Is Santorini Worth It or is this Greek Island Overrated?
Is Santorini worth is? Why do people say it's overrated?
Santorini is famous all over the world, it is one of the most famous islands in Greece and one of the most beautiful. However, with so many differing opinions, many are left wondering 'is Santorini worth it?'.
Whilst this question is subject to personal opinion, I have travelled all over the Mediterranean, and extensively throughout Greece, and I think yes, Santorini is worth it!
With the right knowledge and preparations, you can have an amazing holiday in Santorini. I have written a guide below to help you get the most out of your trip to Santorini.
When is the best time to visit Santorini?
The month you visit will have a huge impact on your experience on the island, planning your travel time wisely will help you avoid the crowds in Santorini.
Best months to visit Santorini
May-June & September-October
Thanks to its southerly position in the Mediterranean, Santorini stays warm even in late spring and early autumn.
May-June offers beautiful sunny days whilst avoiding the height of the summer crowds. Early June is markedly quieter than the second half of the month, so bear this in mind!
I recommend visiting in late May rather than earlier in the month as the island will be fully operational. The seasons are getting longer but in early May, not all hotels and restaurants will be open.
September is a good month to visit Santorini as the school holidays in Europe end and families make their way home.
Late September and early October gets a little windy but its still warm. In the evenings I advise bringing a light jacket.
How many days do you need in Santorini?
Santorini is a small island, but there is lots to see and do. I personally recommend visiting as part of a wider Greek island hopping experience, but it is also a great destination in itself and for a short European getaway - it all depends for what reason you are visiting.
3-5 days
If you are visiting as part of a longer holiday to Greece, I recommend spending anywhere between 3-5 days in Santorini. This gives you enough time to hit the beach, explore the different towns and villages on the island, relax at the hotel, and also try all of the amazing food!
Is a week too long in Santorini?
No, a week in Santorini is a great idea if it is your only destination you are visiting.
Many families choose Santorini as their summer holiday (yes, Santorini is good for families) and opt to stay at the beach, or a hotel with lots of facilities.
7 days in Santorini means you can explore at a relaxed pace which is exactly what you want from a holiday in such a beautiful destination.
Is 2 days enough in Santorini?
As mentioned earlier, Santorini is a popular place to visit when island hopping in the Greek islands. It is a good gateway into the Cyclades as it has an international airport, so many stay just a couple of nights to get a taster of the island.
Whilst you can't explore the island fully in such a short amount of time, you can still squeeze in the main sites like Oia and Fira, and even catch a couple of hours at a winery!
What's so special about Santorini?
Santorini is one of the world's most unique and beautiful islands, and that's why I disagree with anyone saying it's overrated.
Santorini was formed by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history, and it's this eruption that created such a geological masterpiece that makes the island so breathtaking.
Santorini is characterised by huge cliffs that surround a caldera, with whitewashed traditional Greek towns perched on top that benefit from amazing sea views.
On the other side of the island are the famous black beaches filled with volcanic sand. Unlike other Greek beaches that are surrounded by golden sand, Santorini has beaches of all colours, even red!
Aside from the above, Santorini is home to some of the most famous sunsets in the world.
The sunsets in Santorini are legendary, especially from the town of Oia which offers the perfect backdrop to the changing sky.
Is Santorini as romantic as it looks?
The great thing about Santorini, is that even in the busiest months, there are plenty of romantic escapes on the island.
Santorini has some of the most unique hotels in Greece, well, in the whole of Europe really.
Oia, the most beautiful town in Santorini and the most famous, is filled with incredible cave hotels that cascade down the caldera. They make the perfect retreat when the streets feel a little too busy and overwhelming, and it feels kind of crazy to enjoy so much privacy on an island that sees so many tourists.
For more ideas on where to stay in Santorini, check out my guide on the best hotels in Santorini with a view here.
It's not just the hotels that make the island romantic, it's the experiences too. Take a catamaran cruise through the caldera and around the island, or perhaps enjoy a wine tasting experience at golden hour. Santorini is more than its beautiful towns and sunsets, it's an island filled with incredible culture and breathtaking views at each turn.
Is Santorini overcrowded?
I won't lie, in July and August particularly, Santorini can feel so overcrowded it's almost suffocating.
If you have no choice but to travel during these months, don't let it put you off completely, just plan your schedule accordingly.
In Greece, the culture is to stay up late and to wake up late, especially on the Greek islands. This offers visitors the perfect opportunity to explore in the early morning and kill two bird's with one stone - avoid the heat and avoid the crowds.
Oia is the busiest town in Santorini and gets especially crowded during golden hour at sunset. If you want to experience the famous sunset views, head to a bar or a restaurant, or book into a hotel that offers these views from the privacy of your own room.
Some great options are Andronis Arcadia, whether it's from their incredible infinity pool and bar, or the your own private pool villa, as well as Charisma Suites and Esperas.
Is Santorini better than Mykonos?
I think the perfect holiday combination is Santorini AND Mykonos. Both are gorgeous islands with two different sides, I have written a full comparison here.
I wouldn't say one island is better than the other, but I would say each island is better suited to a certain traveller.
Santorini is a great choice for honeymooners, those looking for a short break, and those who want a more refined experience. Where as Mykonos is suited more to travellers wanting typical golden beaches, more nightlife, and a bigger island to explore.
Is there a lot to do in Santorini?
Santorini might be small, but there's a lot to do!
- Take a food and wine tour: Book here
- Take a catamaran cruise: Book here
- Explore the smaller villages like Pyrgos
- Enjoy a sunset dinner
- Stay in a cave hotel
- Go shopping in Fira
- Experience sunset in Amoudi Bay
- Take a cooking class: Book here
- Go cave kayaking: Book here
One of my favourite things about Santorini is you can do as much or as little as you wish. It is the perfect destination to spend a day in your private pool, or to just wander around its beautiful towns. Or you can head out and really explore this gorgeous gem!
