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auroracoor1

Active member
The last time I was in Santorini, it was off a cruise ship. There were other cruise ships that had ported that day, so the place was a zoo. I didn't even really like it!

Does Santorini feel different if you're actually staying there at least for a few nights, or is it always that crowded?

There was a long line to the cable car, a crushing crowd at sunsets, and in some shops, I couldn't even really walk through - there were too many people! Everyone was nice though, despite that.
 

Deborah

Active member
Santorini definitely is better once the cruise ships have left, but it’s still an incredibly popular destination. Sunset venues and the cliffs will always be “crowded” unless you go in the “off-season” - which is getting harder to identify with the attempt to make it a year-round destination. Since it’s an expensive island from the air fare to the hotel prices, I would definitely recommend several days in addition to your travel days, so that you can really appreciate all that Santorini has to offer - which is a lot! Unless you truly want a luxury hotel, I would stay in a hotel away from the cliffs. For example, the Hotel Arassana is located right next to the Cathedral - close enough, but not too close. Get up early to take a walk from Fira to Oia at sunrise to see the beauty of the Caldera without the crowds. To escape the mid-day crowds, you could also take what is a very interesting boat trip around the Caldera to the hot springs, volcano, Therasia, and Oia.
 
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auroracoor1

Active member
Santorini definitely is better once the cruise ships have left, but it’s still an incredibly popular destination. Sunset venues and the cliffs will always be “crowded” unless you go in the “off-season” - which is getting harder to identify with the attempt to make it a year-round destination. Since it’s an expensive island from the air fare to the hotel prices, I would definitely recommend several days in addition to your travel days, so that you can really appreciate all that Santorini has to offer - which is a lot! Unless you truly want a luxury hotel, I would stay in a hotel away from the cliffs. For example, the Hotel Arassana is located right next to the Cathedral - close enough, but not too close. Get up early to take a walk from Fira to Oia at sunrise to see the beauty of the Caldera without the crowds. To escape the mid-day crowds, you could also take what is a very interesting boat trip around the Caldera to the hot springs, volcano, Therasia, and Oia.
I had a feeling that once the ships leave it's a lot more relaxing! I think you're right, next time I go I will stay for at least a few days! I'll look up Hotel Arassana. Thank you so much for your thoughts.
 

k_tsoukalas

Moderator
When I was just there, my cruise ship stayed a lot longer than the rest. I am not sure why - maybe because it was smaller? I have to say that once the larger ships left, the island had a much different feel. First of all, when there, we toured around the whole island. The places that feel busiest are Oia and Fira. So, if you get away from those places, even when the ships are there, it feels a lot better. Oia was actually pretty relaxing after most of the large ships left.
 

Yes, Santorini is as beautiful as they say

Today was my first day in Santorini and I must say I was astounded. I was worried that there was a lot of hype around the island, and that it might not be as nice as they say but I was wrong. It’s absolutely stunning. I believe that everyone should try and go in their lifetime.

4AF80C52-DB66-48DB-83C3-1CD1F1981FC9.jpeg

Accomodation sept 2024

i know its a long way away,but we are going to a wedding and would like to be in Oia.2 adults,2 children,4 yrs and 6 year.
we would like to be central,maybe near the public pool area,or around there.2 bedrooms .
Needs to be a readonable price per night as we are there for 8 days
Any ideas would be great.

Dealing with the crowded sunset on Oia

I tried to see the sunset on Oia - I was only there for a day. It was sooo crowded it was nuts.

I do want to give Santorini another chance but I need help finding a different sunset spot. I ended up watching the sunset by a dumpster - and it felt good enough.

I just don't know what to do - there was NO WAY I was going to be able to see it in Oia with how many people there were.

Where in Santorini is it Best to Stay?

In an earlier post, I asked where to stay in Oia. Now, I am even rethinking if I want to stay in OIa. I am curious - I have about 3 nights to spend in Santorini and I am wondering where it is best to stay. Is it Oia, or is that not even the best spot? I have actually been to Fira once, for maybe a night, but it was so long ago I don't remember it. It also wasn't even memorable, or maybe it was the people I was with at the time. Should I not rule Fira out?

Volcanic Hot Springs in Santorini?

Does anyone know if it is possible to go in the water in the area with the volcano? I heard of some people going in the water on tour excursions but I question if that is a regular occurrence. Also, are those considered the volcanic hot springs or are the real hot springs in another area?

I plan on doing something like his when I am in Santorini, but I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing.
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