Santorini, the Greek island that looks like it was plucked straight out of a postcard, is known for its stunning scenery, picturesque villages, and crystal-clear waters.
But while everyone flocks to the famous black sand beaches and bustling towns, there are plenty of hidden gems to be discovered on this stunning island. Here’s an insider’s guide to exploring Santorini like a local, and finding some of the best hidden gems on the island (or at least the best places to avoid the tourists).
Exo Gonia
![photo of a blue and white chapel in santorini greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1024px-Santorini_79.jpg)
First on the list is the village of Exo Gonia. This charming village is located on the western side of the island, and is known for its traditional architecture, quiet, relaxed atmosphere and a population that’s outnumbered by tourists only by the amount of donkeys on the island. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds, get a taste of local life, and possibly get run over by a donkey. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and admire the colorful houses and cobblestone paths, and stop for a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the local tavernas, where the only thing more authentic than the food is the owner’s mustache.
Megalochori
![photo of white and blue houses on hillside in megalochori santorini greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image.jpg)
Next, head to the village of Megalochori. This beautiful village is located on the south of the island, and is known for its charming traditional architecture, winding streets, and stunning views of the caldera.
It’s the perfect place to wander and explore, and you’ll find plenty of hidden gems along the way. Take a stroll through the village’s charming streets, and admire the traditional houses, small chapels and peaceful gardens, just don’t forget to look up and watch your head from the abundance of low hanging laundry lines.
Finikia
![photo of a donkey on a cliff by an ocean in santorini greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/luc-vlekken-jELCnlhqHMU-unsplash.jpg)
For something a little different, head to the village of Finikia.
This small village is located on the northwest coast of the island, and is known for its beautiful beaches and traditional architecture. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind, and you’ll find plenty of hidden gems to explore.
Take a stroll along the beach, and admire the clear waters and beautiful views, or explore the village’s charming streets and traditional houses, just watch out for the stray cats, they’re everywhere!
Oia
![photo of white houses on the side of a mountain in oia santorini greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/santorini-5655299_1280.jpg)
Finally, no visit to Santorini would be complete without a visit to the village of Oia.
This beautiful village is located on the north of the island, and is known for its stunning sunsets and iconic blue-domed churches. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset and take in the breathtaking views of the caldera, just make sure you arrive early enough to secure a spot, otherwise, you’ll be fighting for a view with a horde of tourists and selfie sticks.
Take a stroll through the village’s charming streets, and admire the traditional houses and picturesque chapels, just make sure you have enough battery on your phone to capture the perfect Instagram shot.
Santorini is a beautiful island with so much to discover, and these hidden gems are just a small taste of what the island has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural experience, or just a chance to get away from it all, Santorini has something for everyone. So pack your bags, your sunscreen, and your donkey repellent, and head to Santorini for an unforgettable experience!
Here are some other posts you might enjoy:
![photo of stone arches with light in rhodes greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-t-royce-xan-10706964-300x300.jpg)
Exploring Rhodes’ Rich History: From Ancient City to Medieval Fortress
![photo of woman sitting on a stone wall looking at ocean](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/idyllic-4408883-1-300x300.jpg)
Sailing the Aegean Sea: A Guide to Exploring Rhodes by Boat
![photo of a woman in red and white stripped bathing suit posing by rocks in greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-cristina-tiris-12310759-300x300.jpg)
Escape the City and Explore These Beautiful Day Trips from Athens
![photo of a man sitting in a hallway of columns in athens greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/perspective-depth-architecture-distance-columns-construction-1446381-pxhere.com_-300x300.jpg)
Stay in Style: The Best Luxury Hotels in Athens
![photo of a woman in blue on a beach looking at the ocean in rhodes, greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/beautiful-2266614-300x300.jpg)
Rhodes’ Best Day Trips: From Lindos to Symi Island.
![photo of people walking around market in athens greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-hert-niks-3224229-300x300.jpg)
10 Must-See Landmarks for Tourists Visiting Athens
![photo of a woman in a pink dress looking down at the city of Santorini in greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Woman-in-pink-dress-looks-at-view-1207223-300x300.jpg)
![photo of woman in pink dress overlooking ocean with greek flag in santorini](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Woman-with-pink-dress-and-hat-1207226-300x300.jpg)
![photo of a white cross with bird on it with ocean in santorini](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/sea-bird-wind-vehicle-religion-blue-494946-pxhere.com_-300x300.jpg)
![photo of an ocean lagoon with a boat and cliffs in rhodes greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/antonio-magri-mAOTatwrE_o-unsplash-300x200.jpg)
![](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/lady-holds-straw-hat-woman-beige-dress-with-bag-goes-down-sea-300x300.jpg)
![photo of a table with food on it overlooking the ocean and a beach in greece.](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Restaurant-on-the-beach-421495-300x300.jpg)
The Best Greek Restaurants in Athens: A Foodie’s Guide
Get the best Travel recommendations straight to your inbox with our Newsletter!
Get the best travel recommendations, straight to your inbox with our newsletter!
Related Posts
![photo of stone arches with light in rhodes greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-t-royce-xan-10706964-150x150.jpg)
Exploring Rhodes’ Rich History: From Ancient City to Medieval Fortress
![photo of woman sitting on a stone wall looking at ocean](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/idyllic-4408883-1-150x150.jpg)
Sailing the Aegean Sea: A Guide to Exploring Rhodes by Boat
![photo of a woman in red and white stripped bathing suit posing by rocks in greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-cristina-tiris-12310759-150x150.jpg)
Escape the City and Explore These Beautiful Day Trips from Athens
![photo of a man sitting in a hallway of columns in athens greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/perspective-depth-architecture-distance-columns-construction-1446381-pxhere.com_-150x150.jpg)
Stay in Style: The Best Luxury Hotels in Athens
![photo of a woman in blue on a beach looking at the ocean in rhodes, greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/beautiful-2266614-150x150.jpg)
Rhodes’ Best Day Trips: From Lindos to Symi Island.
![photo of people walking around market in athens greece](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-hert-niks-3224229-150x150.jpg)
10 Must-See Landmarks for Tourists Visiting Athens
Recent Posts
![photo of a hut museum in cluj-napoca romania](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cizer.bis_de_lemn_in_muzeu_Cluj-150x150.jpg)
The Wonders of Romania’s Ancient City: Cluj-Napoca
![photo of cyclists in rotterdam netherlands](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/illiya-vjestica-V1E-R1Z40lY-unsplash-150x150.jpg)
Exploring the Fascinating Streets of Rotterdam
![photo of a red church by a river with reflection in water in bruges belgium](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/maria-lopez-jorge-ZiIQBJm-qr0-unsplash-150x150.jpg)
Discovering the Enchantment of Bruges
![photo of a mermaid statue water fountain](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/monochrome-g2501b9228_1920-150x150.jpg)
![photo of a the city of bruges belgium](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pexels-gotta-be-worth-it-5215151-150x150.jpg)
A Delightful Getaway: Visiting Bruges
![photo of Salzburg at sunset in austria](https://eurotrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/sebastian-mittermeier-8-ci6kNyuwc-unsplash-150x150.jpg)