Solo Travel in Santorini: How to Spend Two Days on the Caldera

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No matter how many photos you’ve seen; how many times you’ve scrolled past it on Instagram, Santorini will still make your jaw drop at it’s dramatic and spectacular beauty. And it isn’t just for honeymooners! I was definitely worried about being surrounded by cooing couples on my solo trip to Santorini but actually I didn’t find it anymore loved up than anywhere else in Greece! Here’s my thoughts on solo travel in Santorini and how to enjoy two days of sunsets and blue domes…

How to Spend Two Days in Santorini

Soak Up the Sunset

The first time you see the sunset in Santorini is a moment you will never forget. As I said before, the photos cannot prepare you for the real thing. It is incredible. If you think sunsets are a romantic thing and just for couples then you are missing out. Do not miss out on all the beautiful, breathtaking, and yes romantic, moments in this world because you think you need someone to share it with.

Sunset in Fira

All sunsets in Santorini are stunning. But the first will always be the most special. Mine came as I wandered uphill towards Fira, not knowing where exactly I needed to be or where I was heading. I reached the top of the street and it was just wow! Despite my dismil sense of direction I had found myself right at the start of the main street where the view is just incredible with the caldera stretched out before you.

Somewhat controversially, the sunset in Fira was my favourite, beating out infamous Oia. Why? Because it was easy. So easy to stroll along the main street, admiring nature’s most prized performance. I was surprised at how uncrowded it was, having prepared myself for an onslaught of photo-snapping tourists. Amble along, admire the sunset from every angle and check out where you want to eat dinner. Casual beauty at it’s best!

It was possible to actually enjoy the sunset in Fira, it was not an endurance test, a question of patience or meticulous planning. It was just there, blazing with pride before your eyes as if to say, here I am, worship me.

Sunset in Oia

Because I did the Fira to Oia hike to reach Oia at sunset I was pretty tired by the time I got there. So I decided to spot for a rest and a bite to eat and a spritz. Big mistake! By the time I ventured on the sun was dangling ever lower in the sky and the streets of Oia were jam-packed. (Bear in mind this is in October – not even peak season!)

Unlike Fira which is ridiculously straightforward to negotiate, in Oia it’s much more difficult to find those picture perfect spots. You end up ducking in and out of streets, trying to find one that opens out onto an incredible view. Even when you think you must have found one – judging by the number of people gathered, phone’s held aloft – it turns out to be nothing more than a view of the sea and the dying sun. A worthy view to be sure, but not worth watching behind a crowd of people.

Tips for Enjoying Sunset in Oia

If you really want to watch the sun set in this famous spot here’s what you need to do. Plan well! Make sure you know where you want to be and where the best spots are beforehand. Otherwise you just end up running around like a headless chicken (like me) trying to find a glimmer of the sunset!

If you’re not staying in Oia I recomend getting there midday and spending the afternoon there exploring to pick your sunset spot. If you have time and you want to do both, I suggest doing the Fira to Oia hike on a separate day and taking the bus to enjoy sunset. That way you’re full of energy and ready to battle the crowds!

In all honesty if you want relaxing and peaceful sunset experiences you might be better avoiding Oia altogether. I’m not a big fan of crowds okay! Of course you still want to explore Oia and, although I didn’t do this myself, I think spending the morning there would be a much better way to explore the town.

The sunset is incredible everywhere in Santorini – so why not watch it from a quieter spot. Imerovigli is another beautiful town overlooking the caldera which is known as “the balcony to the Aegean.” Why not find a spot at a bar there and truly enjoy the beauty of nature.

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Fira to Oia Hike

If you want to do something different in Santorini this hike is perfect to have a change from lolling around staring at the sunset. The walk stretches along the coast, following the caldera from Fira, through Firostefana and Imerovigli to Oia. So if you only wish to do a short walk you can easily stop at Imerovigli and walk back from there or catch the bus.

After Imerovigli the walk becomes much wilder and the crowds fall away to leave you and a handful of other hardcore walkers! So if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet on Santorini this is a great place to be. Thankfully there was a small kiosk to buy water from at one point, so don’t panic if your water’s running low!

The walk is fairly easy to follow, the most difficult bits are in the towns where the path sometimes takes you briefly away from the sea. In Fira find the archeological museum and take the path left towards the sea. Keep an eye out for signs in Imerovigli and you shouldn’t have any problems! It’s good walking but remember that in the heat it can be more challenging. The walk can take around 3 – 4 hours, depending on how much you stop for drinks and pictures!

Top Tips: In high summer try to set off in the early morning to avoid the heat. Take plenty of water and wear good shoes!

The Best Places to Eat in Santorini

Another thing that surprised me in Santorini was the prices. You would expect super high prices in a such a place, and sure, they weren’t cheap. But no worse than Mykonos! And where you do pay big, they really do have a view to back it up big time!

Argo, Fira

This is right up there with not just my favourite meals in Santorini, but my favourite meals in Greece! I had a delicious sea bass gyro and the most mouthwateringly incredible desert. If you go, make sure to order the Orange Souffle. Just do it, you won’t regret it.

My only complaint was that I didn’t feel I was given the best table – because of being a solo traveller. I understand, they want to give couples a wonderful view. But don’t solo travellers want to see sunsets too? (Yes, yes we do).

Naoussa, Fira

A very traditional cheap restuarant with amazing views to go along with it! I was very impressed by the prices! I went super traditional with Mousakka and baklava for dessert.

Breakfast With a View – Iriana Cafe, Fira

With spectacular views over the Caldera this café does have the price tag to go with it. But it is a very tasty breakfast and it’s actually only a few more euros than the far less exciting breakfast that was offered in my hotel with zero views. And this is Santorini for goodness sake, solo or not, if you aren’t going to splash out on views here, where are you?

Tip: Get the simple breakfast rather than pay for a drink and food separately. It works out cheaper and you get lots of lovely little bits and pieces like bread, cakes, hot chocolate. Also you can swap options as well. For example it offered fruit juice and coffee or tea but I asked if I could have a hot chocolate instead (the only hot drink I do) and it was no problem. So don’t be afraid to ask (within reason of course).

Solo Travel in Santorini

Solo travelling Santorini is a great chance to save money on the expensive caldera hotels – you can always stay in one of those on a romantic trip! Because the island is so popular and well-known, particularly with instagrammers, you don’t feel out of place as a solo traveller.

So whilst some restaurants might still favour couples for best spots there’s no reason not to enjoy a slice of Santorini as a solo traveller! Hike, wander, sunbath and gaze at the sunset to your hearts content!

Santorini on a Budget

Because so much of the incredible things to see and do on Santorini are free (hiking, sunset chasing) it can be a budget friendly trip! If you go out of season and find a hotel just outside the caldera you can get good value for money.

Bus as much as possible over taxi (or stick to walking) and splash out as little or as much as you want to on meals. Obvious rules apply: restaurants with incredible caldera views will be pricier. But that’s what you came for so just go for it!

Where to Stay in Santorini

Search for accomodation in Santorini on booking.com

Golden Star, Fira

There isn’t a huge abundance of things to do on Santorini, other than gawping at sunsets and wandering the towns along the caldera, so bagging a hotel with a pool is not a bad idea! I was so ready for a relaxing pool day after nearly ten days of island hopping and exploring.

Golden Star Fira is a modest, budget friendly hotel. Mostly because it doesn’t offer those caldera views. Instead it looks across to the sea on the other side of the island. The breakfast wasn’t startling but the pool is a great place to relax. The rooms were not quite the slick white neutrals I was used to on this trip but after a day or so I found the more homely feel comforting.

Basically if you’re exploring Greece on a budget this hotel is a great option. Being away from the caldera can also offer a little extra peace and quiet – at least you don’t have tourists walking past your balcony every five seconds!

Book Golden Star on booking.com

Getting Around Santorini

Bus is a cheap and easy way to get around the island. Check out the bus schedule here. Bear in mind that certain routes (for example Oia to Fira after sunset) can get very busy!

You can also rent a car or hire scooters. Just a heads up though I saw some girls have a nasty accident on a scooter and I was pleased my parents put me off hiring one! This isn’t to say everyone would have problems but do remember they aren’t always that easy to manoeuvre. I also saw some young girls struggling just to move one from a parking spot. Now I would never generalise because I’m sure there are lots of solo travelling females who would laugh in the face of that but personally I know I would have been those struggling girls!

If you’re heading to Santorini by ferry check out ferryhopper.com for schedules and to book tickets. You can book a taxi from the ferry but there’s also buses which, though busy, are easy to find and of course a lot cheaper!

When To Visit Santorini

Shoulder season is without a doubt the best time to go. October was still warm but I’m sure much less crowded than August or July!

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