Oia Santorini-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Oia

Morning

Arrive at Santorini Airport (JTR) and take a taxi or bus (KTEL) to your accommodation in Oia village.

Afternoon

Check-in to your hotel, such as the Hotel Mama’s Home or Oia Village Hotel, and freshen up.

  • Visit the Oia Castle (also known as the Castle of Agios Nikolaos), a 16th-century Venetian fortress that offers stunning views of the caldera.
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Oia village, taking in the picturesque whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches.

Evening

Enjoy dinner at Tamada, a restaurant with delicious Greek cuisine and breathtaking views of the caldera. Try their signature dish, the grilled octopus!

Day 2: Explore Oia

Morning

Start the day with a visit to the Naval Maritime Museum (Museum of Naval History), which showcases Santorini’s rich naval history.

  • Visit the nearby Skaros Rock, a scenic spot with stunning views of the caldera and the surrounding landscape.
  • Wander through the village, exploring its many shops, art galleries, and cafes.

Afternoon

Take a leisurely walk to the Oia Windmills, a pair of 18th-century windmills that offer panoramic views of the island.

  • Visit the Orthodox Church of Agios Nikolaos, a beautiful church with stunning architecture and artwork.

Evening

Enjoy dinner at Selene Restaurant, which serves creative Greek cuisine using local ingredients. Try their famous Santorinian potatoes!

Day 3: Fira and the Caldera

Morning

Take a bus or taxi to Fira, the capital town of Santorini (15-20 minutes).

  • Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, which showcases artifacts from the Minoan period.
  • Explore the bustling streets of Fira, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Afternoon

Take a stroll along the Fira Caldera Pathway, a scenic route that offers breathtaking views of the caldera and the sea below.

  • Visit the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, a 17th-century monastery perched on the highest point of Santorini.

Evening

Enjoy dinner at To Spitiko, a restaurant with delicious Greek cuisine and stunning views of the caldera. Try their grilled meat platter!

Day 4: Red Beach and Perissa

Morning

Take a bus or taxi to the Red Beach (about 30-40 minutes).

  • Visit the Red Beach, a scenic beach with red sand and crystal-clear waters.
  • Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Afternoon

Visit the nearby Perissa Beach, a long stretch of black sand beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or water sports.

  • Explore the village of Perissa, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Evening

Enjoy dinner at Mama’s Home Restaurant, which serves delicious Greek cuisine using local ingredients. Try their famous chicken souvlaki!

Day 5: Imerovigli and Firostefani

Morning

Take a bus or taxi to Imerovigli village (about 20-30 minutes).

  • Visit the Imerovigli Castle, a 15th-century castle that offers stunning views of the caldera.
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Imerovigli, taking in its picturesque whitewashed houses.

Afternoon

Visit the nearby Firostefani village, a charming village with breathtaking views of the caldera and the sea below.

  • Enjoy shopping for souvenirs or browsing local art galleries.

Evening

Enjoy dinner at Enigma Restaurant, which serves creative Greek cuisine using local ingredients. Try their famous lamb chops!

Day 6: Wine Tasting

Morning

Visit the Venetsanos Winery, a family-run winery that produces some of Santorini’s finest wines.

  • Learn about the wine-making process and taste some of their excellent wines.
  • Enjoy lunch at the winery, which serves delicious Greek cuisine using local ingredients.

Afternoon

Explore the nearby village of Megalochori, a charming village with picturesque whitewashed houses and stunning views of the caldera.

  • Visit the Megalochori Castle, a 15th-century castle that offers panoramic views of the island.

Evening

Enjoy dinner at To Pinaki, a restaurant with delicious Greek cuisine using local ingredients. Try their famous grilled octopus!

Day 7: Departure

Morning

Relax and enjoy your last day in Oia, perhaps taking a leisurely walk along the caldera path or exploring more of the village.

  • Check-out from your hotel and head to the airport (KTEL bus or taxi).

Getting Around

  • The best way to get around Oia is on foot. The village is relatively small and can be explored easily on foot.
  • Buses and taxis are available for longer journeys, such as Fira, Perissa, Imerovigli, and Megalochori.

Tips and Essentials

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions during peak season (June-September).
  • Don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong Greek sun.
  • Try local wines and cuisine, which are often surprisingly good!
  • Be respectful of the locals and their property. Oia is a small village, and it’s essential to be considerate of its inhabitants.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Mama’s Home: A charming hotel with comfortable rooms and stunning views of the caldera.
  • Oia Village Hotel: A 4-star hotel with elegant rooms and a lovely pool area.

Food and Drink

  • Tamada Restaurant: Delicious Greek cuisine with breathtaking views of the caldera.
  • Selene Restaurant: Creative Greek cuisine using local ingredients.
  • To Spitiko Restaurant: Delicious grilled meats and stunning views of the caldera.

Other Essentials

  • Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the strong Greek sun.
  • Sunglasses: Don’t forget your sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
  • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle.
  • Power Adapter: Greece uses Type C and E power sockets, which are different from those in North America.

Transportation

  • Bus (KTEL): Buses run regularly between Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Perissa, and other villages on the island. You can catch buses at designated bus stops or book them in advance.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available for longer journeys or for those who prefer not to walk.

Activities

  • Hiking: Explore Santorini’s scenic hiking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the caldera and the surrounding landscape.
  • Swimming: Enjoy swimming at some of Santorini’s beautiful beaches, such as Red Beach, Perissa Beach, or White Beach.
  • Wine Tasting: Learn about Santorini’s excellent wines and taste some of their finest vintages.

Things to Know

  • Weather: Santorini has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers (June-September) and mild winters (December-March).
  • Language: Greek is the official language, but many locals speak English fluently.
  • Currency: The Euro is the official currency of Greece.