Is Santorini Worth The Hype?! Greeces Most Famous Island

TikTok Lost LeBlanc

Special thanks to the AMAZING @WhiteAndCoVillas
Our Greek guide and amazing friend @ChrisEconomou
And to @True_Santorini for the stunning red dress!

[chikoboy]

Here is a little advice from a Greek who has been to Santorini many times. You do not go to Santorini for the beaches you go for that amazing view. If you notice in the video they had spent 169 euro on dinner for 2, he also mentioned if you want the view you need to make reservations ahead of time. What I suggest, and what I do when I go to Santorini is put all my money towards a room with a great view. This way you have that view 24/7 and without the crowds. Avoid the resturants where you are clearly paying for the view, there are many good resturants that will deliver to your room, there you can enjoy a romantic dinner with an amazing view on your own balcony. Even if you're having gyro and some wine from the corner store it's way cheaper and I'd rather wake up to that view then pay over 150 euro to enjoy it for an hour.
Many of these hotels offer breakfast as well.
Spend a little extra on that room and a little less on food. You will not regret having that view 24/7

[ReigneOrShine]

My husband and I visited Santorini at the end of October (which is considered as low season) and it was perfect. There was no crazy crowd. We were walking on the narrow streets like we own the place. We met very friendly locals. We stayed in a suite with our own jacuzzi and it was very near the famous blue domes and it costed 210 euros. The weather was amazing too (not too hot nor too cold). When we went to Pyrgos, there was totally no tourists. My husband and I prefer to visit places during the low season because accommodations are much cheaper, less crowded and we can appreciate the places more when you can roam the streets like a local.

[shakierputtur]

This guy showed us a real picture of Santorini without putting much color grades in the video, no exaggerated ambience, appreciated.

[MultiDoctor]

As a Greek that have visited most Greek islands (from Mykonos (not my vibe) to Kalymnos and Gavdos) I can tell you that hell yeah Santorini is worth the hype!!
Is one of the most beautiful places I ve ever seen but you have to do it right and you have to be prepared for what you ll find. If you are looking for a place that you can feel the Greek hospitality go to Crete, Naxos, Amorgos, Icaria or Serifos. If you are looking for the best all around island go to Milos. But if you are looking for the most beautiful place in Greece for a romantic getaway then Santorini is the place to go!

Don’t go to Santorini if you are not prepared for spending more than what you do in most Greek islands still way cheaper than LA, Positano, Singapore or other high end destinations)!
And now some tips:

Stay in Oia and if not in Oia in Imerovigli! As the video showed Santorini is for romantic and relaxing vacations and Oia is probably the most romantic place on earth!
Pay the extra bucks and stay in a room with a caldera view, if you can have your own outdoor hot tub even better.
There is no better way to finish your night by having a bottle of wine with the best view in the hot tub!

Rent a car or scooter! Vazaios rental cars have good prices and they have their own parking for customers in Oia where you can easily park for free!! That’s a huge plus for Oia as otherwise parki g is difficult to find.

Go for a boat tour: There are many companies that are doing tours (always prefer the sunset tours) like spiridakos and caldera yachting.

Wine tasting is also a nice thing you can do but do not expect Tuscany or Provence levels of quality.

Cavo tagoo is beautiful and Vezene is a great restaurant (at least the Athens version) but overpriced. I wouldn’t recommend any of them, but if you want that infinity pool vibe Spa of the gods is a way cheaper option.

Beach Bars: plenty good beach bars to relax and have lunch like Wet stories, seaside etc

Restaurants:
Here we go! Santorini has amazing restaurants!
Please make a gift to yourself and have a dinner (make a reservation for right before sunset) at Lycabetus or Five senses for a fine dining experience that you will remember!
Go to Armeni (have to call them to come pick you up with a boat) to have an amazing experience with fantastic seafood !

Take the boat from Amoudi to Thirasia and visit Agkistri to feel the authentic vibe of the island!

Captain Nicolas cave is good spot for local food
But also DO NOT SKIP A VISIT TO ROZA!! Greek food at its best !

Santorini simply is a fantastic place!

[pandamilkshake]

As a Greek person, no. Do not go there during summer, your expectations will not be met, and will not enjoy it. Either go before may or after September. Just try other islands, guys...we have 200 of them, choose.

[MaryLova]

I worked 3 years as a seasonal worker in Santorini and I loved being on the island every day of it ! Yes it will super crowded but that’s why it’s crowded cuz it’s amazingly beautiful! Just don’t go in the high season June-august and you won’t deal with so many people ! Also Oia is where all the people go for the sunset but I’ve seen a better sunset in many places of the island such as Imerovigli, Ancient Thira, Akrotiri . The Lighthouse is also a place to visit especially at night if you’re more on the edgy side

[ScottSouthy]

When booking your trip to Santorini check the large cruise ship itineraries. There is generally a few days a week when the major large cruise lines don't visit the island. The largest crowds come from the cruise ships and the island is much nicer on the days when the cruise ship passengers aren't there.

[travelertrome]

Went to Santorini in May 2006. Absolutely stunning and not too crowded. Not even in Oia. Wine tasting was fun too! I also went to Santo Wines and the place was practically empty! We had any table to choose from!

[Karen-tlqg]

I went in April 2018 from Paris. It was best time to go! Very few tourist. I met many locals most from Athens coming to start work for the Summer. They treated me like Family. I cruised, ate, shopped and just hung with really nice people. I stayed in one of those white villas with balcony overlooking Agean.

[John_Fugazzi]

A few decades ago Santorini was mostly known for its archaeological digs and donkeys you rode up to the towns. Hardly anybody knew about it. It had no jet airport, no infinity pools, fine dining or expensive lodgings. It changed by the 80s but then the internet pushed the changes into hyperdrive.

[markrickerbyadventurestories]

Great video! I spent a summer on Santorini and had the time of my life. There's something very special about it. The mixture and accessibility of the crowded "crossroads of the world" and isolated villages and undeveloped areas. The clear water. The world-famous sunsets. The kind-hearted natives. My time there marked me forever, in the best ways possible.

[eirini.karanikoli]

Heyy! Greek student here and i have to admit... I've been once in Santorini and I barely managed to afford wine tasting and catch some great views! I'm so blessed that being part of this culture but basically and unfortunately, places like that are definitely not for students, even not for the average greek individual. This video gave me so many great images and i really thank you guys for that!

Last but not least, if you ever being in Santorini again, you should visit Sigalas Domaine and get some local but exclusive vibes, wines and dishes. Also, it'd be a great idea to take the path early in the morning from Fira to Oia, to get some stunning views of Caldera and Santo villages with no crowds. Just remember you must have a hat, sunscreen, water, snacks and almost 5h to spend walking.
But this is definitely a great experience

[gavinparson]

My wife and I went in September 2020. Due to the pandemic and being out of season, it was great. Our hotel in Kamari wasn’t expensive and we were surrounded by restaurants virtually begging for our custom. We hired a car twice for only 30 Euros and toured around. I think we had the best experience there fully acknowledging that in a normal year and during July and August, it would have been horrendous

[AlbertHarrisphoto]

I got really lucky during covid last year to stay in a luxury hotel in Oia with covid pricing (500-800 a night) that had two private pools and a caldera view. Normal pricing is 1k to 1.6k a night now with the nicest suite. I'm going to say this. Staying in Santorini is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, especially with a loved one. Once you have done it you don't need to go back unless it's for work or you're a travel creator. The other islands are awaiting you if you decide to go back to Greece!

[alexthecreator]

Been to Santorini in 2010 when it was not an Instagram Hotspot. It was already pretty packed but still ok even in July/August. There are so many beautiful islands in Greece, you can keep going for ages ;)

[gingertravelpassport]

Glad I made it to Santorini 2020 when Covid was going strong all over the planet but trips within Europe were possible! I just fell in love with this Island and for me it totally worth the hype. :) I stayed in Fira and loved it and hiked all the way to Oia and took the bus back when I got dark.

[TheBlaqueKangaroo]

I have filmed in so many places that didn't live up to the hype from IG. Santorini seem like a destination worth the visit, now it's on the bucket list!! Thanx for the Video.

[katherinepacey]

We're going back for the 3rd time. We've stayed at both Imerovgli and Pyrgos. My advice don't bother with Oia. My favourite spot Santo Winery. Love Santorini, so romantic and stunning 😍

[richardkennett]

We have been to over 20 greek islands and Santorini is definitely overhyped! Having watched this video Christan has shown you the views, exactly as they are. The place is just overcrowded. Not so far away is Folegandros and that is stunning. For a longer break to the north is Naxos, which remains the best Greek Island in the Cyclades. The beaches are stunning, the main town is so romantic, the food is superb and the island is so diverse but quiet. So many international travellers go to the same islands due to the hype and the postcards. but the real treasures are the ones which are not so easy to get too! Greece has sunshine and hospitality on tap.
Christian your travel guides are truly outstanding with the very best shots and production. Always a weekly highlight! Keep up the great job!

[stew]

This video took me back to our trip there a few years ago. I love it there and would love to go back.