1. Splurge on accommodation in Firostefani or Imergovili<\/mark>.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Santorini is the destination to splurge on accommodation. Once you arrive at the hotel, you\u2019ll 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Be prepared to walk stairs & hills<\/mark>.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Travel with a backpack over roller suitcase.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Make dinner reservations in advance.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is an absolute must<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n