Santorini, Greece Travel Community

The donkeys of Santorini

1 - 6 of 6 Posts
A

acamp7

Active member
These donkeys are famous! Hailing back from before Santorini was the biggest tourist hotspot, donkeys were used by locals to transport themselves and their goods up the hilly Santorini mountainside. Today, you may see a few donkeys used for these purposes but for the most part they are used for tourists to take a tour of the island.
9A8A39F1-280D-4B9A-9567-4BAFA018DB45.jpeg
 
They are famous and it is a memorable experience taking a donkey to the top. My first time, I had a bit of a meltdown because my animal kept getting close to the wall - but it is perfectly safe, I just didn't understand Greek well enough to know what was going on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dimi_pat
HeartSantorini27 said:
They are famous and it is a memorable experience taking a donkey to the top. My first time, I had a bit of a meltdown because my animal kept getting close to the wall - but it is perfectly safe, I just didn't understand Greek well enough to know what was going on.
Click to expand...
Hahaha that’s unfortunate!! Yes, the donkeys have been doing this for years
 
dimi_pat said:
Hahaha that’s unfortunate!! Yes, the donkeys have been doing this for years
Click to expand...
LOL - in thinking it through after it was all over, I realized the donkeys are good at what they do and are probably even used to tourists having meltdowns!
 
They were made for what they do! The last donkey I rode in Greece was actually very sweet. She kept nuzzling my foot! So adorable.
 
k_tsoukalas said:
They were made for what they do! The last donkey I rode in Greece was actually very sweet. She kept nuzzling my foot! So adorable.
Click to expand...
Ha ha, that is really sweet. I hope I encounter one like that!
 
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Where have you found the best traditional Santorini food?

I've been thinking about the food in Santorini and wondering where people have found the best traditional Greek meals on the island. There are so many restaurants with beautiful caldera views, but I'm especially interested in places where the food is the main attraction.

I'd love to try some of Santorini's local specialties, especially tomatokeftedes, fava, white eggplant, and dishes that highlight the island's agricultural traditions. I'm particularly interested in smaller family-run tavernas that serve authentic recipes rather than menus designed primarily for tourists.

Have you discovered any restaurants or tavernas that really stood out? Are there particular villages where you've had especially memorable meals?

I'm also curious whether you've found better traditional food away from the popular areas like Oia and Fira. I'd love recommendations for places that offer a genuine taste of Santorini, including any specific dishes worth ordering while visiting the island!

Santorini for an Anniversary Trip

A friend of mine is thinking about going to Santorini for an anniversary trip, and she asked me for suggestions. I’ve been to Santorini quite a few times over the years, but almost always as part of family trips, so my experiences there have been a little different from what she’s looking for.

She’s only been to the island once before and really loved it, so she wants to go back and make it a special anniversary trip with her husband. The problem is that I’m realizing most of my recommendations are things families tend to do, and I’m not as sure what the best ideas would be for a more romantic visit.

For those of you who have gone to Santorini as a couple, what did you enjoy most? Are there particular villages, hotels, restaurants, or experiences that felt especially romantic? I’d love to pass along some good ideas to her.

Is Santorini Walkable?

It has been a while since I’ve been to Santorini, and I’m thinking about going back in the early summer next year. One thing I’m trying to remember is how walkable the island really is.

I know places like Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia are good for walking around once you’re there, but I’m wondering how practical it is to rely on walking for a larger part of the trip. I remember there being some hills, narrow roads, and areas where walking between places might not be as easy as it looks on a map.

For those who have been recently, how much walking did you actually do? Did you find that you still needed buses, taxis, or a rental car most days? I’d especially love to hear from anyone who stayed around Fira or Imerovigli and explored from there.

Is Akrotiri worth visiting?

I’m heading to Santorini soon, and I keep seeing mixed opinions about Akrotiri. Some travelers say it’s one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Greece, a “Minoan Pompeii” with incredibly well-preserved houses, fresco fragments, and that haunting feeling of a city frozen in time. Others say it’s too restored, too curated, or too quick of a visit to justify the entrance fee.

For those of you who’ve been: is Akrotiri actually worth visiting, or is it more for serious history lovers? Did the site feel immersive, or does the roofed structure make it harder to picture the ancient city? How much time did you spend there, and is it better with a guide?

I’m trying to decide whether to fit Akrotiri into a tight itinerary. I’d love to hear your impressions, was it memorable, educational, emotional, or just “fine”? Any tips for making the visit more meaningful?

Best Place to Swim on Santorini?

I'm curious where people think the best place to swim on Santorini is. The island is obviously famous for its views and sunsets, but I don't hear as much discussion about the actual swimming.

I've seen recommendations for Perissa, Kamari, Red Beach, Vlychada, and even swimming from boat excursions around the caldera. They all look beautiful in photos, but I'm wondering which spot people enjoyed the most once they were actually in the water.

Do you prefer the black sand beaches, the more dramatic scenery around Red Beach, or some lesser-known location that visitors often miss? I'm also interested in places with particularly clear water, good snorkeling, or a relaxing atmosphere where you can spend several hours.

If you've been to Santorini, where was your favorite swim? Was it a beach, a hidden cove, or somewhere reached by boat? I'd love to hear your recommendations and why that spot stood out.
Share and discuss Santorini photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join WorldwideGreeks.com here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top