Santorini, Greece Travel Community

Best Foods to Eat in Santorini?

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GreekGirlCooks

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.
 
GreekGirlCooks said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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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?

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.

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.

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!

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!
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