Time to travel - this time: is Santorini for you?

The greek island of Santorini is without a doubt a spectacular island. The whitewashed houses with their blue domes located on the steep cliffs and the magnificent view over the kaldera are a wonderful sight and definitely worth a visit. Nevertheless you might want to consider a few things before visiting this most southern island of the Cyclades in the Aegean sea.

The famous and magnificent view from Santorini over the Kaldera

The toilet situation

We're getting right into it with this one. The sewage system here might be different to what you're used to back home, meaning that no toilet paper may be thrown in the toilet bowls because this would clog up the pipes. Yes, you read that right. No toilet paper may be thrown into the toilet. Ever. In any toilet on the island. Not even after you go number two. They provide bins in every toilet which is where you put the used paper. As strange as it feels in the beginning to throw your used toilet paper in a bin rather than the toilet itself you totally get used to it after a while. Nevertheless it might be just a little bit too much information for some to find out whether your significant other is a toilet paper folder or scruncher.

Restaurants

Alongside its natural wonders, the island is home to a myriad of restaurants that boast breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the caldera. However, it is important to question whether the exorbitant prices charged by some establishments truly reflect the quality of the culinary experience or if they are simply capitalizing on their picturesque locations. In this critical blog post, we delve into the world of expensive restaurants in Santorini, where the price tag often outweighs the dining experience itself.

The View Supremacy

While it is undeniable that Santorini offers awe-inspiring views, it is crucial to remember that a dining experience encompasses more than just scenic beauty. Unfortunately, some restaurants in Santorini seem to prioritize the view above all else, neglecting the quality, creativity, and execution of their culinary offerings. Patrons often find themselves paying a premium solely for a table overlooking the caldera, while the actual food and service fall short of expectations.

Mediocre Culinary Execution

Regrettably, many expensive restaurants in Santorini fail to deliver on their promise of exceptional gastronomy. In some cases, the focus on the view and the desire to cater to mass tourism results in subpar food that lacks originality and flavor. Diners are left underwhelmed, questioning the justification behind the hefty price tags attached to their meals. It becomes evident that these establishments are relying on the island's natural beauty to compensate for their culinary shortcomings.

Tourist Traps in Disguise

It is important to acknowledge that not all expensive restaurants in Santorini fall into this category. However, it is disheartening to see a number of establishments using their picturesque locations as a smokescreen for inflated prices and substandard offerings. These so-called "tourist traps" often prioritize quantity over quality, relying on the influx of visitors to drive their profits while compromising on the authenticity and finesse of the dining experience.

(Day) tourists

Being so popular Santorini gets packed with tourists during the summer months. The bulk of them gets washed ashore from the Cruise ships which anchore in the bay called the Kaldera just below the main town Firà. Those cruise ship tourists usually visit Santorini for just a day. They get dropped off in the old harbor of Firà and go back to the ships in the early evening. Every day up to 10'000 mainly elderly people get droped off from these ships and jam the narrow streets.

Animal welfare

Santorini is located on the edge of a volcanoe with the crater being covered by sea water. Its main town Firá is located at approximately 400 meters above sea level. Having said that its a rather steep up-hill climb to get there from the old harbor. This only applies if you arrive by boat. If you get to Santorini by airplane you are already at the right height, no climbs necessary. To make the way to Firá easier for tourists the locals offer donkey or mule rides. Since in recent years bigger tourists have arrived on the island they started to breed the donkeys with horses and thus creating mules which are stronger and able to carry heavier loads than donkeys. Most of these animals are poorly cared for and eke out a miserable existence having to stand in the summer heat all day and having to make the 580 steps up and down with their weighty loads more than 10 times a day. Of course no one is forced to ride a donkey to Firá and if you care about the wellbeing of those animals there are two other options to choose from for you. Number one is walking up to Firà on your own two legs and enjoy the ever prettier view over the Kaldera the higher you get. Number two is taking the cable cars up to Firà. They are perfectly safe and are operated by the same company that builds all the major cable cars in the skiing areas in Switzerland and Austria.

The Bottom Line

In the end, the question isn't whether Santorini is beautiful – it undoubtedly is. The real question is whether its vibrant atmosphere, dramatic landscapes, and popularity match the kind of holiday you're looking for. If the answer is yes, Santorini is a destination you'll remember long after you've returned home.