Beyond Oia: The Villages Worth Exploring
While Oia gets all the attention (and crowds), Santorini's other villages offer equally stunning views with a fraction of the tourists.
Pyrgos
Perched on the island's highest point, Pyrgos is a labyrinth of traditional Cycladic architecture crowned by a Venetian castle. This is where locals actually live, shop, and gather. The village feels authentic in a way that the tourist hubs simply don't.
Don't miss: Franco's Café for sunset views without the Oia crowds, and Kantouni Restaurant for traditional Greek dishes prepared by generations of the same family.
Megalochori
This inland village showcases traditional Santorinian life, with neoclassical mansions, wine caves carved into volcanic rock, and squares where locals still gather for their afternoon coffee.
The village's wine heritage is evident everywhere—several boutique wineries operate from centuries-old caves, offering tastings that feel intimate and authentic rather than commercialized.
Insider Tip
Visit these villages in the late afternoon when day-trippers have left but before dinner service begins. You'll have the narrow streets virtually to yourself, and the golden hour light is extraordinary for photography.
Where to Stay: Hotel Positioning Matters
Your hotel choice in Santorini isn't just about luxury—it's about strategy. The island is spread across multiple villages, each offering distinct experiences.
Oia: For the Classic Santorini Experience
If you've dreamed of waking up to those iconic caldera views, Oia delivers. Yes, it's crowded during sunset, but mornings are peaceful, and staying here means you're already in position for the famous sunset without fighting through crowds.
Best for: First-time visitors, honeymooners, anyone whose bucket list includes "that" Santorini sunset.
Imerovigli: The Balanced Choice
Often called the "balcony of the Aegean," Imerovigli sits at the highest point of the caldera rim. You get the views without the Oia crowds, and you're centrally located for exploring the entire island.
Best for: Travelers who want caldera views but prefer a quieter, more sophisticated atmosphere.
Pyrgos or Megalochori: For Authentic Island Life
Staying in these traditional villages means experiencing Santorini as locals do. You'll trade caldera views for authentic culture, better value, and the satisfaction of supporting the local economy beyond the tourist zones.
Best for: Repeat visitors, culture-focused travelers, anyone seeking an authentic Greek island experience.
The Wine You Need to Try
Santorini's volcanic soil produces some of Greece's most distinctive wines. The island's winemaking tradition dates back 3,500 years, and the unique growing conditions—minimal rainfall, constant wind, volcanic soil—create wines you can't find anywhere else.
Assyrtiko: The Island's Signature
This indigenous white grape thrives in Santorini's harsh conditions. The result is a crisp, mineral-driven wine with citrus notes and remarkable acidity—perfect with fresh seafood.
Vinsanto: Liquid Gold
This sweet dessert wine is made from sun-dried grapes and aged in oak barrels for years. It's rich, complex, and utterly unique to Santorini. Think honey, dried fruits, and caramel, with bright acidity keeping it from being cloying.
Wineries worth visiting:
- Santo Wines: Spectacular caldera views and excellent Assyrtiko. Sunset wine tastings are popular for good reason.
- Venetsanos Winery: Built into the cliffside with stunning architecture and thoughtful tastings that focus on terroir.
- Estate Argyros: Family-run operation producing some of the island's finest wines. More intimate, less touristy.
Pro Tip
Book morning wine tastings. The light is better for photos, it's cooler, and you'll have the wineries largely to yourself. Save sunsets for your hotel terrace.
Dining Beyond the Tourist Traps
Santorini's restaurant scene has evolved dramatically. While you can still find mediocre moussaka served to cruise ship passengers, you can also discover some of Greece's most innovative cuisine.
For Fine Dining
Selene: The island's most acclaimed restaurant, serving elevated Greek cuisine that honors tradition while embracing modern techniques. The tasting menu is worth the splurge.
For Authentic Tavernas
Metaxi Mas: Hidden in Exo Gonia village, this place is where locals eat. No view, no white tablecloths—just exceptional traditional cooking at honest prices. The lamb kleftiko is legendary.
For Fresh Seafood
Amoudi Bay: The fishing harbor below Oia. Multiple tavernas line the water, serving fish caught that morning. Arrive before sunset, order whatever's fresh, and swim between courses.
Timing Your Visit
When you visit Santorini matters as much as where you stay.
May and September-October: Ideal conditions. Warm weather, manageable crowds, lower prices than peak summer. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, and you'll actually enjoy wandering through Oia.
June-August: Peak season means peak crowds and peak prices. If these are your only options, book well in advance and embrace early mornings before the cruise ships arrive.
November-April: Quieter and more affordable, but many hotels and restaurants close for the season. Weather can be unpredictable. Best for travelers who prioritize solitude over guaranteed sunshine.
What's Actually Worth Your Time
Skip the Archaeological Museum. It's fine, but there are better ways to spend your limited island time.
Do visit Akrotiri: This Minoan Bronze Age settlement was preserved under volcanic ash (think Pompeii, but older). The covered site is fascinating and offers genuine historical context.
Skip the black sand beaches. They're volcanic, which is interesting in theory but uncomfortable in practice (the black sand gets extremely hot).
Do take a boat tour: But choose a small catamaran or private boat rather than a large tour vessel. Sailing around the caldera at sunset, swimming in the hot springs, and seeing the island from the water is unforgettable.
The Reality Check
Santorini is beautiful, but it's not perfect. Here's what to know before you book:
- The island is small—you can drive end to end in 45 minutes. You don't need a week here.
- June through August brings suffocating crowds. Those iconic photos of empty white alleys? They were taken at 6 AM.
- Many hotels have stunning views but hundreds of steps to reach them. Factor in mobility considerations.
- It's expensive. Really expensive. Budget accordingly.
- The famous sunset in Oia has become a spectacle. If crowds stress you out, watch from elsewhere.
Making It Your Own
The key to loving Santorini is managing your expectations and planning strategically. This isn't a place to wing it—the difference between a magical experience and a frustrating one often comes down to timing, positioning, and insider knowledge.
Wake early to photograph Oia before the crowds arrive. Book wine tastings for morning rather than competing for sunset slots. Stay in Imerovigli or Pyrgos rather than adding to Oia's congestion. Eat where locals eat, not where cruise passengers are herded.
Santorini can absolutely live up to the hype—but only if you look beyond the Instagram photos and experience the island with intention.
Planning Your Santorini Journey
Strategic positioning, timing, and local knowledge transform a Santorini trip from good to extraordinary. We handle these details so you experience the island at its best—without the stress of navigating crowds, booking challenges, or logistical complexity.