2 Days in Santorini: Itinerary, Best Places to Visit & See
If you’re planning to spend 2 days in Santorini, you may wonder if this amount of time is enough to see the island, or what the best things to do and see are.
Don’t worry, we have you covered!
In this article, we share the best places to visit in Santorini in two days, along with a 2-day Santorini itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.
Let’s dive in!
Is 2 days in Santorini enough?
Yes, 2 days in Santorini is enough to see the island’s main points of interest and popular attractions, including Oia, Fira, the caldera, the black and red beaches, the volcano, Akrotiri, and, of course, to watch the breathtakingly beautiful sunset. However, planning is key to enjoying the island without getting exhausted or missing out on anything, so you’ll need a well-planned itinerary.
How to spend 2 days in Santorini?
If you’re wondering how to spend 2 days in Santorini, combining sightseeing, must-do experiences, like wine tasting and sunset cruises, and time for relaxation is your best bet. Planning your day with that combination in mind will allow you to experience the best the island has to offer without rushing, crossing off all the must-do activities and must-visit places on your bucket list!
The best places to visit in Santorini in 2 days (what to see and do)
Even if you stay in Santorini for just two days, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do that you can incorporate into your itinerary. Let’s see the must-dos and sees:
The best places to see and visit in Santorini in 2 days are:
- Oia
- Fira
- Akrotiri settlement
- The Red Beach
- The Black Beach
- The volcano
- The hot springs
- The island’s blue-domed chapels
- The Museum of Prehistoric Thera
The best things to do in Santorini in 2 days are:
- Watching the sunset
- Participating in a wine tasting and touring the vineyards
- Enjoying a rooftop dinner with caldera views
- Touring the island
- Going on a sunset cruise around the caldera
- Savoring local delicacies
- Hiking from Fira to Oia
The only 2-day Santorini itinerary you will need
A strategically planned itinerary will allow you to see everything you want, even in just a couple of days. Here’s a great 2-day itinerary to make the most of your stay in Santorini, ensuring you visit all the main points of interest:
Day 1
Morning and noon
If you’re the adventurous type, you can start your first day on Santorini island with a hike from Fira to Oia. The 6-mile hiking trail connecting the two most popular towns in Santorini offers breathtaking views of the sea and the caldera. It’s a must for thrill seekers!
If, on the other hand, you want to start your day in a more laid-back manner, you can go swimming at the Red beach and the Black beach, the island’s popular volcanic beaches. Their lunar scenery will seduce you, while the refreshing water is the perfect remedy for the summer heat. After swimming, you can sit at a local tavern and savor fresh fish, seafood, and delicacies, giving yourself an introduction to the local food scene!
Afternoon and evening
What better way to spend your evening than wandering the narrow streets of the picturesque Oia and Fira? No matter where you stay, an afternoon stroll around these towns is highly recommended. Take in the scenery, marvel at the characteristic Cycladic architecture, visit the museums, and shop until sunset. When the sun is about to set, secure a good spot along the caldera and watch the sun sink into the sea, painting the sky with the most majestic colors!
Day 2
Morning and noon
Today, you can dedicate your day to exploring the island’s culture and tradition. A guided tour of Santorini is the best way to ensure that you won’t miss anything, as it takes you to Santorini’s traditional villages, including Pyrgos, Mesaria, and Firostefani, the ancient settlement of Akrotiri, also known as the ‘Greek Pompeii’, and the wineries.
Extra tip: A vineyard tour, combined with wine tasting in Santorini, is the best ending to your tour. The local wines are famous worldwide, so this is the perfect chance to savor them!
Afternoon and evening
Going on a boat tour to the volcano and the hot springs is a great way to spend the afternoon of day 2 in Santorini. Boat tours to the volcano depart from Santorini’s old port and sail to Nea Kameni islet, where the volcano lies, and Palea Kameni islet, known for its hot springs. On your way back, you will marvel at the breathtaking views of the caldera and watch the sunset from the sea. It’s an otherworldly experience!
Read also: How Many Days Should You Stay in Santorini? The Ultimate Guide
Tips for making the most of 2 days in Santorini
To make the most of your two days in Santorini, you need to plan your trip wisely! Here are some useful tips:
- Aim for two full days in Santorini by arriving early in the morning or late at night the day before.
- Opt for private transportation to explore the island at your own pace without relying on public bus schedules.
- Explore the island off the beaten track during peak season to avoid the crowds.
- For a relaxed accommodation experience away from the hustle and bustle, opt for a hotel in a traditional village for your stay, such as a hotel in Mesaria.
- Prioritize popular attractions, such as Oia, Fira, the caldera, and the volcano, and must-have experiences, like sunset watching and wine tasting.
- Make reservations and book tickets in advance.
- Visit the beaches in Santorini early to skip the crowds.
2 days in Santorini is enough to see the island’s main attractions and experience its unique charm. All you have to do is plan each day strategically, combining sightseeing with must-have experiences that will make your trip memorable, but don’t overpack your schedule. Make sure you leave time for relaxing and spending quality time with your loved ones!
