10 Best (and Worst) Santorini Travel Moments – According to Real Visitors
After meeting countless travelers in Santorini, I’ve heard their best memories, favorite spots, and even a few regrets. If you’re planning a trip, here’s what visitors say were their absolute highlights (and some things they’d do differently).
1. Best Memory: Sunset Cruise on the Aegean 🌅
“Nothing beats a Santorini sunset… except watching it from a catamaran next to Amoudi bay, with a glass of wine!” Many visitors say sailing the caldera, dipping into hot springs (which are not too hot, by the way), and watching the sky turn gold is the most magical experience of their trip.
2. Best Street Food: Gyros
“I thought I knew gyros… until I had one in Santorini.” Juicy meat, fresh pita, creamy tzatziki—fast, delicious, and cheap. Try Yogi Souvlakis in Fira!
3. Best Beach: Red Beach vs. White Cliffs vs. Black Sand? 🏖️
- Red Beach – Dramatic red cliffs but gets crowded, you can get there by a boat too, which I would suggest doing.
- Vlychada – A hidden gem with moon-like cliffs.
- Perissa & Perivolos – Black sand, beach bars, and a fun vibe.
4. Best Sweet Treat: Santorini-Style Baklava & More
Visitors rave about baklava soaked in local honey. Love sweets? Try loukoumades (Greek honey donuts).
5. Best Souvenir: Something Authentic to Take Home
Forget the mass-produced trinkets—visitors love:
- Santorini wines (Assyrtiko is a must-try)
- Handmade ceramics
- Evil eye jewelry for good luck
- Sun-dried tomatoes & capers
6. Best/Worst Decision: Renting a Buggy 🛻
Some say renting an ATV was so much fun—until they hit bumpy roads or had a line of cars behind honking at them. Sunburns can be a surprise after driving for hours in the sun enjoying the fresh breeze. Or even running out of gas in the middle of nowhere! A buggy can be a better alternative. But if you want comfort, rent a car instead.
Worried about parking chaos? My parking guide breaks down where (and where not) to leave your car in Fira, Oia, and beyond.
Don’t follow the crowd blindly—these alternative sunset locations will give you a better view and a better memory.
7. Best Decision: Staying More on the Island vs. Athens
“I wish we had spent fewer days in Athens and more time in Santorini.” Many travelers regret rushing through Santorini—3-4 nights is ideal.
8. Best for History Lovers: The “Lost City” of Akrotiri 🏺
An ancient city buried in volcanic ash—often called the “Minoan Pompeii.” Way less crowded than Athens’ ruins! But you should visit both, Santorini Akrotiri and Athens Acropolis :).
9. Best for Foodies: Wine & Traditional Taverns 🍷
Visitors can’t stop talking about:
- Wine tastings at Santo Wines or Domaine Sigalas.
- A real Greek feast at a traditional restaurant like Metaxi Mas.
10. Best View: Beyond the Classic Oia Sunset 👀
Skip the crowds in Oia and check out:
Skaros Rock (Imerovigli) – A short hike with stunning caldera views.
Akrotiri Lighthouse – Quiet, romantic, and picture-perfect.
Final Advice from Travelers:
- Stay at least 3 nights to truly enjoy the island.
- Avoid peak summer crowds—April-June or Sept-Oct are perfect.
- Rent a car, not an ATV (unless you love adventure!).
Santorini is unforgettable, but making the right choices can make your trip even better! Which of these experiences would be YOUR top memory? Let me know in the comments!
More about Santorini Here.
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Loved this roundup! Totally agree that the sunset cruise is unbeatable—floating in the caldera with wine in hand felt like a dream. Also YES to skipping the Oia crowds for Skaros Rock—such a hidden gem with jaw-dropping views. And I definitely fell for the ATV trap 😂 Lesson learned: car > cool points. Thanks for putting this together—it brought back all the best memories!