Where to stay in Santorini to avoid crowds?

Escape Oia and Fira. Most of the crowds congregate in these towns, but there's a whole island out there to explore! Get out of these hot spots and head to the lesser-known parts of the island: Emborio, Finikia, Colombo Beach, and Pyrgos all showcase the charm of Santorini without the packs of people.



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The best time to visit Santorini is from September to October and April to May when the weather is warm and the crowds are scarce.

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Don't stay in Oia or Thera Oia and Thera (also known as Fira) are the biggest towns in Santorini, and the site of most of the hotels and other places to stay. Thera/Fira is also where the cruise ship passengers unload, and Oia is where everyone goes to watch the sunset.

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Escape Oia and Fira. Get out of these hot spots and head to the lesser-known parts of the island: Emborio, Finikia, Colombo Beach, and Pyrgos all showcase the charm of Santorini without the packs of people.

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Milos. Greece's charms are as many and varied as its islands, though the lunar-like landscape of Milos is truly something special. A quieter and less crowded alternative to Mykonos and Santorini, this Cycladic gem rivals both with its unique volcanic scenery and wraparound ocean views.

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Oia is absolutely stunning, but it is just too busy! My husband and I felt like sardines channeling through the streets. It is just not nice. Worth going to see for the views and taking some pics, but honestly, rather go out to some of the smaller and less touristy places, far more pleasant.

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Santorini is the top tourist destination in Greece and is world-famous for its unique natural beauty. The caldera with the white villages on top, the sunken volcano, and the charming sunset make it a popular place for vacation. In brief, we recommend staying 3 to 5 days in order to visit as many places as possible.

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As one of the most popular Greek islands, Santorini is known for being overcrowded and expensive.

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The hike between Fira and Oia follows the rim of the caldera. The views are stunning. It's easy to do the hike without a guide but a walking tour can make it more interesting.

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The walk between Fira and Oia is tricky in parts but doable by anyone in decent shape. Buy water before starting the walk – there are a few places to buy snacks and drinks along the way but they're easy to miss and not always open early in the morning. Avocado Restaurant is the best mid-point stop along the route.

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Walking from Fira to Oia is one of Santorini's top experiences. Hike along the rim of a caldera, explore the towns of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira, and enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the islands. If you go the entire distance, you will walk just over 10 km (about 6 miles).

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The Kardashians stayed at Celestia Grand (back when it was part of neighboring Volcano View Hotel) in Santorini during their vacation in Greece. It's an awesome luxury villa collection, located south of Fira (about a 30 minute walk into town or an easy ride with a taxi or their complimentary shuttle).

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If you don't want to spend too much on accommodation, you can easily find economical hotels in Santorini in the Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, and Karterados regions. The hotels located on the Caldera side are more lavish and expensive.

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Is a week in Santorini too long? A week in Santorini is the perfect amount of time, with days for exploring as well as relaxing. If you only went for a weekend, it could be a bit rushed if you're trying to visit Fira, Oia and a famous black sand beach.

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If you're planning a trip to Santorini, there are a few things you should know about the cost of your journey. On average, a trip to Santorini will cost around $1,500-$2,000 per person for a week-long stay.

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Planning Your Trip to Santorini You'll want to take your time on Santorini. Five days is an ideal length—you'll be able to lounge at the many beaches, hiking the island's highest points, and take a boat ride to some of the outlying islands, all formed by a volcanic explosion thousands of years ago.

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It has become globally famous for its authentic Cycladic beauty, whitewashed houses, labyrinth-like alleys, and amazing hotels, even though the number one thing Oia is renowned for is its magical sunset.

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July Weather on Santorini (95% Crowded): Hot and sunny. Along with August July is the busiest month on Santorini. Book rooms at least 3 months in advance for July visits – 6 months in advance for luxury hotels.

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The Armeni is a small beach near Oia, overlooking the South Thirassia and clear blue deep waters. It is accessible by boat. The beach is ideal for swimmers seeking special sites for swimming. The area offers a diving center, as well as small traditional taverns with local delicacies.

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Transport: How To Get Around On Santorini. The towns in Santorini (such as Oia and Fira) are small enough to be walkable by foot for restaurants and most other things, but if you want to do some exploring outside of town you'll need transport.

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Description: Oia, pronounced Ia, is the most famous of all villages of Santorini. It is world-known for its quiet life and the fantastic sunset. It constitutes the most beautiful and picturesque village of Santorini.

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In brief, the best place for nightlife in Santorini is Fira, with many cocktail bars with views and some nightclubs. Apart from the magical setting and volcanic landscape of Santorini, the island is also known for its lively night atmosphere.

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