The BEST 3 Day Santorini Itinerary For First Timers

3 days in Santorini is the perfect time to explore this beautiful island at a relaxed pace, go on a boat trip, and still stay on a budget. 

It’s safe to say that Santorini is not the cheapest Greek island, but 3 days won’t break the bank and you’ll get to enjoy this bucket list holiday destination to the fullest.

I visited the island several times, so I’ve devised a perfect 3 day Santorini itinerary for first-time visitors that covers all the best things to do, how to get around, and where to stay for the best experience.

Here’s everything you need to know!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

Day 1: Fira & Oia Sightseeing

You’re starting your 3 days in Santorini strong by visiting two of the most popular villages: Fira and Oia. 

Explore Fira

Start your day bright and early with a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Fira. 

It’s best to head out early in the morning to beat the cruise ship crowds and enjoy the town before it gets too busy. 

Grab a coffee, snap some photos, and soak in the island vibes.

The must-see spots in Fira are Three Bells of Fira, Prehistoric Thera Museum, and Gelateria Zotos. I’m serious, they have the best dark chocolate ice cream I’ve ever tried!

Fira to Oia Hike (optional)

I say this hike is optional, but I highly recommend it as it was one of my favorite things to do in Santorini on a budget.

Now, I understand this is also the day you’re exploring Oia which is known as the most elegant town on the island. If you don’t want to come to the city sweaty and dusty like I did, you can also take a bus from Oia to Fira.

The hike is around 10 km long and takes about 3 hours to complete –depending on if you take the Skaros rock detour.

I’d say it’s beginner-friendly, and most people should be able to complete it without any trouble.

Ideally, you wouldn’t do it at noon like I did because the sun is strong and there’s no shade along the path. I got sunburnt in the middle of September!

The path takes you from Fira through several picturesque villages along the caldera before turning into more of a hiking trail midway. 

It’s almost impossible to get lost. There are a few trail signs, but it’s also the only path that follows the caldera.

Oia Sightseeing

Once you arrive in Oia, spend a couple of hours simply strolling around admiring the view and taking photos.

If you want the iconic “3 Domes of Oia photo”, you’ll have to queue for quite some time. 

I can’t believe I’m saying this online, but I spent about 30 minutes in line and didn’t even get a good photo because I felt pressured to hurry.

If you’re a book lover, don’t skip Atlantis Books. It’s one of the most charming bookstores I’ve ever visited.

📸 Want to have better photos than me?
You need to book this Santorini photoshoot!

Amoudi Bay Swim or Lunch

Next up, make your way down to Amoudi Bay for a quick dip. 

While it’s not the most beautiful beach in Santorini, it’s one of the island’s most popular swimming spots. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers, as it’s basically cliff jumping.

The bay is also lined with seafood tavernas, making it a popular lunch spot. As a vegan, I didn’t have many options, Greek salad without cheese was about it! 

Just a heads-up: after your visit, you’ll need to tackle the 270 steps back up to Oia, so plan accordingly.

Watch Sunset In Oia 

It’s time for the most popular thing to do in Oia, watch the sunset! It’s often named the most beautiful sunset in the world, and when you see the crowds that gather to see it, you’ll quickly agree.

There’s no easy way to say it, sunsets in Oia are packed. Every piece of land with a sunset view is crowded.

If you want to have dinner or drinks with a sunset view, you’ll have to book a couple of days in advance in the high season or arrive way before sunset in the low season.

I suggest picking and setting in your spot at least an hour before sunset if you want to watch it from Oia Castle or from the windmills.

Day 2: Santorini Boat Tour Day

If you tackled the Fira to Oia hike and made the trek to Amoudi Bay yesterday, chances are you feel pretty exhausted today.

That makes your second day in Santorini the perfect day to take it easy with one of Santorini’s iconic boat tours!

Boat tours are easily one of the top things to do in Santorini, and there’s a wide range of options to suit every budget and travel style.

I suggest you go for a full-day sailing tour like this one, as you’ll get to visit remote beaches like the famous Red Sand beach, soak in the hot springs, and visit the volcano island.

It’s a relaxing yet fun way to spend your second day on the island.

Alternatively, you can spend the day on one of the beaches on the island and go for one of Santorini’s sunset cruises. 

It’s the best way to experience Santorini’s famous golden hour, as you get to escape the crowds you saw yesterday in Oia.

⛵ This is my favorite Santorini sailing cruise! Make sure to book in advance, especially during the summer months, as this tour sells out quickly!! 

Mamma Mia Open-Air Cinema

You can sleep in tomorrow, so why not enjoy Santorini nightlife tonight? Every night is a party night in Santorini during summer!

Start with one of the coolest things to do in Santorini – watch the Mamma Mia movie in an open-air cliffside cinema. The screening starts at 19:30 and they also serve dinner, so you don’t have to rush after your boat trip.

This is a very popular activity and the terrace is quite small, so you’ll have to book in advance as far as you can!

Generally, the nightlife in Santorini is quite lively, with more upscale options in Fira and Oia and beach parties in Perissa. Buses run until late at night and taxis are also available to ensure you return home safely.

Day 3: Wine Tour, Black Sand Beach, or Hike

It’s your final day in Santorini, and it’s time to slow down and get off the beaten track. 

Whether that means sipping local wine, relaxing on a black sand beach, or squeezing in one more scenic hike. 

Here are three great ways to spend your last day, depending on your mood and travel style.

Swim on a Black Sand Beach 

If you went out last night, you’ll appreciate a refreshing dip after breakfast on one of Santorini’s beaches.

Santorini is a volcanic island with black, white, and red sand beaches. The most popular ones are the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari. Both beaches are long, chill, and lined with beach bars and sun loungers. 

Santorini’s black sand beaches were the first I’d ever seen and I was shocked by how hot the sand gets! Seriously, you’ll want to keep your flip-flops on all the way into the sea

Santorini Wine Tour

While you could also do this wine tour in the morning, I highly suggest saving it for the afternoon. 

Mainly because I’m not the type to drink wine at 9 am, but it’s surely an interesting way to start the day.

A wine tour is a great way to learn about local wine-making traditions, visit a few family-run wineries, and sample a variety of reds, whites, and sweet dessert wines. 

Most tours include a vineyard walk, light snacks, and also double as a sightseeing tour of the island. 

If you opt for an afternoon tour, you’ll get to enjoy very romantic vineyard sunset views!

🍷This is the best-rated Santorini wine tour, so make sure to book in advance to secure your spot, as it regularly sells out!

Profitis Ilias Hike 

If wine tours aren’t really your thing, or you’ve still got some energy left to burn, I suggest one final adventure: hiking up to Profitis Ilias, the highest point in Santorini.

This hike is steeper and a bit more challenging than others on the island, but it’s totally worth the effort. 

The panoramic views from the top are absolutely breathtaking and you can see the entire island. At the summit, you’ll also find the Monastery of Profitis Ilias.

You can start either from Pyrgos and go to Kamari or the other way around. Once you reach the top, you can go down the same way or continue and end your trek on the opposite side of the mountain.

Make sure to wear proper shoes, bring water, and time your hike for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and catch the softest light over the island.

Where to Stay in Santorini

The most popular areas to stay in Santorini for first-time visitors are Fira and Oia. If you want to stay in one of those iconic cliffside villas with pools, this is the area to look for.

While certainly stunning, it is also the most expensive area to stay in Santorini and those villas usually start at about 500€ per night in high season.

For the iconic Santorini experience check out White Ark in Fira and the unique Cave Suite in Oia.

It is possible to stay in that area on a budget, but you’ll have to forget about the caldera views.

If you’re not too bothered about staying on the caldera side, this hotel in Perissa is the definition of luxury on a budget.

I have an entire article on the best places to stay in Santorini without a car for every budget, so check it out for more mid-range and budget-friendly options!

How to Get Around Santorini

You can easily visit Santorini without a car. 

In fact, I’d argue it’s easier to get around without a car than to get stuck in traffic wondering where to park.

Fira is the bus hub of the island. All bus lines start and end in Fira, meaning if you want to get from Perissa to Oia, you’ll have to change the bus in Fira. 

I recommend staying in Fira if you want to get around the island by bus, but buses run frequently and until late in the evening during the summer months. 

I stayed in Perissa for a couple of days and didn’t have any issues getting around.

Santorini buses are frequent and affordable. A bus ride will cost you anywhere from 2€ to 3€, depending on the distance. You buy bus tickets on board, and you have to pay in cash!

Alternatively, you can also catch a taxi, and many hotels and guesthouses offer private transfers, which can be a convenient option for airport or port pickups. 

Also, most tours include a free hotel pick-up, so you don’t have to worry about that!

Santorini Travel Budget

There’s no getting around it, if you want the iconic luxury experience Santorini is an expensive travel destination. 

At the same time, it is possible to visit Santorini on a budget as there are options for everyone.

Budgets are highly personal, and the prices are seasonal, but you can get an idea of a budget if you check prices in Santorini.

You can find well-rated accommodation options from 100€ to 1000€ a night. On average, expect to spend about 150€ per night in high season. 

Most activities on this Santorini itinerary are free, but I highly suggest going for a boat tour if Santorini is the only island on your Cyclades itinerary. 

If you’re eating all your meals outside, budget around 50€ to 70€ for food per day. You can find a delicious meal in most restaurants for under 20€!

Finally, if you take a bus around the island, you shouldn’t spend more than 30€ during your time in Santorini.

Summary: Santorini 3 Day Itinerary

Santorini is a luxury travel destination, but you can also do it on a budget! The versatility of this beautiful island is one of my favorite things about it. 

While it is possible to see the highlights of Santorini in a day, spending 3 days in Santorini allows you to truly discover this popular island and get off the beaten track. 

Wandering the cobblestone streets along the caldera early in the morning before the crowds of day trippers arrive was one of my favorite experiences!

Now that you have your 3 day Santorini itinerary, I’m sure you agree that Santorini is worth visiting!