Planning to spend one magical day in Santorini? Whether you’re cruising through the Aegean or hopping over from Athens, this essential guide will help you make the most of your time on Greece’s most iconic island.
As a local travel expert based in Greece, I’ve guided hundreds of visitors through this volcanic paradise, and I’m here to tell you: yes, you can absolutely experience the magic of Santorini in just one day. This guide will help you maximize every moment, whether you’re flying in from Athens or arriving on a cruise ship.
Santorini may be small (just 76 km²), but it packs in countless treasures—blue-domed churches, black sand beaches, ancient ruins, world-class wineries, and those famous sunsets that seem to set the sky on fire. Let’s make sure you don’t miss any of it.
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How to Visit Santorini in One Day
By Plane from Athens
Flight time: 45 minutes
Frequency: Multiple daily flights
Cost: €40-200 depending on season and booking time.
Airlines: Aegean Air, Skyexpress
Airport to Fira: 15-minute taxi ride (€25-37) or airport shuttle bus (around €2, runs every hour), check here for the timetable and current prices.
For Cruise Passengers
- Arrival point: Old Port of Fira
- Getting up to Fira:
- Cable car: €10 one-way, operates 6:30 AM-10:00 PM (high season)
- Walking: 600 steps, free but strenuous (25-30 minutes up)
- Important: Avoid donkey rides for ethical reasons
- Cable car queues: Expect 30-60 minute waits between 9:00-11:30 AM and 3:00-5:00 PM when multiple cruise ships are docked. Check the timetable here.
- From Fira, hop on a local bus or pre-book a private tour to cover more ground.
We recommend the Private Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of Santorini because it offers a comprehensive tour of the entire island.
Top Things to Do in One Day in Santorini
This timeline is ambitious! Choose your must-see attractions and be prepared to adjust based on your interests and energy levels.
Explore Oia Village
Estimated time needed: 2 hours | Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon
The crown jewel of Santorini, Oia (pronounced EE-ah) features the iconic blue-domed churches and whitewashed buildings that grace postcards worldwide.
Don’t miss:
- Blue-domed churches of Agios Spiridonas and Anastasios (follow signs to “church viewpoint”)
- Maritime Museum (€4 entrance) every Tuesday closed
- Ammoudi Bay (300 steps down)
- Castle ruins for panoramic views
Explore Traditional Villages
Estimated time needed: 1-1.5 hours | Best time to visit: Mid-morning
For a taste of authentic Santorini away from the tourist crowds, visit one of these traditional villages.
Pyrgos Village
- Former capital with medieval architecture – Wander through this preserved medieval settlement where narrow, winding pathways lead past centuries-old stone houses with distinctive Cycladic arches and colorful wooden doors.
- Panoramic island views – Climb to the village’s highest point for breathtaking 360-degree vistas that stretch across the entire island—from the caldera and volcanic islands to the eastern beaches and terraced vineyards.
- Kasteli castle ruins at the top – Explore the remains of this 13th-century Venetian fortress, where ancient stone walls tell stories of pirates and conquests, and hidden corners offer perfect photo opportunities.
- Profitis Ilias Monastery nearby – Visit this 18th-century monastery at Santorini’s highest point (567m), featuring rare religious icons and offering serene mountain views that make it worth the short detour.
Emporio Village
- Largest traditional settlement on the island – Explore this sprawling hillside village where over 3,000 residents maintain authentic Greek traditions in a maze of interconnected houses built for protection against pirates.
- Narrow, maze-like streets – Lose yourself in the charming labyrinth of passageways barely wide enough for two people to pass, where centuries of footsteps have worn smooth the stone pathways lined with whitewashed walls.
- Medieval Kasteli fortress – Step inside this remarkable fortified settlement where homes were built wall-to-wall in a continuous ring around the central church, creating a natural defensive barrier against invaders.
- Goulas (Tower) dating from 1400 – Marvel at this well-preserved Venetian tower that once served as a lookout post, with its distinctive square shape and strategic position overlooking the fertile plains below.
- Colorful doors and bougainvillea are perfect for photos – Capture Instagram-worthy shots of bright blue, red, and yellow doorways framed by cascading purple bougainvillea flowers that provide vivid contrast against the stark white buildings.
Akrotiri Archeological Site
Estimated time needed: 1-1.5 hours | Cost: €20 |
Hours: Monday, Thursday
08:30 – 15:30
Last admission 15:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
From 1st of April until 31 of August 08:00 – 20:00
Last admission 19:30
On the 1st of September, the opening hours apply, due to a gradual reduction in the length of the day, as follows:
1st to 15th September 08:00 – 19:30
Last admission 19:00
16th to 30th September 08:00 – 19:00
Last admission 18:30
1st to 15th October 08:00 – 18:30
Last admission 18:00 and
16th to 31st October 08:00 – 18:00
Last admission 17:30
Often called the “Greek Pompeii,” this Bronze Age settlement was preserved under volcanic ash for 3,600 years.
Highlights:
- Climate-controlled environment (great for hot afternoons!)
- Remarkably preserved multi-story buildings
- Advanced drainage systems
- Beautiful frescoes (originals at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens)
Take a Photo on Red Beach
Estimated time needed: 30 minutes for photos | Best time to visit: Late afternoon
This dramatic red-cliff beach makes for stunning photos, but the path to reach it is somewhat treacherous.
Important safety information:
- Swimming is possible, but not necessary, to appreciate the view
- Wear proper shoes (not flip-flops) to navigate the rocky path
- Be aware that rockslides occasionally occur
Swim on a Volcanic Beach
Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours if swimming | Best time to visit: Midday
If you have time for a swim, consider one of Santorini’s unique volcanic beaches:
Perissa or Perivolos (Black Sand):
- Water: Cooler than expected! The black sand heats up quickly, but the sea remains refreshing
- Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas (€10-20 for a set), restaurants, watersports
- Access: Direct bus from Fira (€2.50 one-way, 20 minutes)
Check out: Black sand beaches in Santorini.
Visit a Winery or Do a Wine Tour
Estimated time needed: 1-1.5 hours | Cost: €15-40 per session
Did you know that Santorini is famous for its wine? The island has several excellent wineries, and a perfect way to end your one day in Santorini is by doing a wine tour.
The Santorini: 4-Hour Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour offers the ultimate Santorini wine tour. You will enjoy expert grape variety advice while learning about the island’s 3,500-year history of winemaking. Also, the tour provides the chance to enjoy 12 different varieties, all produced on the island.
Alternatively, you can choose one of the following wineries:
- Santo Wines: The Largest winery with spectacular caldera views
- Venetsanos Winery: Cliff-side location near Athinios port
- Gavalas Winery: Family-run boutique winery in Megalochori village
- Domaine Sigalas: Award-winning wines near Oia
If You Are Staying Late
Watch the Sunset
Estimated time needed: 1 hour | Best time: Check daily sunset time and arrive 30+ minutes early
Santorini sunsets are legendary for good reason. Choose your sunset spot based on your location:
- Oia Castle: The classic choice—spectacular but extremely crowded
- Fira to Imerovigli walk: Equally beautiful views with fewer people
- Skaros Rock: Requires a short hike but rewards with unobstructed views
- Santo Wines: Combine wine tasting with sunset views (reservation required)
Have a Cocktail in the Caldera in Fira
Fira is an excellent place to grab a drink after a long and hard day of exploring. Plus, it would probably be hot if you visited during summertime. Sit down, relax, and chat about your day of exploring while you watch the sunset.
How to Get Around Santorini in a Day
Rent a Car From the Airport
Cost: €40-80 per day, depending on season
Pros:
- Maximum flexibility
- Air conditioning (crucial in summer)
- Can reach remote locations
- Time-efficient
Cons:
- Fuel costs (€2.00/liter)
- Parking can be challenging in Oia and Fira
- Navigation can be tricky on narrow roads
I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Book a Private Tour
Cost: around €150 pp for a half-day private tour
Pros:
- Local expert knowledge
- No need to navigate or find parking
- Customizable itinerary
- Air-conditioned comfort
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Need to stick to the agreed schedule
We recommend the Private Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of Santorini because it offers a comprehensive tour of the entire island.
You’ll enjoy a five-hour tour that takes you wherever you want. Also, Santorini is very hot during the summer, and they offer an air-conditioned vehicle. It is the best option if you’re spending one day in Santorini from a cruise ship.
Public Buses
Cost: €1.80-2.40 per journey
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Connect all major locations
- Air-conditioned vehicles
Cons:
- Fixed schedules with varying frequency
- Can be very crowded in the high season
- May require transfers in Fira (central hub)
Key routes:
- Fira to Perissa: 20 minutes, every 30 minutes in high season
- Fira to Oia: 25 minutes, every 30 minutes in high season
- Fira to Akrotiri: 20 minutes, hourly
Essential Tips
- Beat the crowds: Start with Oia early morning (before 9:00 AM) when cruise passengers are still disembarking
- Water and sun protection: Bring a reusable water bottle (tap water isn’t potable) and apply sunscreen liberally
- Comfortable footwear: Santorini’s cobblestone streets and numerous steps demand proper walking shoes
- Cash and cards: While most places accept cards, keep some euros for small purchases, bus tickets, and remote locations
- Power bank: Your phone battery will drain quickly from taking hundreds of photos Respect local culture: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches
- Reservations: Book sunset dinner tables at least a day in advance during peak season
Santorini might be small, but it packs in jaw-dropping views, rich history, incredible food, and unique landscapes. Whether you’re stepping off a cruise or flying in from Athens, this guide ensures you’ll see the best in just one day.
Chrysoula is an Athens-born travel writer, island explorer, and lifelong lover of Greece. She’s been sharing her insider knowledge of Athens, the Greek Islands, and local culture for nearly a decade — both on this blog and her YouTube channel. Having visited over 60 countries and every major region of Greece, she brings a traveler’s curiosity and a local’s insight to everything she writes.
📍 Based in Athens🎥 Also on YouTube: @GreeceandBeyond🧿 Favorite Greek escape: Lemnos & Crete (where her grandmothers were born)📬 Contact: unfoldinggreece@gmail.com
Learn more about me here.