Want to discover Greece in a short span of time? Then buckle up for a new adventure, as you travel down to some of the quaintest towns of Greece in this short Greek vacation.

Greece, the Mediterranean bliss, is one of Europe’s perfect getaways to relax and experience coastal life. As we all rightly know, Greece is all about exploring the famous locations of Santorini, Mykonos, Hydra, and Para. But why not break the cycle? And gain a whole new discovery?

This guide is curated considering a new possibility, niche way of exploring the Greek Isles and its mainland. The itinerary designed, will take you through some of the gorgeous, under-rated towns and scenic areas. At the same time we ensure, the activities & experiences you do in your Greek vacation remain blockbuster.

Overview of 5 Day Greece Itinerary

This 5-day Greek itinerary is designed considering leisure excursions and activities you could do in a short span of time. Often, travelers look for itineraries that take less time to travel, but more opportunities to seek. Exactly what this Ancient Greek vacation offers.

Highlights of 5 Days in Greece –

1. Explore the Corfu Old Town
2. Excursion to Agni Bay and Cape Drastis
3. Discover monasteries & monoliths at Meteora
4. Visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi
5. Journey to Athens highlights

The below itinerary boasts excellent touristic moments for visitors who want to travel to off-beaten places of Greece. You’ll start your tour from Corfu – one of the stunning most locations of Greece – and will then end it in the capital city – Athens.

All the activities & attractions mentioned in our 5-day Greece itinerary can be done in a simple, relaxed way. However, if you feel to explore more out of a certain place– then feel free to customize this itinerary. You can chip in additional days, discover optional tours and venture beyond the off-beaten path.

If you wish to book the exact same tour, then you could do so – by visiting the G Adventures website. You will even find other best Greece trip itineraries, uniquely designed tours, and add-on experiences for purchase, along with this itinerary.

Essential Planning Tips for 5 Days in Greece

Before moving to the itinerary part, it’s important to understand a few essential planning points prior to booking any Greece vacation. This is just a high-overview of certain travel tips – but I’ll ensure to link you through some additional resources & helpful guides.

Best time to visit Greece: The islands of Greece and its mainland, is known for their glorious summer weather. Temperatures are blazing around the mid-30s, with mild sunshine and clear blue skies. So ideally, May to September is the best time to visit Greece. It’s also the peak season of travel, so expect crowded tourist centers and bustling attractions. If you prefer a peaceful Greek vacation, then I would suggest booking a Greece tour between April and June. The weather might be a little chillier, especially in the island areas. Try and avoid the Easter week the best you can, as it’s the peak season for domestic travel.

Visa & Documentation: Visa requirements will differ from country to country. But, all countries will require a valid passport (6 months of minimum validity) & a Schengen Visa to enter Greece. For more details, visit the website.

How much does a Greek vacation cost: If you’re specifically traveling to Greece during the peak season, then the entry fee for all attractions will reach its high point. All of them need to be booked well in advance to avoid any hassles. An average weeks’ vacation to Greece can cost you approx. $800-$900. This is just an indication considering previous traveling data. Your tour price will heavily depend on the choices you make for your trip. Factors like accommodation, inter-travel, meal expenses, and optional activities should be considered when planning.

Note: Our 5 days in Greece itinerary will cost you approx. $700. You can book a similar tour around this price range through the G Adventures website. The price indicated can change depending on the dates/season you travel, and also on the optional activities you choose.

5 Days in Greece Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 | Corfu

There are literally hundreds of places across Europe, that seem little under-rated, or under-appreciated. Corfu Island is one of those.

Coming from my own travel experience, Corfu is one of the best Greek Islands you can visit. It has got everything you need, right from a range of classic activities to unbeatable experiences.

Since the itinerary is only for 5-days, I had to keep Corfu for only an overnight stay. However, there are plenty of things you can still do while exploring this island.

Things to do in Corfu, Greece –

Visit the Corfu Old Town – The Old town is loaded with walkable streets and narrow alleyways, making you venture between the stunning Venetian and Neoclassical houses. It’s probably one of the best ways to discover the highlights of the island’s main tourist attractions. Do check out both the fortresses – the New to the west and the Old to the east. Later, discover some canal bridges and visit other popular places like the Church of St George and the 19th-century British barracks. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the Corfu Old Town.

Explore Agni Bay – A 45-minute drive from the main town will take you to a pretty-little gem – Agni Bay. This will be a wonderful experience if you love interacting with locals and indulging in their day-to-day activities. This historic fishing village boasts excellent coastline views, seafront tavernas, and great viewpoints. You can simply dip in the warm waters or treat yourself to a nice local Greek seafood.

Excursion to Cape Drastis – An hour’s drive from Agni Bay will take you to the northernmost points of Corfu Island – Cape Drastis. It’s commonly said, that if you’re in Corfu – never miss a visit to Cape Drastis. It’s rightly said so because this dramatic cliff is one of the fantastic places to visit in Greece. It kind of reminds you of the ‘Jurassic Coast’ in the UK, which shares similar features. Well, good for you, that you can see the same in Greece. My favorite time to visit Cape Drastis was during a bright sunny day. This is how you can truly appreciate the sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

The above-mentioned ones are the must-visit places in Corfu. Make sure you plan your day accordingly. Moreover, if this doesn’t suit you – then you can also check out Vlacherna Monastery, St. George’s Church, Loggas Beach, and Porto Timoni.

Practically, it’s impossible to cover all of them in just one day. However, if you want you can extend your 5 days in Greece itinerary to make sure you visit other popular places as well.

Explore: Find out more about Corfu’s top accommodation, restaurants, and things to do.

Day 2 | Corfu – Meteora

Make an early checkout from your hotel, and get ready to embark on a scenic journey to Meteora. The total time to reach your next location will be approx. 5 hours. You’ll need to take a ferry from Corfu to Igoumenítsa, then drive to reach Meteora.

If you thought Greece was all about island hopping, then you’re slightly wrong! Meteora looks like a different world altogether. The dramatic landscapes, bizarre rock formations, and perched atop monasteries – are just some of the many highlights of Meteora.

There were once 24 monasteries at Meteora, but that number is now all gone with passing time. Today, you can still see six monasteries nestled on those high rocks, almost being like a picture-perfect postcard.

In Meteora, you get a complete full day to visit some top highlights. You can discover the ones suggested below or opt for guided excursions for self-exploration.

Visit the Great Meteoron Monastery – If there’s one monastery at Meteora you should visit, then it’s the Great Meteoron Monastery. It is the biggest built structure, set across the stunning landscape of Meteora. Along with a visit to this monastery, you can also explore the in-built museum which displays religious icons and traditional books. Furthermore, you can visit the tombs of both Athanasios and Ioasaph. If you need to explore other monasteries along with the Great Meteoron, then this half-day guided tour from Kalabaka will help.

Hike the Monasteries and Monoliths – Driving to the popular monasteries of Meteora is a common activity, but hiking between the hills through rugged lands and lush-green mountains is a real pleasure. One of my favorite things to do was to explore the abandoned monasteries and lesser-known sights by taking an early-morning hike. You can surely take on these trails late in the afternoon, and ensure you pay a good visit to this gorgeous landscape.

Sample wines – Your Greek trip is incomplete without relishing some of the finest, most classic wines. Make a visit to the Theopetra vineyard, located near the prehistoric cave of Theopatra, and discover how wines are cultivated in this region. Ensure that you try the famous Tsipouro – a strong Greek spirit. For bookings & prices, visit the tour operator site.

Live the local life – The best way to truly appreciate Greek culture is to live the local life. Kalabaka, the main city of Meteora, is a perfect way to indulge in local-life experiences. Savor some gastronomical delights at Meteoron Panorama Restaurant and dance the Greek way to soothing instrumental music. Meet and greet locals around the market area, and learn inspiring stories from them.

Overnight at Meteora.

Day 3 | Meteora – Delphi

It’s time to travel to southern Greece and pay a visit to one of Greece’s iconic locations – Delphi. The journey from Meteora to Delphi will be 4-5 hours.

Delphi – one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Greek world – is truly a fascinating place one should visit. Delphi, in all its mightiness, is a lifetime experience. This UNESCO Heritage site is home to the ancient naval, the legendary Oracle of Apollo, and the Pythian Games. If you are unfamiliar with the importance of these sites, touring Delphi will ensure you’re occupied with enough knowledge.

There are plenty of things to do in Delphi. Honestly, I won’t do any justice shoving everything in a single day. Since the itinerary is customizable, I’d urge you to extend your stay at Delphi to explore all of its historical sites. However, for now, these are my top recommendations to do on a full-day trip to Delphi.

Things to do in Delphi, Greece –

Visit the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia – The first sanctuary any visitor would see at Delphi is the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. You’ll see many buildings and structures at this historic sanctuary, but Tholos is the most photographed spot. It’s usually crowded with visitors, however, you can avoid the crowd by making an early visit.

The Treasury of Athens – As you ascend the Sacred Valley, you’ll come across a small temple-like structure, which houses dedications and votive offerings to the sanctuary of Apollo. Being a symbol of Athenian Democracy, it’s worth stopping by and paying a visit.

The Archaeological site of Delphi – Follow the same path of the Sacred Valley and soon you’ll enter the ancient site of Delphi housing historical sites and buildings. The most visible attraction of all is the ancient theatre of Delphi, which once hosted 5,000 people for the Pythian Games. The theatre also hosted other musical concerts, which were quite famous back in the Greek era. Another notable site is the Siphnian Treasury – the oldest religious structure, dating back to the 6^th century BC. You’ll also be visiting the Doric Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Stadium near the main site.

Visit the Castalia Spring – The sacred waters of Castalia Spring are nestled between two steep rocky cliffs of Parnassus, the Phaedriades. Even today, the water runs from the mountain spring. You can cleanse yourself at Castalia Spring before you enter the Sanctuary of Apollo.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are other prominent locations at Delphi such as – the Temple of Apollo, Archaeological Museum of Delphi, Museum of Delphic Festivals, and scenic villages of Chrissó and Aráchova.

To save time during your Delphi visit, consider booking a full-day guided tour. Alternatively, these half-day trips & other optional excursions of Delphi will complement this itinerary well.

Day 4 | Delphi – Athens

You will depart from Delphi to reach the capital of Greece – Athens.

Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities houses an incredible amount of archaeological treasures. This ancient-dwelt, bustling modern city is spoiled with Doric and Ionic temples, statues, monuments, and other Greek ruins.

Just like Delphi, there are a plethora of attractions to visit in Athens. A single day isn’t enough to justify your true Athens discovery. However, it will ensure that you visit some of the best highlights in this 5-day Greece itinerary. Moreover, this is the last destination of your itinerary. So you get great flexibility to maximize your stay in Athens or travel to other Greek Isles.

Things to do in Athens, Greece –

Visit the Acropolis – Rising from the abrupt rocky outcrop, is a fortified limestone plateau – the Acropolis. This ancient site gave philosophers freedom of speech to discuss politics, democracy, and religious matters. This also gave rise to building temples across Greece to honor and worship the gods. Along with the Acropolis, there are other prominent historical landmarks as well. The Parthenon (famous of all), the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Theatre of Dionysus.

Visit the Acropolis Museum – An archaeological museum, housing some significant pieces of work and artifacts found on the foothills of the Acropolis. Interestingly, the museum is built over the ancient ruin and the floor beneath is made up of glass panels – showcasing the foundational site below. There could be a huge queue to visit the museum, so make sure you book your tickets online. Alternatively, you can purchase this skip-the-line ticket to get direct entry to the museum.

Explore Hadrian’s Library – Built in 132 AD, the library was constructed under the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It once used to contain the house rolls of papyrus books. It won’t take you much time to explore this site, and will only require an hour.

Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus – The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built to honor the Greek God Zeus. Even before construction began, this was the most ambitious project to build the greatest temple. And today, we see this temple being one of the largest ever of the ancient temples being constructed. Originally the temple held 104 columns, but now you can see only 15 still standing.

In addition to the ones recommended above, explore other famous landmarks of Athens – Kerameikos, Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus, the Roman Agora, and the Church of Panagia Kapnikarea.

If you wish to extend your stay in Athens, then visit the museums of National Archaeological and Cycladic Art. For a perfect full-day excursion from Athens, check this amazing Saronic Islands tour. If willing to discover traditional Athens, then this 4-hour cooking class tour is recommended.

Day 5 | Athens

Depart from Athens anytime. If it doesn’t seem right to end your short Greek trip, then extend for a few more days to visit some of the famous Greek Isles.

Travel Tip: To explore any other vacation on Greek Islands, visit the G Adventures website. They offer a wide range of ‘Sail Greece Tours’ according to your travel preference, style, and duration.

Blog – Read our popular blog-post ‘15 Amazing Things To Do On The Greek Island Of Santorini‘

What to Pack for 5 Day Greece Itinerary

For any Greek vacation, I advise you to carry a convenient travel bag. Having a small handy bag will also help to keep your day-to-day essentials.

Essential Items –

T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves)
Long pants/ Jeans
Sleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need)
Footwear
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Reusable water bottle
Few energy bars/drinks
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket

Essential Items (warm weather) –

Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts
Shorts/ skirts
Sunscreen/ Lotion
Swimwear/ Sunglasses

EXPLORE OTHER CLASSIC ITINERARIES

Costa Rica – Discover the Land of Costa Rica: A 7 Days Costa Rica Itinerary

Colombia – Colombia Itinerary: A 9 Day Vacation in Colombia

Canada – Canadian Rockies Mountain: 8 Day Itinerary to the Mountains

Europe – 10 Day Europe Itinerary: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland

The post How to Spend 5 Days in Greece: The Best Greece Trip Itinerary appeared first on Travel Realms.

Once you arrive in Santorini – you feel a different charm, a refreshing vibe of calmness spread across the city. It’s a place where all the shades of red create unbelievable sunsets for you to experience. On top of that, the coastline views of the ocean alongside the enormous cliffs are a sight to witness!

Santorini in Greece boasts an extraordinary landscape! Thanks to the volcanic eruption that occurred way back in 17^th century B.C – which gave birth to the beautiful city we know today. The forces of eruption shaped the caldera to its raw form, displaying magical sight-seeing across the region. The red and black volcanic beaches, volcanic lava crater in Nea Kameni, and other geological attractions remind us of what Santorini used to be in earlier days.

Along with the natural landscape features of Santorini– the island is known to house a bounty load of attractions! You could do tons of things, spending days & weeks, hoping on-off to other islands and exploring the best of what the region has to offer. The enchanting Oia sunset views, eye-catching Cycladic architecture, glistening sandy beaches, luxurious hotels, fine dining experiences, and dramatic cruise journeys – all make your Santorini trip one of the most-worthy trips of all time!

Now since I already gave a gist of what you can expect on the Greek Island of Santorini – it’s time to deep dive into some of the major attractions & experiences of the island. If you’re a person travelling with kids, then we list down some of the top-rated attractions & places to see, which are purely family-friendly.

THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI WITH FAMILY

Below is a detailed list of all the things you could do in Santorini with family. This comprehensive guide will also recommend you kid-friendly options for a perfect memorable Greek trip.

EXPLORE OIA

If you come across people’s posts on Instagram or Snapchat, featuring clifftops & blue-domed churches – then well, that’s Oia (pronounced “ee’yah” or “eea”). It’s an absolutely beautiful town to visit and is one of the top things to din Santorini with family.

One of the best ways to explore Oia – is to stroll down every narrow street and whitewashed alleys. Discover cozy taverns, beautiful Cycladic houses, and bougainvillea framing doorways whilst climbing up and down as many steps as you can.

The other highlight of exploring Oia in Santorini is – you stumble upon beautiful churches as you explore. These blue-domed churches overlook the caldera, giving you the utmost sight-seeing experience of all time. You could spend hours (and likely days) soaking in these grandeur architectural delights.

MAGICAL SUNSET OF OIA IN SANTORINI

If exploring Oia on foot was everything, then probably you should spend some more time to witness its magical sunsets! A perfect way to settle down your day trip in Santorini – is by watching the red shades across the sky cascading into glitters of orange. And when those reflections smack against the crystal blue dome churches – the sight is unbelievable!

Expect large crowds during the evening time, as a lot of tourists especially wait up to grasp in this experience! If you ask – the best place to watch Oia sunset? Then I’d recommend a few options here –

Either you can wander off the streets & explore your favorite spot on your own, or you can head straight to Oia Castle. It’s one of the best places to spot sunsets. The only catch here is – you’ll find a large crowd. It’s jam-packed near Oia Castle and everyone is literally with their camera phones on. But if you compromise on that part, then you get sweeping views of the windmills and the whitewashed houses running down the cliff.

Another great lookout area – is near the three blue domes of Oia in Santorini. You can expect slightly fewer people out here, and the sunset views facing the blue dome churches justify your viewing experience!

DISCOVER SANTORINI ON A BOAT

Discovering the Greek Isles on a boat is one of the must-do things in Santorini with family. Especially, its a lot more fun when you watch the island from a different angle. It’s an ideal way to appreciate the landscape features of the submerged caldera.

There’s a lot of boat trips in Santorini. Honestly, it might get overwhelming for you on choosing the right one. More importantly, if you ask what’s better? Private or guided? Then probably – I’d go for a private boat trip. This way you can avoid crowds and expect you & your family to have a perfect time. However, if you’re tight on budget, then perhaps guided tours are the ones to go for! They have a huge selection list, and the activities vary accordingly.

Some of the family-friendly optional tours to discover:

Santorini Catamaran Cruise – The full-day Catamaran cruise is a preferred option amongst travelers. They take in smaller groups and include a lot of places in their plan to visit.

Catamaran Cruise with Fresh BBQ & Drinks – Expect a few more locations to visit & activities to do when you book this particular cruise. You can have a freshly cooked BBQ lunch along with drinks, to live up to a full Greek-style experience.

Volcanic Island Cruise + Hot Springs Visit – Exploring the natural side of Santorini whilst sailing across the Aegean Sea is a must-do activity. In this guided tour, you’ll discover the volcanic islands of the caldera region and peer into the crater of an active volcano. You will also be exploring the famous Santorini villages of Thirassia and Oia.

For more guided excursions & private luxury tours, visit here.

EXPLORE FIRA IN SANTORINI

Fira is the capital city of Santorini and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and busiest towns of Greece. But if you avoid the hustle & bustle of the crowds from the main port area – then you’ll come across quaint spots to explore.

The best way to explore Fira – is to choose a direction, follow your own path and see where it takes you. The town is pretty small, so you’ll find yourself from one end to the other in no time. But as you explore, you’ll come across narrow alleyways, hidden chapels, beautiful quaint houses, arching doorways, lookout points, and many other surprises.

Out of the hidden chapels, you come across, the Saint Minas Holy Orthodox Church and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist are the popular ones. These churches dramatize the Cycladic architecture in a modern way, with beautiful Byzantine frescoes and mosaics embedded. You’ll also want to explore the Three Bells of Fira (a famous landmark) – known to be Greece’s popular photo-shoot spot.

Nonethless, visiting Fira is one of the best things to do in Santorini with family.

Out of all the things you explore, do not forget to visit some of the finest Fira hotels in Santorini. Some of them include visiting –

• Kapari Taverna
• Selene
• Fanari Restaurant
• Mama’s House

HIKE FROM FIRA TO OIA

For adventure-lovers and hiking enthusiasts, Santorini has a perfect hiking trail, which takes you from Fira to Oia. Personally, it’s one of my favorite experiences in Santorini, as you move through the Greek villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia.

The hiking trail is about 10.5 kilometers long, which roughly takes between 3 to 5 hours (depending on your speed) to complete. Expect a few dirt trails and down hillsides, with many height differences and climbs along your way. Most of the further route is paved – meaning you won’t find much difficulty hiking these trails. 

But it’s all worth it – because you’ll be handsomely rewarded with splendid views over Oia and the caldera.

VISIT SKAROS ROCK

Just below Imerovigli, you’ll see a large rock formation overlooking the rugged coastline, known as ‘Skaros Rock’.

The hike to Skaros Rock is relatively shorter compared to the Fira to Oia trail. It hardly takes 15 minutes to reach, but the path is a bit moderate to walk upon. This location was the earlier land of an ancient castle and old Venetian fortress. But now, it’s a popular photography spot.

The best part about visiting Skaros Rock hike – is the ability to see both sides of the island (north & south of caldera). There’s also a beautiful-looking white church nestled alongside the hilltop, which can you visit.

DO A WINE TOUR IN SANTORINI

One of the perfect ways to indulge in a Greek experience – is to go on a wine tasting tour. Santorini is home to an amazing collection of wines, especially assyrtiko – which is the main grape grown here. Assyrtiko wines are famous across all Greek Islands, and tourists enjoy its rich authentic taste.

The grapevines in Santorini aren’t grown vertically, but instead in baskets on the ground. This then allows the vines to get their nourishment right from the volcanic soil that embeds moisture. The concept of growing & maintaining the quality of vines is especially to avoid the island’s notoriously strong winds.

The best way to enjoy Santorini’s rich wine culture is by taking guided tour excursions. This allows you to not only immerse yourself but also understand the story behind cultivating rich wines.

Santorini Wine Adventure – This half-day guided tour will take you across three traditional wineries in Santorini. Explore the volcanic vineyard, wine cellars, and a selection of Santorini’s different wines (served with local cheese and snacks).

Magnum Grand Private Wine Tour – Hop on a private tour excursion to some of Santorini’s distinctive wineries and estates. You’ll cover five traditional estates, along with 20 different wine tastings at one of the wineries. Additionally, enjoy a wholesome 3-course lunch whilst soaking in the charming countryside.

For more wine tours in Santorini & experiences, visit here.

EXPLORE AMMOUDI BAY

Tucked away on the seafront, just below Oia – is a small port of Ammoudi Bay. It’s a great place for you to enjoy seafood restaurants or have romantic sunset dinners. It is also the starting point for many boat trips that take tourists across different water areas for activities. The Volcano and Hot Springs boat tour depart from Ammoudi Bay as well.

VISIT THIRASSIA

The island of Thirassia is often known as ‘the hidden gem of Santorini’. It’s one of the places in Greece, where you feel you’re deeply connected to the Cycladic landscape. If ordinary travel bores you, then Thirassia is a perfect place for you to explore a different side of Greece.

Not many travelers visit Thirassia, and therefore the island looks like Santorini 50 years ago. It has been beautifully preserved so far, and you’ll genuinely find amazing places to explore around.

The untouched cave houses, lush green villages, unforgettable view of the Aegean Sea, and the never-ending horizon of the coastline – all make Thirassa a wonderful island escape location.

DISCOVER IMEROVIGLI

Imerovigli is one of the villages in Santorini, where you can expect fewer crowds. That said, the village has been gaining its tourist popularity for quite some time, due to the five-star hotels & villas it houses offering picturesque scenes from rooms.

The village of Imerovigli is situated at an impressive height of 300 meters above sea level. Often known as ‘the balcony to the Aegean’ – imagine the views you could get from the top. Imerovigli has numerous churches and chapels tucked away on the cliff edge – out of which the popular ones are – Panagia Malteza Church and the chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti. Additionally, you could visit the female monastery of Agios Nikolaos here.

Imerovigli village is not known for shopping places or small cafes but is still an ideal choice for many travelers to witness beautiful scenes of whitewashed houses, flowers, and cobblestone alleys.

SANTORINI VOLCANO AND HOT SPRINGS

The island of Santorini was a formation of a huge volcanic eruption that happened ages ago. As a result, the core of the island’s center sank and reshaped into a crescent. And because of all the transformation that happened since the eruption, you could see why the island has extreme cliffs and steep slopes.

But the formation also gave birth to the geological natural wonders – which you could witness today. Guided tours & short excursions will take you to places around Santorini – to discover lava craters and hot springs. Here you can swim and experience the warmth of the springs mixing against the strong wind currents.

AKROTIRI ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE

The archaeological site of Akrotiri is home to an ancient Minoan settlement – that features insights of distant people living in the 3^rd and 4^th millennium BC. The city of Akrotiri got buried by an earthquake in the 16^th century BC, causing havoc across the settlement. It is quite similar to what happened in Pompeii, Italy.

It’s estimated by the excavation archaeologists, that only a third of the city has been discovered so far. It could probably go on for another century – to find all the ruins of buildings & structures of the Akrotiri city.

Akrotiri is located towards the south of the island and is a 25-minute drive from Fira. You could reach the site, by taking one of the regular buses that run from Fira to Akrotiri.  

VISIT ANCIENT THIRA

Perched on a rocky promontory, Ancient Thira is an archaeological site in Santorini Cyclades. In the 9^th century BC – the city got inhabited, due to which you could see the remains spread across.

As you walk along the site area, you’ll hit a walking trail that will take you across picturesque locations of Kamari and Fira. Since the Ancient Thira is located above the cliffs, you’ll also observe some stunning panoramic views of the surrounding islands.

To date, Ancient Thira is known to accommodate a unique collection of vestiges that belonged to different historical timelines of the Aegean civilization. Furthermore, you’ll also witness Hellenistic shops and Byzantine Walls featuring depictions of ancient culture.

Self-driving to this archaeological site is difficult, and I recommend not to travel via your rental car. Instead, take up a bus ride from Kamari that leaves every hour.

Timings of Ancient Thira – 8.30 am to 2.30 pm

SANTORINI’S LOCAL CUISINE

Who doesn’t love trying out new delicacies and local cuisine? It’s a very touristy thing to do wherever we travel. And Santorini doesn’t disappoint you in terms of what Greek food has to offer.

The island is home to world-class restaurants, pretty small cafes & eatery joints that serves delicious local cooked food to indulge in. The tiny cafes out here, filled with flowered pillars and decorated roof-tops, make an ideal place for you to enjoy your Greek food in style.

Most of the cuisine prepared here relies on local fishing, animal breeding, and migratory fowl. The ingredients used are simple but have a powerful flavor when combined with a modern sublimity. Some of the famous ones you should try out include – Saganaki, Fava, Tomato Keftedes, Apache, and Brantada.

Not to forget the delicious yogurt, which is served at every restaurant as a dessert (topped with honey & sprinkled biscuits). The dish may sound like a simple delicacy to you, but the ones served in Greece (especially Santorini) is top-notch and flavourful.

VISIT FAMOUS BEACHES

Santorini is home to unique beaches that needs to be visited by every traveler exploring Greece. They are quite colorful, and have some distinctive feature that differentiates well amongst other beaches.

The Red Beach in Santorini is one of the most visited ones. The color is due to the red volcanic cliffs that tear down. It’s ideally a calm place overall, but in the afternoon you could expect large crowds. You can also visit Red Beach via a boat trip.

Just around the corner, you’ll come across the Santorini White Beach. It gets its distinctive features from the white cliffs that surround the area. The only way to reach this spot is to travel by boat.

Another popular attraction is the Black Sand beaches of Perivolos and Perissa. It’s an ideal family spot for you to spend an entire day – relaxing & enjoying small shops, cafes, and beach bars.

HOW TO VISIT SANTORINI

Even being an island, Santorini is one of the most accessible places in Greece. You can easily travel from one island to the other via ferries. They are the most feasible, convenient, and affordable option when it comes to saving a few bucks on travel.

But if you’re wondering how to travel Santorini with a large family and how you could easily get around the island, then here’s a few options –

Ferry – Daily ferries run from the capital center of Greece (Athens) to Santorini and other main islands. They are a convenient and comfortable option, especially if you’re hopping on & off between islands to travel across Greece. The high-speed vessel is the fastest one that completes the trip in about 5 hours. Whilst the slower vessels can roughly take about 8-9 hours.

The best part about traveling via ferry is you could get scenic views of the sparkling Aegean Sea throughout your journey. It does add up to your overall experience, even before you reach a particular location.

Plane – The fastest way to reach Santorini is via direct flight from Athens. There are multiple domestic flights throughout the day that operates – Olympic, Aegean, and Sky Express are a few options to consider. Flights become convenient during the low season, as the options for the ferry are limited.

It’s highly advisable to book your inter-travel flight tickets in advance. They get sold out pretty quickly during the high summer season.

GETTING AROUND SANTORINI

Being a smaller island, traveling within Santorini becomes way easier. You could travel from North to South in about 45-50 minutes approx. You can visit the major attractions of Santorini in a couple of days. However, I’d recommend staying 3 to 4 night’s minimum – so that you could get the most out of a Greek experience. It’s in any way an ideal length for all sorts of travelers to do various activities.

Public Transport – If you’re looking for the cheapest way to travel around Santorini, then public transport is the best mode. Buses run across the towns & villages of the island, but the main junction is the Fira (capital), from where each bus departs. Therefore, I’d recommend you book up your hotel stay in the capital itself so that traveling via bus becomes feasible.

Santorini Car Rental – If public transport isn’t your preferred option, then why not rent a car and explore the island at your leisure? Moreover, this is a perfect choice for a friendly Santorini family vacation. Its safe, accessible and you will be in total control of your tour. Rental cars will be fully air-conditional and they can be booked from the Santorini airport or port hubs.

Again, it’s advisable to book your rental car before you travel. During the high season, most of the rental car companies are booked and it’s very difficult to find an alternative at the last moment.

Taxi – Most travelers do not prefer taxis for their entire travel duration in Santorini. However, it’s a good option to reach ferry ports or airports. I wouldn’t recommend this option, but still better to include to give you guys a gist.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SANTORINI

The best time to visit Santorini is from September to October, and from late April to June. The weather is comparatively cooler, between 20-25 degrees, with a moderate current of breeze flowing around the island. Prices for accommodations and activities don’t touch their peak point, so you could get a pretty decent deal. The early you book, the better package rates you’ll get.

WRAP UP

We hope this guide helped you figure out the best things to do in Santorini with family. We covered pretty much everything about Santorini’s activities in one single guide. If there’s anything you would like to add – maybe a few unique experiences, activities, or excursions – please use the comment box below to post. We will be soon coming up with Santorini Itineraries for 2, 3, and 4 days – combining all of the activities listed above. We are sure this will give you a better picture in terms of traveling & staying in Santorini.

Till then, happy traveling!

OTHER EUROPEAN READS –

Italy – Top Places to Visit in Italy: Discover Best Attractions & Experiences

France – Paris in Winter: 10 Best Things to do in Paris at Christmas

The post 15 Amazing Things To Do in Santorini with Family appeared first on Travel Realms.