Brimming with colorful character and rightly one of the most loved islands in Greece, Santorini is a Cycladic jewel that ought to be on every travel bucket list. Famous for its amorous nightlife, caldera sunsets, and craggy landscape, the island does have its eccentricities. The ten things not to do in Santorini highlight some of these peculiarities to help travelers learn more about the island’s touristic culture and its specialties.
Stand on roofs
One of the main things not to do in Santorini is standing on the roofs of homes. Many travelers do this merely to capture that perfect photo. Unfortunately, it’s an act that is disrespectful and troubling to the locals.
The problem is now at a point where locals have huge signs telling people that their home is “private property” and that tourists should “keep out.”
As responsible travelers, we must respect the sentiments of the islanders. Furthermore, Santorini is not without locations from where to take amazing photos, be it of a sunset or the Caldera, without disrupting local life.
Forget sunscreen
Although you’ll find sunscreen on many a Greece packing list, people still forget to either carry it or apply it.
The sun in Santorini can be very harsh, and the fast-blowing Meltemi winds don’t always bring the relief you desire. Moreover, there are several occasions when you are in direct sunlight, from climbing stairs in villages to standing in line for a photo-op.
So, don’t leave your hotel in Santorini without applying sunscreen. Also, carry a bottle with you at all times to avoid ending with an unexpected sunburn.
Skip local eateries
“Eat local” is a mantra that most modern-day travelers follow when out and about exploring the world. Not only does supporting homegrown eateries help with the local economy, but it also provides unmatched awareness of the region’s culinary culture.
Santorini has many excellent places to eat, so you are spoilt with choices. Still, some have a more legendary persona that makes them an essential stop when wanting to savor delicious local delicacies.
Argo Restaurant, named after the famous ship Jason took on his voyage to retrieve the Golden Fleece, is a contemporary spot in Fira with majestic views of the Caldera. Come here during sunset and order the shrimp saganaki for a meal to remember.
As the “first vegan restaurant in Fira,” 5Senses is already noteworthy. That its menu comprises seasonal plant-based dishes with classic Greek-Mediterranean flavors makes it even more appealing. Try its risotto from the roots or mamma’s vegan meatballs, and relish the goodness of healthy eating.
Travelers with a penchant for beer should plan a visit to Santorini Brewing Company. The only brewers on the island, they are responsible for some of the best ales you can find in Santorini. Their collection of beers includes the yellow donkey, lazy ass, crazy donkey, and their newest concoction, blue donkey, which has a fruity flavor.
Do you want a few more options for places to eat? Check out these six fantastic restaurants to try in Santorini.
Plan on wearing sandals
When one plans for an island vacation, beach slippers and sandals are typically among the first items added to a packing list. With Santorini, things are a bit different.
As an island with rugged volcanic terrain, it’s quite uneven and very steep in places. You will have to go up and down hills to reach various villages. Once there, expect to take steps to different areas of interest.
Therefore, it’s best to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes with a good grip instead of sandals. Of course, with shoes, you can also make the most of all the hiking trails in Santorini. These walks, ranging in difficulty, lead to amazing hidden beaches and stunning remote viewpoints around the island.
Lean against walls
Don’t worry! You’re not technically doing anything wrong by leaning against random walls to rest or take a photograph.
However, remember that locals whitewash their homes with paint that makes for an excellent photo background, especially if you are wearing bright-colored clothes. This specific paint made using slated lime, salt, and water, is cheap and quite effective in keeping the insides cool.
Now, one of the things not to do in Santorini is lean against walls because this chalk-like paint can rub off on your clothes. Thankfully since it’s a bit like chalk dust, the white color also comes off easily.
Pay for views
With so many different restaurants, it makes sense to eat out whenever you explore the island. However, among the things not to do in Santorini is pay for the views when selecting a place to eat.
Several restaurants guarantee astounding views that add a sense of romance to the meal. Unfortunately, the same restaurants also charge a premium for their unmatched location.
While the exclusively positioned restaurants in Santorini are ideal for special occasions, don’t forget to indulge in some of the island’s hidden gems. You’ll find plenty of eateries and cafes on narrow side streets that serve finger-licking food at pocket-friendly prices. While they might not offer the best views, the food often more than makes up for that.
Expect last-minute bookings
Depending on when you visit the Greek isles, it’s very much possible to enjoy an island-hopping trip without a fixed itinerary. However, it might not be best to plan a stay in Santorini at the last minute, especially during peak summer months.
The island is undoubtedly well-connected by air and by boat. You can book ferry tickets to Santorini via Ferryscanner all around the year from Athens, Crete, and other Cyclade islands. Still, due to its immense popularity, everything, from hotels and moped rentals to boat tickets and popular excursions, gets booked months in advance.
Furthermore, if staying in Santorini during July and August, it’s advisable to make a booking at restaurants a day or two in advance. And if visiting a famous beach, get there early to pick a sunbed closer to the water.
Pick random boat tours
There is an abundance of boat tours in Santorini. You’ll find them everywhere, heading out to iconic places such as Caldera, Black Mountain, Red Beach, Old Lighthouse, White Beach, and Ammoudi Port. Unquestionably, a day trip on the water, admiring the island’s beauty, is one of the top attractions in Santorini, not to be missed.
With ample options, deciding on a tour can get confusing. Therefore, one of the things not to do in Santorini is pick any old boat trip simply because it is cheaper. Many of these tours pack tourists like sardines in a can, leaving you with little space to move around on the boat or even take photos.
It is much better to choose a smaller boat, even if it is slightly more expensive. An ideal choice is a catamaran sail that stops at a few places you can enjoy leisurely. On such tours, you can lounge comfortably, sunbathe on the deck, and relax without feeling the rush to move from one spot to another.
Walk without looking down
Several islands across Greece still use horses and donkeys as modes of transport. This is primarily due to the lack of proper roads, especially on the small, less touristic islands. Otherwise, as in Santorini, the hilly nature of the land makes walking a tedious task.
The most common place where donkeys are in use in Santorini is from the port in Fira to the old town. The climb is precisely 588 steps and can get steep. There is a cable car, but some tourists prefer to go on foot.
If you decide to walk up, make sure you do so while looking down. The path has plenty of donkey droppings along the way, and you sometimes have to hop around to avoid them.
Since donkey rides are possible in other villages on the island, it’s a good rule to scan the road ahead for any unsavory elements that might stick to your shoes. Also, keep your ear open for any bells, a sure sign that a donkey is right behind you.
Swim all the time
Yes, you are in Greece, on a beautiful island, with an inviting blue-shaded sea all around you. On top of that, you probably have an open-air plunge pool as part of your accommodation, offering stunning views that go on till the eyes can see. But if you are planning to spend endless hours in the water, think again.
Even during the summer months, the water around Santorini tends to be cold because of the Meltemi winds. You can expect it to be around 20°C in June. So, it really depends on your tolerance, whether you are comfortable swimming in it or not.
Moreover, the beaches of Santorini are good but arguably not some of the best in the Cyclades when it comes to swimming. They are, nevertheless, unique in character, thanks to the volcanic disposition of the island. Kamari Beach, with its coarse sand, Kokkini Beach, famous for its red cliff backdrop, and Perissa Beach, with its black sand, are all excellent options for a full day of sunbathing.
As for your private plunge pool, expect the water to be cold if it is in the open and not heated. Thus, the best time to take a dip is in the late afternoon, once the sun has had some time to warm it up for you.