I've wanted to visit Santorini for years. The white-washed buildings, the blue domes, the sunset over the caldera — it's every travel blogger's dream. But I also knew the reputation: overcrowded, overpriced, and overhyped. So when I finally booked a trip for June 2026, I went in with low expectations. I'm happy to report that Santorini exceeded them. But not for the reasons you might think.
The Crowd Situation Is Real
Let's get the bad news out of the way first. Oia, the famous village with the iconic sunset views, is a nightmare. I'm not exaggerating. In June 2026, the narrow streets were packed shoulder-to-shoulder from 5 PM until well after dark. People were literally fighting for spots on the castle ruins to watch the sunset. I saw a couple almost come to blows over a tripod position. If you want the classic Santorini Instagram shot, you'll have to elbow your way through hundreds of tourists. I decided it wasn't worth it.
The Secret Spots That Saved My Trip
Instead of fighting the crowds, I did something different. I rented a car — a tiny Fiat 500, because the roads are narrow — and explored the less-visited parts of the island. Here are three places that made the trip unforgettable:
1. Pyrgos Village. This is the highest village on the island, and it's a maze of steps and alleys with almost no tourists. I spent an afternoon wandering around, stopping at a family-run bakery for spanakopita and a local wine bar for a glass of Assyrtiko. The views from the top are actually better than Oia, because you can see the entire caldera. And I had the place almost to myself.
2. Akrotiri Lighthouse. Everyone goes to Oia for sunset. But the lighthouse at Akrotiri, on the southwestern tip, offers a completely different perspective. The sun sets behind the lighthouse, casting a golden glow over the cliffs. There were maybe 20 people there when I visited. I sat on the rocks, watched the sky turn pink and orange, and felt a sense of peace I hadn't felt all week.
3. The Red Beach Hike. The main Red Beach is packed with sunbathers. But if you walk about 15 minutes south along the cliffs, you'll find a small, secluded cove with the same red volcanic sand and almost no people. The hike is a bit treacherous — wear proper shoes — but the reward is a private beach with incredible snorkeling.
The Restaurant You Must Book
I ate at a lot of restaurants in Santorini. Most were good, some were great, but one was extraordinary. Selene, in Pyrgos, is a fine-dining restaurant that focuses on local ingredients. The tasting menu costs €120 per person, which sounds expensive, but it's worth every euro. The courses are creative — think fava bean mousse with capers, grilled octopus with lemon and olive oil, and a dessert made from local cherry tomatoes and white chocolate. The wine pairings feature Santorini's famous Assyrtiko wines, which are crisp and mineral. I booked two months in advance, and I'm glad I did.
The Reality of the Caldera View Hotels
You see those gorgeous hotels carved into the cliffs, with infinity pools overlooking the caldera? They're amazing, but here's what nobody tells you: the rooms are often small, the stairs are endless, and the prices are insane. I stayed at a mid-range hotel in Fira (the capital) for €250 per night. It had a caldera view, but from a shared terrace, not a private balcony. The room itself was tiny — barely enough space for a bed and a suitcase. If you want the full experience, be prepared to spend €500-€1,000 per night. And be ready to climb hundreds of steps to get to your room.
The Best Time to Visit
June was crowded, but I've heard May and September are better. The weather is still warm, the water is swimmable, and the crowds thin out significantly. I'm already planning a return trip for September 2027. Also, consider staying in a less touristy town like Kamari or Perissa. They have black sand beaches and a more relaxed vibe, and you can drive to the famous spots during the day.
Is Santorini Worth the Hype?
Yes. But not for the reasons Instagram makes you think. The real magic of Santorini isn't the sunset in Oia or the infinity pools. It's the small moments: the sound of the wind through the grapevines, the taste of a just-caught octopus grilled over charcoal, the feeling of being completely alone on a cliffside path. If you go expecting a curated experience, you'll be disappointed. If you go with an open mind and a willingness to explore, you'll have the trip of a lifetime.
