Ahh, Santorini – it doesn’t matter how touristy or crowded it can be. When you see it in person, it is incredibly breathtaking. However, to have fun, we list in this guide the biggest mistakes tourists do in Santorini and how you can avoid them to make sure you get the best out of the beautiful island!
Whether it’s your first visit or returning to relive the magic, being aware of these mistakes can significantly enhance your experience. In this guide, we’ll explore Santorini’s top 10 tourist mistakes and provide practical tips to help you avoid them. Prepare to savor every moment in Santorini without the common pitfalls that can catch even the savviest travelers off guard.
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Mistake #1: Visiting Only During Peak Season – Main Mistakes Tourists Do in Santorini
What You Should Know: Visiting Santorini during the peak summer months can often be hampered by large crowds, high prices, and overbooked services. The island’s narrow streets become congested, and tourists can overwhelm popular viewpoints, diminishing the serene experience you might expect.
How to Avoid It: To avoid the drawbacks of peak season, plan your visit during the shoulder months—April to early June or September to October. During these times, the weather remains warm and conducive to outdoor activities, but with the benefits of thinner crowds, lower accommodation rates, and a more relaxed atmosphere. This period also sees local businesses still very much operational, offering you a complete cultural experience without the hassle of peak season.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Alternative Accommodation
What You Should Know: Accommodations in Santorini with views of the Caldera are renowned for their stunning vistas but come with a hefty price tag and high demand. This is an issue during peak season, where you might pay a premium for a view or settle for less due to availability issues.
How to Avoid It: Consider staying in less frequented parts of the island, such as Perissa, Kamari, or even inland villages like Megalochori and Pyrgos. These areas offer more budget-friendly accommodation options and provide a different perspective of the island—lush vineyards, traditional architecture, and local life minus the crowds of tourists. Exploring these alternatives saves money and enriches your travel experience by immersing you in the local culture and landscape.
Mistake #3: Misunderstanding Transportation Options
What You Should Know: Relying solely on Santorini’s public bus system can be challenging, especially during peak tourist season when buses are rare, packed, and uncomfortable. Many visitors find themselves wasting valuable vacation time waiting at bus stops.
How to Avoid It: For greater flexibility and convenience, consider renting a car, scooter, or ATV. This will allow you to explore the island on schedule, visit remote beaches, and dine at secluded restaurants off the beaten path. Make sure to check local driving regulations and acquire the appropriate rental insurance. Booking your vehicle in advance can also secure better rates and ensure availability.
Mistake #4: Missing Out on Local Cuisine by Dining at Tourist Traps
What You Should Know: Santorini’s tourist hotspots are saturated with restaurants that cater primarily to international visitors. These restaurants often sacrifice authenticity and quality for convenience and location, which means you might end up paying more for food that is not representative of true Greek culinary traditions.
How to Avoid It: Research before you go or ask locals for their dining recommendations once you arrive. Authentic Greek tavernas are often a little hidden, away from the main streets. Restaurants like “Ammoudi Fish Tavern” in Ammoudi Bay or “Metaxy Mas Tavern” in Exo Gonia are celebrated for their traditional dishes and local ingredients. Trying local specialties like fava, tomato keftedes, and fresh seafood can highlight your trip.
Local Dining Recommendations in Santorini
Santorini offers a rich culinary scene beyond typical tourist spots, with local tavernas serving traditional Greek dishes and fresh seafood. Here are some highly recommended places where you can savor authentic flavors in a setting favored by locals:
1. Metaxy Mas Tavern (Exo Gonia)
- Specialty: Known for its authentic Greek and Santorinian dishes, Metaxy Mas stands out with offerings like fava, grilled octopus, and lamb kleftiko. It’s set in a charming location overlooking vineyards and the sea, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a family meal.
- Why Go: The combination of delicious food, local wine selections, and the rustic, welcoming atmosphere provides a memorable dining experience.
2. To Psaraki (Vlychada)
- Specialty: Positioned in the small fishing port of Vlychada, To Psaraki offers superb seafood dishes made with the freshest catch of the day. Their menu features simple yet flavorful dishes like grilled fish, seafood pasta, and local salads.
- Why Go: It offers a fantastic view of the Aegean Sea and a less touristy environment. The quality of the dishes and the serene setting make it a favorite among visitors looking for an authentic culinary experience.
3. The Cave of Nikolaos (Oia)
- Specialty: This hidden gem in Oia is a bit off the beaten path but is well worth the visit for its traditional Santorinian cuisine. Dishes to try include stuffed grape leaves, squid ink risotto, and moussaka.
- Why Go: The restaurant offers a cozy cave-like setting with a unique dining atmosphere and hearty meals that reflect the local gastronomy.
4. Aktaion Taverna (Firostefani)
- Specialty: Operating since 1922, Aktaion Taverna is one of the oldest restaurants in Santorini, known for its classic Greek dishes and sweet treats like baklava and kataifi.
- Why Go: For a taste of history and traditional recipes passed down through generations, Aktaion offers a nostalgic dining experience right in the heart of Firostefani.
5. Ammoudi Fish Tavern (Ammoudi Bay)
- Specialty: Located right on the water’s edge, this taverna specializes in seafood dishes such as grilled octopus, lobster pasta, and fish soup.
- Why Go: Dining here provides not just a meal, but an experience, with spectacular sunset views over the bay complementing the exquisitely prepared seafood.
Each of these restaurants offers a unique aspect of Santorini’s dining scene, from traditional tavernas to seaside eateries, ensuring visitors can enjoy a range of tastes and experiences. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a sophisticated dinner, these spots provide delightful culinary discoveries that will enhance your stay in Santorini.
Mistake #5: Spending All Time in Oia and Fira
What You Should Know: While Oia and Fira are quintessential stops for any Santorini visitor, exclusively sticking to these areas can lead to a one-dimensional view of the island. These locations, known for their iconic blue-domed churches and sunset views, can also feel overcrowded and commercial.
How to Avoid It: Expand your itinerary to include lesser-known but equally charming parts of the island. Visit the ancient ruins at Akrotiri, an exceptionally preserved prehistoric town that offers a fascinating glimpse into Santorini’s ancient civilization. The traditional village of Pyrgos provides panoramic views and an opportunity to experience local life without the crowds. Additionally, exploring the black sand beaches of Perissa or the vineyards dotting the central island can offer a more relaxed and diverse experience of Santorini.
Mistake #6: Not Booking Experiences in Advance
What You Should Know: Santorini offers many unique experiences, from wine tours that explore the island’s volcanic vineyards to sunset sailing cruises along the Caldera. These activities are highly sought after, especially during peak travel times, and can be fully booked weeks in advance.
How to Avoid It: To ensure you get all these memorable activities, it’s advisable to book them well before your trip. Websites such as Viator, TripAdvisor, or local tour operators’ websites allow you to compare options and secure your reservations early. Booking in advance guarantees your spot and often provides more options for dates and times that fit your schedule, ensuring a smoother experience tailored to your interests.
Mistake #7: Failing to Respect Local Culture and Environment
What You Should Know: like many popular tourist destinations, Santorini struggles with environmental issues due to high tourist volumes. Additionally, respecting local customs and cultural practices is crucial for maintaining the welcoming nature of the island’s community.
How to Avoid It: Be mindful of your environmental footprint by reducing waste, using water sparingly (as water scarcity is an issue on many Greek islands), and choosing eco-friendly tours and activities. When interacting with locals or visiting cultural sites, be courteous and follow local customs—such as dressing modestly in religious sites. Supporting local businesses by purchasing local products can also contribute positively to the community.
Mistake #8: Assuming Santorini is Only for Couples
What You Should Know: While Santorini is famous as a honeymoon destination, its appeal is broad and not limited to romantic getaways. The island offers a range of activities that cater to different types of travelers, including families, solo adventurers, and groups of friends.
How to Avoid It: Look into accommodation and activity options that suit your travel group. Family-friendly hotels often offer amenities like pools, spacious rooms, and activities for children, while adventure seekers might prefer staying closer to hiking trails or water sports facilities. Cultural tours, cooking classes, and group excursions can provide enriching experiences regardless of your travel style or group size.
Mistake #9: Neglecting Sun Protection
What You Should Know: The Mediterranean sun can be deceivingly intense. Many tourists underestimate the sun’s intensity, especially when enjoying the beautiful outdoors of Santorini, leading to sunburns that can ruin the enjoyment of your holiday.
How to Avoid It: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF frequently, especially after swimming or sweating. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes, and consider wearing a cover-up or light, long-sleeved clothing during peak sun hours. Staying hydrated and avoiding the sun during midday, when it is at its strongest, can also help prevent heatstroke and sunburn.
Mistake #10: Leaving Without Exploring the Sea
What You Should Know: Santorini’s charm isn’t limited to its land; the surrounding sea offers breathtaking views and a different perspective of the island that many miss if they stay landlocked.
How to Avoid It: Consider booking a boat tour that takes you around the island or nearby islands like Nea Kameni and Thirassia. Sailing excursions often include stops for swimming and snorkeling in less accessible areas, allowing you to see the dramatic cliffs and volcanic beaches from the sea. Sunset cruises are top-rated for experiencing Santorini’s famous sunsets from the water, providing a unique and unforgettable perspective.
Our Concluding Thoughts on These Mistakes Tourists Do in Santorini
Exploring Santorini with awareness of these common tourist mistakes empowers you to have a more enriching and memorable visit. By planning thoughtfully, embracing the local culture, and stepping beyond the typical tourist paths, you unlock the true essence of what makes Santorini so captivating. Remember, the best travel experiences are immersing yourself fully, respecting your surroundings, and leaving with stories that go deeper than what meets the eye. So pack your bags with these tips and prepare for an extraordinary adventure in one of Greece’s most iconic destinations. Santorini awaits to amaze you, with each sunset and every cobblestone street offering a new opportunity to discover and delight.
Digital Marketer and Entrepreneur since 2011, Rachel Pregunta was a writer before co-founding Gamintraveler with her partner, Ruben. Mixing her passions for photography, storytelling, and writing, she started traveling in 2015 and has traveled to 20+ countries and three continents. She has built a 5-figure social media agency and has been writing online for 20 years. She is passionate about fitness, slow travel, and digital nomadism. She is from the Philippines and lives in Spain with Ruben and her son, Han.