A Magical 4 Days in Santorini: My Birthday Surprise

Dec 13, 2024

When my husband surprised me with a 4-day trip to Santorini for my birthday in October, I was so touched! Santorini had been on my bucket list for the longest time, and getting to experience it in such a thoughtful and beautiful way made it all the more special.

I’d always dreamed of seeing those iconic white buildings with blue roofs, wandering through the charming little streets, and watching those famous sunsets that everyone talks about. And let me tell you—it did not disappoint! From the incredible views and delicious food to all the sweet little moments we shared, it felt like a trip straight out of a postcard.

Let me take you through how we spent our time in this dreamy destination—I hope you feel as swept away by it as I did! 🌅

The Perfect October Weather

Santorini in October? Absolute perfection! The weather was everything I could’ve hoped for—warm and sunny, with just the right touch of summer vibes. The days were a blissful 21–22°C, ideal for floating around in dresses and sandals, while the evenings brought a soft breeze that made me glad I packed a cardigan.

What made it even better was the serenity. No overwhelming crowds, no hustle and bustle—just the perfect balance of energy and calm. It was lively enough to soak in the charm of the island but peaceful enough to feel like we had it all to ourselves. Honestly, it couldn’t have been more magical!

Our 3 Magical Days

Day 1: Oia’s Dreamy Streets

We arrived in Oia just as the sun was setting, but—unsurprisingly—it was packed with people all vying for the perfect sunset view. So, we decided to save that magical moment for the next day. Oia, though, completely lived up to the hype. Picture winding cobblestone streets, adorable little shops, and the iconic whitewashed buildings topped with those dreamy blue domes. It honestly felt like we had stepped straight into a postcard!

That evening, we found ourselves at a gorgeous restaurant overlooking the dark blue ocean and those iconic Santorini buildings. It was the perfect setting—so romantic and serene. The views, the food, the whole vibe—it was one of those pinch-me moments where everything just felt right, and we couldn’t stop smiling. 💙✨

Day 2: Fira & My Big Fat Greek Wedding Fun

We spent our second day in Fira, the vibrant heart of the island. If you love shopping and good food, Fira is the place to be! After a hearty breakfast at our boutique hotel, we had coffee and ice cream (because it’s always a good time for a treat, right?) and then explored the charming streets. One of the best finds in Fira was the cutest little bookstore I’ve ever seen—full of unique, handpicked books, perfect for book lovers!

Lunch was delicious, with tasty gyros at one of the many local restaurants. There are so many great dining spots in Fira that you’ll be spoilt for choice.

That evening, we went to the My Big Fat Greek Wedding immersive theatre experience, and honestly, it was so much fun! The actors were incredible, and the whole experience was interactive and hilarious. A word of advice: get dinner beforehand, as they only serve light snacks during the show, but we had a blast nonetheless.

It was also my birthday, so when we returned to our gorgeous boutique hotel, called Edem Boutique Hotel, the staff had decorated the room with flowers, an adorable heart—shaped cake, champagne and a special little birthday touch. It was such a sweet and thoughtful surprise, and honestly, the service at the hotel was top-notch. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday experience!

Day 3: Sunsets, Domes, and Relaxation

The next day was all about taking it slow and soaking in the blissful vibes. We spent the morning lounging at our hotel, enjoying the hot tub and the calm, peaceful atmosphere. By 3 pm, we were ready to head back to Oia for more exploring.

If you’re after that iconic Santorini shot—the blue-domed churches in Oia are the place to go. We got there a bit later in the afternoon, and while it was still buzzing with people, we managed to snag some amazing photos. But I still wasn’t entirely convinced as the sun was setting behind us. That perfect blue dome shot was still pending.

Pro tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, aim to visit early in the morning—it’s worth it!

That evening, we had a wine bar booked just in time for the sunset, and oh my, it was everything. Watching the sun dip into the Aegean Sea, painting the sky with pinks, oranges, and purples, was nothing short of magical. We sipped on wine, let the gentle sea breeze wash over us, and just soaked in the beauty of the moment. It was pure perfection and the most incredible way to end the day.

Day 4: Beaches and Goodbyes

On our final day, we kicked things off bright and early, heading back to Oia to snap that perfect shot of the blue domes. Thankfully, the morning quiet meant fewer crowds, and we got to enjoy the peaceful charm of the village without the usual hustle.

After that, we set off to explore two of Santorini’s famous beaches—Red Sand Beach and Black Sand Beach.

Red Sand Beach? Meh. Honestly, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. The scenery was unique, sure, but it just didn’t have that “wow” factor I was hoping for.

Black Sand Beach, though? Wow. It was absolutely breath-taking! The dramatic black sands and the serene vibe were just magical. The drive to get there was a bit nerve-wracking (rocky, steep roads that had me clutching my seatbelt), but it was so worth it. The beach itself was peaceful and perfect for unwinding.

We grabbed a coffee (because beach days and coffee are the ultimate combo!) at the cutest little bohemian café right by the shore. Sitting there, sipping coffee with those incredible views, was the perfect way to wrap up our trip before heading to the airport. ✈️✨

Do’s and Don’ts in Santorini

Do’s:

Catch the sunset in Oia at a wine bar or restaurant: Trust me, watching the sun dip into the Aegean Sea is pure magic. Just make sure to book your spot in advance—it’s worth it! 🌅
Visit Black Sand Beach: It’s absolutely stunning, peaceful, and perfect for a full day of relaxing. Bring a good book or just soak in the vibes—it’s a must. 🏖️
Stay in Oia: If your budget allows, pick a hotel with ocean views and those dreamy whitewashed buildings. You’ll wake up feeling like you’re in a postcard.
Explore Fira’s shops and cafés: There’s so much to see, from unique little shops to the cutest bookstore that’s perfect for bookworms. ☕
Get a bottle of wine for your hotel room: After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a glass of wine and those dreamy views.🍷
See ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’: This immersive theatre experience is hilarious, heart-warming, and full of fun—you won’t regret it! 🎭
Don’ts:
Forget to eat before the theatre: They only serve wine and a small cheese board, so have a proper dinner beforehand to avoid getting hangry! 🍴
Underestimate the drive to Black Sand Beach: The road is steep and rocky, so take it slow and steady—it’s worth the slightly nerve-wracking journey.
Forget a light layer for the evening: October nights can get breezy, so don’t forget a cosy cardigan or jacket to stay comfortable! 🧥

Final Thoughts

Santorini is everything you’ve heard it is and more—romantic, stunning, and full of incredible memories. Three full days felt just right, but if you’re planning to spend time at Black Sand Beach, I’d say stretch your trip to four days. The weather was perfect in October (we went between 18-21st), and there were just enough people to make it lively but not overcrowded.

This trip was the perfect birthday gift, and I’m so grateful for all the little moments we had together. If you’re planning a trip to Santorini, I cannot recommend it enough.

It’s a place you’ll fall in love with over and over again🌸🌿🌅