Is Santorini a Tourist Trap? (2024 Travel Guide)

Santorini is a world-renowned destination and the quintessential Greek island, but is it still worth visiting in 2024, or has it succumbed to the pitfalls of over-tourism and turned into a tourist trap?
With over 25 years of experience exploring the Greek islands, including four visits to Santorini over eight years, we've compiled a comprehensive and firsthand guide. This guide covers everything you need to know if you're planning a trip to Santorini, from the best places to stay and top attractions to the ideal times to visit, along with our personal tips for making the most of your visit. Additionally, you'll discover other nearby islands that are great alternatives or complements to your Santorini adventure.
For more information, read our Santorini Island Guide: www.greecetravelguide.co.uk/d...
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- Estate Argyros Winery: estateargyros.com/
- UA-cam video Fira to Oia Hike: • Fira to Oia hike : Det...
- Santorini bus website: ktel-santorini.gr/index.php/en/
- Cable car: www.scc.gr/pricelist.htm
- Museum of Prehistoric Thera: odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh151....
- Santorini Boat Tours: www.getyourguide.com/santorin...
DISCORD
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TIMESTAMPS:
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00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Contents
01:07 - Getting to Santorini
02:48 - Cruise Ship Passengers
04:23 - Where to Stay
04:40 - Fira, Firostefani & Imerovigli
05:53 - Oia
06:28 - Akrotiri
06:54 - Perissa & Kamari
07:15 - Pyrgos, Emporio, Vothonas & Karterados
08:14 - Getting around Santorini
09:55 - Sightseeing
10:10 - The Caldera
10:42 - Visiting Oia
11:06 - Hiking Fira to Oia
11:48 - Visiting Akrotiri Prehistoric Village
12:12 - Visiting Ancient Thera
12:45 - Winery Tours and Tasting
13:28 - Boat Tours
13:57 - Beaches
14:41 - Red Beach
14:59 - Shopping
15:20 - When to visit Santorini
16:28 - Our Verdict
17:30 - Tips and Advice
20:17 - Other Destinations
22:28 - Outro
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[@anonnemo2504]

A superbly produced and very informative video, even for those for whom their next visit is not their first. We will be staying in Imerovigli later this month (June 2024). Many thanks!

[@GreeceTravelGuide]

Many thanks, I'm glad you found it useful. Enjoy your trip!

[@CapybaraCM]

Just was asking a few Greeks I know about if Santorini is still worth going to because it’s become so touristy. They said to go and just manage expectations. Your video shows so much of Santorini that’s not been over run and confirms that it’s still very much worth the visit. Thank you again for your wonderful attention to detail. Also that you provide so many little details about getting around and places to go explore that books don’t bother with. I could go on about all the aspects of your videos that we love…

[@GreeceTravelGuide]

Thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful. You're right that it's not so bad outside of Fira and Oia. Most of the problem I think stems from cruise passengers who have to arrive in Fira and due to limited time tend to want to see Fira and Oia so those get most crowded. The beach resorts and inland villages aren't world's apart from a lot of other Greek islands and their prices aren't unreasonable either. If you can go outside peak season and/or limit your time in Fira and Oia then I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time.

[@mitp2514]

I love Santorini.. Its my go island but in the off season.. Over the years due to its popularity the island has become a tourist trap in my opinion. The charm, The Flare it just doesn't seem to be there.. Besides that this is a gorgeous peice of rock with breathtaking views.

[@GreeceTravelGuide]

Yes, I wish we could have visited 20 years ago, I'm sure it was a lot different then. I've enjoyed all my trips but I do much prefer the quieter and more traditional islands that have retained their Greek charm and hospitality. The views are stunning though and definitely worth seeing, if only once, in a lifetime.

[@mitp2514]

Agree 💯 Percent. If you love Greek islands check Karpathos non touristy island its laid back with old greek tradition and sandy beaches.. I have been here few times and love it..

[@GreeceTravelGuide]

I visited Karpathos in 2021 and did really enjoy it. Wasn't sure what to expect as I used it as a stepping-stone to get from Crete to Rhodes on the ferry, but it's a lovely island. Spent five nights there and loved exploring it and enjoying the beaches. Need to go again really but so many new islands to see!