One Week Greek Islands Itinerary - Naxos, Santorini, Koufonissia
Affiliate disclosure: some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you book using one of them, we’ll earn a small commission. All of our info is free to read and free of ads, so we appreciate it!
If you’re daydreaming about the perfect island-hopping adventure in the Mediterranean Sea and you love sun-drenched alleys, white houses, blue domes, and virgin beaches of unique beauty, then welcome to the Cyclades islands!
With over 220 islands islets, all surrounded by a stunning turquoise sea, the Cyclades are a beach lover’s paradise. But great food, excellent wines, well-preserved Greek ruins, and thousands of years of culture also mean that the islands have much to offer away from their coasts too.
To help you plan your visit in a more local way, we’ve put together the following 7 days itinerary for the Cyclades. It’s ideal for island-hoppers that want to experience the essence of the islands and see some must-visit highlights while still getting a bit off the typical tourist path. The itinerary includes the islands of Naxos, Koufonissia, and Santorini, which we think are a great combination for any first trip here.
But delving into the plan, we’ve first shared some important logistical details that anyone planning a trip to the Cyclades should know before coming.
More Greece travel info:
For more ideas on travel in Greece, have a look at our Cyclades travel guide and this comprehensive 10-day Greece itinerary.
If you could use some one-on-one help planning your Greece itinerary, consider scheduling a Greece travel consultation with our Local Expert Luca!
Table of contents
Best time to visit
How long to spend
Getting to the Cyclades
Public transportation, ferries, car rentals, and island hopping
7-day Cyclades itinerary
Day 1 - Naxos
Day 2 - Naxos
Day 3 - Day trip to Koufonissia
Day 4 - Naxos to Santorini
Day 5 - Santorini
Day 6 - Santorini
Day 7 - Santorini
Local help with your planning
For this itinerary we made things simple and chose two major islands along with a day trip to a smaller one. But every traveler is different and the right plan for you depends on your interests and travel style. These are three great islands, but who knows if they’re the ideal ones for your visit.
So, for a little help coming up with the right plan for you, consider scheduling a Greece travel consultation with our Local Expert Luca!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where you can chat with Luca about the trip you’re planning and he’ll share his tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
When to visit the Cyclades
Summer - High season
High season in the Cyclades islands runs from June through early September. This is the busiest time of year, and also the hottest. Prices go up, sites and beaches are crowded, ferries and flights may sell out, and hotels will be fully booked in many of the most popular places. That said, it’s also prime beach season.
If you are a summer enthusiast that loves the sun, scorching temperatures, and don’t mind potentially intense crowds, then by all means do visit us from June to August, as you’ll certainly have a blast.
Spring or fall - Shoulder season
If you prefer mild temperatures and tranquility, then you’re best off coming in spring (mid-March till the end of May) or fall (September to mid-November). With pleasant temperatures ranging from 15 - 25 Celsius, few crowds, and the islands still totally open, both spring and fall are marvelous seasons in the Cyclades. You may not always have beach weather and you might catch a day of a rain, but the tradeoff is worth it.
Winter - off season
The winter months are not a great time to visit the Cyclades as many of the islands shut down in part or full. Transportation becomes limited, accommodations are closed, and tourist infrastructure is lacking. Winter is a better time to explore larger islands or mainland Greece.
How long should you spend
You could spend months exploring the islands and islets of the Cyclades, but that’s not practical for most of us. To visit the Cyclades in any depth, you need a bare minimum of 7 days. 10 days is much better, but 7 will still let you get a good taste of the islands.
One full week will let you comfortably island hop between two bigger islands and do a trip to a smaller one. At a stretch, you could include 3 main islands, but you’d lose a fair bit of time in transit.
There are endless combinations and which islands to include in your itinerary depends largely on the style of travel you like. People who want to check off the highlights (and don’t mind crowds) should probably opt for something like Mykonos-Paros-Santorini or Mykonos-Ios-Santorini. People who want something a bit in between highlights and hidden gems could look at Milos-Sifnos-Santorini.
With so many potential combinations and such a different feel to each of the islands, the options are almost endless.
How to get to the Cyclades
Access to the Cyclades has become quite simple in the last few years and you can find transportation solutions at any budget.
Throughout the summer, almost all the major islands of the Cyclades have direct ferry connections with Athens, and many have direct flights as well. Many islands have multiple ferries and flights each day during high season.
If you’re not coming from Athens, Thessaloniki airport connects to many of the islands and two of them, Santorini and Mykonos, even have direct international connections with other European countries.
In shoulder season and the winter, connections are much more limited and you may need to take a ferry to one of the larger islands and then connect to another ferry taking you to your final destination.
Flying is almost always quicker than taking a ferry, but not by that much. High-speed ferries from Athens to Santorini, for example, can make the journey in 5 hours. High-speed ferries to Sifnos can do it in 3. While the flights are only about an hour in each case, once you add in the time to get to and from the airport, check in, etc. it’s not always that much of a difference.
Where to buy ferry tickets
To check schedules and prices, I recommend using Ferry Scanner. It’s an aggregator that shows options from a bunch of different ferry companies. Their schedules are always up to date, it’s easy to use, and the price difference between using them and booking direct is negligible.
Getting from Athens to Naxos
For getting from Athens to Naxos, you have two options: flying or taking the ferry.
Flying in
There are multiple daily flights between Athens and Naxos, The flight takes a little under an hour and tickets can often be purchased quite inexpensively. This is by far the fastest and easiest way to get to Naxos.
Taking the ferry
If you’d prefer not to fly once you’ve reached Athens, the ferry is another option. Ferries to Naxos and just about every other island in the Cyclades depart from the Piraeus Port, which is quite nearby to Athens.
You can reach Piraeus by public transportation from the airport or with a taxi or other form of private transfer. Public transportation from the airport features the suburban railway connecting the airport with the port of Piraeus.
Alternatively, Bus X96 heads from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port every 20-40 minutes and reaches its final destination in approximately 90 minutes, depending on the traffic.
From Piraeus, grab a ferry to Naxos island. There are daily ferries from Athens to Naxos year-round, with frequency increasing in the summer months. The length of the ride varies depending on what boat you choose.
Getting from Naxos to Koufonissia
For your paradise day trip to Koufonissia from Naxos, you can either take the public ferry and go by yourself, or embark on one of the many tour boats in the Naxos port that do this trip on a daily basis.
Getting from Naxos to Santorini
Last stop Santorini! For this intra-Cycladian trip, you only need a ferry ticket and a couple of hours to spend overlooking the Aegean pelagos. The Naxos - Santorini ferry duration ranges from approximately 1 hr 15 min to over 2 hr 30 min.
Getting back to anywhere & everywhere from Santorini
To return back home from Santorini, you can either take a direct flight from the island’s JTR airport (there are literally hundreds of flights operated daily that connect the island with many international destinations), or take a flight to Athens and then connect on from there to your final destination.
Connect with a Greece travel expert for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
Transportation and getting around Naxos and Santorini
Both in Naxos and Santorini, the best option is to rent a vehicle in order to get around. These are some of the largest islands in the Cyclades and having a car will give you much more freedom to explore them.
While both islands have decent public transportation, you have to take into account that the geography is not ideal for large buses; the hills are constant and most roads are relatively narrow, making transit by bus slow and impractical.
They also do not run terribly frequently. If you solely rely on public transport to get around, you will miss a great deal of what you should see and do.
Car rental
Car rental prices (outside of peak season) start at around 40 to 50 euros per day for a small manual car with A/C and basic insurance coverage. When renting, make sure that you have a valid driver’s license with you and that your name is written in Latin characters.
To find a good car rental, you can book direct with a local agency on each island or use an aggregator website to check out prices.
DiscoverCars is an online aggregator that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. If you plan on renting a car, I always recommend checking prices on it as you can frequently find great deals.
AutoEurope is another aggregator that I really like. It tends to be more expensive, but they only list options from large, well-reviewed companies and their customer service is excellent. Their deals often include “zero deductible” rental insurance and they’re the best option if want the easiest experience and are ok paying a little more for it.
Motorbike/scooter
Another island-friendly vehicle is a motorbike or scooter. Cost-wise, this a very good option as rental prices start from 20-25 euros per day including the helmets and basic insurance.
However, in order to rent a scooter in Greece, you must hold a driving license with a stamp on one of the following categories: A1 or A. For those with non-European licenses, you also must have an international driving permit. It won’t always be requested, but technically you need it.
ATVs & Quads
Last but not least, ATV’s and Quads. They come in various sizes and prices depending on their cc capability and their features, all guaranteeing on and off-road routes that come with amazing views.
Rates start from about 40 euros in low season, but can go as high as almost 200 euros per day for the larger quads in high season.
Whatever your choice of vehicle, always drive cautiously because the roads on both islands are sometimes steep and sharply sloped.
7 DAY CYCLADES ITINERARY
This itinerary hits two of the biggest islands of the region, Naxos and Santorini, while allowing time for a day in the lesser-known Koufonissia islands.
With 2 days in Naxos, you’ll be able to visit the picturesque town of Chora and its castle, spend some time in island’s northern villages, relax on a few of the most-beloved beaches, eat some great food, and catch the sunset at the iconic Portara ruins.
Your Naxian myth will be interrupted for a day in the paradise-like Koufonissia islands. It’s a good interruption though as you’ll slip away to exotic beaches, delicious food, and sea caves that were once used by pirates.
Last stop, Santorini, the island voted as most beautiful in the world time and again. We’ve set aside 4 days to explore Santorini which will give you ample time to walk the cliffs of the Caldera, wander whitewashed villages, explore Greek ruins, try the island’s excellent wines, and lounge on volcanic beaches.
Santorini is of course very touristy, but with 4 days and good planning, it’s not so hard to escape the crowds and enjoy a more authentic side to the Cyclade’s most famous island.
Day 1: Naxos
Morning
Start your day in Naxos by dropping off your bags and heading straight to Agios Georgios Beach.
The picturesque Agios Georgios bay in the outskirts of the Naxian Chora is the perfect place to relax and unwind on your first day in the Cyclades.
This long, sandy beach with golden tones stretches for many kilometers and has great amenities, offering sun beds and umbrellas, as well as various water sports facilities and plenty of dining options.
The sand is soft and the azure water totally transparent. Across the sea, you can make out lovely vistas of Paros island.
This beach is well-known to windsurfing enthusiasts, with many certified spots offering lessons. Take a long swim, float in the water, and recharge your batteries. Welcome to vacation!
After lounging on the beach, it’s time to grab a bit to eat before you head back to your hotel for a siesta. Most of the nearby tavernas and restaurants are good, and you should opt for a meal of traditional mezedes (shared plates).
Our restaurant pick at Agios Georgios bay is Kavouri restaurant, an authentic family-style taverna that looks right out onto the beach. Grab a front-row table for the best views.
Afternoon
Explore Naxos Chora & the Castle. After a little break and respite from the sun, head out to visit Naxos Chora (the main town here), where you can get a feel for the personality and history of the island.
Start off by taking a long stroll on the seafront promenade and then make your way into the Old Town, which has cobblestone lanes, lovely houses, and cute little craft & souvenir shops.
The maze of alleyways that makes up the old town is known as "sokakia" and it was built in typical Cycladic architectural fashion with minimal lines all leading in an uphill direction. A little bit of climbing is unavoidable no matter where you are in the Cyclades!
Though you’ll have to work for it, you should certainly walk all the way up to the castle. The views alone are worth the effort!
Either try to time your castle visit for sunset or stick around long enough for it. From the castle’s vantage point you have a breathtaking 360 degree view of sunset, and you can watch as the sun disappears behind the little island of Antimilos.
Evening
Dinner & cocktails at Naxos Chora. After sunset, it’s time for a fabulous dinner of Naxian local products in a very special restaurant, “Typografio”. The restaurant is located part way up the hill of the castle and unfolds across 3 floors of an old mansion and out into two different back gardens.
There you can enjoy the high quality, fresh, and seasonal Naxian products (meat, fresh seafood, vegetables, and dairy products) prepared with a modern interpretation on traditional classics.
After dinner, don’t miss the chance for a creative cocktail on one of the terrace bars overlooking the port of Naxos. Our favorites are “Like Home bar” and “The Rum Bar”.
Overnight in Naxos
Naxos has a few towns that are good bases for any visit to the island. The ideal place for you depends on the type of vacation you have in mind.
If you prioritize immersing yourself in the life of Naxos and exploring as much as possible, Naxos Town is great. In town, look at Hotel Grotta ($130 per night).
For simple but still very nice budget options, B&Bs and small, family-run hotels in nearby New Chora are your best bet. Here, the Soula Hotel and the Panormos Hotel are both very good choices, and super reasonably priced at around $60 per night.
On the other hand, if the purpose of your vacation is mainly to relax and enjoy the proximity of the sea and the beach, I’d suggest looking at the town of Agios Prokopios. Iliadas Villas is a small complex of independent houses with hotel services, ideal for families and groups of friends ($100-300 per night). For a little more luxury, yet still very accessible, it’s also worth considering the Liana Beach Hotel ($200).
Day 2: Naxos
Morning
Filoti & Apeiranthos villages. Your 2nd day on Naxos should be dedicated to visiting the picturesque villages of Filoti and Apeiranthos in the North of Naxos. The northern side of the island receives fewer visitors, so gives you the chance to get to know more traditional Naxos.
Start the day in Filoti, the largest of all Naxian villages, which is well-known for its olive groves and little Byzantine churches. It is a traditional Cycladic village built amphitheatrically on the slopes of mount Zas, with whitewashed, flat-roofed houses and narrow streets that are filled with flowers.
A walk through the towns alleys, and a few photo stops, are a must. You’ll almost certainly be tempted to grab a coffee at one of the many traditional Greek “kafeneia” (cafes) that line the town’s main square. However, if you’re a “one coffee a day” person, you should hold off until your stop in Apeiranthos village. If you’re like us and will be having multiple coffees throughout the day, then have at in Filoti!
Next up is beautiful Apeiranthos. Located 26km from the Naxian Chora and at an altitude of 650 meters, Apeiranthos is nestled between two valleys on the top of a hill. One of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, the town is also known as "the marble village".
The architecture is breathtaking, with strong Venetian influences. The environment is distinctive and visitors feel like the’ve been transported back in time.
Also, Apeiranthos has had a long and turbulent history and it houses a few very interesting museums. The Archaeological Museum of Apeiranthos, the Museum of Folk Art, the Art Museum (housed on the first floor of the Cultural Center), and the Geological Museum are all worth a quick visit.
Back to coffee… The main pedestrian street is lined with several traditional cafes and bars that offer authentic Greek coffee accompanied by handmade treats like Greek loukoumi, all with breathtaking views of the valley below.
Due to the altitude and specific geography, the weather in Apeiranthos is always cool even in the midst of heatwaves, so be sure to bring along a jacket to keep you warm while you sip your coffee.
Early afternoon
Plaka beach for swimming and lunch. Plaka beach is a stretch of coast that extends for over 4km with bright, golden sand and totally transparent blue waters. With some parts of the beach organized with sun beds and umbrellas and others left wild, beach goers of every stripe can find a perfect spot. The calm waters are perfect for cooling dives, so settle in and prepare to be here a while.
After swimming, set your sights on a divine lunch in one of the restaurants of Plaka. My personal favorite is Picasso on the beach, which offers surprisingly good Mexican food (I know you’re in Greece, but still…) with a desert-like setting right on the beach.
Late Afternoon
Walking tour & sunset at Portara. The Portara of Naxos (or the Great Door) is a huge marble gateway from the ancient Greeks that stands on a rocky outcrop in front of the sea. It is located on the Palatia islet, near to the port. A long stone walkway leads up to the ruins.
Portara was dedicated to the God Apollo and was supposed to be a massive temple in his honor, but it was left unfinished due to the outbreak of war between Naxos and Samos in the 6th century.
Visiting the Portara at any time of day is a stirring sight, but saving it for sunset is ideal. A nice walkway leads from Naxos town out to the Palatia district and the little peninsula on which Portara sits. In midday, it can be painfully hot, but by the evening a walk is quite pleasant. Once you climb up to the top of the hill, you have stunning views over the sea, bathed in end-of-day light and all next to Naxos’ most famous monument. Instagram heaven…
Evening
Dinner at the port. As the sun kisses the island goodnight, return to the port of Naxos to enjoy the island’s best seafood. We always recommend Sarris tavern which serves traditional Greek mezedes and fresh seafood, but you have many options.
Overnight in Naxos
For hotel ideas, see my recommendations in day 1.
Day 3: Day trip to Koufonissia
Photo: Zde, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Having seen a good bit of Naxos, change things up with a full-day boat trip to the islands of Koufonissia. The little island gems are close by to Naxos and boat tours leave every day.
Morning through late afternoon
Take the boat from Naxos Town and unwind during the 2-hour journey to Pano Koufonissi, the smallest and most densely populated of the Koufonissia islands.
Boat tours give some free time to explore the island, so I’d suggest some (or all) of the following: chill on the beautiful beach at Agios Georgios, explore the sandy bays and beaches of the east coast, or take a stroll through the town center to see traditional Cycladic architecture.
A stop for lunch while on Pano Koufonissi is always a highlight as the food here is marvelous. One of our favorite restaurants is Mikres Kyklades where dishes are produced using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and cooked with lots of love and respect for traditional Greek cusine.
After lunch, continue your island exploring at the deserted island of Kato Koufonnisi. Here, nature has been left to her own devices and you have spectacular sea caves and rock pools.
Evening
Tours usually have you back in town by at least 8:00 pm, so you’ll have time for a good dinner before you have to start packing your bags!
Overnight in Naxos
For hotel ideas, see my recommendations in day 1.
Connect with a Greece travel expert for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
Day 4: Naxos to Santorini
Today, you leave Naxos behind for Santorini, one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. When choosing your accommodation on Santorini, make sure to choose a hotel or apartment in the center of the island, in or near to Fira (the capital). Fira’s central location will help you save precious time when touring around the island.
Morning
Take the ferry from Naxos port to Santorini. The ferry ride typically takes 2 hours, but can take longer. To avoid losing the day, we recommend an early morning departure.
If you can arrange an early check in, a good scenario is arriving at Athinios port anywhere between 10pm and 2pm so that you can reach your accommodation by early or mid afternoon.
To save time, grab a light lunch on the ferry or near your Santorini accommodation and leave room for a magnificent sunset dinner later on.
Afternoon
Fira, Firostefani & Old Port. Once you’ve settled in, take the afternoonfor a long walk around Fira’s center to get to know this vibrant little city.
You can start your exploration from the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral that stands imposingly over the caldera with its tall white dome. Visit the interior of the church and admire the decoration on the ceiling and the walls.
Continue your walk on the cobblestone alleys of the Caldera and pass through Golden Street, named after the numerous jewelry shops located there, and head uphill towards Firostefani, an extension of Fira town, which offers the most astonishing views of the Caldera. For a coffee stop, try a Freddo Espresso or Freddo Capuccino for an Italian-style coffee with a Greek twist.
As you make your way down the Caldera, follow the signs that point towards the cable car in order to reach the Old Port. When you are in the entrance of the Cable Car station, purchase a ticket and proceed to an open car (which fit up to 4 people comfortably). The journey is rather short but really interesting as you get to see Fira and the Caldera from a different angle.
When you reach the Old Port, you’ll be surprised by just how high the Caldera rises.
Evening
Sunset Dinner & Night out in Fira. After a long day, celebrate with a sunset dinner. Go for a first-row table at Rastoni Concept for an experiential culinary journey that unfolds in front of a fabulous Fira sunset. Be sure to book a table in advance.
After dinner, check out Fira’s happening nightlife scene. For your first drink, check out Tango Bar. If you’re up for a few more, head over to all-time classic Koo club where you can dance and party until dawn.
Overnight in Santorini
In Santorini you have have hundreds of hotels to choose from. It’s an expensive island, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find decent deals. If you avoid the most popular towns, you can get lovely accommodation for totally reasonable rates.
For a detailed guide to the island’s different towns and hotel options in each, check out my guide on where to stay in Santorini.
Day 5: Santorini - catamaran cruise & wine tasting
Morning
Half-Day Catamaran Boat Cruise. A catamaran cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you really should do when in Santorini. Most companies offer similar tours, so just pick one of the certified ones and don’t think too much about it. The biggest deciding factor will be group vs. private and maximum group size allowed on the boat.
As you set off from the southern port of Vlychada, take in the beauty of the island and enjoy the view of the imposing White Beach. Your boat will certainly stop at Red Beach, where you can take a dive in the cool waters and walk on the warm red sand.
You’ll also get to to explore the sea caverns and rock formations near the historic Venetian lighthouse beneath the Indian Rocks.
Next, you’ll sail into the caldera, taking in the volcanic landscape. Visit the hot springs for a rejuvenating mud bath before heading to Palea Kammeni Island's private bay.
As you approach Ammoudi Bay, don’t forget to take your snorkeling equipment with you.
All throughout the cruise you’ll have Greek BBQ and open bar with refreshing drinks and good local wines.
Late Afternoon/Evening
Winery Tour & Sunset Wine Tasting. Santorini is home to many unique wineries that produce some exclusive varietals such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and the renowned Vinsanto. Wine production here dates back thousands of years, to roughly the third millennium BC.
Santorini’s vineyards have consistently produced wines for 4,000 years, with a brief exception during the three hundred years immediately following the volcanic eruption, when all life was wiped out by the volcanic ash (known as "aspa") and lava that completely covered the island.
Today, the vineyards of Santorini make up roughly 1200 hectares of family-owned properties, which are part of Greece's intangible cultural heritage due to the unique geographical conditions and production techniques.
There are so many wineries on Santorini that are worth visiting and it’s almost impossible to suggest only one. That said, for this itinerary to work and maximize your time, we propose Santo Wines. Officially called “The Union of Santorini Cooperatives”, Santo Wines was founded in its initial form in 1911, as “Santorini Vine & Wine Protection Fund”.
Today, union is the largest on the island and represents over 1,200 active members. Santo’s facilities include the main winery, a tomato processing factory, and the wine tourism Center.
The “gravity winery” is a state-of-the-art structure and, combined with the Wine Tourism Center sitting at the edge of the Caldera, they make Santo the ideal choice for an unforgettable wine tasting session.
The experience normally starts with a tour of the Santo Wines winery which is spread over various levels, all perfectly harmonized with the surrounding environment, the terraces of Santorini grapes, and the volcanic cliff.
After the tour, head in for a tasting. On the islands, we’re clearly obsessed with sunsets, and you’re in for yet another. You’ll get to taste some fabulous wines, particular due to the unique volcanic soil on Santorini, while the sun sets over the Caldera and descends into the Aegean sea, splashing the water and sky with colorful hues.
Overnight in Santorini
For ideas on where to stay, see my suggestions in day 4.
Day 6: Santorini
Photo: Norbert Nagel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
Ancient Thira & Akrotiri, Perivolos Beach. One of the many things that makes Santorini so unique is the island’s long history, dating back to 10,000 BC.
So, on your 6th day in the islands, reserve some time to explore Santorini and the Cyclades’ history.
Begin by viisting Ancient Thira town, located at the peak of Mesa Vouno. It was inhabited from the 9th century BC to 726 AD and was named after the mythical lord of the island, Theras.
The ancient city has artifacts dating back to the Geometric Period (900 BC). It is particularly impressive that some ceramics survived in excellent condition due to the burial rituals of the time. Aside from the pottery, various sculptures have also been unearthed.
The settlement itself features a wide boulevard that is over 800 meters long and contains various remarkable buildings such as a Roman Forum, an old theatre overlooking the Aegean, a gymnasium, public parks, and Roman baths.
In the past, the city also had a harbor, the position of which is unknown, as well as two seaports, named Oia and Elefsina, which were located in Kamari and Perissa, respectively.
After wandering Thira, head to Akrotiri Archaeological Site & Museum, which is home to a staggering prehistoric settlement that constitutes one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and the Mediterranean sea.
Akrotiri, the so-called Pompeii of Greece, was once a Minoan port town, with connections to mainland Greece, Egypt and even Syria. Even though the town was covered in ash following a volcanic eruption on the island in the 16th century BC, the preservation of the settlement is exceptional.
Today the site is meticulously conserved and protected, covered by a bioclimatic roof and with walkways suspended above the archaeological remains. In some areas, paths have been created that allow visitors to walk among the two and three-floor buildings.
Akrotiri is a unique visit and an absolute must while on Santorini. For even more information, check out the following comprehensive guide to Akrotiri, written by Thera Foundation.
After you’ve finished your journey into the path, come back to the present with some time on Perivolos black beach. A volcanic beach, the sand here is, of course, all black.
Refuel for the afternoon ahead with a good lunch at Santorini Wet Stories, a trendy beach bar and restaurant.
Afternoon
Oia Strolling & Sunset Hopping. Dedicate the afternoon to what is arguably Santorini’s most beautiful village, Oia. The picturesque town is full of white houses, blue domes, and sun-kissed terraces which are only upstaged by the jaw dropping views which provide one of the most beautiful sunsets anywhere in the world.
While here, walk along the so-called Sunset Boulevard all the way to Oia Castle. Get here early to find your ideal sunset spot.
Evening
Farewell Dinner in Oia. As the light fades and a starry sky slowly appears, head back to Oia town for a farewell dinner to remember.
Treat yourself to something special at either Oia Gefsis or Feredini. Both restaurants offer exquisite food served in front of spectacular Caldera views.
Overnight in Santorini
For ideas on where to stay, see my suggestions in day 4.
Day 7: Santorini & departure day
Morning
Brunch at Imerovigli – Souvenir shopping at Fira. For your last day in the Cyclades, book yourself an evening flight so that you have time to enjoy one last morning here.
Start the day with a visit to the picturesque village of Imerovigli from where you can admire the Caldera one last time from the highest vantage point on the island. Skip your hotel breakfast and instead do brunch in town at Dear Elie or Ilios Bakery.
After, return to Fira to grab some last-minute souvenirs at the local artisan shops that line the square and Caldera area.
Early afternoon
Megalochori. If you’re leaving in the evening, shoot over to Megalochori, one of the most picturesque and well-preserved traditional settlements on Santorini, and one almost untouched by tourism.
Wander the villages cobbled streets, admire the lovely architecture, and pop into a few of the traditional Greek Orthodox churches.
For lunch, stop at Alisachni, a restaurant that perfectly combines fine Greek cuisine, art, and wine in a lovely setting.
Late afternoon
Return flight to your destination.
Connect with a Greece expert
