Santorini has become a firm favourite with Brits looking for picture-perfect Greece holidays in recent years but its popularity also means it can be full of crowds
With its white-washed, blue domed buildings, Santorini has become one of those destinations that you’ve no doubt seen all over your social media feeds.
The island’s beauty has led to an influx of visitors flocking to the island every summer. The result has been crowds of tourists queueing to get to some of the best viewpoints, restaurants being crowded and prices being hiked up as peak holiday season hits.
However, the good news is that there is an easy way to explore the island and take in the views without the crowds, not to mention it gives you access to some of the quieter beaches and spots that can’t easily be reached by other visitors.
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According to recent data from SamBoat, bookings for boat trips rose by 75% last year, with increasing numbers of Brits opting for a day at sea as part of their holidays. When you consider that it can offer spectacular views of a destination without jostling through crowds, the appeal is very quickly apparent.
In fact, it’s why a boat trip could be the answer for exploring Santorini without having to face hordes of tourists. The SamBoat experts explained: “Santorini’s postcard-perfect villages are stunning from land but even more magical from the sea. A boat trip from Ammoudi Bay or Vlychada lets you uncover the island’s quieter side, with hidden hot springs, unspoiled swimming spots, and peaceful black-sand beaches like Mesa Pigadia and White Beach. For a romantic day at sea or a group celebration, a motorboat or small catamaran is an unforgettable way to soak up the caldera views.”
One writer recently headed to Santorini and was surprised to find a dreamy part of the island just 10 minutes away from the capital. It wasn’t full of tourists, even though she visited in July during the height of the summer holidays season.
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“The dreamy images of Santorini that most people conjure up are likely of Oia or Fira, the island’s capital,” wrote Angela Patrone. “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.”
Instead, they headed to Vothonas and Perissa, which she said “turned out to be a brilliant decision”, as they rented a car and could easily reach most areas of the island.
She added: “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.”
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