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 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?

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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.

Where have you found the best traditional Santorini food?

I've been thinking about the food in Santorini and wondering where people have found the best traditional Greek meals on the island. There are so many restaurants with beautiful caldera views, but I'm especially interested in places where the food is the main attraction.

I'd love to try some of Santorini's local specialties, especially tomatokeftedes, fava, white eggplant, and dishes that highlight the island's agricultural traditions. I'm particularly interested in smaller family-run tavernas that serve authentic recipes rather than menus designed primarily for tourists.

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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.

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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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