Santorini in a Day: White Walls, Wine & Watching Your Step

Santorini is one of those places that shows up on every “must-see before you die” list—and after spending a day there on a cruise stop, I get it. It's like stepping into a postcard, but with more stairs, more sweat, and way more donkeys than you'd expect.

We didn’t have long—just a day to soak it all in—so we focused on two of the island’s highlights: Oia and Fira. That meant wandering, eating, drinking, people-watching, dodging donkey by-products, and wondering how anyone wears heels on cobblestones this slippery.

If you’ve only got one day in Santorini, here’s how to make the most of it (without joining the masses stuck in the cable car queue).

Proof that Instagram filters don’t even need to exist here. Nature’s already nailed the aesthetic.

First Things First: Arriving in Santorini by Cruise Ship

Cruising into Santorini is dramatic—sheer cliffs, blue domes peeking from above, and the promise of a view to die for. But here’s the catch: cruise ships can’t dock. You’ll take a tender (a fancy word for a glorified lifeboat) to shore, and depending on your itinerary, that could mean the Old Port below Fira or, in our case, the base of Oia.

Sounds romantic, right? It wasn’t. Not at first.

We were stuck on our tender for what felt like forever, bobbing in place while a never-ending parade of private catamarans zipped in and out of port like they owned the caldera. Meanwhile, our friend—who gets just a little motion sick—started looking at the water like he was seriously weighing up his chances of swimming for it. (Spoiler: he didn’t, but it was touch and go there for a minute.)

Eventually, we were released from our floating purgatory and dropped off at the bottom of Oia, which again, sounds idyllic—until you realise the actual town is dramatically perched above you, and the only way to reach it is to hoof it up the hill. No shade, no escalator. Just you, your questionable cardio fitness, and the Mediterranean sun cheering you on.

After a bit of a sweaty scramble, we reached the top and found the shuttle buses waiting to take us into Oia township itself. Was it a lot for 9:30am? Maybe. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Me: This will be a nice little stroll. Also me after 5 minutes: Send help. Or a donkey.

Oia: Living the Postcard Life

Oia is the Santorini you’ve seen a hundred times on Instagram. Think white buildings stacked like sugar cubes on a cliff, splashes of cobalt blue, and views so good they don’t look real. We wandered through narrow laneways that twisted between boutiques, rooftop restaurants, and photogenic corners so perfect you’d think they were staged.

We weren’t in a rush, which is the best way to see Oia. We ducked into a shop or two, stared wistfully at a few infinity pools we weren’t allowed into, and then did what any respectable traveller would do before midday—we found a spot with a view and ordered wine.

Santorini wine, by the way, slaps. Dry whites grown in volcanic soil? Yes please. A glass or two later, the heat felt more poetic and the climb more heroic.

Trying to blend in with the local flora… 10/10 would recommend

Naturally, we followed this up with gelato, because it was hot, we’d earned it, and we’re not monsters. Of course, I had my trusty pistachio—creamy, nutty, and utterly delicious—while others branched out to chocolate and stracciatella. All were well reviewed, and honestly, you can’t go wrong here. Our stop of choice? Lolita’s Gelato—a local favourite near the main bus terminal. With creative flavours, a refreshingly cool vibe, and rave reviews from pretty much everyone who’s ever wandered past it sweating in the sun, it was the perfect sweet reward for a morning well spent.

This bell rings whenever someone says ‘Let’s have another glass of local wine.’ Spoiler: it rings a lot.

Fira & the Long Way Down

Eventually, it was time to head back to Fira, Santorini’s bustling capital where the cable car, donkeys, and the long descent await. Before tackling the steps, we stopped for lunch. And yes, we did what every tourist is warned against—we followed someone waving a menu on the street, enticing us into their restaurant.

At first, we questioned our choice. The place was tucked away in a quiet back alley, nothing like the busy main strip. But then we were directed up a flight of stairs to a terrace—and wow, what a view. Even better, the prices were nowhere near as extravagant as the restaurants lining the main path to the cable car.

We feasted on fresh seafood, sipped more local Santorini wine, and indulged in some classic Greek lamb skewers—souvlaki. Maybe that’s why we felt a walk was definitely in order.

Wandering through the labyrinth where every corner looks like a postcard, and every turn threatens to steal your breath away.

The cable car queue was a nightmare, so instead we took the plunge not literally!) and walked down. Cue the 600-odd steps on a slippery, winding path shared with donkeys, tourists, and the occasional unwelcome whiff. This route isn’t for the faint-hearted (or those in trendy heels), but we took it slow, watched our footing carefully, and managed to stay upright all the way to the bottom (unlike many of our fellow travelers). Victory!

Successfully avoided donkey drama today. Apparently, that’s an achievement.

Although we could have stayed to watch the sunset in Fira—our cruise ship’s late departure allowed for it—by mid-afternoon we were hot, sweaty, and craving an afternoon siesta and cold shower. So we chose to enjoy Santorini’s famous sunset from our balcony onboard instead. Judging by what we’ve seen on Instagram, fighting through the crowds for a glimpse of the view is part of the experience. Some might love that buzz, but we were perfectly happy with a relaxed, private sunset show from the comfort of our cabin.

Final Thoughts: Santorini in a Day? Yes, You Can

Would we have loved more time in Santorini? Of course. But even with just a few hours, you can still capture the essence of this stunning little island—its beauty, its heat, its wine, and its stair-related challenges.

If you're planning your own day here, remember:

• Skip the cable car queue and wear shoes with grip.

• Hydrate (with wine, obviously).

• Don’t rush. Oia is best enjoyed slowly, preferably with a gelato in hand and the sea at your feet.

The real MVP of Santorini transport, photobombing luxury cruise ships since forever.

Santorini, you were short but oh-so-sweet.

What about you?

Have you been to Santorini? Tell us about your favourite memory or hidden gem from the island! And if you haven’t been yet, what’s the one thing you’re most excited to do when you finally visit? Drop your stories and plans in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!