Stacey Travels✨
@stacey_travels
Santorini is even more beautiful when you stop looking for the perfect view.
2023
I knew Santorini was going to be pretty, obviously. You see the photos everywhere — white buildings, blue domes, tiny paths winding down the hills towards the sea. But being there is slightly different. You start off taking the obvious photos, then eventually you just wander. That was probably my favourite part. Turning down little streets without really knowing where they went, finding a tiny doorway or a completely empty corner, then suddenly getting another view of the caldera through the buildings. Everything is so bright against the blue sky that it almost doesn’t look real in places. It can feel very busy around the famous spots, but move a few minutes away and it becomes much quieter. That’s where I actually started to appreciate the island.
Pass it on
Worth knowing
The famous Oia views are incredible, but Santorini is much more than the handful of spots you see on Instagram. Give yourself time to wander rather than planning every viewpoint.
Don't miss
Go exploring around the smaller streets and stairways between the main areas. Some of my favourite views were the ones I wasn’t looking for.
Best time
Sunset
Watch out
The hills and steps are no joke. Wear shoes you can actually walk in, especially if you’re planning on exploring for most of the day. And expect crowds around the most photographed spots.
Would I go back?
Yes. I’d happily go back, but I’d want to see a quieter side of the island next time. The scenery is almost impossible to get bored of.
What surprised me
How much of the island is made up of tiny details. It’s easy to think you’re going there for the big caldera views, but I ended up remembering the little streets, doors, balconies and random corners just as much.