A holidaymaker on a popular Greek island has expressed his shock at seeing the popular tourist destination so deserted – and encouraged others to travel there at a discounted rate
If you’re seeking a last-minute European getaway in the sunshine, one traveller reckons he’s discovered the perfect destination after revealing it’s brimming with available accommodation. Travel blogger, Robert Sherman maintains that renowned Greek islands are “dead” as he provided insight into his experience in Santorini. “Did Euro summers get cancelled this year?” he questioned in a TikTok clip.
“I’m in Santorini right now and this island is dead – there is availability all over the island,” he claimed. Robert proceeded to voice his astonishment as he revealed that despite it being a weekend in mid-July during peak season – rates are “low” owing to insufficient demand.
“I don’t even have a hotel booked tonight,” he added. “I’m about to walk into town and pick out my hotel at a discounted rate.”
In a subsequent video, Robert demonstrated the “one thing” visitors should do if they fancy joining him on the seemingly abandoned island, however.
“If you do one thing in Santorini, see the island by boat,” he advised whilst participating in an excursion alongside a small group of fellow tourists.
Hundreds of TikTok users shared their opinions on Santorini’s seeming drop in appeal. One speculated: “Santorini and Mykonos have priced themselves out due to pure greed.”
Some are attributing the quietness to recent seismic activity, with one TikTok user exclaiming: “Why do people have an opinion when there is no knowledge? Santorini this summer has low prices and availability cause there were earthquakes in the winter so many people chose this summer to avoid Santorini. All the other islands are fully booked.”
A Greek expat chimed in: “As a Greek living abroad who has visited the islands every summer for the past 15 years, I made the decision last year not to return this year. Prices have skyrocketed, and overtourism has made the experience overwhelming. What should have been a holiday ended up feeling more like a stressful ordeal.”
Whilst a fourth TikTok user suggested: “I believe the fully booked islands are different ones. People are tired of Santorini and Mykonos: they’re not authentic, they’re overcrowded, and they offer a very touristy experience. Try other islands like Milos, Paros, Amorgos – those are packed.
“Moreover, I think hotel availability is linked to the fact that they have overbuilt: there are hospitality structures everywhere, and they outnumber the homes of people who live on the island year-round. The locals now even rent out their garages.”
Another holidaymaker has reported that the situation in nearby Crete is similarly dire, meanwhile. They commented: “Here in Crete and the locals saying it’s the worst season since Covid – cost of living in Europe – flights have gone up massively so people cancelling or if they come are being frugal and not spending money.
“It’s a shame for the locals who are the most friendly, warm, hospitable and genuine people I have ever come across.”
As the British school summer holidays kick off next week, temperatures in several beloved holiday destinations are expected to skyrocket, with some areas bracing for extreme highs of 44C.
Weather maps from WXCharts have turned volcanic red, signalling intense heat, while Greece is peppered with patches of deathly white and grey.
The forecasts for Monday, July 21, show relentless heat with temperatures seldom dipping below 36C on the Greek and Italian mainland, and soaring into the 40Cs on Sicily. Near the scenic Greek city of Larissa, tourists hoping to explore its ancient ruins may find themselves thwarted by the scorching 44C heat predicted for 3pm on Monday.