Last summer I had an opportunity to visit Santorini. It was just for a day, but I was super excited and my expectations were pretty high. White houses, beautiful churches, unforgettable sunsets, donkeys… well, I guess you know why 😊 Are you curious how it all ended? Is Santorini worth the visit?

I think Santorini really is as picturesque as you can see on the photos all over the internet. However, I don’t think everyone will appreciate it. If you are considering a travel to this popular Greek island, continue reading my article first. It might give you a better understanding of all its pros and cons. You will see which group you relate to more and if the reality will meet your expectations.

Magical sunsets, everything is white in combination of blue roofs of church domes, not even mentioning romantic accommodation you can see trending on Instagram and Pinterest. Lovely private terraces with swimming pools overviewing the vast ocean. If you get too tired of relaxing, taking fancy photos and being beautiful, you can step outside your VIP world and go swimming in the ocean. You might meet cute donkeys on your way down to the sea. Up to now they help people taking the goods up to the village.

Santorini is not only about stylish pools with amazing views. There are plenty of possibilities you can do on the island. You can go sightseeing, explore the narrow white streets and learn the history behind famous church domes. Oia, the most famous village on Santorini, provides countless shopping possibilities. Picturesque alleyways are full of art galleries, jewellery boutiques, clothes stores and souvenir shops. You can stop at one of many sea-view restaurants and taste the traditional Greek food. In the evening, take the best spot to watch the unforgettable sunset with a glass of local wine in your hand 😊

If you are an adventurous person, you can rent a quad bike and travel around the whole island! You can go exploring the countless beaches (white sand, red sand and black sand, whichever you prefer), visit Akrotiri’s archaeological site and the lighthouse, or make a stopover in Fira, the capital of this Greek island.

Santorini is a relatively small island, but it doesn’t have to limit you! You can buy one of many cruises and water tours offered on the island. Volcanic Islands cruise, Luxury cruise, Caldera sailing, Wine tasting and dinner cruise and much more! To see all the possibilities and approximate prices, visit the website of Get Your Guide. Once you find the one you like the most, try to google it, there is always a chance you will find a better deal 😉

No one can argue the beauty and uniqueness of Santorini. Its white & blue villages, “colorful” beaches, tasty food and wine are indeed exclusive. So, what should put you off of your visit? Here are couple negatives that might change your thinking.

During summer months, temperature climbs very high and the weather is unbearable. Humidity was high too during our visit. Island and especially its most famous and picturesque Oia and Fira are crowded with tourists. You will notice that when fighting your way through narrow alleyways, waiting the queue in front of a store to pay for the souvenir or desperately trying to find a free table at a restaurant. Prepare yourself for photos filled with beautiful church domes, flowers and groups of tourists (maybe tourist buses). And be sure that you will pay a lot of money for this experience!

You can escape the crowds jammed in the most photogenic villages (Oia and Fira) by traveling around the rest of the island. You can either buy a bus tour or rent a squad bike. It can be slightly uncomfortable though, you can get sunburn and it won’t take you more than two/three days to see the whole island. At the end of your stay you will be bored even with that magical sunset watched from your private pool.

I visited Santorini just for one day, so I am no expert for recommending the best time of the year for your visit. Nevertheless, there is one thing I know for sure. The highest tourist season is during summer months (starting end June to beginning of September), which are also the hottest ones. If you really want to enjoy your stay on this island, avoid this time. You can consider coming in April/May or later during the year in October. Prices are much more affordable and there are less tourists on the island. However, weather during these months is not that hot, at least not for swimming. Therefore, early June or the end of September seem ideal to me for the visit 😉

If you prefer staying at the hotel and swimming in your private pool only, then summer months are the best option for you. Save enough money, book your accommodation well in advance and enjoy! 😉

If you are still not sure whether to or not to visit Santorini, there is one more option for you. Visit the island only if you are somewhere around. For example, if you decide to travel to Greece, you can make a short one- or two-day trip to Santorini. There is a great accessibility from Heraklion, Crete. Ferry will take you there in just two hours. To see the ticket prices and availability as well as the ferry schedule, you can check many websites, ferryconnections.com is one of them.

This way you can visit Santorini without wasting too much time and money and you can judge for yourself. If you like it, you can always return and enjoy the island to the fullest 😉 I personally love to travel and enjoy all kind of vacations, no matter if it’s lying on the beach all day long, hiking or city break. I am grateful for all the opportunities to travel and I do my best to enjoy them.

Love & happy travels,
RLT

P.S.: If you have any questions, different experience or suggestion, please share it in the comments below. 😉