Honest opinions on Santorini?
 

A friend of mine is planning a wedding on the Greek Island of Santorini. While I am hugely skeptical (flights are a nightmare for starters) I don't want to rubbish her idea until I know more about the place. Anyone been there - is it beautiful or a tourism hell-hole? Thanks Tammy.

I was there 2 years ago and loved it! Santorini is beuatiful but definately is a major tourist destination. <BR><BR>We stayed in Fira or Thira depending on who you talk to. We traveled to Akritiri, Red Beach, Oia, Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, & Ancient Thira.<BR><BR>The people are incredibly nice, the food is wonderful and the views breathtaking! What more could a bride want!!??

Tammy, How could you be hugely skeptical when you know nothing about the place? "flights are a nightmare"? Have you ever been anywhere?<BR><BR>

It is very stunning visually, but very touristy. I was there 2 years ago and enjoyed it, but we had 4 full days there, which was definitely 1 day too long. I guess it depends on what you want. It didn't feel very Greek to me because of all the tourists.

Tammy, It's your friends wedding NOT yours. If she wants to get married on Santorini why should you be trying to "rubbish" the idea. Mind your own business.

I was there this past September (yes, just after the horror of the 11th). It was absolutely lovely with friendly people, great food, good weather. July and August can be crowded with tourists, however, the months before and after this are reported to be much better.

We were there mid-May a couple of years ago. The landscape is stunningly beautiful; it is especially breathtaking if you arrive by ferry at dusk. It is "touristy", but in May the number of tourists is minimal, especially in the evening when the daytrippers from the cruise lines depart. It is not a tourist "hell-hole", and the flight from US is not a nightmare, just long; worth it, tho! It would be a wonderful place for wedding festivities.

Your friend may love it, Tammy but my husband and I thought of it as a 'tourism hell-hole.' We always say that we are SO glad we did not have our honeymoon there. This is not to say there's nothing of interest (Akrotiri for one), but there probably is Waikiki as well. It's just not my cup of tea. We weren't big fans of Greece in general, but preferred the island of Folegandros which we thought was more spectacular than Santorini, and much more genuine. Santorini was probably very charming in it's day, but I think it's been over-touristed. <BR><BR>I wouldn't tell your friend not to get married there though, if that's what she wants. If you go, just try to take some good out of it... and maybe move on to somewhere else when you have the chance. At least you'll be able to say you've seen Santorini, the place that looks so great in the brochures.

My neighbor's son got married there a few years ago and he still glows when he talks about it. Everyone loved it! I have been there since and agree that it was some of the more awesome sunsets and scenery that I have ever seen. I have frozen some of the views in my mind..enhanting and relaxing although you can pick up the pace by going to town. Encourage her!

Tammy; If you go for the wedding make sure you combine it was your own trip around the Greek Isles. We had our honeymoon, popping around from island to island for 5 weeks including the Peloponesse, in 1979! It was glorious. Unforgettable. I dream of going back. You can avoid touristy areas, we did, by choosing less busy times to visit and staying off the beaten track. If it's a tourist hell hole in the summer, encourage her to have the wedding in the fall or Spring. And yes, it is a long flight to Greece from the States. You might want to consider breaking it up with a stop over in London. Good luck!

I've been to Santorini twice -- in 1989 and 1999. I'd go again.<BR><BR>You can see some of my photos of the island at:<BR><BR>www.travelswithdiane.homestead.com/santorini.html<BR>

I went there during my honeymoon about 5 years ago and extended my time there from 4 to 6 days because we loved it so much. It was probably the most beautiful place I have ever been. We have a photo blown up to poster size on our bedroom wall with a view of the caldera. Sure, there are some toursisty things there, but it is an incredibly memorbbale place to visit.

Toppin' to hear more!

When I originally saw this thread I thought that I would just let it go. After all, there are allot of threads on Santorini lately and I seem to have replied to most of them. But I guess I just couldn't hold back so here goes . . .<BR><BR>As most of the posters have mentioned Santorini is a MAJOR tour destination and yes there are some areas of the island (like in Fira) where the tourists, jewellery, and t-shirt shops out number the islanders.<BR><BR>I would define a "touristy place" as somewhere that has been designed solely for the purpose of tourism, Disneyland and Las Vegas come to mind as both have controlled style and entertainment. Santorini on the other hand is a beautiful island that everyone just wants to see. By a fluke of nature its setting brings together history, culture, and a way of life unlike anyother on earth. This is what makes Santorini IMHO, one of the most wonderful places on earth.<BR><BR>If you don't like the streets teaming with day trippers head out to the remote areas of the island. Here you will see a greek way of life that goes on without t-shirts for sale. Or better yet, stay in Oia overnight and early in the morning before the sun comes up take a walk on the caldera path up to one of the highest points on the island. Then, just as the sun peaks up over the horizon admire the view of the caldera and the Mediterannean, smell the wild thyme, and listen to the donkeys braying somewhere in the distance. Trust me, you'll be all alone and you will understand why Santorini is a magical place.

Thanks to all those who took the time to answer honestly - which is what I really wanted! To 'Homey' (why is it people have to be anonymous to be rude?) yes I have travelled a fair bit. When I say that the flights are a nightmare - this is because all the direct flights from London (where we live) to Santorini are bought by the package holiday companies - there are NONE available for those who want to design their own travel arrangements. The only other way to get there is to fly to Athens and then get a 10 hour ferry or another connecting flight - which are few and far between.<BR><BR>If I take the package route then I am there for a week - and hence my post - Santorini has to be pretty amazing for her to expect all her friends to take a week's precious holiday off work AND spend the money on flights and hotel for her wedding. I know I wouldn't ask that of my friends - I wouldn't expect half of them to turn up if I did! What makes it worse is that she wants her wedding to be mid-week - so even if I paid extra to fly to Athens and did the ferry ride I'd still have to take the best part of a week off.<BR><BR>What do you think - is she being selfish or am I? Answers GRATEFULLY received - this whole thing is really doing my head in.

It seems to me that brides and grooms who choose "destination weddings" need to realize that they are limiting the number of guests who can attend. A good friend should understand that not everyone can afford to pay for such a trip, in addition to taking the time off from work; it's asking too much in the name of friendship. You would probably enjoy Santorini, but nobody can tell you if it is worth the time and expense for you. <BR>FYI: in high season there are at least a few flights from Athens to Santorini each day.

Thanks - good advice - anyone else?<BR><BR><BR>(top)

Tammy if you take the ferry from Athens to Santorini (like I did) be sure to get a cabin with beds/bathroom. I just went to bed and then woke up in Paradise! Plus then you can spend some time in Athens!

Tammy, <BR><BR>It's a tough call but if anyone deserves to be selfish, it's the bride and groom. Sounds like they want to create a magical and memorable wedding; and while they would like to share this with others, it is their personal experience that's weighing in more heavily. Can't say I blame them. If I were to marry again, I would absolutely opt for Oia. <BR><BR>The good news for guests is that Greece is still a relative 'bargain.' Lodging and food are available in a wide variety of price selections, with some incredibly good values. You can find lots of good recommendations on this site. Tourists definitely swarm the island, particularly in Fira, but off-season travel (i.e., May or Sept) offers some relief as well as lower rates.<BR><BR>If you can afford the time off work and it's not a financial burden, then by all means make this a memorable holiday for yourself. <BR><BR>Fly into Athens and stay over one night. See the Acropolis by day and enjoy the lively Plaka that evening. Next day, hop a quick flight on to Santorini. It's faster (flight is less than 1 hour), much more reliable than ferry, and relatively inexpensive. Santorini is good for a 3-4 day visit; if you can afford more time, then you might want to check out another island or two. Trust me, once you've arrived in Greece, you will want to stay longer! I hope everything works out for you and the happy couple.<BR><BR>

While we're on the subject, I'm going to Santorini for the first time in September. Is it worth the boat ride from the mainland or should I just catch a flight from Athens? Thanks!

Just depends on how much time and $$ you want to spend on the trip. By ferry it is a long ride, but as I've said before, nothing beats the visual thrill of approaching Santorini by boat. And also-have you ever been on a ferry before? They are an experience not to be missed, at least once in a lifetime! Ideally, I think taking a ferry, stopping at another island on the way, and thus breaking the 12 hr. trip up a bit is the best way to go, eg., Athens to Mykonos, then Myk. to Santorini a couple days later. Regardless, I'd fly one way, unless you really love the ferry trip.

Clif, Another suggestion would be to fly from Athens to Santorini to save time, and then book a boat tour once there in order to enjoy the sea views of the island. We did this last year and felt we had the best of both worlds.

Tammy,<BR>I think your friend has a choice of either having her wedding in Santorini with maybe no friends or family present or having it closer to home and then going for a honeymoon. I wouldn't dream of expecting people to go all the way Santorini for my wedding, and if their presence was really important to me I guess I'd have to be prepared to pay their way.

I have to say I think it's difficult if she is actually EXPECTING people to turn up - it's one thing if it's an open invitation to anyone who would like a holiday at that time, but if you are expected, and it's inconvenient (which she must surely know) then I think she's asking a lot. I got married abroad - and a handful of friends came - none of whom I was expecting, but people who wanted to go to the Maldives anyway! Santorini wouldn't be my ideal wedding spot - I have heard it's beautiful, but the tourist/package nature of the place would detract, in my opinion. Good luck - and let us know what you decide to do!

I think your 'friend' sounds very unreasonable - if she wants her wedding midweek at home that's bad enough - but to expect people to fly around the world for her AS WELL is a bit much. I think you should tell her that you can't see a way through it.

I am planning on going to Santorini, but in the off season. Just some research I have done...I have found Olympic Airways and Athena Air (I think - it's the two main greek airlines) provide round trip flights to Santorini for under 100 euros round trip. That is how we are planning to go since it will be winter. As far as your friend having a wedding in an out of the way place...I have many dear friends, but overall tend to be more of a private person. Certainly, I have a great deal of family on my fathers side...and I really would prefer a SMALL wedding. Like a few close friends, immediate family. But, I also really need to invite the extended family and friends. Having a wedding at an out of the way place is a good way to keep a wedding small and still not offend anyone. And if I had a really dear friend or close family member that could not afford to attend I would likely pay their fare if they could not afford to attend. Anyway..if you don't feel like going, I wouldn't worry about it. I am sure she expects there to be low attendance...and perhaps prefers it that way. From what I have read July and August are the most touristy months. If she is getting married in October through early spring it will be off season and should be fairly quiet. Good luck with your decision. Hope this helps.

Hi:<BR>For our wedding, we had flirted with a faraway destination (Bora-Bora, Santorini) but ended up with Boulder, CO to include family - it was beautiful in May.<BR><BR>We honeymooned in Bora-Bora and visited Santorini the following year.<BR><BR>Santorini is breathtakingly beautiful. My advice: Visit in late Oct for less crowds and tourists. Stay in Oia (most opt for Fira). Find a room with a view of the caldera for the sunsets.<BR>We love Santorini and will go back anytime!<BR>

Dear Tammy,<BR>Santorini is one of the most beautiful places in the world- at least from the places I have been to- and yes, it is true that if you visit this island in July and August like everybody else you will feel it crowded. I am greek and I love this island so you can understand that I visit it very often- even during the winter- although my job keeps me in Athens. The best months to visit the island are May, early June and September.Then you can enjoy the island,all the beaches and you can have the best service.<BR>Through all my trips to Santorini I have watched many couples all over the world getting married there. I have a friend that is a hotel owner and every year he has at least 2-3 couples that choose to have their wedding at his hotel and he helps them organize it.<BR>If you go to Athens and then take a hydrofoil to Santorini will take you 4,5h and will cost 39euros per person aprx in the economy class. I use it all the time.<BR>I wish to have my wedding there, too!!<BR>Do not try to change their mind and go for it!!!

My husband and I spent our honeymoon on Santorini (among other beautiful Greek islands) in June of 1999. I can't say enough wonderful things about it!! The most incredible views, crystal clear water, friendly people, great shopping! I would tell your friend she/he made a wonderful choice and make sure you go!!

Irini,<BR><BR>At last a local perspective. I was on Santorini in 1995 and will be there again this november. So looking forward to it. One thing that most people missed was that the approach by ship to the island is considered to be the one of the most breath taking experinces anywhere in the world. So flying is good but not so awesome a sight.

Tammy, when my one of closest friends chose to have her wedding halfway around the world, I grumbled initially about the cost, the leave, and how it was replacing my own holiday for the year. But eventually I decided to plan my own holiday around her wedding day and the venue she chose, and ended up taking one of the best holidays ever, with a lovely wedding to attend in the midst of it. You will feel absolutely treasured that you were part of your friend's intimate wedding, and it will be more fun for being smaller.