Santorini is definitely not a secret and it’s possible the most Instagrammed place in the world.
This island is very unique and has absolutely stunning views from every angle. It was created by a volcanic eruption which gave the island it’s many different colours. The eruption also formed it into a half-moon shape, perfectly made for stunning sunsets at the edge of the Caldera.

Santorini is definitely one for the bucket list even though it’s becoming unbearably overcrowded and super expensive.  However, there’s a few tips and tricks that can make your visit enjoyable.

There are three main parts of Santorini to stay and visit.
Oia in the north, Imerovigli/Thira in the middle & Perissa/Perivolos in the south.

Oia is at the north end of the island and the busiest spot of them all. So avoid visiting between 10am and 6pm! Not only for the crowds but to stay away from the heat.
While strolling down the narrow street along the Caldera you will find plenty of cute shops, cafes, and restaurants…

Imerovigli has stunning views and some lovely hotels and the classic white houses along the Caldera. You will find many photogenic spots here.  It’s best to avoid from 10am to 6pm as it gets super hot. Compared to Oia it’s quiet here and strolling around is pleasurable and a great area for sunsets drinks…

We came to Santorini for the first time in 2010 and it was our first holiday together as a couple. We had no expectation at all and knew very little about this island ( just before Instagram). Our plane was delayed about 8 hours due to the Icelandic volcano eruption, so we arrived very late at night. We were staying in

Tholos resort 

in Imerovigli and it was pitch black and a bit misty that night. When we were walking to our hotel you couldn’t see anything except some lights in the distance from Oia and Thirassa, so we went straight to bed.  The next morning Weronika woke me up to tell me we were sooo unlucky because it was cloudy and raining. So I jumped out of bed and rushed outside only to be greeted by the bluest skies and water, and the most stunning views I’ve possibly seen. I’ll never forget that moment…

Santorini is all about the views views views and stunning sunsets, pretty much anywhere on the Caldera. It also looks pretty at night and after midnight it’s surprisingly quiet, you are almost all alone in both Oia and Imerovigli…

The most popular ones are easy enough to get to, but with a little effort, you can find more secluded places where you can relax and enjoy some much needed quiet time…

There’s also quite a large number of wineries and vineyards to visit for either wine tasting, lunch or sunset views. Assyrtiko wines and VinSanto wines will be found here but also some interesting red grape varieties should be tried and tested.

There are a few smaller and less known but lovely villages to spend an afternoon or evening. Pyrgos and Megalochori are two of those villages located to the south of Thira.

Santorini does have some beaches where to unwind and relax during the hotter part of the day. Although the beaches are not world class, they do offer something unique and different due to their variation in colours of both sand and rocks. There are plenty of options for food and drinks and a large number of beach clubs down by Perissa and Perivolos to spend the day.