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knicks_fan87

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Hey, does anyone have any advice about what to do in Santorini? My wife is more of a beach type of girl, but I really like hitting the town and getting to know the locals (and seeing the architecture like in this pic). What do you all recommend for Santorini?

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Hitting the local areas is best especially in the Summer when its really busy!

My favorite beach is Kamara Beach:

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I think you could definitely do both - go to the beach by day - hit the town at night. Depending on how long you stay, you could also take some time to see the sites and maybe visit some of the beaches at night. The beaches are unique on Santorini because of the volcanic activity. I agree with Nick that Kamara Beach is one of the best on the island. There are also beach bars scattered throughout the island so you can get some nightlife AND see the beach at the same time. Chilli's has beach loungers and you can lounge with a cocktail sitting by the water during the day - best of both worlds!
 
As I'm sure you know Santorini is known for its beautiful mountainside and architecture. The beaches are really great, especially the pink and white beaches. It's really unlike anything I've seen before…but there are excellent beaches everywhere in the world, especially in Greece. So it really depends on where else you're going for your trip, if you're hitting another beach destination, I would say skip the beaches in Santorini and enjoy the beautiful views and sunsets.
 
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I went to Santorini years ago with my ex boyfriend, and I love the beaches!! The pink sand was so unique and luxurious and I would love to go again. Maybe try and hit the beaches and the town! Especially because both of you need to be happy and enjoy your trip!
 
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Personally I don't go to Santorini for the beaches, although it's cool to see the pink and black beaches at least once. There are far better islands for beach lovers. Santorini has so much to explore from the vineyards to ruins to the efestio (lava). I'd spend your days exploring, eating and drinking in Santorini then take a ferry to Mykonos, Paros or Naxos for some amazing beach time!
 
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My favorite memories of Santorini was walking around in the town. The streets are so small and island like, and there are some really great authentic stores to go shopping and get a taste of Greek fashion and handywork. Avoid the more touristy areas, like the streets with the Gucci and Louis Vuitton stores. That's not what Greece is really about.
 
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I totally agree, you definitely need a mix of both. And you would really be missing out on a huge part of Santorini, if you didn't visit the volcano.

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Honestly in my opinion Santorini is not the best place for beaches, if you really want some great beaches, I would head to Zakynthos and service or Skopelos.
 
If you are visiting any other greek islands and you have limited time in Santorini i would skip the beaches and hit the town(oia.fira.pyrgos). Santorini being a volcanic island is not famous for the beaches but the caldera views will blow your mind.
 
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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!

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.

Best Place to Swim on Santorini?

I'm curious where people think the best place to swim on Santorini is. The island is obviously famous for its views and sunsets, but I don't hear as much discussion about the actual swimming.

I've seen recommendations for Perissa, Kamari, Red Beach, Vlychada, and even swimming from boat excursions around the caldera. They all look beautiful in photos, but I'm wondering which spot people enjoyed the most once they were actually in the water.

Do you prefer the black sand beaches, the more dramatic scenery around Red Beach, or some lesser-known location that visitors often miss? I'm also interested in places with particularly clear water, good snorkeling, or a relaxing atmosphere where you can spend several hours.

If you've been to Santorini, where was your favorite swim? Was it a beach, a hidden cove, or somewhere reached by boat? I'd love to hear your recommendations and why that spot stood out.

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?

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.
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