Santorini, Greece Travel Community

The best times to visit Santorini

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seleanor

seleanor

Active member
Santorini is one of those islands where the timing is super important! Unfortunately, the island gets super crowded and sometimes dare I say unpleasant because of the number of people and tourists. If you're willing to travel in the off season, I highly recommend it. September to October and April to May are the best times to go. I personally prefer mid September because I like a strong sun so I can get a good tan.
 
seleanor said:
Santorini is one of those islands where the timing is super important! Unfortunately, the island gets super crowded and sometimes dare I say unpleasant because of the number of people and tourists. If you're willing to travel in the off season, I highly recommend it. September to October and April to May are the best times to go. I personally prefer mid September because I like a strong sun so I can get a good tan.
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The weather in Greece is still really nice in the off-season. I've traveled to Greece in September and October and have still had beach weather.
 
Late September, October, and even early November are fantastic months to see Santorini! Hotels, restaurants, cafes, the wineries are still operating, some of them are open throughout the year and the weather is still warm.
 
I love Santorini anytime between May and October. Weather-wise May can be challenging - there are intense winds, and also things haven't quite woken up.
 
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HeartSantorini said:
I love Santorini anytime between May and October. Weather-wise May can be challenging - there are intense winds, and also things haven't quite woken up.
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I had a really hard time with the winds in Santorini when I visited in late April. Personally, its not worth the chance since Santorini is pretty pricey.
 
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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?

How many days in enough is Santorini?

I’ve been to Santorini before and absolutely loved it—but this time, I’m going back with friends who have never been. We’re planning a bit of an island-hopping trip, and I’m trying to figure out how many days we should dedicate to Santorini without feeling rushed, but also leaving time for other islands.

I remember there’s a lot to enjoy even just soaking in the views, but I also don’t want them to miss out on the key experiences—Oia sunsets, the hike from Fira to Oia, maybe a winery, and some beach time. We’re not big into overly scheduled days, more go-with-the-flow types.

What would you recommend for first-timers? Is 2 full days enough to get the full experience, or is 3–4 ideal? Would love to hear how long others stayed and whether you felt it was just right or too short!

Which Santorini villages still feel quiet and traditional now?

I’m thinking of visiting Santorini next year, but I keep hearing that the island has changed a lot — especially with how crowded Oia and Fira have become. I love the idea of seeing the caldera views, but I’m also hoping to experience the quieter, more traditional side of the island.

Are there still villages that feel peaceful and authentic, where you can wander through narrow streets, talk to locals, and maybe enjoy a meal at a family-run taverna without the crowds?

I’ve heard names like Megalochori, Pyrgos, and Emporio mentioned, but it’s hard to tell from online photos which places still hold onto that “old Santorini” charm. What do you think?

Tips for Santorini in a Bigger Group?

Hi all! I’m planning a trip to Santorini later this year with a bigger group—about 8 of us, all adults—and I’d love some tips from anyone who’s done it before.

We’re trying to figure out the best area to stay that’s scenic but also practical for a group (maybe with a villa or multiple rooms close together). Are Oia or Fira still good choices, or should we look elsewhere for better space and value?

Also, any advice on getting around with a group? Should we rent a van, book a driver, or rely on taxis? I have never traveled in a group this large before.

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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