5 Ideas for Visiting One among Greece’s Most Fashionable Islands — With out the Crowds

We’ve all seen the photographs on our social media feeds: the white roofs, dramatic cliffs, and deep-blue seas of Santorini. What these photos don’t present — and what’s most of the time the truth of visiting this beloved Cycladic island — are the crowds.

The 47-square-mile island, which has round 15,500 year-round residents, is anticipating an unbelievable 3.4 million guests this season, over 1 million of them day-trippers arriving through cruise ship.

I wished to search out out if it was nonetheless doable to go to Santorini with out having to combat my well past scores of selfie-takers each time I stepped out of my lodge. The reply was an unequivocal sure — however provided that you observe these golden guidelines.

Timing Is Every part

Most of us wish to go to Greece in excessive summer time when the climate is beach-optimal and tourist-facing companies are up and operating. However when you can journey outdoors of the European college holidays in Might, June, or September, you’ll discover the place is considerably much less busy. And the climate, whereas nonetheless reliably sunny, gained’t be oppressively sizzling.

Location, Location, Location

The city of Oia has unmatched views of Santorini’s iconic caldera, but it surely’s additionally the place the vast majority of the island’s accommodations are positioned—and the place most cruise passengers head to take photographs because the solar goes down. In consequence, the slim pathways alongside Oia’s clifftop are sometimes very crowded in excessive season, particularly within the evenings.

We have been primarily based within the city of Imerovigli, throughout the bay from Oia, however with equally dramatic caldera views. Entry is barely much less easy, as you must park above the city and stroll to most areas. This implies fewer individuals and a better sense of area.

Decide Your Perch With Care

We stayed at Grace Resort, an Auberge Resort Assortment — just lately voted one of many High 10 resorts in Greece in Journey + Leisure’s World’s Finest Awards. It’s positioned on the sting of the caldera in Imerovigli and has unbelievable sundown views. It’s additionally the bottom property on that a part of the cliff, that means you look straight all the way down to the ocean fairly than watching company in different accommodations.

One thing you’ll discover about Santorini is that many older properties provide suites with plunge swimming pools concerning the measurement of a typical sizzling tub. Not so at Grace: In addition to a shared, full-sized infinity pool overlooking the ocean, company within the newly-launched Infinity Suites have their very own terrace with a non-public, infinity-edge plunge pool. (Be aware that Grace Resort doesn’t take youngsters, however households can e book the lodge’s gorgeous two-bedroom villa.)

Get on Your Ft

Driving — particularly parking — could be a ache in Santorini: Visitors is usually an issue, and vehicles should take lengthy detours to bypass the city facilities. Conversely, strolling is a breeze, because the cliffs alongside the caldera are lined with paved, walkable pathways.

These looking for bragging rights can sort out the 6-mile Fira to Oia route. I used to be touring with my two youngsters, ages 7 and 11, so we opted for one thing extra manageable: the hike round Skaros Rock, as soon as the positioning of a Byzantine fortress, and at this time a craggy, dramatic, however not particularly difficult stroll from Imerovigli. Simply be sure you set off early within the morning or late within the afternoon when temperatures are cooler. And take loads of water!

Take to the Waves

Santorini isn’t recognized for its seashores, which is sweet, as they’re sometimes not that busy. We spent a day at Seaside, a seashore membership on the pleasingly crowd-free black sand bay of Perivolos. It’s a Champagne and sushi sort of place, with costs to match, however when you’re seeking to spend just a few peaceable hours taking dips within the ocean and lounging in a cabana, this can be a nice choice.

For a swim on the reverse finish of the luxurious spectrum, head to the previous fishing village of Ammoudi. Right here, you’ll discover old-school tavernas lining the seafront in entrance of spectacular rust-red cliffs (we beloved the shrimp and calamari at Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna). After lunch, stroll about 5 minutes alongside the coastal path subsequent to the restaurant till you attain the key swimming spot in entrance of Agios Nikolaos church.