It may be one of the most photographed islands in the world, but Santorini is also one of the most misunderstood. Yes, it has those legendary sunsets that blanket those cobalt-dotted sugar cube villages teetering on the edge of dramatic cliffs, the sapphire-blue sea far down below. But visit at the wrong hour—or worse, the wrong way—and you’ll miss all that, instead finding yourself elbow-to-elbow with slews of tourists clutching selfie sticks and souvenir magnets.
Locals have a name for these fleeting hordes: the magnet people—transient visitors who descend in droves, swarm the overlooks for a snapshot, snag a ceramic donkey, and vanish onto buses and boats without ever getting a taste of the real Santorini. But those in the know (read: you) skip the sightseeing sprints. The island’s true magic reveals itself only after a few languid nights, when the crowds disperse, the winds shift, and the Mediterranean rhythm slows to something like bliss. Because Santorini isn’t just a place to see. It’s a place to surrender to—quietly, luxuriously, and far from the masses.
Here’s how to experience the best of it.
Where to Stay
Santo Mine.
First rule of T&C travel: If your hotel doesn’t inspire property envy, you’re doing it wrong. To be fair, Santorini is littered with property envy-inducing hotels but we’re partial to Santo Mine, a cliffside retreat perched just outside Oia that delivers privacy, polish, and postcard views in equal measure.
With just 37 suites—each boasting a private plunge pool and uninterrupted sunset panoramas—it’s the sort of place where you’ll consider skipping the island entirely in favor of your terrace. Think whitewashed minimalism, bougainvillea-draped pergolas, an effortless air of luxury. You could spend the entire day rotating between the cascading infinity pools, the Anassa Spa (where the volcanic stone massage is a must), and your outdoor daybed—and no one would blame you.
The outdoor gym lets you sweat with a view, or you could opt for a private sunrise yoga session overlooking the Aegean. Feeling social? Stroll into Oia or book one of the Santo Collection Villas—four-bedroom compounds with firepits, private pools, and full kitchens. Ideal for friends and families.
Traveling with children? Head to SandBlu, nestled on the quieter, eastern slopes of Mesa Vouno. Its luxe, low-key vibe feels like a private Greek village, complete with terracotta roofs, leafy courtyards, and a kids club that actually entertains. Horseback rides on the beach, family catamaran excursions, and sprawling pools mean the kids are happy—and you don’t have to settle.
Where to Eat & Drink
Santorini’s culinary scene is rooted in simplicity—but that doesn’t mean it’s basic. At Santo Mine, start your day poolside with the namesake Santorini salad at Akratos Bar: juicy island tomatoes, briny capers, grilled eggplant—all grown onsite and perfectly paired with a cold glass of white wine.
Chef Giorgos Kostis oversees three on-property restaurants with a light touch and serious flavor. Alme, the crown jewel, delivers a rotating Mediterranean menu timed to golden hour. Think sea bream crudo, octopus with lentils, and flaky pastry with Aegean honey—all served against a surreal sunset. Wine lovers should plan an afternoon at Rhoe Wine Bar, which offers a surprisingly deep dive into Santorini varietals. The native Assyrtiko shines here—mineral, crisp, and grown in coiled kouloura vines that hug the volcanic soil. Over at SandBlu, snag a banquette table at their new clifftop restaurant, Blu, perfect for a long, languid lunch or a family-style dinner of Aegean favorites with a hint of global sophistication.
The catch doesn’t get much fresher at Ammoudi Bay.
Beyond the resorts, a terrace table at Ammoudi Fish Tavern is a must. Located at sea level beneath Oia, it’s an island classic for a reason—fresh-caught prawns the size of lobsters, house wine in chilled carafes, and a harbor view that feels straight out of The Talented Mr. Ripley.
We know it’ll be hard to take yourself away from the stunning coast, but do venture inland too, if only for the wine. Stop by Art Space in Exo Gonia, a unique space that is part gallery, part cellar. After an apero or two, tuck into dinner at Metaxi Mas, a hidden taverna serving grilled octopus, tangy fava purée, and slow-cooked lamb that melts on your tongue.
What to Do
The hiking trail to Oia.
If you’re sightseeing at noon, you’re doing it wrong. The trick is all in the timing. Oia is best explored just after sunrise or after 4 p.m., when the crowds scatter and the village exhales. Start your day with a cappuccino and a solo stroll past sleeping shops and yawning cats. You’ll have the famed blue domes all to yourself.
For something more ambitious, hike the trail from Fira to Oia—a scenic, undulating path that connects cliffside villages, churches, and secret spots you won’t find on Google Maps. Time it for early morning and you’ll be rewarded with cinematic views and plenty of breeze.
Go off the beaten path to explore lesser-known villages like Emporio.
Hire a private guide from Santorini Premium Tours to explore lesser-known corners of the island, including Megalochori’s lava-hewn caves, hilltop chapels, and winding white alleys that perfectly frame views of the sea. Other villages worth the steps: Pyrgos, Vothonas, and Emporio, where Venetian castles hide among bougainvillea.
Come golden hour, skip the Insta-famous caldera overlooks and head to Akrotiri Lighthouse for a true under-the-radar sunset. It’s perched on the island’s southwestern tip and offers a horizon-to-horizon view—plus a panoramic glimpse of the volcano that made Santorini what it is today.
Speaking of, a catamaran cruise with Sunset Oia is non-negotiable. You’ll sail past Palea and Nea Kameni, drop anchor at the Red and White Beaches, and take in cliffs that look straight out of a sci-fi film.
Erin Hobday is the executive managing editor at Town & Country and Elle magazines. She began her career covering health, nutrition and wellness at Men’s Health, SELF and Redbook, before taking on managerial roles at SELF and Glamour. Throughout her career, Erin has tested hundreds of recipes, fitness trends and beauty products for lifestyle and luxury brands, worked on several books and appeared as a wellness expert on radio and TV outlets, such as Today and CBS News. In her spare time, she loves staying active with her husband and two children in Chappaqua, NY.