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GreekGirlCooks

Active member
I’m heading to Santorini soon and I’m excited to explore the island’s food scene. I’ve heard so much about the local cuisine and I want to make sure I don’t miss out on any must-try dishes. Can anyone recommend the best foods to eat while I’m there?

I’m particularly interested in trying authentic, traditional dishes that are unique to Santorini. I’ve heard about things like tomatokeftedes and fava, but what else should be on my list? Are there any local specialties or desserts that I absolutely need to try? Also, if you have any favorite restaurants or tavernas on the island where I can find these dishes, I’d love to hear about them! I’m looking for both well-known spots and hidden gems.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations. Some things I heard: the white eggplants are delicious, I should eat tomatokeftedes, and the fava bean puree is also delicious.
 
I’m heading to Santorini soon and I’m excited to explore the island’s food scene. I’ve heard so much about the local cuisine and I want to make sure I don’t miss out on any must-try dishes. Can anyone recommend the best foods to eat while I’m there?

I’m particularly interested in trying authentic, traditional dishes that are unique to Santorini. I’ve heard about things like tomatokeftedes and fava, but what else should be on my list? Are there any local specialties or desserts that I absolutely need to try? Also, if you have any favorite restaurants or tavernas on the island where I can find these dishes, I’d love to hear about them! I’m looking for both well-known spots and hidden gems.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations. Some things I heard: the white eggplants are delicious, I should eat tomatokeftedes, and the fava bean puree is also delicious.
You can try to find "koufeto" which is a local dessert, skordomakarona (garlic spaghetti), and of course, fava, capers, and the white eggplant.
 
Besides the tomatokeftedes (fried tomato balls) and fava (split pea puree), definitely try the white eggplant—it's sweet and less bitter than the usual varieties. Don't miss Santorini’s unique version of moussaka, often made with local ingredients like white eggplant and sweet tomatoes. Another must-try is "chloro" cheese, a fresh, slightly tangy cheese that's hard to find outside the island. For seafood lovers, try grilled octopus or "psarosoupa" (fish soup) for something light and fresh. For dessert, look for "melitinia," traditional Easter pastries filled with sweet cheese.
 

Hiking in Santorini?

I’ve been to Santorini quite a few times over the years, but somehow I’ve never done any real hiking there. On my next trip, I’d love to change that and experience the island from a different perspective.

The obvious choice seems to be the Fira-to-Oia hike, but I’d love to hear from people who have actually done it. How difficult is it, how long did it take you, and what time of day would you recommend starting? Are there particular sections of the trail that are especially scenic?

I’m also curious whether there are other hikes or walking routes on Santorini that don’t get as much attention. I’ve already seen many of the major sights, so I’m especially interested in something that feels a little different from the usual sightseeing.

Any advice about shoes, water, transportation back afterward, or the best season for hiking would be greatly appreciated!

Is Red Beach Worth a Visit?

I'm starting to put together my Santorini itinerary, and Red Beach keeps coming up as one of the island's must-see spots. I've read mixed opinions—some people say it's too crowded, while others say the unique red cliffs and sand make it unlike anywhere else in Greece.

Personally, I think it looks well worth visiting. Even if you don't spend the whole day swimming, it seems like a wonderful place to relax on a beach chair, take in the scenery, or enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the nearby tavernas overlooking the water. Better yet, why not do both? It sounds like the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon.

For those of you who have been, what did you think? Did you spend time on the beach, have lunch at a taverna, or both? Would you recommend Red Beach to first-time visitors, or are there other Santorini beaches you enjoyed even more?

Avoiding Santorini Crowds?

I’m starting to think about a trip to Santorini this year. It’s been a while since I’ve been, and I’d really like to go back, but I keep hearing how crowded it’s gotten.

I’m not expecting it to be empty or anything, but I’d love to time it so I can still enjoy the views, walk around without feeling packed in, and actually get into restaurants without a huge wait.

For those of you who have been recently, when do you think is the best time to go? I’m trying to balance decent weather (warm enough for walking, maybe even the beach) with fewer crowds. Is late spring a good window? Or is early fall better?

Great Walking Paths on Santorini?

I’ve been thinking about Santorini specifically as a place for walking, and I realized it’s something I don’t hear Greeks talk about as much as food, wine, or sunsets. I’m curious how people who know the island well think about walking it, not just as visitors passing through but as a lived landscape.

So I wanted to ask: what are some great walking paths on Santorini? Beyond Fira–Oia, are there routes you’d actually recommend for the views, the quiet, or the feeling of the island itself? I’m especially interested in paths through villages, near vineyards, or stretches that feel more local and less performative. Are there walks that feel better early in the morning, in the wind, or outside peak season?

I’d love to hear which paths you return to or remember most, and what made them stand out for you.

Is May a Good Month for Santorini?

I’m considering a trip to Santorini and would love some firsthand insight on visiting in May.

I’m hoping for a balance between pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a more authentic feel of the island before peak summer tourism takes over. I’ve read that May can be warm but not too hot, with flowers still in bloom and restaurants starting to fully open for the season, but I’m curious how this plays out in reality. Does the island still feel calm, or is it already busy with cruise traffic? That's my main concern.

If you’ve visited Santorini in May, I’d love to hear what stood out, both the pros and any drawbacks you noticed.
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