Visiting Santorini is a must-see experience for anyone eager to witness breathtaking sunsets and stunning cliffside views on this crescent-shaped island. While you’re not the only one dreaming of visiting this popular Cycladic destination, don’t let the fear of crowds discourage you from planning your trip. To make sure you have an unforgettable experience, avoid these six common mistakes when organizing your Santorini getaway.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Trip to Santorini
Mistake #1: Failing to Arrange Hotel Transfers in Advance
Regardless of whether you arrive by ferry or plane, you’ll need a means to reach your accommodation. To avoid any hassle, book a hotel transfer in advance. If the service is informed of your arrival time, they will have a vehicle ready for you. Neglecting to do so can leave you reliant on infrequent buses or pricey taxis.
To sidestep this common error, book your transfer here.
Mistake #2: Expecting a Party Scene
If you’re seeking a party atmosphere, Santorini may not be the right choice. While the island does not lack charm, it leans more towards relaxed dinners and live music rather than nightlife. A couple of days in Santorini will be perfect before you head off to a more vibrant party destination like Mykonos. During your stay, you can enjoy a boat cruise around the Caldera or rent an ATV to discover hidden gems. Wine aficionados will appreciate the excellent wine tours available!
Mistake #3: Arriving by Cruise Ship
When cruise ships anchor offshore, they often release thousands of tourists onto the cliffs of Fira. The narrow, winding paths, originally designed for small carts, become overcrowded and inconvenient. Maneuvering through throngs of visitors can be overwhelming. To truly savor Santorini, spending more than just a day is essential. After the sunset, most cruise passengers return to their ships, leaving behind smaller crowds for visitors who stay longer.
Mistake #4: Limiting Yourself to Oia
Although Oia is famous for its romantic charm, there’s much more to discover across the island. After spending a few hours in Oia, consider renting an ATV or using public transportation to explore other areas! From unique black sand beaches to quaint smaller towns and local wineries, there are countless experiences beyond just gazing at the cliffs and sea.
Many tour options can simplify your exploration. Check them out here.
Mistake #5: Skipping the Beaches
While it’s true that other Greek islands boast better beaches, it doesn’t mean you should completely skip the beach during your Santorini trip. Renting an ATV, car, or using public transport is worthwhile to visit Kamari Beach (known for its black rocks) and Monolithos Beach (featuring black sand and shallow waters).
Related: Check out these Santorini Instagram captions for your travel photos.
Mistake #6: Flushing Toilet Paper
While not a planning mistake, it’s crucial to remember that many places in Santorini (and Greece in general) have sanitation systems that cannot handle toilet paper, often leading to significant issues.
Be considerate and dispose of toilet paper in the trash can provided next to the toilet.
Mistake #7: Overlooking Professional Photography
You’ve likely seen stunning photos from Santorini, and this is because professional photographers know the optimal angles and the best times of day for capturing breathtaking shots. If you want to preserve the memories of your Santorini trip, think about scheduling a professional photo shoot!
Special occasions like honeymoons, anniversaries, family trips, solo adventures, or surprise proposals are all excellent reasons to capture your moments with a Flytographer session.
Click here to find local photographers and book your photoshoot!
What to Do in Santorini
Now that you know the common mistakes to avoid while planning, it’s time to create your itinerary! I’ve compiled a 2-Day Itinerary for Santorini that you can use as a starting point. Two popular activities include a Santorini Catamaran tour and a Sunset wine tour.
The best place to book these tours is here.
You should also factor in the costs of your visit to Santorini. Check out this post on what a two-week trip in Greece might cost, to get an idea of expenses in the country. Overall, expect to pay more for food and accommodations in Santorini than on the mainland.
Related: Sunset captions for Instagram to pair with your stunning Santorini sunset photos.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Santorini?
The ideal duration can vary based on your travel style! If you’re an adventurous traveler, two days in Santorini would suffice. However, if you prefer to unwind on the beach or enjoy some relaxation, consider extending your stay.
Personally, I recommend at least two full days for a wonderful introduction to the island, then you can easily hop over to another island for a different atmosphere.
How to Get to Santorini
Santorini is well-connected with many direct flights available, making it easy for travelers to reach the island. You can also fly domestically from Athens, or choose from various ferries that arrive daily from the mainland and other islands.
Where to Stay in Santorini
Santorini offers countless accommodations, primarily featuring small, locally run boutique hotels. While Fira and Oia provide stunning views, you’ll find more budget-friendly lodging options outside the main areas. Though they may lack the views, many are closer to the beaches.
You can often find suitable options here!
When to Visit Santorini
Santorini is primarily a summer destination, with July and August being the peak months for visitors. Expect large crowds during this time, including tourists and cruise ship passengers arriving for the day.
May, June, September, and October are much quieter and often offer the best experience for those who wish to avoid the hustle and bustle.
During the off-season (November to April), many shops and hotels close, but it’s a great time to visit for those wishing to escape the tourist crowds. The weather can be chilly, so if you’re not a sunbather, the off-season may suit you well. You can read more about winter in Santorini.
Safety in Santorini
Santorini is generally a safe destination for travelers. One of the main concerns on the island is traffic. The narrow roads can be congested and accidents do occur. Tourists should also exercise caution when operating ATVs, as rough terrain can cause vehicles to skid!
For more information, check out Is Santorini Safe?
Do you have more questions about Santorini? I have put together a complete Santorini Guide filled with planning tips, accommodation suggestions, driving tips, and answers to other questions you may have as you prepare for your trip!
Additional Santorini Travel Resources:
Lastly, it’s essential to consider travel insurance. Whether it’s a routine hospital visit for an ailment, emergency surgery, or even an unfortunate accident, unexpected situations can arise while traveling in Santorini.
I highly recommend obtaining good travel insurance. Personally, I never travel without it, and I even verified that my policy covers my children’s care in case I become incapacitated. It’s always wise to be prepared.
You can find more information and purchase your travel insurance here.
I hope this article helps you steer clear of typical pitfalls made by first-time travelers! If you have any questions about planning your trip to Santorini, feel free to ask in the comments!
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada, and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about inspiring others not to postpone their travels just because they have young children or are single parents. Her goal is to encourage adventure, whether it is local or international, by demonstrating that every place can be a destination worthy of family exploration.
