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kosta_karapinotis

Active member
I’ve seen so many wonderful pictures of Santorini...which have SO MANY amazing churches. Are all of these churches functioning and providing church services? Or are some of them repurposed into other things and they just kept the exterior architecture.
 
Most of the churches in Greece are open for people to visit and light a candle. They do not all have regular services though, I’m not sure how you could check that.
 
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Most of the churches in Greece are open for people to visit and light a candle. They do not all have regular services though, I’m not sure how you could check that.
Im not sure either...it's not like you can call the churches. You might be able to check covid regulations online to see if church services are allowed. Im assuming if its legally allowed, most churches will be operating
 
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Here in Santorini I read in church that during the tourist season there will be no church services
 
In the past I have found out about church only by asking natives. Somewhere on the island will usually have a church service, but there aren't enough priests and not all the churches are open. Many of the priests rotate through all the churches.
 

Santorini at Christmas - worth the trip?

I’ve visited Santorini before, but always during the warmer months when the island is buzzing with energy. Lately I’ve been thinking about going off-peak, specifically around Christmas, and I’m curious if anyone here has done it.

Is Santorini in winter worth it? I know many hotels, restaurants, and shops close for the season, but I’ve heard mixed things — some say it’s peaceful and magical, others say it’s too quiet and the weather can be unpredictable. I’m not expecting beach days, but I do wonder what it actually feels like to walk around Oia and Fira in December. Are there still good food options? Do any wineries stay open? Is the sea too rough for boat trips?

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?

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.

Hidden Gems in Santorini?

I’m heading back to Santorini this year, and even though I know it’ll be peak season, I’m still really excited. I’ve visited before and already done most of the classic tourist experiences, Oia sunsets, the volcano tour, Red Beach, winery visits, all of that. This time, I’d love to experience a different side of the island and find some quieter or lesser-known spots.

I know Santorini gets crowded in the summer, but I’m hoping there are still hidden gems if you know where to look. Maybe a peaceful village, a taverna locals love, a secluded swimming spot, or even just a scenic place that most visitors skip.

I tend to enjoy slower experiences more than packed itineraries, especially places where you can really feel the atmosphere of the island. For people who know Santorini well, what are your favorite hidden gems or underrated experiences? I’d love recommendations beyond the usual lists.

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.
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