Santorini: Instagram paradise or overcrowded chaos? This honest review explores both sides, revealing hidden gems and authentic experiences beyond the tourist traps.
Santorini in July. Something aching at the back of my jaw told me that this was going to be a terrible idea. But here we were, on the third day of our seven-day cruise through the Greek Islands of the Aegean Sea. We were refreshed, relaxed, and ready to tackle what is likely the most popular place to visit in all of Greece.
The day before, we had gone off the books, doing a seat-of-our-pants adventure on our one day in Heraklion. Today, though, the popularity and summer crowds of Santorini, Greece, had us questioning the sanity of doing things on our own.
Our Celestyal cruise package included one shore excursion, and Santorini is where it made the most sense to use it. After all, this was Santorini. The name alone seems to belong on the cover of a travel magazine. Whitewashed villages clinging to cliffs, those iconic blue-domed churches, and sunsets where the sky seems like it’s been lit on fire.
But that’s Instagram for you. It’s all picture-perfect panoramas and infinity pools. It doesn’t show you the crushing crowds and mile-long lineups for that perfect photo op.
Arrival in Santorini
There was our little boat, the Celestyal Crystal, anchored just a short distance from shore. The view of the ship was actually pretty beautiful as we cruised in our tender towards the Santori cruise port. But there, right next to it, was the Icon of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships on the planet.
Our little 1,200-passenger ship looked like a baby next to the 7,600-passenger behemoth floating nearby. And the quick exit from the ship made me thankful for these small ship cruises. We were up and out of the ship in about 30 minutes. For those on large cruise ships like the Icon, it could take hours.
We disembarked the small tender and found our tour group in a sea of waving signs. “Megalachori and Oia” read the whiteboard being held by a middle-aged tour guide. These would be the two stops on our brief visit to this iconic Greek island. A little something different and far quieter than the sight that graces almost every postcard, calendar, and screensaver featuring Greece.
Megalochori: A Tranquil Oasis Amidst the Mayhem
To say that my anxiety was peaking when the thought of visiting Santorini in July arose is putting it mildly. But as we pulled out of the parking lot and all of the other busses turned left toward Oia, ours made a gentle turn to the right. We were moving away from the crowds to the town of Megalochori, where the real Santorini can be found.
There were no throngs of selfie-stick-wielding tourists, at least beyond the twenty or so who were on our bus. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that Megalochori was an oasis of calm. We were guided down narrow cobblestone streets past whitewashed houses draped in vibrant bougainvillea.
Occasionally, we would pass by one that was quiet and definitely unlived. These sprinkling of houses were remnants of the 1956 earthquake that devastated the island, and the families still owned the land but had yet to rebuild the houses. This slow pace of recovery seemed to make a lot of sense on an island where life seemed to move to the rhythm of the Aegean breeze.
As we strolled through the alleys, broken up by the occasional small cafe where locals played cards while sipping strong coffee, the iconic three-tier Megalochori belltower seemed like a wayfinder. Always present, guiding everyone toward the center of town.
Historic architecture whispered tales of Santorini’s past, while artisan shops displayed handcrafted treasures. Small vineyards, dotted with unique grape “bushes” rather than lines of vineyards, dotted the surrounding landscape. This unique agricultural adaptation came about due to the island’s high winds and lack of rainfall.
Sadly, our tour only allotted a brief time in Megalochori. But even that short glimpse was enough to leave us wanting more. This is the kind of place where you could easily lose yourself for a day or more. Becoming local while exploring hidden corners. This is the place where I want to stop and relax, sip local wine, and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Oia: Navigating the Insta-Famous Frenzy
The specter of Oia was looming over us, though, because no visit to Santorini is complete without stopping at this most iconic of Greek destinations.
On our bus ride from Megalochori to Oia, the views of windmills and vineyards were a stark contrast to what was happening in Cohen’s stomach. Something from the trip wasn’t sitting well with him, and his face had turned that pale, clammy grey that usually accompanies a stomach bug.
We’re pretty good at staying healthy while we travel, but every once in a while, we get hit, and it just figures that a visit to one of the world’s most beautiful islands would be the time that would happen.
Now, there’s no denying the beauty of this place. With its iconic blue-domed churches perched on the cliffside overlooking the majestic blue waters of the Mediterranean, Oia is truly a sight to behold. But be warned, Oia is Instagram-famous for a reason. We disembarked on the edge of town. The narrow, winding alleys were no place for large busses. In fact, they could hardly accommodate the crush of crowds making their way into town.
Navigating a sea of humanity, we wound our way up the hills, looking for the perfect photo op. Shoulder to shoulder, we shuffled along the crowds. Somewhere along the way, Cohen fell back and found a quiet place to rest, leaning up against a small house in an attempt to calm his poor stomach. Dylan waved at us as the pull of the crowds dragged Christina and I deeper into tow,n letting us know that he was waiting with his older brother.
Santorini Without The Crowds
Christina and I looked for an escape from the crowd, and then we found it. Side alleys, winding, but without more than a whisper of a crowd. By avoiding the main streets and using these alleys, we were soon back with the boys. And this little detour helped us find the best parts of Oia.
Dotted throughout this town were pockets of serenity. A quiet church courtyard, a hidden alleyway with a stunning view, and a small ice cream shop offering respite from the midday sun. My little family found its way to amazing viewpoints, quiet fortress walls, and lovely local surprises without having to deal with the notorious Santorini crowds.
And you know what? The walk back to the cable car, away from the main tourist throng, was actually our favorite part of Oia.
We stumbled upon charming shops filled with local crafts, admired the intricate details of the whitewashed houses, and even found a few spots with unimpeded views of that iconic Santorini skyline. It was a reminder that even in the most touristy of places, there’s always a way to find your own unique experience.
Don’t get me wrong, though; there was a solid two-hour wait for the cable car to take us back down to the port. But honestly, it just gave us more time to relax and take in the wild and oddly wonderful atmosphere of the island.
Santorini: A Love-Hate Relationship (That Somehow Works)
Leaving Santorini felt like waking from a vivid dream. The crowds, the chaos, the relentless pursuit of the perfect Instagram shot – it was all a bit much, to be honest. There were moments when I longed for the tranquility of Megalochori, for the unfiltered charm of a place untouched by the tourist hordes.
But then I’d catch a glimpse of that caldera view, the whitewashed houses cascading down the cliffs, the Aegean Sea shimmering under the golden sun. Or I’d stumble upon a hidden courtyard, a tiny church with centuries-old frescoes, a family-run taverna serving up the most incredible moussaka. And suddenly, the crowds wouldn’t seem so bad.
Santorini is a paradox, a place of contradictions. It’s both overrun and idyllic, chaotic and serene, touristy and authentic. It’s an island that can overwhelm and enchant in equal measure.
And you know what? Despite the crowds and the hype, there’s something undeniably magical about Santorini. Maybe it’s the raw beauty of the volcanic landscape or the sense of history etched into the ancient walls. Whatever it is, it’s a place that gets under your skin and stays with you long after you’ve sailed away.
Even though Santorini might not have been my favorite of the Greek islands, there’s no denying its allure. It’s a place that caught the wonder of my entire family, each of us finding our own unique connection to Santorini’s beauty and charm. And that, in the end, is what travel is all about – discovering those unexpected moments, those shared experiences that create lasting memories.
So, if you’re planning a trip to the Greek islands, don’t let the crowds deter you from experiencing Santorini. Just remember to venture beyond the tourist traps, seek out those hidden gems, and embrace the island’s unique blend of chaos and charm. You might just find yourself falling in love with Santorini, contradictions and all.
Planning Your Own Santorini Escape
Ready to experience the magic (and mayhem) of Santorini for yourself? Here are some tips to help you plan your adventure:
More Things To Do In Santorini:
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site: Explore the ruins of a Minoan city buried by a volcanic eruption, often called the “Greek Pompeii.”
- Santorini Caldera: Take a boat tour to explore the caldera, swim in volcanic hot springs, and admire the stunning cliffs from a different perspective.
- Museum of Prehistoric Thera: Delve deeper into the island’s history with artifacts from Akrotiri and other archaeological sites.
- Santo Wines Winery: Sample local wines with breathtaking views of the caldera.
Excellent One-Day Santorini Tours:
Not keen on DIY adventures? No worries! Santorini offers fantastic tours for those who prefer a guided experience:
- Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise: Explore the volcanic caldera, swim in therapeutic hot springs, and visit the island of Thirassia. You can check the current rates and availability here.
- Oia Sunset and Wine Tasting Tour: Experience the legendary Santorini sunset with a glass of local wine in hand. You can check their current rates and availability here.
- Santorini Island Private Tour Tour: A comprehensive tour covering the island’s highlights, including Oia, Fira, and the black sand beaches. You can find the current rates and availability here.
Where To Eat In Santorini:
- Selene Restaurant: Fine dining with a focus on modern Greek cuisine and local ingredients. You can find their website here.
- Ammoudi Fish Tavern: Enjoy fresh seafood with stunning views of the caldera in the charming Ammoudi Bay. You can find their website here.
- Metaxi Mas: A traditional taverna in Megalochori serving authentic Santorini dishes. You can find their website here.
Tips For Visiting Santorini
- Best Time to Visit: Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Getting Around: Walking is ideal for exploring villages. Buses connect major towns, and taxis are available. Consider renting an ATV or scooter for more freedom.
- Cruise Ship Tips: If arriving by cruise ship, be aware of tendering times and potential delays. Pre-booking tours or transportation is highly recommended.
Don’t Forget to Follow Our Travel Adventures!
If you’re looking for Santorini travel tips or more adventures from around the world, don’t forget to follow us on social media. You can find our adventures across all platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Make sure to say hello. We love to connect with fellow travelers.
If family travel is your thing, I also run an amazing group on Facebook called the Family Travel Support Group, which is full of incredible traveling families who share tips, tricks, and the ups and downs of traveling with children.
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