3 Days in Santorini
If you haven’t been to Santorini it is a must visit. The sunsets seems to out do each other night after night and the calm service forward atmosphere is a true delight. We went at the end of September, which is the very tail end of the season and it was lovely. We wondered if we should skip Santorini and go for something a bit more off beaten path but we’re so glad we stayed course. If you’re looking for iconic Greece and a few days of complete relaxation with impeccable service, Santorini is at your service. But make sure to stay away from the Cruise Ship ports, more on that below!
View from Iconic Santorini, Boutique Cave Hotel
GETTING THERE
Fly from Athens. It’s a quick 45 min cheap flight. Once in Santorini you can take the high speed ferry to your next destination.
STAY
Iconic Santorini: It’s exactly what you think of when you picture the Santorini experience. A boutique cave hotel right on the cliff overlooking the caldera in the perfect location to experience Santorini, Imerovigli. A gorgeous breakfast is included each day and the service is absolutely impeccable. You can easily walk to Fira for dinner or join the path to hike to Oia right out your front door.
View from Iconic Santorini, Boutique Cave Hotel
DRINK
Bar To Navagio: The one and only place you need to know for world-class cocktails and post dinner hangs. Right outside the entrance to the Iconic and is about as good a craft cocktail bar as you will find in any metropolis in the world. The owner is a bit of a local celebrity in town and will definitely be there to greet you.
EAT
Iconic Santorini: Dinner here is a must. There is no official restaurant but they do dinner for guests. They shop the market that day and make it fresh just for you while you watch the sunset over the calerda. Yes, it is as magical, romantic and exclusive as it sounds.
Roka: This is off the beaten path and the chaos of the cruise shippers. It doesn’t have a caldera view but makes up for it in handmade pasta and fresh veggies. It’s the perfect lunch spot after your early morning hike from Imerovigli to Oia.
Idol: Within walking distance from Iconic, don’t let the 2000’s club vibe throw you off. This is a perfect spot to get a different sunset view of the full caldera looking back at Imerovigli and Oia. Fresh fish, veggies and fries! Oh and excellent pre-dinner cocktails.
SHOP
Under A FIG Tree: Adorable little boutique along the walking path on the way to Fira. It’s a must visit for local Grecian designs. An excellently curated selection of jewelry, flowy dresses and unique, perfect-fit swimwear.
PACK
Honestly you can get by with very little in Santorini but if you want to live your best Greek Goddess life, as I’m sure you do, there are a few things you must bring. Make sure you pack your best poolside outfits. I’m talking swimsuits plus coverup combos. You’ll live in these most of the time as Santorini is perfect for poolside lounging. Flowy dresses and jumpsuits are perfect for dinner. It’s really hot in the day but cools off at night, especially in September when we were there so be sure to pack a jean jacket (can’t leave home without one!) and a chunky sweater to throw on for early morning breakfasts overlooking the caldera and late night dinners. Last, if you want to do the Fira to Oia hike, make sure to pack your trainers, gym kit and ideally some type of hat to protect yourself for the strong UV rays.
Day 1
Relax, enjoy your boutique accommodation, the view and the plunge pool. In the afternoon plan to have leisurely walk to Fira for a bit of shopping along the way. Make sure to hit up, Under A FIG Tree, a wonderful boutique featuring local Grecian designers. They are particularly skilled at swimsuit design and fit. Seriously they hit the mark. So don’t worry about grabbing that new suite before you leave. Wait and get one or two in Greece! Then have an early dinner in Fira before heading back for a post dinner cocktail at Bar To Navagio.
Day 2
Plan a catamaran tour of the Caldera. Iconic would be happy to organize. It’s a great way to get a different perspective of the island and dip your toes in the Aegean sea. You’ll be fed an enormous late lunch and local wine, (word of advice, go for the white!) so likely won’t need a big dinner. Back to Bar Navagio for a quick nightcap before bed? Probably, yes.
Day 3
Do the Fira to Oia hike. It’s about 5km easy walk along the top of the Caldera offering gorgeous views of both sides. Start early to beat the heat of the day and dress appropriately, you’ll need running shoes and a hat. Plan on having lunch in Oia. Depending on the port schedule it can get crazy busy midday with cruise ship passengers. But turn off the beaten path and have lunch at Roka. A beautiful little spot hidden away that makes their own pasta.
Santorini is the perfect place to unwind and experience iconic Greece. Three days are perfect; anymore and you may start to stir a bit. But even if you’re on complete power down mode and don’t leave your cliffside cave hotel paradise, you’ll have one of the most amazing experiences of your lifetime.
Happy hunting!
All images via She The Huntress
