Santorini, Greece Travel Community

Santorini tips for first timers

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nadellii

nadellii

Active member
www.lonelyplanet.com

Planning your first trip to Santorini

Dazzling Santorini is the instantly recognizable supermodel of the Greek islands. Here’s what you need to know for your first trip to Santorini.
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What are your tips?
 
Here are some other places that have great tips about traveling to Santorini for the first time:

About Santorini, Greece Archives

Read about the island of Santorini, Greece including things to do, where to stay and what are the best beaches on Santorini and much more.
www.greekboston.com www.greekboston.com

santorinidave.com

My 2027 Santorini Travel Guide

My complete Santorini travel guide: where to stay, best hotels and beaches, things to do, getting around, ferries, sunsets, restaurants, and when to visit.
santorinidave.com santorinidave.com

www.tripadvisor.com

Santorini 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go - Tripadvisor

Santorini Tourism: Tripadvisor has 769,947 reviews of Santorini Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Santorini resource.
www.tripadvisor.com www.tripadvisor.com
 
It can be difficult to know where to start when going to Santorini. For me, my first time was during a cruise so I only had a few hours. I regret not taking a taxi to Oia while I did. Fira, the port we used, was great, but Oia is just so charming - it became one of my favorite places on the island once I did make it there.
 
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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.

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.

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!

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.
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