It’s little wonder that Santorini has become so popular over the last few years. This little Greek island simply oozes romance with its traditional white-washed villas and dramatic landscapes that have been carved by various volcanoes over the years. But this popularity has meant large crowds that frequent this island every summer, and a hike in prices to reflect this popularity. So, before you book your holiday to Santorini, be sure to look at these 5 tips that will both help you avoid the crowds, but also save you some money along the way:
- Avoid the Summer Months
From June to September, Santorini is absolutely packed with tourists, the prices go through the roof and the heat will be so stifling that your holiday can become a constant battle to find some shade or somewhere with air-conditioning. Consider choosing to visit in the winter months of November to March – the weather during this period is far from freezing, with temperatures hitting around 15°C and not too much rain; making it far easier to enjoy Santorini’s hikes and sights. Over the past few years Santorini has really upped its winter tourism, with most restaurants and hotels choosing to stay open, whereas in years before most would have closed.
- Sunset Watching
There’s no doubt you’ve probably seen photos of the world famous sunset, often photographed from the Oia village. It truly is a magical and awe-inspiring experience! However, crowds flock to Oia for this very reason, especially as dusk approaches. Arrive early – as early as 5pm – to find the best location. If you do arrive a little too late, explore rooftops and alcoves – or better yet, why not stay in a whitewashed villa and enjoy the sunset from your very own private spot? Perhaps even your own pool! Just make sure you find a villa that is facing west.
- Don’t Drive!
Usually, one of the best ways to explore an island is to rent a car and see where the roads take you. However, this is far from a good idea in Santorini where the roads are tiny and often frequented by donkeys. Instead, opt for some of the local public buses or rent something smaller like a scooter that will be easier to navigate on the roads. But actually, one of the best ways to explore Santorini is simply by foot. Put on your comfiest walking shoes and explore the unforgettable hiking trails such as the 9km trail between Fira and Oia.
- Book Ferries Early
If you book your Santorini ferry more than two months in advance you’ll get an impressive 25% off the total ticket price. This is especially useful if you want to visit Santorini in peak months when the prices are already very expensive, so will save you a nice amount of money.
- Book Your Restaurants in Advance
During the summer months, popular restaurants like Metaxi Mas and Anogi become incredibly busy with many being booked out every night. To avoid disappointment, you should ensure that you book these restaurants well in advance through their website or by emailing ahead of time. If you can’t get in touch, simply spend an hour or so on the first day of your vacation visiting the restaurants you want to dine at and booking for the holiday ahead, giving you peace of mind.
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