Short but Sweet: How to Make the Most of 2 Days in Santorini

Are you finally making the trip to Greece’s gem? If you have only 2 days in Santorini and want to make the most of it, follow my guide, and I will help you.

Some years ago, we had to decide whether to visit Crete, Santorini, or Sicily for our summer vacation. Eventually, we visited all of them repeatedly, but at that particular time, we chose Santorini. Once you get there, you’ll understand why.

But before we dive into this comprehensive 2-day Santorini itinerary, let’s cover the basics.

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Table of Contents

  1. 2 days in Santorini – a comprehensive itinerary
    1. Where to stay in Santorini
    2. How to get around Santorini island
    3. When to visit?
    4. Day 1 in Santorini
      1. Akrotiri
      2. Mount Prophet Elijah
      3. Megalochori
      4. Fira
    5. Day 2 in Santorini
      1. Volcano trip – Thirasia – Oia for sunset
      2. Oia
    6. Other places worth seeing in Santorini
      1. Ammoudi Bay
      2. Go on a hike from Fira to Oia, or the other way around
      3. Spend time at one of the unique beaches

2 days in Santorini – a comprehensive itinerary

I prepared a map so you can easily visualize your itinerary.

Proposed itinerary: Akrotiri – Mount Prophet Elijah – Megalochori – Local winery – Thira – Oia

You might not have enough time to properly enjoy both Fira and Oia. Since you have two days at your disposal, I suggest stopping in Fira on your first night and coming back to Oia on your second day. 

Where to stay in Santorini

Damigos Caldera World Firostefani Santorini
Photo courtesy of Booking.com

Your first priority should be to find a place to stay so you can focus on exploring rather than worrying about accommodation.

Since we spent more time in Santorini, we stayed in Kamari due to its proximity to some beaches. However, the village doesn’t have a caldera view, and it is not well positioned as a base for a 2-day trip.

For 2 days in Santorini, I would choose to stay in one of the following places:

  • Oia: Famous for its breathtaking sunsets, narrow streets, and luxury accommodations, Oia is a top choice for a romantic and upscale experience. See accommodation here!
  • Fira: The capital, Fira, offers a bustling atmosphere with a variety of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It’s also well-connected for excursions and has a range of accommodation options. See accommodation here!
  • Imerovigli: Nestled between Oia and Fira, Imerovigli boasts stunning Caldera views and a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for a quieter stay while still being close to the main attractions. See accommodation here!
  • Firostefani: Adjacent to Fira, Firostefani offers a quieter setting with picturesque views. It’s a good compromise for those wanting proximity to Fira’s amenities without the bustling crowds. See accommodation here!
Booking.com

How to get around Santorini island

We haven’t rented a car or an ATV while in Santorini. While they are good options when you want to explore independently, the island is not that large to warrant the trouble, in our opinion.

Instead, we booked tours and used the public transportation system.

You can also pre-book a taxi service or a private transfer.

When to visit?

Even though we always tell people not to plan their visit during July or August, we visited in August.:)

The island was crowded, hotels were full, temperatures were high, and there were also lots of cruise ships coming daily. It wasn’t bad, but it could have been even better if we had come in May, June, or September.

Day 1 in Santorini

Akrotiri

Akrotiri Santorini
Akrotiri / Ingrid

As you know, Santorini’s west coast overlooks a volcano. That wasn’t always the case. The part known today as the Caldera used to be the middle of Santorini—that is, until the volcano erupted, blowing up the entire place. Earthquakes and tsunamis followed, wreaking havoc as far as Egypt.

Naturally, Santorini’s largest city at the time, Akrotiri, was buried under volcanic ash for millennia until it was finally unearthed in the second half of the 20th century.

According to respected scholars, Plato’s story of the legendary Atlantis originated from the tragic events of Santorini.

Remember, by the time the first hovels were erected in ancient Athens or Sparta, Akrotiri was dead for almost a thousand years. As far as the ancient Greeks were concerned, Akrotiri’s destruction was ancient history, shrouded in mystery and legend.

So, when you visit Akrotiri, know that you may be walking the streets of Atlantis. How cool is that?

Book your Akrotiri Entry Ticket with audio guide!

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Mount Prophet Elijah

You don’t have to visit the monastery of Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elijah) if you aren’t religious. But I suggest you go nonetheless, if only for the view you get from the highest point on the island.

From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view from east to west and from south to north.

Megalochori

Megalochori Santorini

Megalochori, a hidden gem in Santorini, exudes timeless charm with its traditional Cycladic architecture and tranquil ambiance.

This quaint village, nestled in the heart of the island, invites visitors to wander through narrow cobblestone streets adorned with white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches.

The central square captivates with its inviting cafes and tavernas, offering a delightful retreat to savor local flavors.

Megalochori is renowned for its well-preserved historic character, and a leisurely exploration reveals historical mansions, secret courtyards, and picturesque alleyways.

Winery – Santo Wines

Santo Winery Santorini

Renowned for its distinctive volcanic terrain, Santorini produces indigenous grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani, resulting in wines with a character as unique as the landscape itself.

The island’s wineries, many with panoramic views of the Caldera, provide an ideal setting to savor these exceptional wines.

We visited Santo Winery and recommend it for the most amazing views and wines!

However, you can also book a wine-tasting tour that will take you to some of the most important wineries.

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Fira

Take a leisurely stroll along the Caldera’s rim and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Discover the island’s rich history and archaeological artifacts at the Archaeological Museum of Thera, which showcases exhibits from ancient Thira.

Descend to the Old Port either by cable car or donkey ride, and enjoy the charming waterfront with its seafood restaurants, shops, and boat tours.

Fira boasts a variety of shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Explore the narrow streets, indulge in local cuisine at tavernas, and find unique souvenirs.

Day 2 in Santorini

3 days in Santorini

Volcano trip – Thirasia – Oia for sunset

Today, you will explore the main reason so many people come to Santorini: the volcano

Wake up early in the morning, enjoy a delicious Greek breakfast (hopefully with a stunning view), and make your way to the port to travel by boat to the volcano island. 

During our vacation to the crater, we climbed the volcano, had a dip in the thermal waters close by, and had a really authentic lunch at one of the tavernas on Therasia island. 

It is worth knowing that you will need to bring comfortable sneakers and a lot of water, especially when you travel during hot summer days. 

Here are some great tour options to look into:

Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour

Caldera Half-Day Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia)

Santorini Volcano Tour

Book in advance to secure the best deal and ensure that you’ll have the whole trip planned. 

Oia

You will be back on the main island in the afternoon, and you will have enough time to prepare for seeing the sunset from Oia.

2 days in Santorini

Book a restaurant for dinner way in advance, or simply grab a bottle of wine and head to the Byzantine Castle for one of the most perfect sunset viewpoints in town. It is worth knowing that even if you choose the second option, you will need to come at least one hour earlier if you want to catch a good spot. 

I’ve invested a lot of time and money in my photo gear, and I’m lucky to be able to take some pretty pictures myself. However, if you aren’t carrying high-end equipment, you should consider booking a photo session with a professional. It is a popular thing to do, especially in Oia. Pick your favorite photographer here!

Alternatively, a sunset caldera cruise with dinner will give you the chance to enjoy a delightful evening on the sea, sailing through the blue waters with the cliffs filled with white and blue buildings on one side and the volcano on the other. Check out this great option here!

Other places worth seeing in Santorini

Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay, nestled at the base of the iconic Oia village in Santorini, is a picturesque and tranquil harbor that enchants visitors with its charm.

Accessible by descending a steep stone staircase or via a short drive from Oia, Ammoudi Bay welcomes guests with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and traditional white-washed buildings, creating a postcard-perfect scene against the backdrop of the volcanic cliffs.

The bay is renowned for its seafood tavernas, where visitors can savor the day’s catch while enjoying panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

Go on a hike from Fira to Oia, or the other way around

The approximately 10-kilometer trail winds along the Caldera rim, presenting panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, neighboring islands, and the iconic white-washed architecture of the villages.

Starting in Fira, the capital, hikers pass through Firostefani and Imerovigli, each offering its own allure and scenic vistas.

The trail continues through the rugged terrain, occasionally revealing hidden chapels, vibrant flora, and the azure sea below.

The final stretch leads to the renowned village of Oia, where visitors are rewarded with the famous sunset views over the Caldera.

Spend time at one of the unique beaches

Kamari BeachAmmoudi Beach, and Vlychada Beach are all worth a visit for their diverse sand and volcanic rocks.

Still unconvinced? Check out my comprehensive Amalfi Coast vs Santorini comparison. And if you decide to go to the Amalfi Coast instead, make sure you make the right choice between staying in Sorrento or Positano.

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2 days in Santorini itinerary guide

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