girl sitting in front of church

Santorini Getaway: 7 Days of Yoga, Pilates, and Exploring the Island

Written by: brianna terlizzi

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Time to read 8 min

Why I chose Santorini + why you need to book a retreat


Booking my first-ever solo retreat for a week of yoga and Pilates in the breathtaking beauty of Santorini was the best spontaneous decision I’ve ever made. Before booking, I didn’t have any summer plans but knew I wanted a week off to reset my body and mind. I hadn’t visited Greece since 2018 and remembered how healthy and happy I felt there. The Greek islands have a special, magical, and spiritual allure. When I started searching for retreats, the Santorini yoga and Pilates retreat was one of the first results that caught my eye. It felt like destiny—a perfect retreat in a dream destination. Within minutes, I was fully booked.


Jumping into my first retreat and a week-long solo travel experience might sound intimidating, but I thrive on challenges that make me stronger and help me grow. The retreat was an incredible experience. Alex, the host of Sky Pilates Retreat, did a fantastic job organizing a schedule with two daily classes: one yoga and one Pilates. He is classically trained in the Joseph Pilates method, unlike most instructors today, and it makes a huge difference. I left the retreat with better posture and alignment than when I arriv

Without this retreat, I might not have spent an entire week in Santorini, but I’m glad it kept me there. I explored the island while staying active every day—what could be better? With one morning and one evening class, I had plenty of free time to explore, which you can read about in my recommendations below.


If you're hesitant to book a wellness retreat because you're not experienced in Yoga or Pilates, don’t worry. Everyone was at different levels, and we were all there to learn. Yoga and Pilates are about practice, not perfection—all you have to do is show up. I'm proud of myself for attending this retreat because taking time for self-care is the ultimate form of self-love. I’ve reached a point where I truly love myself, although the journey wasn’t easy. It's a beautiful feeling, and I’m committed to showing up for myself, on and off the mat. I hope I’ve inspired you to take the leap and book a wellness retreat.


Now, on to the fun part of this blog post: my fabulous recommendations for things to do in Santorini. Trust me on these places—I know how to live!

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Note: This article pairs extremely well with the "Sounds like Santorini" playlist I made when I was there. Click the button below to view the playlist on Spotify. Click play, and then enjoy the article! 

Best things to do in Santorini

1. Unwind at a beach bar with loungers, food, and music

The beach is my happy place, and during my solo trip to Santorini, I was thrilled to visit four stunning beaches that offered a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. I spent as much time as possible soaking up the sun and even enjoyed a memorable dinner right on the beach. Traveling alone, I opted for beach bars instead of public beaches to have a safe and convenient spot for my belongings, as well as access to bathrooms and food service. After thorough research, I discovered four must-visit beach bars in Santorini that you should definitely check out on your next trip.

  1. Yalos Beach Bar : The first beach bar I visited was Yalos, and it set the tone for an amazing beach experience. With awesome techno beats playing all day from an incredible DJ, the vibe was just right. I loved the music so much that I created a playlist of the songs, which you can listen to on Spotify here . The staff was friendly, and the salmon poke bowl I had was delicious. I spent the entire day enjoying the sea and relaxing to the beats.

  2. Wet Stories : This beach bar had fantastic online reviews, and it certainly lived up to the hype. The comfy bean bag lounges and abundant shade provided by large umbrellas made it a perfect spot to relax. The sun in Santorini can be intense, so finding a beach bar with good shade is crucial. I had another delicious poke bowl here, this time with raw fish, which was incredibly tasty. I also loved browsing the boutique inside the restaurant—a must-visit for sure!

yalos beach bar
My lounger at Yalos
  • Nikki Beach : Visiting Nikki Beach is a tradition for me, as I have been to their locations around the world. The Santorini location did not disappoint, with great tunes and an aesthetically pleasing setting. I loved that you could sunbathe with a view of the sea while still being close to the pool to enjoy the music. The staff was attentive and friendly, making the experience even better. This location also features a hotel, and I’m considering staying there next time. Although it's a bit pricier than other places, it's definitely worth it for a fun and luxurious day.
  • 41 Beach Bar : The last beach bar I visited, but certainly not the least, was 41. As soon as I saw the large gold Buddha at the entrance, I knew I would love this place. The beach loungers were 60 euros, but the price included two drinks, which was a great deal. Since I don’t drink alcohol, I opted for refreshing fruit smoothies. I appreciated the availability of healthy non-alcoholic options in a place typically known for cocktails. I also had my best meal in Santorini here! Visiting later in the day meant cooler temperatures, and I enjoyed a relaxing dinner on my lounger, dipping in and out of the sea. Dining on the beach was far more enjoyable than eating in town, making 41 one of my favorite spots in Santorini. It’s definitely a must-visit!

Notes : If you have time to visit only two beach bars, make sure Yalos and 41 are on your list. Also, remember to wear sandals—the black sand gets incredibly hot!

The entrance to 41
The entrance to 41 

2. Enjoy a breathtaking horseback ride on the beach

When I planned my trip to Santorini, horseback riding wasn't on my itinerary, but something about the idea called to me—and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. I hadn't been on a horse since I was a little girl, and I always thought I was afraid of horseback riding. However, after spending the last few years healing my mind and body, I felt ready to conquer my fears and try something new.


As soon as I got on the horse, I felt a rush of happiness like I hadn't experienced in a long time. My guided horseback riding tour took me along a private beach in Santorini, and the experience was both peaceful and exhilarating. The tour was intimate, with just two other riders and our amazing guides, Barbara and Manos—a lovely husband-and-wife duo who made the experience truly special.


If you're visiting Santorini, don't miss out on this incredible horseback riding adventure. Barbara and Manos are exceptional guides, and I would return to Santorini just to ride horses with them again. CLICK HERE to book your horseback riding tour with Efippos Santorini Riding Center. 

horseback riding

3. Hike from Fira to Oia

The hike from Fira to Oia in Santorini is one of the most breathtaking hikes I have ever experienced. Known for its stunning landscapes, Santorini offers an unforgettable hiking adventure that combines seaside views with rugged mountain paths. The trail begins in the charming seaside towns and leads you into the heart of the island's picturesque mountains, ending your journey in the beautiful village of Oia.


I never imagined a seaside hike could offer such diverse and spectacular scenery. If you're planning to take this hike, be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as some sections have small, slippery rocks. Additionally, it's crucial to start early in the morning if you're hiking in the summer to avoid the intense midday heat. We began our hike at 5:30 AM, just in time to beat the heat and enjoy the cool morning air.


For those looking for an adventure that showcases the natural beauty and charm of Santorini, this hike is a must-do. With its panoramic views, diverse landscapes, and unique experience of ending in a beautiful village, it truly captures the essence of Santorini’s allure.

hike to fira
A beautiful moment on our hike

4. Shop the day away in Oia

When it comes to shopping in Santorini, Oia is the place to be. This beautiful village perched atop the island offers a plethora of jewelry and clothing stores filled with authentic Greek treasures. While Google might suggest that Fira is also a good shopping destination, I found the shops there to be full of mass-produced goods, many of which are made in China. Why settle for items you can find on Amazon when you can explore unique, locally-made pieces in a special place like Santorini?


One of my favorite stores in Oia is The Silk Shop , which features stunning pieces made in Greece. I purchased a pair of comfortable lined silk lounge pants for both myself and my mom. They are incredibly cozy, and I’m wearing them right now on my flight to Paris as I write this. The jewelry stores in Oia are also fantastic, offering beautiful sterling silver pieces, including pendants with ancient Greek symbols. I've created a special Sourced in Santorini edit featuring these unique finds, which you can shop right from this article. CLICK HERE to view the whole collection. These pieces are too beautiful not to share, and they are truly one-of-a-kind.

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As I curate these edits, my goal is to help you personalize your style with unique finds so that we can move away from mass-produced fashion. True style is about individuality, and I’m here to help you discover yours.


I also found amazing locally-made linen apparel in Oia and purchased a versatile lounge set for my sister. Linen is a must-have for any wardrobe because it’s so versatile. You can wear it over a swimsuit at the beach or dress it up for a chic nighttime look. Just add some jewelry to elevate the style, of course!


"Frost Yourself in Santorini"

One final piece I bought in Oia is a diamond eye necklace for protection. It felt empowering to treat myself to a diamond piece during this solo vacation as a symbol of my strength. While I dream of someday having my beautiful engagement ring—an emerald-cut stone on a plain gold band, to be exact—I’m proud of the diamond eye necklace I purchased for myself.

gold earrings

5. Say a prayer in one of the 600 churches

With over 600 churches scattered across its stunning landscape, Santorini is a testament to the island’s rich spiritual heritage and its people’s enduring faith. The impressive number of churches is largely due to the locals' deep religious fervor, which was strengthened in the aftermath of the successive volcanic eruptions that devastated Santorini. As in many parts of the world, the people of Santorini turned to faith in times of destruction and found solace and hope through their devotion. This resilience and faith have transformed Santorini into one of the most beautiful and spiritually uplifting destinations in the world.


Whether you are religious or not, the sense of spirituality in Santorini is palpable. During my visit, I was fortunate enough to find one of the historic churches in Oia open. Lighting a candle and saying a prayer in such a serene and sacred space was a profound experience. If you visit Santorini, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to explore these beautiful churches and connect with the island's spiritual essence.

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horseback riding

I hope you enjoyed my yoga and pilates retreat review and my list of things to do in Santorini. I also hope you can travel there someday. Before you go, don't forget to check out our fashion article "European Summer" to inspire your fashion choices for your trip.

Have a beautiful day! 


Love always, 

Bri