This article contains affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Disclosure for more. Thanks for your support!
It’s no secret that Santorini is suffering from overtourism, so it makes sense to wonder, is Santorini worth visiting, or is it an overrated island like many other popular destinations?
Questions like these must have come up before or while planning a trip to one of the best Greek Islands.
And who can blame you? The infamous hordes of tourists that Santorini attracts are genuinely off-putting. So, is Santorini worth visiting?
Simply put, Santorini is a truly unique place of rare beauty that you can’t miss. In fact, if you could only visit one Greek Island, it should be Santorini.
Without further ado, let’s answer the question of whether Santorini is worth visiting and how to make the most of Santorini without the crowds.
If you’re considering a trip to our home country soon, we’re here to answer all your questions.
Fill in this form to book your one-on-one video call with us or to request the perfect Greece itinerary, customised to your travel needs and desires.
Learn more about our travel planning services.
Is Santorini Worth Visiting Despite Its Overtourism?
Overtourism has undoubtedly plagued Santorini over the past few decades.
Think hordes of tourists packed into Fira, impatient crowds fighting for a sunset spot at Oia Castle and flying-dress photoshoots or other social media trends tempting travellers to trespass on private properties.
To make matters worse, in these strange times, the Airbnb effect alters the essence of local communities and Santorini is no exception.
However, Santorini is one of a kind. Carved on centuries-old piled ashes, the whitewashed caves stand out from the already brilliant Cycladic architecture.
Moreover, the island’s ancient history is the flagship of the once-pioneer Cycladic Civilisation.
Unique architecture and rich history are only a couple of the top reasons to visit Santorini, this truly remarkable destination.
So, is Santorini worth visiting after all? And is there a way to enjoy Santorini without the impact of overtourism? We’re here to address all your concerns and help you enjoy Santorini to the fullest.
Best Time To Visit Santorini To Avoid The Crowds
Starting with what matters the most: the right time to visit Santorini.
During the summer months, the island’s narrow streets and main points of interest are packed with tourists and day trippers from cruise ships.
For that reason, one of our best sustainable tips for Santorini is to avoid the high season and visit this beautiful island in the low season instead.
The shoulder seasons should be avoided, too. Although the shoulder months are the best times to plan your trip to Greece, Santorini is an exception. It can get crowded even in late September or early October.
Therefore, our best advice is to visit Santorini in early April or late October to enjoy the island’s unique beauty without the craziness and higher prices of the peak season.
Only by visiting outside the high season will you be able to see why Santorini is one of the best Greek islands.
Travel Resources To Help You Plan The Best Santorini Trip
Top 5 Reasons To Visit Santorini
There are several reasons Santorini is worth visiting. Below you’ll find our list of everything that makes Santorini a mandatory stop on any Greece itinerary.
But remember: to make the most of the most popular Greek Island, make sure you visit Santorini in the low season.
1. Fascinating History
Santorini’s official name is Thira, from the island’s ancient name, Thera. However, everyone calls it Santorini, the name the Venetians gave the island in the 13th century.
In ancient times, Santorini was also named Kallisti, the most beautiful one, for obvious reasons. Yet the island’s very first name was Strogili, the round one. Because Santorini was indeed a round island once.
However, around the 16th century BC, Santorini witnessed one of the fiercest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. An event that affected all the Mediterranean people.
Due to this massive volcanic eruption, Santorini stopped being round. It became the crescent-shaped island we know today, featuring one of the world’s largest calderas.
The island was destroyed, but reborn from its ashes. In the 18th century AD, Santorini became a commercial and maritime superpower.
However, a devastating earthquake in 1956 destroyed the island once more. Many locals were forced to abandon it in search of a better life.
From the 1970s onwards, Santorini gradually became one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
Top Places To Visit For Santorini History
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site: Often called the Pompeii of Greece, the archaeological site of Akrotiri is a beyond-words impressive ancient site. It allows you to wander the streets of a once-thriving city buried under tons of volcanic ash for centuries. That explains why some of the old city’s buildings remain almost intact to this day, forcing your imagination to run wild to times gone by. Buy your skip-the-line tickets here.
- Archaeological Site of Ancient Thera: After Santorini’s tremendous volcanic eruption, the island was abandoned for centuries. However, Ancient Spartans recolonised it and built a grandiose city atop one of Santorini’s highest points. The site now offers visitors the opportunity to gasp at spectacular views.
- Archaeological Museum of Thera & Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira: The best places to admire findings that date back to the island’s ancient past.
2. Unique Architecture
The Cyclades Islands are renowned for their postcard-perfect whitewashed houses. Although similar to the rest of the Cyclades Islands, Santorini’s architecture is even more distinct.
If you’re wondering why visit Santorini, the island’s architecture is a valid reason in its own right.
Santorini’s volcanic soil and morphology encouraged the construction of cave dwellings, the so-called iposkafa – or υπόσκαφα in Greek.
These were simple two- or three-roomed houses carved into the rock, or, to be more accurate, into the century-old layers of volcanic ash and sand.
Primarily used by poor people, these makeshift cave dwellings were also popular with the countless sailors who flocked to Santorini when this small island became a naval power of its time.
Alongside the cave dwellings, the captains’ mansions narrate the island’s maritime past. However, not many of these survived the 1956 earthquake.
Another unique characteristic of Santorini’s architecture is that almost every house had its Canava (or Kanava) in the past. The latter was a wine-making and storing area.
Nowadays, the vast majority of the once-humble cave dwellings and wine-storage areas have been converted into high-end hotels and B&Bs with private pools.
These hotels offer guests the opportunity to experience the island’s cultural heritage by sleeping within their walls.
Top Places To Visit For Santorini Architecture
- Oia: The most famous village in Santorini, Oia, boasts some of the finest examples of traditional cave dwellings built alongside grand captains’ mansions. You can almost hear Oia’s rich maritime past being whispered in your ears as you walk along the town’s alleyways.
- Emporio: Slightly different from Oia, Emporio is equally, if not more, entrancing. A silent castle town that has survived the relentless passing of time, Emporio is a fine example of medieval defensive architecture. Emporio has the power to turn every visitor into an eloquent storyteller, ready to share the village’s magic with the entire world.
3. Top-Quality Local Products, Delicious Cuisine & Superb Wine
Santorini’s volcanic soil renders the island’s products sweeter and richer in taste.
Santorini produces the best tomatoes in Greece, alongside excellent yellow split peas (called fava in Greek), white eggplant and capers.
As a result, local cuisine is one of the top reasons to visit Santorini in its own right.
With mouthwatering Greek veggie dishes like smooth Santorini fava puree or juicy tomato fritters, Santorini is one of the best culinary destinations in Greece.
Similarly, Santorini’s grapes and wine-making techniques are responsible for some of the best wines in Greece. The island’s vineyards are thousands of years old.
That’s because the 19th-century phylloxera plague, which destroyed most of Europe’s vineyards, didn’t affect Santorini’s grapes, thanks to the island’s volcanic soil.
You can’t miss Santorini’s exquisite white wines made of the indigenous Assyrtiko, Aidini and Athiri grape varieties. A special mention should be made to Santorini’s famous dessert wine, too, the exquisite Vinsanto.
Top Places To Visit For Santorini Products, Cuisine & Wine
- Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia & Anogi in Imerovigli are among the best restaurants in Santorini to try local dishes, prepared with love and fresh locally sourced ingredients.
- Santo Wines: Founded in 1947, Santo Wines is the island’s cooperative union. Near Pyrgos Village, Santo Wines welcomes you for a wine tour with the best caldera views. While there, you can also visit the on-site shop to buy delicious wine and other local products Santorini is famous for, such as canned tomatoes, capers, and yellow split peas. These are all perfect Greek souvenirs to bring back home with you.
4. Epic Sunsets & Scenery
Santorini is famous worldwide for its romantic sunsets, iconic blue domes and dramatic caldera cliffs.
Therefore, if you’re into travel photography or just appreciate beauty in all its forms, you shouldn’t even be wondering whether Santorini is worth visiting.
Santorini is one of the most photogenic places to visit in Greece.
Simply strolling around its small villages or hiking through its raw lunar landscapes, taking in the unfathomable charm of its steep cliffs and barren landscapes at every turn, is one of the main reasons to visit Santorini.
Top Places To Visit For Santorini Sunsets & Scenery
- Oia: The indisputable queen of Santorini sunsets, Oia, can get unbearably crowded, though. On and around the ruins of the town’s Venetian Castle is the most popular sunset spot on the entire island. So, when everyone heads to the Castle for sunset, pick a caldera-facing café or a seaside restaurant at Ammoudi Bay instead to enjoy the sunset without hundreds of people blocking your view.
- Palia Kameni Bar in Fira: Probably the most picturesque bar in Fira, PK Cocktail Bar is one of the best places to enjoy the sunset in Santorini. Order a bottle of Santorini wine and stand in awe as the red sun dives into the depths of the ancient volcano. It’s wise to make a reservation.
- Santo Wines: The aforementioned wine bar is yet another of Santorini’s best spots to enjoy a sunset with a glass of wine in hand.
- Akrotiri Lighthouse: An alternative sunset spot is the scenic Akrotiri Lighthouse for epic views of the glistening Aegean Sea. Expect a few more romantic souls to enjoy the sunset there.
- Sunset Cruise: This isn’t a specific place, but joining a Santorini cruise at sunset deserves to be on this list of the most scenic spots on the island. This is probably the best way to take in the beauty of the caldera and the otherworldly Red Beach and White Beach, dyed in the colours of the golden hour.
- Profitis Ilias: The highest point in Santorini is Profitis Ilias. It offers panoramic views of Santorini and the Aegean Sea at any time of the day. Yet, sunset is its most magical moment.
- Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs: If you’re looking for the most extraordinary scenery on the island of Santorini, you can’t miss a boat trip to its famous volcano. At the top of the uninhabited Nea Kameni Island, Santorini’s volcano is dormant yet exciting. Its raw landscape is a sight to behold and one to remember for a lifetime. The same boat tour will then take you to the volcanic islets where the famous hot springs are located. There, you can admire yet another mesmerisingly unique landscape or even jump in the crystal clear waters to swim to the nearby sulphur springs.
- Vlychada Beach & Columbo Beach: Both of these beautiful black-sand beaches feature striking white rock formations that will instantly remind you of the lunar landscapes you’ve seen in sci-fi films.
5. Unparalleled Hospitality Focused on Romance & Luxury
There’s no doubt that Santorini is the most romantic Greek Island. It’s also the most popular destination in Greece. This has proven to be a blessing and a curse for the beautiful volcanic island.
That said, if you choose your accommodation, fine-dining venues, and other services wisely, you can enjoy a unique stay in Santorini without contributing to its overtourism.
Choosing family-run hotels, avoiding international chain hotels and opting for local businesses is a great way to travel responsibly in Greece.
Santorini is the best place for a romantic or luxurious getaway, preferably in one of its cave hotels with infinity pools, which will add a special touch to an already remarkable stay in one of the most romantic settings.
Top Places To Stay in Santorini For Romance & Luxury
- Imerovigli: The highest point on the caldera, Imerovigli is one of the best places to stay in Santorini for an idyllic getaway. Known for its elegant accommodation options and breathtaking sea views, Imerovigli promises an exclusive stay, away from the hustle and bustle of Fira and Oia.
- Akrotiri: Combining high levels of hospitality with a more low-key ambience, Akrotiri, with its caldera-facing luxury hotels, is ideal for anyone seeking a romantic escape from large crowds.
It must be obvious that we love Santorini deeply. How could we not? Santorini is the fairest of them all, a Greek Island that looks like no other.
For that alone, it deserves your time, no matter the evils that have fallen upon it in recent years, because of overtourism.
So, with this article, we hope we answered this fundamental question: Is Santorini worth visiting?
If you ask us, the answer is a resounding yes, for all the reasons we’ve detailed above. As long as you travel to Santorini in the low season, nothing should stop you from adding this jewel of an island to your Greek Island escape.
To help you plan your Santorini trip, make sure you read our 4-day Santorini itinerary by car, a useful and inspiring guide, especially if you’re visiting Santorini for the first time.
WORDS: Maria & Katerina
IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria