FIVE THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE VISITING SANTORINI, GREECE

It’s best to get some information from locals when travelling to any destination. Today I thought I might share some little bits and things you should know before coming here to enjoy this wonderful Greek island. There is really no other way you could think of these small things without some local advice ;) So here comes my list of some things worth knowing when visiting the Santorini Island in Greece:

The sand you’ll find in the Santorini beaches is very special – it’s all black! Although it looks very surreal and special it’s worth remembering some basic physics – black attracts the heat from sunlight. So, please, if you really want to enjoy your beach trip, bring a pair of trusty flip-flops.
If you’re planning to visit some cafes, shops etc. during the day, it’s best to do it early in the morning or after 3 AM. The midday heat could be unbearable at times, and your trip to the store could turn into a nightmare. Plus, your store might even be closed for the day (many small shops and pharmacies are usually closed during the midday heat). I suggest you adopt the Greek way of arranging your day – try to relax during the day and plan some activities for the evenings/mornings. Trust me; you’ll save lots of energy this way.
If you want to visit some of the sacral and/or religious places, remember that there is a specific dress code. This is mainly for women – remember that your skirt/shorts must not be too short + you need to cover your shoulders. If it’s really hot and you still want to dress light, you can bring a light scarf or shawl with you to cover up.
Most people choose to enjoy the sunset at Oia, so the village gets very crowded around that time. What many people don’t know is that the sunset is equally great in Imerovigli and Fira AND there are no crowds there.
The last one is simple – if you’re waiting for a bus in a bus stop and the bus is coming, you MUST RAISE YOUR HAND. If you do not do this, the driver will think you’re waiting for another bus, and he will just drive pass you without stopping. I’ve heard tons of stories about this happening to tourists on their first day here.

So that’s it – now you now this and you’re even more prepared to have your best holiday in Santorini, Greece.