Skip the Crowds: Visit Santorini During Shoulder Season

With more and more travelers venturing to the bucket-list destination of Santorini, finding the right time of year to enjoy its sites and attractions and avoid the flocks of tourists becomes a bit tricky. Famous for its sunset views and white-and-blue buildings, Santorini becomes especially crowded in summer.

Avoid the stress of too many people entirely and plan a trip to this popular destination during its shoulder season of spring. From mid-April through May, Santorini experiences mild temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for exploring the island’s villages, vineyards and beaches at a more relaxed pace.

The spring months also mean popular sites have less foot traffic. The castle of Agios Nikolaos, better known as Oia Castle, is nearly impossible to navigate in summer, but springtime sees this site more accessible (and enjoyable). Other iconic sites ideal to visit in spring include Amoudi Bay, which provides views of the caldera surrounded by red cliffs. Here, you’ll also find restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. Visiting during Santorini’s shoulder season also means securing reservations at popular restaurants like Beefbar Santorini or Lucabettus Restaurant, typically fully booked in summer.

A spring trip also spoils you with an undisturbed stay, particularly at resorts located near top attractions or with unbeatable sea views. Santo Mine Oia Suites, for instance, offers direct views over the Aegean Sea across its 37 individual suites, letting guests soak in the sunset without the crowds.

And while you may think a luxury property like this sounds too expensive, traveling to Santorini during its shoulder season means saving big. Santo Mine Oia Suites offers an early booking promotion, giving guests 15 percent off their springtime stay.