Santorini, Greece Travel Community

New Raddison hotel opens in Santorini!

1 - 5 of 5 Posts
tomipark

tomipark

Active member
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
Personally, I am not a fan of big chain hotels in Greece (other than airport Hilton, which I have stayed at and is truly amazing). Especially on the Greek islands my thought is leave it independently owned and operated...those are my 2 cents :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
Worldwide Greeks Editor said:
Personally, I am not a fan of big chain hotels in Greece (other than airport Hilton, which I have stayed at and is truly amazing). Especially on the Greek islands my thought is leave it independently owned and operated...those are my 2 cents :)
Click to expand...
I didn't know there was a Hilton Hotel at Elefterios Venizelos airport. When did it open? I'm a frequent visitor and stay at Sofitel at the airport the night before I fly out. Due to Covid I haven't been for 2 years now.

Big chain hotels have one advantage when you are at a foreign country, you know they have a certain standard all over the world so you know what to expect.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
Jerry s said:
I didn't know there was a Hilton Hotel at Elefterios Venizelos airport. When did it open? I'm a frequent visitor and stay at Sofitel at the airport the night before I fly out. Due to Covid I haven't been for 2 years now.

Big chain hotels have one advantage when you are at a foreign country, you know they have a certain standard all over the world so you know what to expect.
Click to expand...
Yes, this is very true. I never know when a hotel is good or bad in Greece because the smaller ones don't have many reviews online
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
Some people really like chain hotels and rely on them when they travel. Like my parents only use a certain hotel chain when they travel. Greece has been tricky for them. If the chain were to have a location in Greece, it would make their lives easier.
 
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

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.

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?

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.

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!
Share and discuss Santorini photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join WorldwideGreeks.com here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top