I almost didn't go to Santorini. I'd seen the photos — the blue-domed churches, the sunsets over Oia, the infinity pools — and I assumed it was just another overpriced, overcrowded tourist trap. But my partner convinced me to give it a chance, so we went for two weeks in September. And I'm glad we did. Because Santorini, for all its Instagram fame, still has hidden corners that feel untouched. You just have to know where to look. We spent our time avoiding the cruise ship crowds, hiking to quiet beaches, and eating at tavernas where the locals go. Here's what we found.
Skip Oia at Sunset — Go to Imerovigli Instead
Everyone says you have to watch the sunset in Oia. And sure, it's beautiful. But it's also a nightmare. Hundreds of people cram into narrow streets, jostling for the perfect photo. We went once, took one look at the crowds, and left. Instead, we discovered Imerovigli, a smaller village perched on the caldera's edge. It's quieter, more relaxed, and the sunset views are just as stunning — maybe better, because there are fewer people. We found a little spot near the Skaros Rock trail, sat on a bench, and watched the sun dip into the sea without anyone blocking our view. It was magical. Pro tip: bring a bottle of local wine and some cheese. You won't regret it.
The Beach Nobody Talks About: Kolumbos Beach
Santorini's beaches are mostly black sand, which is cool but not very comfortable (it gets hot). The popular ones like Perissa and Kamari are lined with sunbeds and bars, which is fine if you want that vibe. But we wanted something more natural. We asked a local shop owner for recommendations, and he told us about Kolumbos Beach, on the northern tip of the island. It's a small, pebbly cove with clear, turquoise water and no facilities. You have to walk down a steep path to reach it. But it's worth it. We spent an entire afternoon there, swimming and reading, with only a handful of other people. It felt like a private paradise. If you go, bring water and snacks — there's no shop nearby.
The Best Food in Santorini (Not in Fira)
Fira, the main town, has plenty of restaurants, but most are tourist-focused with inflated prices. Instead, we drove to the village of Pyrgos, which is inland and less visited. There, we found a taverna called Metaxi Mas. It's a small, family-run place with a view of the island. The food was incredible — fresh grilled octopus, tomato keftedes (a local specialty), and the creamiest fava bean puree I've ever had. The owner came out to chat with us and told us about the history of the village. The meal cost about €30 for two people, which is a steal by Santorini standards. If you want authentic Greek food without the tourist markup, go to Pyrgos.