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seleanor

Active member
I might be asking a very stupid question here… But is there anyway to avoid the tourists in Santorini besides going in the off-season? My husband is a teacher, and we really only get summers off, so there isn't a chance for us to go to Santorini in May or September. If anyone has advice on how to avoid the crowds, and how to travel on the off beaten path, please reply to this thread! Thank you so much!
 
I might be asking a very stupid question here… But is there anyway to avoid the tourists in Santorini besides going in the off-season? My husband is a teacher, and we really only get summers off, so there isn't a chance for us to go to Santorini in May or September. If anyone has advice on how to avoid the crowds, and how to travel on the off beaten path, please reply to this thread! Thank you so much!
Well, Oia and Fira get really congested. If you need to travel peak season, I would try to find an area outside of one of those places, somewhere that allows you to easily access the things you want to see, but isn't quite as busy as those places. There's some good advice in this article: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/greece/articles/ways-to-escape-the-tourist-crowds-in-santorini/
 

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.

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.

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 Summer Travel to Santorini Worth It?

I’ve only ever been to Santorini in May, and I absolutely loved it, the weather was perfect, and it felt busy but still manageable. Now I’m considering a trip to Greece this summer, and someone in my group is really pushing for Santorini again.

I’m a little hesitant, though. I’ve heard that in peak summer months the crowds can get pretty intense, especially in places like Oia and Fira. Part of what I loved last time was being able to actually enjoy the views without feeling packed in.

For those who have been in July or August, is it still worth it? Or does the crowd level take away from the experience? Are there ways to do Santorini in summer that still feel enjoyable, or would you recommend choosing a different island instead?

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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