Santorini has been described as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, but is it worth a visit? I took a trip to the popular Greek island to find out.
Santorini, with its unique beauty and geological marvels, is far from overrated in my opinion. The island’s breathtaking landscape was shaped by one of history’s most significant volcanic eruptions, resulting in towering cliffs encircling a caldera, atop which sit traditional Greek towns painted in white, boasting stunning sea views.
The dreamy images of Santorini that most people conjure up are likely of Oia or Fira, the island’s capital. As my friends and I began planning our trip, we discovered how these two locations were often bustling with tourists. To escape the flurry of tourists, we opted to stay in two lesser-known towns, both brimming with charm and beauty.
Our visit to Santorini took place in July, at the height of summer, when the island was teeming with visitors and the scorching sun left us nursing some rather painful burns.
Despite the crowds, Santorini lived up to its reputation as a picturesque paradise, just as it appears in countless social media posts. However, it’s worth noting that other towns on the island were significantly less crowded than Oia and Fira.
Perched on the rim of an extinct volcano, Oia offers stunning views of the azure ocean from its many cliffside buildings. This is the Santorini you’ve seen on Pinterest.
However, Oia is often so crowded that it can feel claustrophobic when navigating the popular spots. Snapping photos without queuing or being surrounded by people was challenging, but not impossible.
Just a 20-minute journey from Oia will land you in Fira. The cliffside walks offer breathtaking views, and there are plenty of nooks to explore, along with intriguing shops and eateries to try out.
Here, blue church domes rise majestically against a backdrop of white, and as long as you’re appropriately dressed, you can sneak a peek inside some of Fira’s numerous churches.
The broader streets are frequently teeming with visitors – the square outside the cathedral can become jam-packed – but veer off the busier routes and you’ll find serene, shaded pathways where only a few cats wander.
To avoid the hustle and bustle of Santorini, we opted to stay in Vothonas and Perissa instead of Oia and Fira, which turned out to be a brilliant decision. Given the less-than-stellar public transport in these areas, we rented a car, making the entire island easily accessible.
Vothonas, a mere 10 minutes from Fira, is a charming traditional Greek village with hardly any tourists. If you’re seeking a tranquil and relaxing holiday setting, this is the place to be.
The village is nestled in a picturesque ravine and features traditional houses carved into rocks. A leisurely walk around the paved lanes reveals white-domed churches and traditional homes.
If you’re on the hunt for scrumptious, genuine Greek cuisine bursting with flavour, Vothonaki in Vothonas is a must-visit. We stumbled upon this hidden gem thanks to a local’s recommendation.
Should you choose to lodge here, I’d suggest renting a car or quad bike for commuting, as taxis can be pricey and buses are few and far between.
A mere 20-minute drive south-east will land you in the coastal village of Perissa, boasting a unique blend of warm local hospitality, a tranquil beachfront promenade, and mouth-watering Greek fare. With more attractions than Vothonas, Perissa offers all the essentials for a laid-back yet entertaining holiday.
Perissa Beach is an idyllic spot for a leisurely day of sun-soaking and unwinding. The landscape is striking, featuring black sand and deep blue, crystal-clear waters.
Crucially, its location, shielded by Mesa Vouno hill, ensures calm, inviting waters for swimming and shields it from the often strong Santorini winds, even in July.
My overall impression of Santorini is that, while undoubtedly a tourist hotspot, its popularity is well-deserved. However, I can understand how some might overlook this if they don’t adequately plan their island visit.
Santorini has reportedly experienced a drop in visitor numbers this year, particularly following a series of earthquakes earlier this year between January and February. Nonetheless, I believe it’s certainly a destination worth adding to your bucket list.
If you’re seeking a scenic and tranquil getaway to Santorini, I’d strongly suggest lodging in the smaller towns, arranging your own transport and meticulously planning your journey.