Are you looking for an incredible one-day Santorini itinerary from a cruise ship to make the most out of your shore day on the island? Then I’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re a young couple wanting to explore the romantic island off the beaten track, or someone interested in immersing themselves in culture and history, Santorini has something for everyone.
90 % of cruise ship guests tour the famous villages of Oia and Imerovigli, which makes them insanely crowded in the summer. I have been to Santorini many times, and have almost gotten run over by the crowds.
To avoid all the masses, I have created an alternative itinerary.
This guide will provide everything from tips on the best beaches in Santorini to suggestions on breathtaking day trips and excursions. I’ll give you all the ingredients for a dreamy voyage that can easily be tucked into just 10 hours!
Don’t spend your precious port call exploring only Oia. Let’s explore this beautiful island together.
One Day in Santorini: at a Glance
When coming to Santorini on a cruise ship, you have a couple of options on how to spend your day.
You can either book a guided day trip or explore the island on your own with my suggested itinerary:
- Morning: Visit the adorable villages of Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Imerovigli
- Lunch: Lunch in a traditional Greek restaurant
- Early Afternoon: Explore one of the volcanic beaches of the island
- Late Afternoon: Cultural experience (wine tasting or sightseeing)
- Early Evening: Souvenir Shopping in Thira
Sabrina’s tip: Keep in mind that you’ll need transportation to complete my itinerary. Book a private driver or rent an ATV (the best way to get around the island).
The Santorini Cruise Port
Santorini has two major ports where cruise ships might dock: Old Fira Port and Athinios Port.
Old Fira Port is located below Fira (Thira), the capital of Santorini. It offers shops, restaurants, and tourist information centers.
Athinios Port is at the foot of Mount Profitis Ilias and is the main port for ferries and cruise passengers, requiring a bus transfer to major attractions.
If docked at Old Fira Port, you can reach Fira by:
- Walking 600 steps up the cliff.
- Taking a cable car (approx. €6) for an easier ride.
- Avoid riding donkeys, as it is harmful to them.
Both ports are too small for large cruise ships, so passengers arrive via tender boats.
Morning: Imerovigli, Pyrgos and Megalochori
As you make your way up to Fira from the cruise port, you’ll need to grab an ATV, rental car, or cab.
Many famous photo spots you see on Instagram are taken in the famous village of Oia. But the truth is, it is crowded, and you will have a hard time getting a good shot there.
Our journey will take us to some of the most underrated spots on the island. We’ll see white houses, churches with blue domes, and barely any people!
First, we’ll head to Imerovigli before going off the beaten track to Megalochori and Pyrgos.
Imerovigli
If you wish to see a village on the cliffs with white-washed houses, Imerovigli is your best bet.
It is a smaller (and quieter) version of Oia. From this village, you will have stunning views of the Caldera and the Aegean Sea.
The name Imerovigli translates to “day watch,” as it was once a strategic point for spotting approaching pirates.
You can hike all the way from Thira to Imerovigli – it is an easy hike with lots of pretty views.
Megalochori
Megalochori is a super cute village on the island of Santorini. It has narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with traditional blue doors and shutters.
You can also find ancient churches topped with white domes and cute bell towers! The village is easy to explore since it is so small!
My husband and I took our wedding photos there because it looks like the famous Oia but without any crowds.
Pyrgos
Pyrgos is a village full of charm and beauty, close to Megalochori. It offers an incredibly beautiful atmosphere, with far fewer people than the famous villages.
If you are looking for a traditional Greek white-washed building with beautiful blue accents, Pyrgos is the place.
The village is located among vineyards and olive groves, with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Hike up to Pyrgos Castle for the best view.
Pyrgos is also a great place for lunch, so I suggest visiting this village last!
Noon: Traditional Greek Lunch
Santorini has some amazing food to offer – so I suggest taking a break from exploring on our shore day in Santorini for a traditional Greek lunch.
Luckily for you, I know all the great and authentic food spots in Santorini.
My suggestion is to have lunch in Pyrgos. If you prefer to be oceanside, begin the drive toward Kamari.
Here are my favorite restaurants in Santorini (off the beaten path):
- Penelope’s in Pyrgos (the best tzatziki on the island)
- Pyrgos Restaurant in Pyrgos
- Olio in Megalochori
- Tavern Mythos in Pyrgos
- Taverna Alexander in Kamari
- Mesogaia Restaurant in Kamari
Early Afternoon: Volcanic Beaches of Santorini
After a nice lunch, it is a great time to drive by some of the stunning beaches on the island.
Kamari Beach is a black volcanic beach that is super stunning. It has a great boulevard with restaurants, shops, and beach clubs.
Another hidden gem is Red Beach, named for its reddish-black volcanic sands and towering red cliffs. It is hard to reach, so you’ll need to plan this carefully.
Another standout is White Beach, a tiny pebbled paradise accessible only by boat. And for something truly off the beaten path, head to Vlychada Beach. It has eerie lunar-like rock formations.
Snorkel enthusiasts will be happy to hear that Santorini has some of the best snorkeling in the Aegean Sea.
Check out Black Beach, Caldera Beach, or Ammoudi Beach and explore the volcanic underwater world of Santorini.
Afternoon: Sightseeing
If you are looking for a cultural experience to fill the rest of your one day in Santorini from a cruise ship, then you are in the right spot. Sadly, you won’t have too much time for all of them, so you’ll have to pick and choose.
Here are a couple of fantastic sights you can check out in Santorini:
- Akrotiri Archaeological Sites
- Ancient Thira
- Santorini Wine Tasting
- Santorini Lighthouse
- Exo Gonia Traditional Village With a Walking Guide
My tip: if I had to choose between all these amazing sights, I would choose a wine-tasting experience
Featured Activity: Santorini Wine Tasting
Spending 1 day in Santorini would not be complete without experiencing its great wine culture, since Santorini’s main export product is indeed white wine.
The volcanic soil and unique climate of the island provide ideal conditions for producing white wines. The most popular varietals include Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, and Mandilaria.
All of them are grown in cute little baskets. They keep the plants safe from the winds.
Many different wineries in Santorini offer tastings. I have been to most of them myself, and I have loved all of them, even though they were quite different from each other.
I suggest you visit at least one of these wineries when in Santorini:
- Canava Roussos Winery
- Winery Anhydrous
- Hatzidakis Winery
- Santo Wines
If you only have time to visit one of them, I would suggest Santo Wines. Their view of the Caldera is simply to die for.
Early Evening: Shopping in Santorini
Before heading back to your cruise ship, you’ll likely pass through the capital city of Thira. It is the perfect place to grab some souvenirs.
Fira is the capital of Santorini, and it’s filled with shops, boutiques, and markets selling everything from traditional Greek souvenirs to trendy fashion items.
The streets of Fira also offer numerous jewelry makers, tailors, and local artists. They also make lovely jams and spreads that make for amazing gifts.
What to Pack For Santorini in Summer
When planning your shore excursion to Santorini, be sure to pack light but bring items that will make your day comfortable and memorable.
I suggest integrating the following colors in your outfit: dark blue, light blue, bright magenta, deep orange, and white. It goes well with the scenery.
For sunny days in Santorini, a good pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, and a large hat are essential items. Don’t forget comfortable sandals (lots of walking and many steps) and lightweight clothing.
The sun is quite strong in Santorini, but you will probably not feel it because of the wind. Use lots of sunscreen, even when it doesn’t feel hot.
Lastly, keep in mind that it is extremely windy in Santorini, so avoid items that easily fly away (such as loose-fitting hats). It can also be a bit chilly, so I suggest a cover-up.
Conclusion: One Day in Santorini From Cruise Ship
Our day exploring one of the Greek islands has come to an end, and I hope you loved to visit Santorini as much as I did. The day tour of the island was definitely my highlight on our cruise.
We’ll wander through stunning villages, see a black sand beach, and the remnants of a volcanic eruption.
If you choose, you’ll see ruins of the Akrotiri archaeological site, breathtaking views of the caldera, and some of the cutest villages in Greece.
I hope you enjoy your amazing 1 day in Santorini and this guide was helpful! If you are looking to come back to the island for longer, consider staying a week in Santorini.
About the Author
Hi friend, I am Sabrina, a passionate travel blogger and photographer from Austria.
I love capturing the world through the lens of the seasons, chasing soft spring blooms, golden autumn light, and cozy winter moments along the way. My goal is to help you discover destinations at their most magical moments.
