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greggd12

Active member
hey guys. do you have tips on traveling to Santorini but avoiding the swarm of tourist? my niece showed me a video that she took on one of the cliffs while she was filming the sunset and I have never seen so many tourists in my entire life. I would love to visit, but is there anyway to enjoy some peace and quiet while on the island?
 
Timing! Try going on an off peak time of year or end of the travel season (September is a great time to go, warm weather and warm ocean water still!)

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September is the time...
 
It all depends on what you are looking for in a trip. If it's picture taking and seeing the sites I highly recommend May. It's beautiful, the weather is warm but not unbearable and you can even swim that time of year!
 
when I went to Santorini, my friends and I decided to go on the offbeat and path and focus more on authentic experiences and being in nature. It might not what you classically envision for a Santorini vacation, but when you talk to enough locals, they will point you in the right direction. one of my favorite memories was renting ATVs and going to a secluded beach with some wine from the supermarket. good times
 
My favorite way to avoid tourists is to get an Airbnb and ask the host what they recommend, the locals always know best!
 
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From what I've heard, it has become such a popular destination especially in the last few years so it’s going to be difficult to avoid the tourists. The best advice I would be able to give you is to get a hotel that isn't in the town center, they're usually cheaper anyways, and you can have some peace and quiet when you get back to the hotel.
 

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.

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?

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!

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 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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