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How Many Days Should You Stay in Santorini?

How Many Days Should You Stay In Santorini?

Santorini is a destination that holds a place on every travel bucket list and it’s not hard to see why! Boasting otherworldly lunar scenery, one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, and many picturesque white-washed villages, this island seems crafted to enchant visitors. If you’re planning to visit this Aegean gem, you might be wondering how many days to stay in Santorini. Are a couple of days enough or should you book a week-long stay?

In this article, we’re going to help you find out how many days you should stay in Santorini and share with you the experiences you must have depending on the duration of your holiday. Let’s get started!

How many days in Santorini is enough?

Whether you’re planning an island-hopping trip to Greece or Santorini is the sole destination on your itinerary, you need to determine how many days in Santorini are enough before booking your trip. Well, that depends on the activities you want to do on the island, as well as the time you want to dedicate to relaxation.

Generally speaking, to visit the island’s main points of interest and enjoy the unique scenery, you should plan to stay in Santorini for 3-5 days. Below, we’re going to share with you all the things you should do in Santorini, whether you’re planning to stay for 3 or 5 days. This way, you will be able to enjoy the island to the fullest, regardless of the duration of your trip!

Staying in Santorini for 3 days

If Santorini is a part of your island-hopping itinerary, then you should stay for 3 days before hopping to the next island. So, if you want to make the most out of your 3 days on Santorini island, the must things to do are:

Watch the sunset in Oia

If Santorini is known for one thing, it’s its enthralling sunset! Every afternoon, just for a few minutes, the Aegean sky is filled with the most magical shades of orange and purple as the sun dips into the horizon. It may not last long, but it’s a unique spectacle and, for many, a reason alone to visit the island. The best spot in Oia to watch the sunset is Oia Castle; however, it is also the most crowded one. So, make sure to go early to secure a spot and get a front-row seat to the sunset. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy the sunset without the crowds, get lost in the narrow streets of Oia and discover quieter spots!

Take a tour of Santorini

If you’re staying on the island for just a few days and want to see as much as possible, your best bet is to take a tour of Santorini. Thankfully, there is a plethora of tours available, either private or group, making it easy to find one that suits your schedule. These tours typically cover all the main attractions of Santorini, including the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, the Black Beach, Profitis Ilias, the most popular villages, and a winery. Alternatively, you can rent a car and explore the island at your own pace, discovering charming villages, including Mesaria and Pyrgos, and taking in the mesmerizing scenery.

Do wine tasting

This island boasts a millennia-old wine tradition, so, no matter how many days you stay in Santorini, visiting a vineyard is a must. Santorini is home to some of the oldest vineyards in Europe, producing iconic wine varieties such as Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Mandilaria. Additionally, some wineries offer sunset tours and wine-tasting sessions, allowing you to savor the best Santorinian wines while marveling at breathtaking sunset views. Pure bliss!

Staying in Santorini for 5 days

If you’re planning on staying in Santorini for 5 days or an entire week, then you can do the activities mentioned above at your own pace and include some more into your schedule!

Explore the island off the beaten path

Oia and Fira are arguably the most popular villages in Santorini, but they are also the most crowded ones! So, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and explore the island off the beaten path, you will be amazed by the hidden gems you will discover. There are so many quaint villages you can visit and viewpoints to watch the sunset from, that will make you realize that Santorini is so much more than you think.

Extra tip: If you want to escape the crowds, choose a hotel in Mesaria or another quiet village for your stay!

Visit the volcano

Santorini is a volcanic island, so what better way to delve into its fascinating past than by visiting the volcano? A volcanic eruption that took place millions of years ago divided the circular landmass of Santorini into the smaller islands of Santorini, Therasia, and Aspronisi. Over the years, subsequent volcanic eruptions occurred, leading to the formation of the nearby islets Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. You can visit these islets by boat from Santorini and explore their volcanic landscapes by walking on the craters and soaking in the hot springs!

Discover the museums and galleries of Santorini

Whether you are an art lover or not, visiting Santorini’s museums and galleries is a must! The Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum will fascinate history buffs, while Mati Art Gallery and Santorini Art Factory are the best options for those who love modern art. From ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces, you’ll discover a wide variety of exhibits that will introduce you to the island’s history and culture!

So, the answer to the question ‘How many days should I spend in Santorini?’ is 3-5 days. However, no matter how many days you stay, there is a plethora of things to do to enjoy the island to the fullest!

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