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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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.

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.

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?

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?

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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