Dreaming of experiencing Santorini like a local? Then you are certainly on the right path. Visiting Santorini in September or October is a great opportunity to truly experience the island’s authentic side. The weather is not too warm, the summer crowds have thinned out but the vibe is just as magical. It’s the ideal season to slow down, connect with local experiences and discover the island beyond just the postcard views. This guide will reveal to you hidden gems, cultural tips and unique experiences that will make your journey unforgettable.
Stay beyond the crowds
Your first and most important choice to experience Santorini like a local will be your stay at Santorini. Skip the typical tourist choices and choose a stay that feels closer to the local lifestyle. At Sandblu in Ancient Thera, you are perfectly positioned to experience both tranquility and authenticity. If you are a group of friends or a family, the villas of Sandblu will provide you with the comfort of a home while at the same time being surrounded by traditional charm. Waking up here feels different, quiet mornings and the opportunity to plan a day ahead that doesn’t involve the typical tourist attractions.
Eat like a local
Is there a better way to explore Santorini like a local than the food itself? Move past the busy Caldera restaurants and choose instead village tavernas where the menu changes daily based on what’s fresh. Don’t forget to ask for fava, a staple dish in Santorini for ages, or taste tomotakeftedes, a true island specialty with fresh locally produced tomatoes. To have a fully local culinary experience, pair your meals with Santorini’s wines, crisp Santorini’s Assyrtiko or aromatic Aidani, best enjoyed in a care-free environment. For a deeper wine experience, don’t miss an evening tasting at Aroma by Sandblu, where every sip reveals a story of tradition and Santorini’s history.
The perfect day
If you are looking to step into the local rhythm, we have the perfect day planned for you.
Morning: Start your day in Santorini like a local with a Greek coffee at a traditional kafeneio. These spots aren’t just a place to get coffee, they are social hubs where locals socialize and share with each other the latest news of the island. A quick “Kalimera” (good morning) is all it takes to spark a story from a friendly local. Alternatively, just a few steps away from your room at Sandblu is Stari, where you can enjoy a traditional Greek ‘koulouri’ with your morning coffee prepared for you on the spot.
Midday: Head to the beach of Kamari for a peaceful swim where Sandblu has dedicated sunbeds for your own convenience. By noon, when the hunger will start to kick in, find a small taverna in villages like Exo Gonia or Megalochori for simple local dishes. After lunch, follow the local rhythm with a siesta, which is more than a tradition, it’s an essential part of island life.
Afternoon: Dedicate each day to a new village. Stroll through the streets of Santorini, peek into small chapels and buy fruit from a local roadside vendor to taste the true freshness of the island.
Sunset time: While Oia is the one you have probably heard off, locals know that the lighthouse at Akrotiri offers one of the most serene sunset views. With fewer people than the typical hubspots, you will experience a moment of calm magic. In the mood for a sunset with a little more energy and atmosphere? Then Blu awaits you, the perfect spot to savor the moment with a cocktail in hand.
Don’t miss these local experiences
To truly connect with the real Santorini, you should join a traditional “panigiri”, where music, Greek dances and homemade food bring the island to life. The best way to really experience something unique is by not having a plan. Walk through the narrow streets, visit small shops, talk with the locals and learn some new Greek words that can create meaningful connections and long lasting memories.
Slow travel, true connections
Santorini is more than its caldera views and the opportunity to get an instagram photo next to the blue domes. It’s more about taking your time, sharing a meal with locals, discovering unplanned paths and letting step by step the island’s traditions guide you. If you choose to visit Santorini as a local, think of it as becoming part of its story and not just adding a new place in your travel list.
So, the advice is to wander slowly, taste deeply and allow the charm of Santorini to reveal itself. Away from the crowds, experience the feeling of connection and authenticity.