<aside> 🔖 Plan the perfect 4-day Santorini trip with this detailed itinerary covering Oia, Fira, beaches, catamaran cruises, and wine tours.
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Think of white buildings cascading down volcanic cliffs, blue domes against an impossibly blue sky, and wine so good you'll understand why ancient Greeks worshipped Dionysus.
That's Santorini, and four days is exactly enough time to experience it without feeling rushed or missing the good stuff.
Here's what worked for me, laid out day by day so you can plan your own trip.
Rent a car if you want the most flexibility. That's what I did, and it made everything easier. The roads are narrow and winding, but not scary. Parking can be tight in the main towns, but you'll figure it out.
Buses connect the major towns if you're on a budget. They're reliable and cheap, but they stick to the main road, so you'll miss some of the smaller spots.
Taxis are available but cost more. For exploring towns like Oia and Fira on foot, just wear comfortable shoes — lots of cobblestones and steps.
Budget tip: I visited in October and everything was noticeably cheaper than summer. October through April has lower prices across the board. Just know that January can be rainy and windy.
Your choice of where to stay actually matters here because the island has distinct areas.
Imerovigli gave me great caldera views for a reasonable price. It's quieter than the other towns and you can walk to Fira in about 20 minutes. If you want those views without paying Oia prices, this is where to stay.
Fira is the main town with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It's convenient and central, but you'll hear noise from bars and deal with more crowds.
Oia is the famous one with the white houses and blue domes. It's beautiful and yes, very photogenic. It's also the most expensive and most crowded, especially at sunset.
I've stayed at a few different hotels over multiple visits. These three are solid: