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acamp7

Active member
These donkeys are famous! Hailing back from before Santorini was the biggest tourist hotspot, donkeys were used by locals to transport themselves and their goods up the hilly Santorini mountainside. Today, you may see a few donkeys used for these purposes but for the most part they are used for tourists to take a tour of the island.
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They are famous and it is a memorable experience taking a donkey to the top. My first time, I had a bit of a meltdown because my animal kept getting close to the wall - but it is perfectly safe, I just didn't understand Greek well enough to know what was going on.
 
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They are famous and it is a memorable experience taking a donkey to the top. My first time, I had a bit of a meltdown because my animal kept getting close to the wall - but it is perfectly safe, I just didn't understand Greek well enough to know what was going on.
Hahaha that’s unfortunate!! Yes, the donkeys have been doing this for years
 
Hahaha that’s unfortunate!! Yes, the donkeys have been doing this for years
LOL - in thinking it through after it was all over, I realized the donkeys are good at what they do and are probably even used to tourists having meltdowns!
 
They were made for what they do! The last donkey I rode in Greece was actually very sweet. She kept nuzzling my foot! So adorable.
 
They were made for what they do! The last donkey I rode in Greece was actually very sweet. She kept nuzzling my foot! So adorable.
Ha ha, that is really sweet. I hope I encounter one like that!
 

Foods to Try in Santorini?

I might be heading to Santorini soon and would love some foodie recommendations! I’ve been to Greece before but never to the Cyclades, and I’ve heard Santorini has some unique local flavors thanks to its volcanic soil and island traditions.

I’m looking for fun, regional dishes that really give you a taste of the island—not just the standard Greek fare (though I love those too). I’ve heard about things like fava (the yellow split pea puree), white eggplant dishes, and tomato keftedes (tomato fritters), but I’d love to know what else is considered local and worth trying.

Any must-try specialties, hidden gems, or local ingredients I should look out for? And if you have restaurant suggestions that serve great local food with a view, even better!

Thanks in advance—can’t wait to eat my way around the island!

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.

Wine Tasing Tips in Santorini

I’m Greek, but I’ve never actually done a proper wine-tasting tour in Santorini. I might finally go next year, and I want to make the most of it. I’ve always heard that the volcanic soil gives Santorini wines a special character, especially the Assyrtiko—and I’m very curious to try the famous Vinsanto in the place where it’s made.

For those of you who have been, do you have any tips? Are there wineries that really stand out for their atmosphere, history, or even just amazing caldera views? Do most tastings require reservations, or can you drop in?

I’d also love to know if there are lesser-known varietals besides Assyrtiko that I should look out for. And when it comes to exploring, do you recommend booking a guided wine tour with transport included, or is it simple enough to visit wineries on your own?

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?

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.
Share and discuss Santorini photos, questions and experiences!

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