappoint I see 🙂
Timpani
5 years ago AUTHORIt certainly did not! 🙂
Laura
3 years agoGorgeous! Love all of your recommendations for hotels and restaurants as it’s a little overwhelming knowing where to stay. Good note on exploring Ancient Thera too, would need to think carefully about that.
Kate
3 years agoGreat post! Santorini is so beautiful. When I visited I stayed in Fira, but I think when I plan a trip back I’ll try to stay in Oia. The sunset views just cannot be beat. I’ll just need to go in the off season to avoid the huge crowds!
Timpani Porshay
3 years agoYeah, Fira or Oia would be my top picks for the next visit. Akrotiri was great but I would like to be more in the action. October wasn’t too bad but it was still a little crowded, can’t imagine what its like during the summer.
Anushka
3 years agoI’ve heard many good things about Santorini, which is also why it is probably on my bucket list! Thanks for the informative post, I like the breakdown of where to stay and why you enjoyed staying in AKROTIRI. Your pictures are amazing as well, makes me feel like I’m already there 🙂
At Lifestyle Crossroads
3 years agoFrom your pictures, I clearly see why most people highlight Santorini from all the Greek islands. It looks like such a fairytale place!
Timpani Porshay
3 years agoIt definitely one of those worth the hype places. The sunsets are incredible and there are amazing everywhere.
Ashlee Fechino
3 years agoSantorini is so gorgeous! I enjoyed seeing your photos and hearing your recommendations on how to spend 3 days here. Saving this article for later 🙂
Timpani Porshay
3 years agoIt’s so pretty and pictures don’t even do it justice!