1. Splurge on accommodation in Firostefani or Imergovili.

Santorini is the destination to splurge on accommodation. Once you arrive at the hotel, you’ll quickly understand why. Fira and Oia (prounounced la) are the most popular towns to stay in, but if you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet on your romantic getaway, I recommend staying in Firostefani or Imergovili. You’ll be able to enjoy the same exact views, but without the significant noise and pedestrian traffic.

Firostefani is only a 15 minute walk north from the center of Fira. Imergovili is an additional 10 minute walk past Firostefani and is even quieter, but has one caveat: it fills up with tourists around sunset looking for IG-worthy blue domes and panoramas.

Oia, the most northwestern village, is the hotspot in Santorini for sunset views. Tourists swarm to the area at the end of the day to catch the last bit of sun the island has to offer. It’s a beautiful location to stay, but it’s a bit remote and you will be shelling out some money for taxis to get around the island.

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2. Be prepared to walk stairs & hills.

A local once told me, “in Santorini, you lose 1kg a day from walking up and down the stairs, and gain 2kg back by eating all the delicious food.” I couldn’t have said it better. The towns are filled with hotels and restaurants built into cliffs, so be prepared to walk up and down throughout the day to get from one spot to the next. Wear comfy shoes; although the villages of Fira, Firostefani, and Imergovili are adjacent and encroaching on one another, you’ll still be walking quite a bit.

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3. Travel with a backpack over roller suitcase.

This is not a necessity, only a suggestion. If your hotel is not located directly on the main road, you may benefit from carrying your suitcase on your back rather than rolling it through the streets of Santorini. I prefer a suitcase with wheels, but my husband definitely had an easier time with a backpack.

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4. Make dinner reservations in advance.

This is an absolute must during peak season. In September, the crowds slowly die down and a reservation isn’t necessary. Still… although not a guarantee, it certainly seems like reservations are prioritized and placed at tables with better caldera views.

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5. Expand your palate.

If it’s a food you’ve never heard of, be brave and give it a try. I suggest starting with a gyro from Lucky’s Souvlakis in Fira. Then, make your way around town and have a bite of saganaki (fried cheese with honey), choriatiki (greek salad), moussaka (lasagna stuffed with minced beef and eggplant), spanikopita (spinach pie), tiropita (greek cheese pie), tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), and feta me meli (feta wrapped in filo pastry and drizzled with honey). You will not be let down!

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6. Pack a sweatshirt.

Yes, even in July and August. Occasionally, you’ll catch some windy days and nights and I promise you will be more comfortable with a light layer. It doesn’t have to be heavy; a simple jean jacket is sufficient.

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7. Book excursions in advance.

During peak season, spots tend to fill up fast! Most people prefer to spend their day sailing around the island and cannon-balling off the boat into the bright blue seas. You don’t need to reserve months in advance, but definitely put some effort into this a few weeks prior to secure your spot for the exact date & time you wish!

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8. Expect a line at popular IG spots.

Almost every single spot you’ve seen on Instagram that caught your eye has a line of tourists looking to take the exact same photo. Bring your patience, because the perfect shot comes with a wait. Better yet, if you don’t care about the clout…find a spot that YOU love and stake it out. I promise every view on the west side of the island is perfect.

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9. Cabs are expensive; rent an ATV.

Traveling around the island can add up to be a crazy expense. A ride from the airport to our hotel in Firostefani was 40€, the hotel to ferry port was 35€, and Imergovili to Oia was 25€. If you’re a large group, these transfers aren’t a bad option, but as a couple, we were discouraged from traveling around the island. One way to save money is to opt for the local bus instead of private transfer. The main bus station is located in Fira. You may have to plan your day according to the bus schedule, but it’s cheap and reliable. If you’re just a bit more adventurous, the absolute best way to explore the island is by renting an ATV. You’ll get the most bang for your buck and freedom to spend the day how you wish.

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10. Don’t stand in line at the ferry terminal.

Traveling between Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, or Naxos? I would suggest getting to the port no earlier than one hour in advance. There are plenty of restaurants to sit back and relax while you wait; the only requirement is you must order food. There is zero need to wait in line… if you booked through Seajets (the most common ferry), your seat is pre-assigned. Spare yourself the sunburn, sit down in some shade, and enjoy a drink until you’re called to board. One note: we heard more than one story of ferries being cancelled at the last minute due to winds and sea conditions… before you leave your hotel, check the website and ensure your trip is still a go. Full-day delays are rare, but not unheard of.