Santorini Is Trending Again And These Spots Explain Why

I still remember my first trip to Santorini.

I stood in that massive crowd at Oia, waiting for sunset with about 500 other tourists, and I thought… there has to be a better way.

That’s when I met Nikos, a local who grew up on the island.

He laughed at me standing there with my camera and said, “Jeff, you’re doing it all wrong.”

He showed me the real Santorini that day.

The one without the crowds, without the tourist traps, without the overpriced everything.

I’ve been back seven times since then, and each trip I discover more hidden gems that most visitors never see.

These are the secret spots that locals actually go to.

The beaches where you’ll find Greek families instead of tour groups.

The villages that don’t show up on your cruise ship itinerary.

I’m sharing all of it with you today because honestly, this is the Santorini that stole my heart.

Watch the Sunset from Skaros Rock Instead of Oia

Everyone goes to Oia for sunset.

I mean everyone.

You’ll be shoulder to shoulder with strangers, fighting for a tiny spot on those famous blue domes.

But here’s what locals know: Skaros Rock gives you an even better view, and you might have it almost to yourself.

This massive rock formation sits between Imerovigli and Oia, and it’s one of my favorite spots on the entire island.

You’ll need to hike about 20 minutes to reach it, but trust me, it’s so worth it.

The path is a bit rocky, so wear good shoes.

Bring water too, because it can get warm on that walk.

When you reach the rock, you’ll find this old Venetian castle ruins sitting right on top.

The sunset from here feels more personal, more intimate.

You can actually hear the waves instead of camera clicks.

I love sitting on the edge with my feet dangling, watching the sky turn every shade of orange and pink.

Sometimes you’ll see only two or three other people up there with you.

After sunset, walk back to Imerovigli and grab dinner at one of the small tavernas.

The whole experience feels magical and real at the same time.

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Swim at Vlychada Beach (The Moon Beach)

Most tourists hit Red Beach or Kamari Beach.

They’re nice, but they’re also packed.

Vlychada Beach is where locals go when they want peace and quiet.

I call it the moon beach because the cliffs look like something from another planet.

These massive white and grey volcanic cliffs tower over the sand, creating natural shade and the most incredible backdrop.

The beach is long and wide, with dark sand and clear blue water.

Even in peak summer, I’ve found huge stretches of empty sand here.

There’s something so calming about this place.

The cliffs protect you from the wind, and the whole vibe is just super chill.

You’ll find a few sunbeds if you want them, but I usually just bring a towel and claim my own spot.

There’s a small taverna at one end that serves fresh fish and cold beer.

The owner, Maria, makes the best Greek salad I’ve had on the island.

The water here is deeper than other beaches, so it’s perfect for swimming.

I’ve spent entire afternoons here with a book, and time just disappears.

If you have a rental car, it’s super easy to reach.

If not, you can take a bus from Fira, though they’re less frequent than to the main beaches.

Get Lost in the Village of Pyrgos

Pyrgos sits right in the middle of the island, and somehow most tourists just drive past it.

Big mistake.

This village is what Santorini looked like before Instagram happened.

It’s built around this medieval castle at the top of a hill, with winding marble streets that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

I’m obsessed with the blue doors here.

Each one is a slightly different shade, and they’re all perfectly weathered and beautiful.

The village is super quiet, especially in the morning.

You can wander for hours without seeing many people.

Local women still sit outside their homes, knitting and chatting with neighbors.

Kids play in the tiny squares where cats sleep in the shade.

There are amazing little cafes tucked into corners where you’d never expect them.

My favorite is this tiny spot called Kantouni, where they make homemade desserts that taste like somebody’s grandmother made them.

The climb to the castle at the top is totally worth it.

You get 360-degree views of the entire island from up there.

On clear days, you can see all the way to other islands.

The best part?

You’ll probably be alone up there, taking it all in.

Eat Like a Local in Megalochori

Megalochori is this charming little village that feels frozen in time.

The bell towers, the tiny churches, the traditional cave houses—it’s all so authentic.

But here’s the secret: the food here is incredible and half the price of the tourist areas.

Locals from all over the island come here to eat.

There’s this taverna called Raki that I dream about when I’m back home.

It’s run by a family who’s been cooking the same recipes for three generations.

The moussaka is ridiculous.

I’m talking melt-in-your-mouth perfect, with this creamy béchamel that I still think about.

They also make this tomato fritter dish called tomatokeftedes that’s a Santorini specialty.

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, bursting with fresh tomato and mint flavor.

Order the fava too—it’s made from yellow split peas grown right here on the island.

The portions are huge, and the whole meal will cost you less than one appetizer in Oia.

After dinner, walk around the village as the sun sets.

The light turns everything golden, and you’ll see locals sitting outside their homes, enjoying the evening.

There’s a small square with a beautiful church where old men gather to play cards and drink coffee.

This is the real Santorini, and it’s beautiful.

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💸 I brought a suitcase that was WAY TOO BIG for the tiny hotel rooms and train aisles. I completely missed the last train because I didn’t understand the schedule. I spent HUNDREDS extra on things I could’ve gotten for cheap. Sound familiar?

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Explore the Abandoned Tomato Factory

At Vlychada, near the beach, there’s this old tomato processing factory that most people walk right past.

But it’s one of the coolest spots on the island.

Santorini used to be famous for its cherry tomatoes, and this factory processed them until the 1980s.

Now it stands empty, slowly being reclaimed by nature.

The building itself is fascinating—all these industrial bones with the sea right behind it.

I love exploring the empty rooms and imagining what it was like when it was running.

You can still see old equipment and machinery sitting there.

The light coming through broken windows creates these amazing shadows.

It feels a bit post-apocalyptic, but in the most beautiful way.

Photographers love this place because the textures and contrasts are incredible.

I’ve taken some of my favorite travel photos here.

Just be careful when you’re walking around—some areas are unstable, so watch your step.

Go early in the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft.

The combination of the industrial ruins with the volcanic cliffs in the background is pure magic.

There’s also a great restaurant nearby called Nikolaos that’s built into a cave.

After exploring the factory, grab a table and watch the sunset with a glass of Assyrtiko wine.

The whole area has this abandoned, forgotten feeling that I find strangely romantic.

Hike from Fira to Oia at Dawn

Everyone knows about the Fira to Oia hike.

But here’s the local secret: do it at sunrise instead of during the day.

Start walking from Fira around 6 AM, and you’ll have the path almost completely to yourself.

The morning light on the caldera is absolutely stunning.

Everything glows pink and gold, and the air is cool and fresh.

You’ll see local fishermen heading out in their boats below.

The churches look even more beautiful in that soft early light.

I always stop in Imerovigli for coffee at one of the bakeries that opens early.

They make fresh spanakopita (spinach pie) every morning, and eating it warm while looking at the view is just perfect.

The whole hike takes about three to four hours if you take your time.

But starting early means you’ll reach Oia before the cruise ship crowds arrive.

You can explore the village while it’s still quiet and peaceful.

Have breakfast at one of the cafes in the main square.

Watch the town slowly wake up around you.

Then, when the crowds start arriving around 10 AM, you can head back or continue your day elsewhere.

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat even though you’re starting early.

The sun gets strong quickly, and there’s not much shade on the path.

Wear good walking shoes because parts of the trail are rocky and uneven.

Visit a Family-Run Winery in the Countryside

Santorini’s wineries are famous, but most tourists end up at the big commercial ones.

I prefer the small, family-run places where the owner actually pours your wine and tells you stories about the vines.

These vineyards have been in the same families for generations.

The vines grow in these unique basket shapes called kouloures because of the strong winds.

It’s unlike any other wine region I’ve visited.

My favorite is a tiny winery called Estate Argyros near Episkopi Gonias.

The family has been making wine here since 1903, and they’re so passionate about it.

They’ll walk you through the vineyard and explain why Santorini wines taste so different.

It’s all about the volcanic soil and the lack of rain.

The tasting happens in this simple room with views over the vines.

You’ll try their Assyrtiko, which is crisp and mineral and tastes like the sea and sun.

They also make a sweet wine called Vinsanto that’s absolutely incredible.

The whole experience feels personal and authentic, not like a tourist show.

You can ask questions, and they actually want to talk about the wine.

The prices are super reasonable too.

I always buy a few bottles to take home because you just can’t find these wines anywhere else.

Book ahead because they’re small and only do a few tastings per day.

Find the Hidden Three Bells of Fira

Everyone photographs the blue domes of Oia.

But Fira has this gorgeous three-bell church that’s way less crowded.

It’s officially called the Church of Agios Theodoros, but locals call it the Three Bells.

Finding it is part of the fun.

You need to wander through the narrow streets of Fira, heading toward the caldera edge.

Look for a small sign pointing down a side street.

The church sits right on the cliff edge with the most incredible views.

The three blue bells against the white walls with the sea behind them—it’s postcard perfect.

But you’ll often have the place to yourself or share it with just a few other people.

I love going here in the late afternoon when the light is golden.

The church is small and simple, but there’s something so peaceful about it.

You can sit on the steps and just breathe.

Local couples sometimes get married here, and I’ve been lucky enough to witness a few ceremonies.

There’s something so touching about seeing real island life happening in these beautiful settings.

After visiting the church, explore the neighborhood around it.

You’ll find local homes with gorgeous gardens, small workshops where artists work, and quiet corners that feel miles away from touristy Fira.

This is my favorite part of town, hands down.

Discover the Medieval Village of Emporio

Emporio is the largest village on Santorini, but tourists rarely visit it.

That’s their loss, because it’s absolutely beautiful.

The village has this medieval castle called Kasteli right in the center.

It was built in the 15th century to protect locals from pirate attacks.

You can wander through the narrow passageways inside the castle walls.

Some parts are covered, creating these cool, dark corridors.

Other parts open up to tiny squares with old churches.

The whole thing feels like a maze, and I love getting a little bit lost in there.

Local families still live in some of the houses inside the castle.

You’ll see laundry hanging, cats sleeping on doorsteps, and potted plants everywhere.

Outside the castle, the village has beautiful traditional architecture.

Windmills sit on the hills around town.

There are small shops selling local products like fava beans and caper leaves.

I always stop at the bakery and get a bougatsa, which is a sweet cream pie that’s popular in Greece.

Eating it warm while walking through the village streets is one of my simple pleasures.

There’s also a small church with a gorgeous courtyard where I like to sit and rest.

The whole village has this authentic, lived-in feeling that’s harder to find in the more famous towns.

If you want to see how real Santorinians live, come here.

Swim at Baxedes Beach (The Locals’ Secret)

I debated sharing this one because it’s truly where locals go to escape tourists.

But I trust you’ll be respectful and keep it low-key.

Baxedes Beach is tiny and tucked away near Oia.

You won’t find any signs pointing to it, and there are no sunbeds or facilities.

That’s exactly why it’s special.

To get there, you need to walk down a steep path from the main road.

It’s a bit of a climb down, which is probably why most tourists don’t bother.

But that climb keeps the beach quiet and peaceful.

The beach itself is a small strip of dark pebbles with crystal-clear water.

The swimming here is incredible because the water is so clean and calm.

You’ll see local families here on weekends, kids playing in the shallow parts.

Everyone knows each other and says hello.

I’ve had some of the most relaxing beach days of my life here.

Just me, my book, the sound of the waves, and nothing else.

The water is perfect for snorkeling too.

Bring your own gear and explore the rocky areas—you’ll see fish and interesting underwater formations.

Remember to bring everything you need because there’s nothing here.

Water, snacks, sunscreen, an umbrella if you want shade.

And please, please take all your trash with you.

This beach stays beautiful because people respect it.

Visit Akrotiri Archaeological Site Early

Akrotiri is this ancient Minoan city that was buried by a volcanic eruption around 1600 BC.

It’s basically the Greek Pompeii, and it’s absolutely fascinating.

Most tour groups arrive around 10 or 11 AM, which means it gets crowded and hot.

Here’s the local tip: get there right when it opens in the morning.

You’ll be one of the first people walking through this 3,600-year-old city.

The site is covered by a modern roof, so you’re protected from the sun.

You can see the ancient buildings, the streets, even the drainage systems.

The preservation is incredible because the volcanic ash protected everything.

I’m always amazed thinking about the people who lived here thousands of years ago.

They had multi-story buildings, advanced plumbing, and beautiful frescoes.

You can see where they stored their food, where they slept, how they lived.

In the quiet early morning, you can really let your imagination run.

I like to take my time and read all the information boards.

The whole visit takes about an hour if you go slowly.

After the site, head to the nearby Red Beach or grab breakfast in Akrotiri village.

There’s a small cafe there that makes excellent Greek coffee and loukoumades (honey donuts).

Visiting early means you beat the heat and the crowds—both major wins.

Take the Secret Coastal Path to Ammoudi Bay

Most people take a taxi or the famous 300 steps down to Ammoudi Bay from Oia.

But there’s this beautiful coastal path that starts from the northern edge of Oia.

Locals use it all the time, but tourists rarely find it.

The path winds along the cliff edge with stunning views the whole way.

It’s much easier than the stairs, and the walk is gorgeous.

You’ll pass small chapels, local homes, and spots where fishermen keep their gear.

The walk takes about 20 minutes at a relaxed pace.

I love doing this in the late afternoon when the light is soft and golden.

You’ll see the traditional fishing boats in the bay below, painted in bright blues and greens.

When you reach Ammoudi Bay, you’ll find several fish tavernas right on the water.

This is where locals come for Sunday lunch.

The seafood here is as fresh as it gets—fishermen literally bring their catch straight to the restaurants.

Order the grilled octopus and thank me later.

It’s tender, perfectly charred, and served with olive oil and lemon.

Sit at a table right by the water and watch the boats come and go.

If you’re feeling adventurous, some locals jump off the rocks into the water here.

The walk back up can be challenging, so take your time and bring water.

I hope these secret spots help you see the Santorini that I fell in love with.

The one that exists beyond the Instagram posts and cruise ship itineraries.

Take your time, talk to locals, and don’t be afraid to get a little bit lost.