{"id":18796,"date":"2017-03-18T08:00:17","date_gmt":"2017-03-17T21:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=18796"},"modified":"2025-03-25T22:14:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T11:14:27","slug":"santorini-off-beaten-track-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/santorini-off-beaten-track-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get off the beaten path in Santorini"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you think of Greece<\/a>,\u00a0it’s likely your mind jumps straight to Santorini.<\/strong><\/p>\n

With jaw-dropping ocean views, those classic white and blue buildings, and a selection of the most amazing sunsets in the world, the island is a top spot on everyone\u2019s travel list.<\/p>\n

But because it\u2019s (sadly) no hidden gem, and with two million visitors a year,\u00a0it can get a little crowded. The hustle and bustle of what you may have thought was a relaxing trip can become quite the opposite. Lucky for you, we carefully selected some trips, hikes, beaches and restaurants that are genuinely off the beaten track \u2013\u00a0so, you can enjoy the island, just you and all its wondrous beauty.<\/p>\n

Hiking the volcano<\/h2>\n

We’ll start with a little geography lesson: although dormant, Santorini is an active volcano. The caldera \u2013\u00a0the remains of a volcanic eruption \u2013\u00a0is something that, naturally, you should climb.\u00a0Pack your bathing suit and head down to the port of Fira and jump on one of the many sailboats that takes 10 minutes to get to the beach of Palea Kameni. You\u2019ll be able to casually swim in a few hot springs before embarking on\u00a0the trek itself.<\/p>\n

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL INSPO, GIVEAWAYS & MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

If that doesn\u2019t interest you, you can hike right up to the top (only about 20-30 minutes) and look back at Santorini from a perspective most visitors don\u2019t see. And, as you’d expect, the view of the buildings and gorgeous landscape is quite the reward.\u00a0The trip can be made to last all day, especially if you jump on a catamaran and do a sail over to Oia and back. However, you can do the volcano itself in just two hours.<\/p>\n

\"SantoriniVlichada Beach<\/h2>\n

Unlike many other beaches here on the island, Vlichada is pretty secluded. A\u00a020-minute drive from Fira and with stunning black and grey sand and volcanic cliffs running along the beach, it’s well worth the trip. It’s also\u00a0a great alternative to\u00a0Perissa Black Beach or Red Beach, likely packed with tourists taking selfies and slapping on sun tan lotion. Don\u2019t get us wrong, they are<\/em> beaches not to be missed, but sometimes you just want to relax with no-one around. So, grab yourself a gyro from a nearby restaurant and lounge all day in that Mediterranean sun.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Pyrgos<\/h2>\n

Pyrgos is a traditional Greek town that doesn\u2019t get as many visitors as it deserves, probably thanks to the fact it’s simply not that well-known yet (despite being the capital of the island until the early 1800s). What many don\u2019t realize is that this picturesque Greek town is home to churches,\u00a0cafes, galleries, winding paths and vineyards \u2013 all in all, activity aplenty. It\u2019s also the highest point in Santorini, which allows for gorgeous views and castle visits. Yes, Kasteli Castle was a fortress settlement created in 1480 and reused in WWII. Certainly worth checking out.<\/p>\n

\"SantoriniAkrotiri Archaeological Site<\/h2>\n

You know Pompeii, but do you know about the Pompeii of the Aegean? Visit this archaeological site and you’ll discover all about its fascinating history. But to sum it up, the ancient city of\u00a0Akrotiri was beset by earthquakes in the 17th century BC, causing volcanic materials to cover the entire island. These remains now make up the most important archaeological site in Santorini. And just 12 Euros and you\u2019ll be able to wander round this astonishing site. You’ll also learn about the Minoans way of life and their impressive advancements. Did you know that they created the first indoor toilet?\u00a0Now you do.<\/p>\n

RELATED: CHECK OUT OUR 8-DAY TRIP FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Santorini sunsets<\/h2>\n

Oia is Santorini’s\u00a0picture-perfect town to visit, and an obvious go-to for those killer sunset pics. However don\u2019t waste your time running down to the old fort surrounded by everyone on the planet. Instead, head up to Profitis Elias Hill and enjoy the views all to yourself. With a view of the entire island and caldera, golden hour there is undoubtedly one for the books. It\u2019s worth noting that this spot also holds a monastery, which you can browse on\u00a0tours during the day. Learn the history of the long-standing building, and grab some honey samples as well. It\u2019s delicious and all home-made.<\/p>\n

\"SantoriniNon-touristy eats<\/h2>\n

Greek food is delicious, you don’t need to be told that. To experience it in all its glory when in Fira, you simply must\u00a0head down the narrow streets to Greek Souvlaki Karvounaki. It\u2019s the local hangout and truly the best spot in town, and while eating your Pork Souvlaki, you can’t not mingle with the locals over volcanic wine. (To explain ‘volcanic wine’, volcanic soil means wine here never loses its acidity, making dry whites a popular option.) Bonus: you\u00a0can get a decent amount of food and drink at Greek Souvlaki Karvounaki for\u00a0\u20ac5. That\u2019s not a common deal in Santorini, so load up on all you can.<\/p>\n

When in Oia make sure to grab a table at the Catch Bar. It\u2019s new(ish), secluded from the main road, and super trendy. Here,\u00a0you can try the local Fava bean, which is similar to edamame in looks, and then fresh octopus, which might just prove to be the best seafood you\u2019ll ever have \u2013\u00a0cooked to perfection and mega fresh. To wash it all down, try some traditional Greek spirits. Raki, which is aniseed-flavored (read: like liquorice), goes down pretty nicely with the aforementioned octopus.<\/p>\n

LOVE GREEK FOOD? WE HAVE A 9-DAY TRIP DEDICATED TO IT!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\"SantoriniAnother foodie spot you have to experience is\u00a0Lauda Restaurant. Magically situated right around an outdoor swimming pool on top of the Andronis Boutique Hotel, it\u2019s not to be missed. Enjoy a sunset there, or even just an afternoon lunch. There is one small catch: you’ll have to get ready to walk up and down MANY stairs to experience its delights.\u00a0Worth it.<\/p>\n

Obsessed with the Greek islands? Check out Intrepid’s 8-day tour from Athens to Santorini.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

Image Credits (top to bottom): iStock x3, Intrepid Travel, Catch Bar Restaurant Facebook page<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When you think of Greece, it’s likely your mind jumps straight to stunning Santorini. But because it’s (sadly) no hidden gem, you’ll have to be in the know to escape the crowds. Here’s an alternative guide to the island.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15902,"featured_media":18915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1313],"tags":[46,329],"class_list":["post-18796","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-europe","tag-greek-islands"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to get off the beaten path in Santorini | The Good Times by Intrepid<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Because Santorini, Greece is (sadly) no hidden gem, you'll have to be in the know to escape the crowds. 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