Is Santorini worth the hype?
Ah, the blues of Santorini! Talk to any avid traveller and they will say this small Greek Island in the Agean sea is on their bucket list to visit.
It certainly was on mine! I first visited when I was just out of Uni and on a summer Interrail trip across Europe. I spent two weeks on Santorini and absolutely loved it (even though I got in a moped accident and had to visit the hospital). I travelled with my good friend Dana – the one I still visit each year in Austin. We stayed in the southern part of the Island near the black pebbled beaches.
This year I had an opportunity to visit Santorini again as a day trip from Crete. Santorini is only a 2-hour journey via the high-speed ferry from Heraklion. It’s a highly publicised excursion option (ours was organised through and paid for by Olympic Holidays). So my oldest daughter and I packed our cameras ready for the adventure!
Watch our video!
The day started very early, leaving our hotel Filion Suites at 7.45 am to transfer via mini van to the port of Heraklion. There we met our tour organiser to pick up our tickets and we boarded the Hellenic Seaways Highspeed 7 ferry to Santorini. We hadn’t realised that there was assigned seating – so we just grabbed a seat – to soon realise we were sitting in someone else’s seat! Not to worry though as our tickets were for the VIP seating area upstairs, which was very nice.
We ordered coffee and warm croissants for breakfast and enjoyed the short ride. Our seats had powerpoints for charging which was very useful. I was a bit worried about getting seasick – the forecast was for gusty winds – but we were high up and I felt fine. There was plenty of time to look out the window and enjoy the Agean Sea!
My 15-year-old’s perspective
I went on a day trip to Santorini with my mum and it was very exciting and fun! We had an early start followed by a 2-hour ferry trip to the island. On the way we got to see Crete from a different view – from the sea. Once we arrived at Santorini we got onto a tour bus, which took us to Oia. It is a town made up of endless white houses that overlook the blue sea – just like you see in all the magazines. There were lots of people there taking photos (including us!) and it was very crowded and everything was very expensive. We then went to the capitol Thira which was good for shopping at affordable prices (I bought my friends some bracelets). Our final stop was a black sand beach, where we could swim. Overall the trip was a great experience and I really enjoyed visiting the beautiful island.
After getting off the ferry with lots and lots of people, we found our tour bus which was for a combination of English and German speakers. It took a little while to find our bus because there were so many there waiting to pick up the day trippers!
Safely ensconced in our air-conditioned bus, we set off to explore Santorini. The itinerary’s first stop was Oia, the postcard-perfect small town high on the cliffs. The bus stopped at the carpark with about 30 other tour busses and our guide led us to a high point in the village and gave us 1 hour 15 minutes to explore. We walked down the little lanes and took photos. My 15-year-old was amazed at how many people were there – it was the height of summer and it was very crowded (much more than I remember it being 20 years ago). There were lots of young girls, dressed up, with selfie sticks. Still, Oia did not disappoint and we got our photos!
Our next stop was the capitol Fira. Again, we were dropped off in a coach car park and walked into the centre of the town. This is where I had major deja vu! The meeting spot was the old Health Care Centre (old as in it was closed and abandoned). It was the same hospital I visited after my moped accident 20 years ago. So I peeked in the window and it looked the same.
Fira was all about shopping, as it was more affordable than Oia. We stopped at a kebab shop and got a chicken souvlaki that was very yummy (and only 2 Euros). That was more like the Greece I remember. We also picked up several souvenirs for family and friends. Having only 90 minutes, it did feel a bit rushed, but we made it in time to meet by the “old” health care centre and go back to the bus.
Our last stop: The black pebbled Kamari beach. We stopped here for 90 minutes at an outdoor cafe. We were able to use their beach chairs and umbrellas and have a swim. I’m fairly certain this was the town where I stayed 20 years ago.
So is Santorini with all the hype? It depends. If you have never been there before you really do have to experience it. My suggestions? Visit out of season and I’m sure it will surpass your expectations!
IF YOU GO:
Olympic Holidays For bookings call 0208 492 6868 or visit www.olympicholidays.com.
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Stefan | 12th Dec 18
Greece has the best islands to visit and Santorini is on my list this year. Thanks for sharing your experience there.
Newcastle Family Life | 22nd Jan 18
I have always wanted to visit Santorini, definitely near the top of my travel bucket list. We have been thinking of booking Greece for our family honeymoon next year and I never even thought of seeing if you could get a day-trip to Santorini. It looks beautiful and it sounds like you had a lovely day with your daughter, I think my own teen would love it too (she would be in Instagram & Snapchat heaven) x
Christos Georgantzos | 17th Jan 18
hi I believe your readers will find useful this weather guide of Mykonos if they ever plan to travel there. All months of the year are included.
https://www.visitgreece.com.gr/en/members/travel-blog/item/623-mykonos-weather-guide.html
Pierre | 16th Jan 18
Instagram Capital! LoL! Couldn’t agree more! Even a bad camera takes good pictures! We went there with my folks last year in the month of May and boy it was jam-packed! So you guys are some of the tourists that came from those cruise ships?! LoL. Santorini is a bit pricey but if you stay away from the “sunset” restaurants, you can actually find not cheap but reasonably priced restaurants. The beach looks lovely with its black sands! I envy you guys! Great blog!
Nikki @ Notes of Life | 12th Jan 18
What a wonderful place to visit. It looks amazing! 🙂
Emma | 11th Jan 18
Santorini looks amazing. I can’t get over how blue the sea and sky look contrasted with the white buildings.
Katy S | 9th Jan 18
I have to say I have always wanted to visit Santorini, those amazing blues, and whites just look so picturesque. I love that blue turquoise necklace too, a fab little find!
Nikki | 9th Jan 18
So glad I just found this review. I have been dreaming about Santorini! I was wondering if you know if you can fly direct?
Lisa (Travel Loving Family) | 9th Jan 18
Oh wow that sky and sea!! I would love to visit (in the off season like you have suggested!)
Penny | 9th Jan 18
Have been wondering this myself! How strange to return, especially after an accident. But lovely to do so with your daughter – love the video you made together!
Sam | North East Family Fun Travel Blog | 9th Jan 18
It looks gorgeous – love all of the white buildings and blue skies! I’ve not heard a bad word about Santorini so I think it’s most definitely worth the hype x
Mini Travellers | 9th Jan 18
this is very high up on my list of places to do and it looks faublous – thse blue skies! Very envious/
Leona | 9th Jan 18
We loved santorini the trick is finding a spot away from the crowds to get all those lovely photos which you are right is a challenge
Jenny - TraveLynn Family | 9th Jan 18
All those classic white washed walls against that brilliant blue sky. Just GORGEOUS! We have never been. No excuse. Need to make it happen. Will take onboard your tip of going out of season.
Helen Wills | 8th Jan 18
Oh this is great to read Susanna. It’s definitely on my bucket list, and your pictures make it look just as beautiful as I’d imagined. Would it be best to spend more time there if possible and stay for an entire holiday? I’m not the best day tripper when I’m trying to relax I have to say!
Claire at Tin Box Traveller | 8th Jan 18
I’ve never been to Santorini but have heard the experience is very different to what you see in the magazines. I’d still like to go! Good tip about the shops being cheaper in Fira. I love the jewellery you both picked up.
Erin Alice Ek Rush | 8th Jan 18
I love this! I really would like to take my daughter with me to places I have visited when she is older. I think an out of high season visit would be the way to go for a Santorini visit as there are only so many selfie sticks one person can take!