Volcanic Islands, Cruises and Caldera Villages
Stay in Imerovigli, take a boat to Nea Kameni volcano and Thirasia, and explore the southern ruins, lighthouse and Pyrgos village.
A relaxed, in-depth itinerary: stay in Imerovigli, the highest point on the caldera rim, and spend one day on a cruise to the volcanic islands and hot springs. Another day, take a small boat to Thirasia and return to Oia for sunset. One day, explore the Akrotiri ruins and watch the sunset from the lighthouse in the south, then wrap up in Pyrgos village with a winery visit. No full-day hiking is planned, making this suitable for couples and travelers who want to slow down.
Cruises and small boats to Thirasia mostly run April–October; they may be cancelled on windy days.
Day by day
Day 1 · Check In at Imerovigli
Santorini（Imerovigli & Skaros Rock）
A taxi from the airport to Imerovigli takes about 20 minutes; a round-trip walk to Skaros Rock takes about 1 hour in the evening.
Imerovigli has many steps; if your luggage is heavy, ask your hotel for help.
Stay: Imerovigli
Day 2 · Fira and Hot Springs on the Volcanic Islands
Santorini（Fira、Museum of Prehistoric Thera、Fira Old Port & Cable Car、Nea Kameni Volcano Boat Trip）
Walk about 30 minutes to Fira; in the morning visit the museum, take the cable car down to the Old Port, and board a cruise to Nea Kameni for its hot springs. The round trip takes about half a day.
The gravel path to the volcano summit has no shade, so wear sneakers. Book cruises in advance during peak season.
Stay: Imerovigli
Day 3 · Thirasia and Oia Sunset
Santorini（Amoudi Bay、Thirasia、Oia）
Take a taxi or bus to Oia, go down to Ammoudi Bay, and take a small boat about 15 minutes to Thirasia. Return to Oia in the afternoon for sunset, then go back to your accommodation.
Small boats to Thirasia run infrequently, so confirm your return time in advance.
Stay: Imerovigli
Day 4 · Southern Ruins and Lighthouse
Santorini（Akrotiri Archaeological Site、Red Beach、Akrotiri Lighthouse）
Rent a car or hire a driver for about 30 minutes to Akrotiri. In the afternoon, visit Red Beach, then head to the lighthouse for sunset. The return trip takes about 35 minutes.
Parking at the lighthouse for sunset is limited, so arrive early. The Akrotiri site has shade canopies.
Stay: Imerovigli
Day 5 · Pyrgos Village and Wineries
Santorini（Pyrgos、Santo Wines Winery）
Drive about 20 minutes to Pyrgos in the morning to explore the castle quarter. After wine tasting at a nearby winery, head to the airport, about 15 minutes away.
Don't drive after wine tasting; arrange a driver or taxi to the airport.