The Traveling Taylors

We finally made it to Santorini—and yes, we had high expectations. This Greek island tops every travel bucket list and Pinterest board, but is it still worth the hype? Here’s what we really experienced (good, bad, and unforgettable) so you can decide if it’s the right destination for you.

💶 Santorini Isn’t Cheap—But You Can Travel Smart

Santorini is definitely on the pricier side compared to other Greek islands.

• Hotel prices skyrocket during high season (May–September), especially for cliffside caldera views.
• Restaurant meals often cost double what you’d pay in Athens or Crete.
• Transport options like taxis and ATVs add up fast.

Money-saving tips:

• Stay in Pyrgos or Megalochori instead of Oia or Fira for authentic charm and better deals.
• Take the local KTEL buses—they’re reliable and budget-friendly.
• Book experiences like wine tours and catamaran cruises directly, not through third parties.

🌅 The Views? Yes, They’re Worth the Hype

This is where Santorini totally delivers.

• Watching the sunset in Oia really is as magical as the photos suggest (just expect a crowd).
• The caldera cliffs look unreal from Imerovigli and Firostefani.
• Waking up to a view of the volcanic crater feels like something out of a dream.

Even if you skip the luxury suite, you can still enjoy breathtaking viewpoints from public paths and café terraces.

🚫 Overrated or Overwhelming? Here’s What Surprised Us

Some parts of Santorini didn’t quite live up to the hype:

• Oia is gorgeous—but shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists by 5 PM.
• Red Beach and Black Beach sound cool, but they’re rocky and less comfortable for lounging.
• Restaurants with views often prioritize the view over flavor or service.

What we loved instead:

• The quieter charm of Emporio, with its winding alleys and castle ruins.
• Exploring local wineries like Gaia and Gavalas—amazing wines and warm hospitality.
• Finding sunset spots away from the crowds, like the lighthouse at Akrotiri.

⛵ Is Santorini Too Touristy? It Depends

Yes, Santorini is touristy. But it’s still possible to find your own pace.

• Visit in shoulder season (late April or early October) to avoid the biggest crowds.
• Wake up early to explore Oia and Fira before cruise ship passengers arrive.
• Skip the beaten path with a private hike from Fira to Oia or a sailing trip around the caldera.

The secret? Don’t try to do it all. Santorini is best enjoyed slowly, one beautiful moment at a time.

Is Santorini Worth Visiting?

If you’re dreaming of iconic sunsets, whitewashed villages, and jaw-dropping views, Santorini still delivers—as long as you plan wisely. It’s not the place for hidden solitude, but it is a feast for the senses and a once-in-a-lifetime visual experience.

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