Santorini, Greece Travel Community

Off the beaten track suggestions for Santorini?

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cubrinj

Active member
I've been completely mesmerized by the postcard photos of Santorini, but beyond the blue domes and the sunsets of Oia, I'm looking to uncover some of the island's best-kept secrets. What do you suggest?

Have you stumbled upon any villages, beaches, or local haunts here that you loved? Or maybe historical sites too? I am just looking to do something different that what is typical.

Views like this wouldn't hurt!

santorini-greece.jpg
 
When I just went to Santorini, I craved something different, as well. So, we found a local tour company where we booked a private tour. Together, we customized an itinerary. We were there on a cruise stop - but it was a smaller ship so we were able to stay on Santorini the entire day - we were there from the morning until well after sunset.

I recommend doing something like this. We found the company while we were shopping/ walking through the streets of Fira after we got off the tender.

We went to Red Beach, Akrotiri, to a Taverna they recommended, saw some great photo spots off the beaten track, and we found a great sunset spot afterwards.
 
Not much has been “undiscovered” in Santorini, but some suggestions (other than the must-see archeological digs) would be the hilltop village of Pyrgos, lunch and a swim off the rocks in Ammoudi, a walk along the upper village of Therasia on the other side of the Caldera, and a very early morning cliffside walk from Fira to Imerovigli.
 
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How was the airport experience in Santorini?

I’ve been to Santorini a few times, but I’ve always arrived and departed by ferry, never by plane. For my next trip, I’m thinking about flying in or out, depending on how the itinerary shapes up, and I’d love to hear from those of you who’ve actually used the Santorini airport.

How was your experience? Is it as chaotic as some reviews make it sound, or does it just depend on the time of year? I’m curious about everything, check-in lines, baggage claim, the size of the terminal, transportation to and from hotels, even how early you’d recommend arriving before a flight.

I’d also love to know if there’s a big difference between domestic and international departures. Is it worth paying extra for a direct flight, or are the Athens connections smooth enough? Any first-hand details would really help me plan ahead for next year’s trip.

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?

Is Red Beach Worth a Visit?

I'm starting to put together my Santorini itinerary, and Red Beach keeps coming up as one of the island's must-see spots. I've read mixed opinions—some people say it's too crowded, while others say the unique red cliffs and sand make it unlike anywhere else in Greece.

Personally, I think it looks well worth visiting. Even if you don't spend the whole day swimming, it seems like a wonderful place to relax on a beach chair, take in the scenery, or enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the nearby tavernas overlooking the water. Better yet, why not do both? It sounds like the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon.

For those of you who have been, what did you think? Did you spend time on the beach, have lunch at a taverna, or both? Would you recommend Red Beach to first-time visitors, or are there other Santorini beaches you enjoyed even more?

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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