I am at the point where I think if we do visit the islands (stil in doubt as we may just stay on the mainland), we will make a stop at Sntorini for at least an overnight just to see what everyone is raving about. I do enjoy places of great beauty, and that's what it sounds as though this one is. Plus, I'm kind of an amateur photography buff, and this souldns like a place where there should be some great shots. Thanks again for all your opinions.

I would really like to know how you are defining the term "touristy" Julies, OK?

Does this mean being somewhere and what seems like a jillion people off-load from about three cruise ships and descend like locusts?

Does this mean an island that seems to have jewelry stores selling the SAME STUFF at every turn?

Does this mean having to actually SHARE (gasp!) your view of the sunset with at least a couple other people?

touristy is going to happen anywhere the businesses survive because of tourism. IMHO, you have to approach each destination with an open mind that you might see the shops, the crowds and even tons of people just like you... but if you really want to reward yourself, look past all that and see the location for what it has to offer.
The view of the caledera and the sunset in Santorini is not something easily found. But I'm sure you already knew that.
In Ireland, we felt like we weren't experiencing a true Ireland until we stumbled into a pub filled with the Irish locals, no other Americans and lots of singing and drinking. But it wasn't the fault of the country. We just had to find it.

Dukey--

To me, a place is no longer a "real" town when the majority of the shops are now souvenir or gift shops and the majority of the restaurants are for tourists rather than residents. When there is no real commerce other than tourism, that is the definition of touristy. I think this is why we were not overly enthused by Carcassone and Rothenburg. They are both rather soulless. And, thinking about both of those places, in some ways they are similar to an island because they are self-contained. I also just thought of another example if it will help you. Montserrat is an awesome place to be between about 6:00 pm and 9:00 am. However, we were totally turned off during the day when the busloads of day-trippers from Barcelona ppeared and were glad we could at least have some escape by hiking the area. By the way, I really love Venice (in the totally off-season and away from tourist central) even though many refer to it as touristy. But, there one can at least find some real neighborhoods and real people. (I know, I know that many Venetians can no longer afford to live there.)

The zillion tourists descending from the cruise ships at the same time also indicate super touristy to me.

Does this help you?

Hi julies,

You wrote: "I am at the point where I think if we do visit the islands (stil in doubt as we may just stay on the mainland)..."

Given your interests, stay on the mainland. Rent a car and drive around northern Greece. There, you will find what you are looking for.

Before the advent of tourism most islands were sleepy little places with fishing and agriculture the main occupations. A few little shops were enough to meet the needs of the islanders. Now that tourism is the main source of livelihood, and summer visitors greatly outnumber the permanent population, naturally "the majority of the shops are now souvenir or gift shops and the majority of the restaurants are for tourists rather than residents."

we walked from fira to oia one day
we saw about five people in total - three were shop keepers/ cafe owners
it was june and a gorgeous day and it felt like we were the only ones walking the cliff path


we didnt take the ride on the donkeys ( poor beasts)

sure there were some crowds but you can avoid them

we didnt see too many cruisers either - i dont have any photos with them and i wouldve noticed because i dont like boats spoiling the natural seascape

june isnt that busy - not as busy as july it seems

some of the most beautiful sights i have ever seen were on santorini- we walked and caught the bus at times

any place can leave you cold - prague left a terrible taste in my mouth despite the architectural beauty- but i know that most people love prague

you have to go to see for yourself

I meant to post this link to some pictures I took on Santorini back in 2005 while the thread was still relevant. http://tinyurl.com/santorini2005

Julies

Given what you have already written, I agree 100% with Heimdall, the wise man that he is.

You will most definately find what you seek in northern Greece. A fantastic part of the country to explore.

bill

luv2cthings- absolutely loved your photos. I have some of the same buildings in my photos but from different angles so it was great to see these.