Visiting Santorini for the first time? You’re about to discover a place where history, beauty, and island life weave together into pure magic. But if you want to experience the real Santorini—the one locals love—you’ll need to go beyond the usual postcard views of Oia’s sunset.
Here’s how to soak up the authentic Santorini vibe, just like a local.
Stay Outside the Crowds
While Oia and Fira are stunning, they can get overwhelmingly busy, especially during peak season. To get a more peaceful, authentic feel:
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Stay in Pyrgos, a traditional hilltop village with narrow lanes and panoramic views.
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Explore Megalochori, where charming houses, quiet squares, and sleepy cafes capture the soul of the island.
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Consider Emporio, a medieval village filled with hidden alleys and fortified architecture.
💡 Tip: Renting a small house or family-run guesthouse in these villages can offer a deeper connection to local life.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
Skip the tourist-packed restaurants and find the hidden gems where Santorinians actually dine.
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Try a taverna in Messaria like Pentozali, where the food feels like a warm hug.
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Taste fava (yellow split pea puree), tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), and white eggplant dishes—all unique to Santorini’s volcanic soil.
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Visit a kafeneio, a traditional Greek coffee house, for a slow morning coffee and people-watching.
The flavors you’ll find in the villages are miles apart from the tourist menus along the caldera.
Explore on Foot
Forget taxis—walking is one of the best ways to feel the island’s rhythm. A few local favorites:
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The Fira to Oia hike (about 10 km) offers jaw-dropping views without crowds, especially early in the morning.
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Wander the backstreets of Fira, beyond the main shopping lanes—you’ll stumble upon hidden chapels, local bakeries, and secret courtyards.
Discover the Quiet Beaches
Sure, everyone knows Kamari and Perissa. But locals often prefer more secluded spots:
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Koloumpos Beach, on the northeast side, feels wild and untouched.
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Vlychada Beach, with its lunar landscape, offers a surreal and peaceful escape.
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Mesa Pigadia, a hidden beach near Akrotiri, is loved for its clear waters and rustic charm.
Don’t expect beach bars here—just nature and tranquility.
Sail Like a Local
If there’s one thing locals love, it’s being out on the water. Instead of big group tours:
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Book a small catamaran cruise that stops at hidden coves and beaches.
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Visit the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, but aim for private or semi-private trips to avoid the crowds.
Sunset from the water is just as spectacular—and far less crowded—than fighting for a spot in Oia.
Support Local Artisans
Swap the mass-produced souvenirs for authentic, handmade pieces.
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Visit local potters for traditional ceramics.
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Buy wine directly from small family wineries—Santorini’s volcanic terroir produces some of Greece’s best wines like Assyrtiko.
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Check out local jewelry workshops in Pyrgos and Fira, where artisans create unique designs inspired by the island’s history.
Final Thoughts: Go Slow
Santorini isn’t a place you should rush through. Savor the sunsets, linger over meals, strike up conversations with locals. The slower you move, the more the island opens up to you.
Because true Santorini isn’t just about what you see—it’s about how you feel while you’re there.
Experience the Heart of Santorini
First-timers often leave Santorini dreaming of a return. When you travel like a local, you’ll take a part of the island home with you—not just in photos, but in memories that feel deeply personal.
