Is Santorini really worth the hype?
Now I can finally tell you!
With hundreds of Greek islands to choose from, why exactly is there such a hype around Santorini? Why has it become one of the most talked-about islands in Greece? And does it really live up to those inevitable expectations?
Just a couple of weeks ago, after a lack of initial desire to visit, I travelled to Santorini myself to answer these questions. And I was quite surprised by what I found. Though the island in part matched the images that I’d conjured up in my mind after years of client feedback, magazine articles, and Instagram images, there was a side to Santorini that I felt hadn’t quite been represented in the stories. A slower side that shied away from mass tourism and celebrated authentic Greek culture and style. And to my delight, I actually loved it all.
Why Santorini surprised me
With so many travellers desperate to see Santorini, you may wonder why I wasn’t so keen to visit. And quite frankly, I was expecting the island to feel more manufactured, and I generally tend to shy away from overcrowded hotspots (with some exceptions, of course).
But upon arrival, we passed areas that resembled the sleepy nature of quieter Greek islands, and as we moved away from the caldera, I truly felt that classic slow-paced, laid-back magic that Greece is famous for.
The local villages and unusual beaches intrigued me, and the pretty cobbled streets of Oia with those undeniably breathtaking views certainly managed to impress me. And I’m now happier than ever to recommend Santorini to my clients with a first-hand understanding of just how special this island is.
What to do in Santorini
Though not described as a ‘beach destination’, Santorini does offer some unique beach landscapes and cool beach hangouts, such as Theros Waves Bar and Yalos.
For a little culture, head to Santorini Arts Factory, an old tomato factory turned museum and events space, and for wine lovers, the islands many wineries are the perfect place to enjoy one of Santorini’s true treasures.
Due to its striking scenery, catamaran cruises are also incredibly special here, but so is simply soaking up the beauty and breath-taking views from one of the many rooftop bars in Oia.
Where to eat and drink in Santorini
I personally found the bars of Thira a little commercial, but I was pleased to discover the chilled and cosy vibes of Kira Thira jazz bar.
I was certainly wowed by the sunset views, cocktails, and service at Veranda Bar in Oia, and I enjoyed popping into the popular Hassapiko for a quick evening drink.
We found Metaxi Mas to be a fabulous local dinner experience, though it does take a little drive to arrive there if you’re staying in Oia (worth it in my opinion), and Omnia was fabulous for fine dining.
For longer stays, I have a tried-and-tested list, so be sure to let me know 🙂
Where to stay in Santorini
For the typical Caldera views, my top choice, without a doubt, is the stunning Canaves Oia Suites. Offering a unique amount of privacy for such a crowded area of the island, along with exceptional design and service, I couldn’t be happier to recommend them to my clients (and they have loved it too!).
For even more privacy, calm, and sunset views, however, their sister property, Epitome, is another shining star of Santorini. We have some wonderful proferred partner benefits with both Canaves hotels, and my two nights here were an absolute dream!
I also managed to check out around 8 more properties and have many partners on the island, so let me know your needs so that we can find the perfect fit.
When to travel to Santorini
For me personally, the magic that I discovered in Santorini was partly due to travelling during the low season.
But this isn’t without risk.
I heard of some Saharan sand being brought in with the winds prior to my arrival, but we were lucky to celebrate glorious sunshine during our end-of-April visit. To ‘feel the full summer vibe’, it’d be best to travel in the height of summer, though do prepare for the crowds!
