Is Santorini Worth It? Pros & Cons of Visiting Santorini in 2025!

Wondering whether Santorini is worth visiting? You’ve come to the right place! I’ll help you get to the bottom of whether Santorini is worth the hype.

Like every travel destination, Santorini has pros and cons. It’s a quintessentially Greek island with stunning landscapes, but unfortunately, there are drawbacks like the masses of tourists and ever-increasing prices. 

With romantic sunsets around every corner and enchanting white villages to explore, you can’t give this destination a complete miss. But knowing the cons will help you prepare. 

Let’s weigh up whether Santorini is worth it and get to the bottom of why Santorini is so popular.  

Cons of Visiting Santorini

The Massive Massive Crowds

Santorini has become increasingly overcrowded. It’s such a shame because it’s such a picturesque Greek island, but the crowds that swarm the island in their masses take away from the charm. 

With tourism as it is now, I wouldn’t even consider going in the peak season (July and August) because there tend to be long lines to all the island’s attractions. 

This is especially true of Oia, where the streets get so crowded it feels like you’re in a busy metro. If you want to avoid the worst crowds, look for other picturesque sunset spots like Profitis Elias Mountain. 

Make sure you come outside of the busiest summer months if you want to miss the worst of the crowds! April, May, and September are still warm but much less busy.  

The Beaches Aren’t Very Nice

Whilst Santorini is a stunning Greek island with postcard worthy white villages and stunning landscapes, it’s far from an ideal beach destination. 

The island is volcanic, so all the beaches have dark black sand and lots of rocks on them. If you want to go on a beach holiday, pick somewhere else in Greece, like Zante.

On the flip side, the island being volcanic means that there are lots of natural hot springs! These hot springs are a lush alternative to the beach, but won’t help  with cooling you down on a hot day.

Feels Like a Fake Stage for Instagram Photoshoots

Because of how popular the island has gotten, it’s become a bit of a hotspot for influencers and rich people looking to snap their next Instagram photo. 

Especially at all the famous attractions, there are queues of people lining up to get the perfect shot. This can really distract from being able to actually enjoy the place. 

Very Expensive in the Main Tourist Areas

Because the island has become such a hotspot for tourism, the prices have kept creeping up. 

It has become highly commercialized and many shops, restaurants, and hotels cater solely for rich tourists, which pushes the local prices up.

Compared to other parts of Greece, it’s a lot more expensive. Whilst it’s a stunning island that I do think is worth visiting, it’s not the right destination if you’re travelling on a budget and trying to make your money last. 

If you want to get away from the luxury hotels and experience a more authentic version of the island, skip the more touristic areas. 

Book a place to stay in the island’s quieter towns like Pyrgos and Megalochori, which have chic hotels but fewer crowds and lower prices.

Getting Around The Island Can Be a Nightmare

Unfortunately, you can’t really get around this one. The public transport on the island is super irregular and there aren’t enough buses to meet the demands created by the masses of crowds. 

This can mean that in the peak season, you’re waiting for ages to get on a bus, which can be really frustrating and dampen your day.

You might be thinking, then why not rent a car? Well, the problem is that finding parking is impossible for the same reason. There are just too many visitors on the island for the infrastructure to work.  

The best way to get around is to hire a car with driver, so that you have flexibility and comfort, without having to worry about parking.

Click here to book your private car and driver in Santorini!

Pros of Visiting Santorini

Considered a Very Romantic Destination

Celebrating an anniversary or looking for the perfect backdrop to a proposal? Santorini won’t disappoint. 

The island’s stunning cliffs, picturesque Greek villages, and sea views are jaw-dropping.

Many come here for the romantic ambiance the island has, which when combined with a room in a luxury hotel and exquisite local food really does create an air of romance. 

Not sure where to stay? Check out my best Airbnbs in Santorini article or browse through this list of the 22 best hotels with private pools for inspiration.

The Towns are Super Picturesque and Very Stereotypically Greek

Built into volcanic cliffs with a hue that ranges from a dusty orange to black, the white villages in Santorini are something special. 

Sure, there are other cute towns all over Greece, but the unique volcanic landscape of Santorini won’t come with them. 

Despite the tourism, many of the towns still have a vibrant Greek culture that brings the island to life. 

The most famous of the villages on the island is Oia. Thanks to its jaw-dropping sunsets and whitewashed buildings with bright blue domes, it attracts travellers searching for that quintessentially Greek feel. 

Fira, the island’s capital, is another popular spot.

There is More to the Island Than Just Oia

Whilst most travellers head to Oia or Fira, there’s a lot more to Santorini than meets the eye. 

There are lots of less popular villages that still encapsulate that authentic Greek charm, without the steep prices and big crowds. 

It’s worth checking out, like Pyrgos, Firostefani, Mesari, Imerovigli, Kamari, and Megalochori. 

If you want to get off the beaten track, go on a hike to Skaros Rock in Imeroglivi rather than trying to catch a glimpse of the fading sun through the masses at Oia. 

Check out Red Beach that has incredible red sand formed by the volcanic eruptions on Santorini. 

Visit the Venetian Fortress in the town of Emporio or stroll through the streets of sleepy Finikia that is surprisingly just a stone throw away from Oia. 

Up for an adventure? Go on this Fira to Oia hike. 

You Can Go on Fun Boat Trips in the Caldera

A caldera is a big hollow that is formed after a volcanic eruption. It’s a pretty special thing as it doesn’t happen everywhere. 

In Santorini, the caldera has left a huge hollow in the middle of the island that has become part of the sea.

Hop on a boat tour around the caldera in a pirate-like ship, then explore the hot springs and Thirassia on this half-day cruise tour. 

You’ll get to see some pretty unique and spectacular volcanic landscapes as you sail around the caldera! 

Click here to book your Santorini caldera boat tour!

Easy to Get to, Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

Santorini has become such a popular destination that it now has its own international airport, as well as the dozens of ferries that pull up at its shore each day. 

Whilst other Greek islands can be really tricky to get to, a weekend getaway in Santorini is totally doable thanks to its ease of accessibility. 

Beautiful Cave Hotels for People Who Want That Luxury Experience 

Whilst Santorini is now a luxury destination, it wasn’t always that way. To save precious and scarce resources the islanders carved dwellings into the soft strata on the steep cliffs. 

Now, these humble homes have been glamorized and turned into stunning cave hotels. The perk? The caves are always cool and they boast stunning sea views!

Very Scenic Island with the Caldera and Dramatic Black Cliffs

It’s undeniable that Santorini is a unique destination. A blend of culture and picturesque towns that is only made better by the island’s dramatic black cliffs and caldera. 

Whilst you don’t need to stay for long, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

How to Enjoy Your Time in Santorini

My top tip for making the most of your time in Santorini is to go out of the peak season. 

In July and August it’s so crowded the streets feel suffocating, and on top of that all the prices for accommodation and tours go up. 

Visit in late spring or early October, when the weather is still warm but most people can’t take time off work to go on holiday.  

You could even visit in the winter. Because the beaches in Santorini aren’t that pretty, it won’t really matter if it’s cold. Pack some extra layers and enjoy going for walks around the picturesque villages and volcanic landscapes, without the crowds.

I think if you prepare yourself for it not to be as idyllic as it appears online, that will also make it more enjoyable. 

My last tip is that you don’t go for too long. A few days is more than enough. Check out my “How many days do you need in Santorini” post to find out more. 

Final Thoughts on is Santorini Worth Visiting?

Now we’ve looked at all the pros and cons – is Santorini worth it? Despite the crowds and rising prices, I really think Santorini is still a stunning and unique island that’s worth a visit. 

After all, an island doesn’t end up on everyone’s travel bucket list, or at least Europe bucket list, if it’s not at least a little bit scenic and impressive, even despite the crowds.

The boat trips around the caldera were a highlight of my time there, and the sunsets are spectacular! Read up on the 6 best areas to stay in Santorini to make sure you get your visit just right.

With a mix of picturesque Greek towns and raw volcanic landscapes, Santorini is like nowhere else. Have you been to Santorini before? Are you planning to go? Let me know in the comments below!

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