Dreaming of Greece: Why Santorini Should Be on Everyone’s List
If you’ve ever stared longingly at a postcard of blue domes and white cliffs and thought, is it really that beautiful?—the answer is yes. And then some. Santorini doesn’t just meet expectations—it leaps over them in dramatic, caldera-edge fashion.
It’s often the first place people think of when they dream of Greece—and for good reason. With epic sunsets, cliffside villages, and black-sand beaches, Santorini feels like it was made to be savored. Whether it’s your first trip to Greece or your fifteenth, this island earns its spot on any itinerary. (I’ve even included it in my Island Hopping Itineraries for First-Timers because it’s just that special.)
Let’s dive into what makes Santorini unforgettable—and how to experience it without falling into the tourist traps (or off a cliff—yes, we’ll talk about that too).
When to Visit and For how Long: Making the Most of Your Time
When to Go (And How Long to Stay)
With over 2 million visitors a year and only 15,000 residents, timing your visit makes all the difference.
Peak Season (June–August): The views are dazzling—and so are the crowds. Bring your patience and your sunhat.
Shoulder Season (September–October): My personal favorite! Warm waters, mild temps, and fewer people. Perfection.
Spring (late April–May): Lush and lovely, but some smaller places may not be open yet.
⏰ Pro Tip: Stay at least 3 nights (ideally 4 or more). Trust me—once you see that view, you won’t want to leave.
7 Moments That Made Me Fall in Love with SantoriniThe Sunset in Oia
1. That Sunset in Oia 🌅
Sunsets in Oia aren’t just sunsets—they’re an event. We watched from our hotel balcony (far from the selfie-stick crowd), wine in hand, as the sky turned fifty shades of magic. Want to avoid the crowds? Charter a boat and watch from the water. That’s my plan next time.
2. Venetsanos Winery 🍷
A local tipped us off to Venetsanos Winery, and it didn’t disappoint. Tucked into the side of a cliff, this vineyard offers breathtaking views of the Caldera and some of the best wine I’ve ever tasted. The tour was fascinating—showing how they used the natural slope of the land for energy efficiency and wine production.
I was planning to ship wine home, but thanks to hefty tariffs (still the case), I opted for a bottle of rosé not exported outside of Greece…which I promptly forgot in the hotel fridge. You’re welcome, next guest. 😅
🍷 WINE WISDOM: The vines in Santorini are trained into basket shapes—called kouloura—to catch precious humidity from the sea air. The volcanic ash in the soil naturally protects the vines, meaning no irrigation and no pesticides are needed. These techniques have kept Santorini’s wine organic for thousands of years. In fact, the DNA of Santorini’s grapes dates back over 7,000 years, which is why they’re often called Jurassic Grapes.
You’ve seen the photos—now see it in real life. The Greek Catholic Church of the Dormition has the famous blue dome and triple bells with a knockout view of the caldera. It’s a short walk (or cab ride if you're like me) from central Fira—just look for the railing near Mama Thira’s House and peek over.
4. Akrotiri: Santorini’s Time Machine 🏛️
This ancient town, buried under volcanic ash, is Santorini’s version of Pompeii. It’s covered and cool, so you can stroll the prehistoric streets without melting in the sun. If you love history, don’t miss it.
5. Good Heart Restaurant 🍽️
After exploring the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, we followed a local tip and ended up at The Good Heart—a cozy, family-run spot perched above the sea. It’s the kind of place that feels like a warm hug (with better seasoning). The food was fresh, flavorful, and full of local pride.
But the real surprise? The shelves lined with handmade products you can actually take home.
🔥 HOP TIP: Bring an Extra Tote Bag. Good Heart doesn’t just serve incredible meals—they also offer some of Santorini’s best edible souvenirs. Be sure to pick up:
• Santorini capers – tiny, tangy, and packed with flavor.
• Tomato paste – made from the island’s famously sweet, sun-drenched tomatoes grown in volcanic soil.
Perfect for food lovers, home cooks, or anyone who wants their suitcase to smell vaguely like Greece (in the best way possible).
6. The Red Beach
Named for its stunning red cliffs and sand, this beach looks otherworldly—but it’s also dangerous. You can no longer access the beach due to falling rocks, and for good reason.
📸 HOT TIP: Book a boat tour! They’ll take you to see Red Beach, White Beach, and even a black pebble beach—all safe, all gorgeous.
7. Kamari Beach 🏖️
Want to actually lounge on a beach? Kamari’s your place. Black volcanic sand, a charming boardwalk, and tavernas galore. Just don’t forget your flip-flops—those pebbles heat up like a stovetop in summer.
Santorini State of Mind
Santorini might not be the quietest corner of Greece, but it is one of the most unforgettable. From dramatic cliffside views to long, lingering meals and clinking glasses of crisp white wine, it reminds you how stunning life can be when you slow down—even if the world around you keeps moving.
You don’t need a plane ticket to hold onto that feeling.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as a shift in mindset.
Take a little extra time to savor your morning coffee. Share a meal without distractions. Pause to admire the sunset from your window—even if it's between Zoom calls.
Let the beauty, the rhythm, and the joy of Santorini infuse your day—wherever you are.
⚠️ Safety Before Selfies: Stay Alert on the Cliffs
As of April 12, 2025, seismic activity around Santorini has significantly decreased. While minor tremors continue—including a recent magnitude 2.6 quake—experts confirm that the intense swarm of over 20,000 quakes between January and February has largely subsided.
Authorities have lifted the state of emergency, and life on the island is returning to its relaxed, sun-soaked rhythm. That said, visitors should remain cautious, especially in cliffside and coastal areas, where the risk of rockfalls and landslides still exists.
Santorini remains open and as stunning as ever—there’s no reason to cancel your plans. Just keep these precautions in mind:
Avoid cliff edges and unstable trails: Stick to marked paths and respect any closures.
Be mindful near Red Beach: Access remains restricted due to ongoing rockfall concerns.
Stay informed: Check local advisories and follow any safety guidance during your stay.
📸 Remember: no photo is worth risking your safety. When in doubt, zoom in—not out over the ledge.
💬 Have a favorite Santorini spot, hidden gem, or must-try restaurant?
Whether it’s a quiet taverna, a secret swimming cove, or the best spot for baklava—drop it in the comments! I’d love to feature some reader favorites in a future Fun Bits & Travel Tips roundup.