Tips for Avoiding Crowds in Santorini
In many ways, Santorini is a victim of its own success. Construction has continued at a breakneck speed, and in many areas convenience has trumped quality. The endless throngs of people means zero privacy along the caldera; you’re often looking at something through someone else’s camera. Here are a few tips to help you avoid crowds in Santorini:
- Avoid visiting in summer, especially July and August.
- Visit Fira and Oia early in the morning, and avoid the sunset hour in Fira—especially in the summer. You can also skip Fira altogether.
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- Avoid traveling with a big rolling suitcase if you’re staying in Oia, unless you’ve booked a hotel on the edge of town. It already takes an eternity and a lot of cursing to navigate the crowded streets and stairs of Oia in the middle of the day at the height of summer—add a giant suitcase and you’re just asking for a bad introduction to the village.
- Most of the crowds congregate in Oia and Fira, but there’s a whole island out there to explore! Get out of these hot spots and head to the lesser-known parts of the island: Emporio, Finikia, Columbo beach, and Pyrgos all showcase the charm of Santorini without the packs of people.
- For the views and sunsets without the crowds, skip Santorini and head to Anafi instead.
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