Spending 2 days in Santorini: what to see & do
Santorini offers natural beauty in abundance. And if you are planning on spending just 2 days in Santorini, you will need some guidance in order to make the best use of your time and ensure that you see all the top sites with ultimate comfort and convenience. And at Spiridakos Sailing Cruises, we have the means to do that. So, if you have 48 hours to see everything, we can help you break them down into specifics.
Over 2 days in Santorini, there are a few emblematic things to see. Like the iconic Caldera and cliff top views, the colourful, volcanic beaches the island is known for, and of course the world-famous sunset that veils the sky in a multitude of hues every evening. Although it is possible to pack all the above in 1 day in Santorini, we highly recommend you space out your sightseeing and afford the time to let it all sink in.
So let us see how you can make the most out of your 2 days in Santorini with plenty of time to spare.
Day 1 – Cruise by Day, Leisure by Night
Seize the day! Spiridakos offers an array of premium Santorini sailing cruises and sea excursions which are the best way to experience the essence of this gorgeous island – and ours are diverse enough to suit different preferences. Having a fleet of well-maintained vessels which vary in capacities and sailing experiences means we are able to offer our guests endless choices, and to suit various budgets: like our private and semi-private cruises.
Depending on the occasion, be it an intimate couples’ cruise, a big friends and family cruise or just simply wishing to join like-minded folk and have a blast while taking in the spectacular scenery, you can most certainly find the best Santorini day cruise for you.
Note that most of our day-time cruises start at 10:30 am which means you don’t have to rush breakfast or wake up at the crack of dawn – you’re still on holiday after all!
For those who love both comfort and speed, we recommend the Daytime Private Azimut Motor Yacht Cruise. A typical day-time itinerary would be to set sail for Akrotiri, where the singular oddity that is the Red beach becomes your playground. Note that Akrotiri is home to the Greek Pompei, and is worth exploring (we recommend this during the morning of your Day 2 in Santorini). Of course you can tailor it to suit your preferences, since a private cruise in Santorini with us affords you the greatest flexibility.
Continue onto the White Beach, a stunning geological site in Santorini, before arriving at Mesa Pigadia for a swim. This spot is perfect for diving and snorkelling, thanks to its vibrant marine life. Strap on your GoPro if you have one, while if you don’t have your own snorkelling gear we provide it on board, so you won’t miss a moment.
Next, you’ll pass the Lighthouse of Akrotiri (recommended for a hike on Day 2) as you enter the Caldera for a unique view of the bay, heading towards the notorious Volcano. Get a look at its crater before reaching the Hot Springs of Thirassia – a natural spa rich in sulphur and minerals from the volcanic strata. Enjoy swimming in these healing waters with Oia village as a backdrop before returning to Vlychada port at 3:30 PM. This gives you all the time in the world to relax and explore the mainland parts of Santorini, according to your mood and desires.
Day 2 – Explore by Day, Cruise by Sunset
If you visited most sites on Day 1, your second day in Santorini can either be explorational or leisurely. You could visit the Akrotiri Museum & Archaeological site and hike to the Lighthouse for a great vantage point. While on this part of this island, it is worthwhile to stop at the stunning village of Pyrgos with its winding alleys, fortified walls, hidden passageways and unique churches.
Alternatively, have a leisurely day. Stroll through Fira and Oia, soak up the vibes, count blue dome churches, and shop for souvenirs. Visit a winery to learn about local wines, or enjoy a great glass at the restaurants and bars in Fira and Oia. You can even enjoy them on our sunset cruises, which leads us to your evening itinerary.
Continue the second leg of your 2 days in Santorini by stepping aboard one of our vessels and join us as we set sail at 3:30 pm into the Aegean waters during the most magical hour of the day.
Lots of our guests love to join our semi-private luxury Santorini Catamaran sunset cruises for a bit of exclusivity and fun, but as with all our sunset cruises, you’ll be greeted by immaculate panoramic views of the colourful volcanic landscape and the dramatic cliffs set against the cotton-coloured skies of a Santorini sunset – a postcard-perfect scene that captures the essence of this magical island.
Spending 2 days in Santorini is what stuff dreams are made of. This idyllic Greek island and Mediterranean gem is the undisputed apex destination in the world, and the reasons for that are easy to see. From the incredible history of Akrotiri, the unique Volcano, the mesmerising caldera and the sunsets, and everything in between, Santorini will beguile you and you will want to repeat. And Spiridakos Sailing Cruises will once again be there to make your holiday dreams come true!
