How we spent one week in Santorini, Greece

In September 2020, just as UK lockdown restrictions were lifted, we booked a week away in Santorini for my 30th birthday.

I've wanted to travel more of the Greek Islands, and volcanic Santorini in the Cyclades seemed like a perfect choice after a universally crap year.

Santorini is best known for the iconic view of blue domes against whitewashed walls in the historic town of Oia (pronounced ee-ya)… But the island has much more going for it than just stunning scenery.

Things to do in Santorini

From visiting beaches to wandering old towns, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself in Oia and Fira, where we split our week.

Here is how we spent a week in Santorini, Greece, in September.

Wandering Oia old town
Sailing on the Oia sunsets boat tour
Catching the bus to sunbathe at Perissa beach
Exploring Fira old town
Sampling local drinks at Santos Wines
Walking down to Katharos beach
Eating out

Find out more about our favourite experiences in our blog: Things to do in Santorini.

And for our top food tips, read our blog: The best places to eat and drink in Santorini.

Where to stay in Santorini

We spent the first half of our week in Oia, at the northern end of the island. We stayed at the Caldera Premium Villas and were lucky enough to be given an upgraded room. But whichever suite you choose, you’ll enjoy amazing views of either the old town or the ocean and the caldera.

Cave-style suites are popular in Santorini and though not cheap, it was worth paying for the experience – and to have a small shared pool which many hotels and villas on the island don’t have.

caldera premium villas santorini — by @tomokas

Villa with a pool in Oia

Speaking of pools, you might notice when looking for hotels that, when you filter your location search to only view accommodation in Santorini with a pool, your options become very limited.

A pool is a priority for me on holidays so I found this frustrating, but oncewe got to Oia I understood why. On Santorini’s coastline, so many buildings are packed into the cliffs. There just isn’t enough space for every hotel or Airbnb to build a pool on their grounds.

So if you want one, expect to pay a premium for the privilege. It was my 30th birthday so for me, this seemed worth the cost as a non-negotiable!

Getting to your hotel in Oia

A porter from our hotel was waiting at the bus stop in Oia to collect us when our airport transfer arrived. There are very limited roads for cars in Oia so the bus stop is probably where you will have to be dropped off.

At first we were resistant to having our bags carried for us, but we soon understood why they came to help. Oia is a winding maze of cobbled streets and very steep slopes – sometimes with steps, sometimes not. It took a couple of days just to get used to the climb up the stairs out of our apartments!

Where to stay in Fira

Half way through the week, we moved to Fira, the capital of Santorini. We made the move by public bus which cost about €3. It took around 40 minutes, and was a 10 minute walk at either end with our luggage. Nobody meets you at the bus stop in Fira!

Here we stayed in the Neoklassiko Koukouli which was about a 5 minute walk from the town centre. This villa also benefited from a pool and was slightly cheaper – and not quite as luxurious – as our villa in Oia.

However it was still very comfortable and also had amazing caldera views from the window and pool terrace.

Do you need to rent a car in Santorini?

You don't need to hire a car in Santorini unless you're planning to drive around the island every day. As there are only a few main roads here, taking a public bus or a taxi in Santorini can take about same amount of time. So we found using public transport to be an easy way to see more of the island without spending much money.

If you’re planning on driving around the whole island or are staying somewhere more remote without access to public transport then it could be worth looking into hiring a car in Santorini. But we stayed in two towns where cars aren't even allowed to drive on many of the central roads – including the roads where our villas were located. So generally, tourists don’t tend to rent cars here.

What to pack for a week in Santorini

The packing list of Santorini is simple: t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and sandals. I took one light shirt as a layer in the evenings as well as a light cover up for the beach. This was needed in the midday sun!

But other than that, just pack light. It’s hot all day and into the evening from April through to October in Santorini. So you’re unlikely to need a coat.

My full packing list for five days in Santorini in September

On top: five sun dresses, two t-shirts. I also brought a kind of shawl/scarf as a beach cover up.

On the bottom: two pairs of shorts, and one pair of trousers that I didn’t wear!

For my feet: two pairs of sandals and one pair of Converse. If you’re planning any hikes or you need comfy shoes for walking, pack something sensible as there’s a lot of hills and cobbles in Santorini.

Outer laters: a white shirt, and a light cardigan. I only wore the shirt in the evenings.

The rest: one sun hat, underwear and bikinis (at least enough for one per day). A beach towel, sunglasses, an evening bag, a beach bag. Chargers and EU adapters, books, my usual toiletries + SPFs. And your passport!