When Brits fancy a spot of sunshine abroad, Greece frequently tops their list of destinations. The Greek islands are renowned for their glorious weather, stunning beauty, enchanting charm and vibrant colours – all the qualities that holiday enthusiasts typically cherish.
However, visitors have recently confessed to feeling “stressed and scared” after their experiences at a renowned tourist hotspot. Numerous clips have emerged on TikTok revealing the chaotic scenes unfolding in Santorini. The island, situated in the southern Aegean Sea approximately 200 km southeast of the mainland, has attracted hordes of tourists for years due to its breathtaking views, postcard-perfect architecture and Instagram-worthy backdrops.
Yet holidaymakers report that the destination has become so overwhelmed with visitors that it’s now “hard to move” around popular spots, leaving them feeling “stressed.” Some have declared their experience fell drastically short of expectations.
Dr Rad Rawan posted footage of the packed streets, commenting: “I was getting so claustrophobic and scared. Wasn’t like this the other days I was in Santorini, so I don’t know what happened today.”
The footage was captured at 11am on a sweltering July day, prompting thousands to respond. Numerous commenters acknowledged the area is now “full of tourists.”
One individual responded, stating: “No thanks. Santorini and Mykonos are purely for tourists, and not the real Greece.” Another chimed in with: “Santorini is the most overrated Greek island. Please keep going to the other islands stay nice.”
A third person retorted: “I swear only Oia is like this. The rest of the island, which is also so picturesque, is lovely to visit.”
Meanwhile, a fourth remarked: “Visited while on a cruise. Would never go back. Feel sorry for the locals.”
However, there were others who insisted they’ve had “beautiful holidays” in Santorini. According to many, the trick is to visit outside of the peak travel season.
One individual shared: “Santorini is definitely the most beautiful place. I went in May and it was the time to visit. Worth every penny and, in my opinion, not a tourist trap at all.”
Travel vlogger Olly Bloom also expressed her view that Santorini wasn’t “worth the hype” after she encountered similar issues with crowds. In her video, she acknowledged that many people rave about Oia, as it houses a famous blue dome where people enjoy taking photos.
After her visit, she deemed it “overrated”, as the streets were “so packed”, and people even had to queue to take pictures. She elaborated: “If you are like me, and you hate stress and holidays, skip the crowd, and stay in places like Pyrgos, Kamari and Fira.
“These places have their charm and way fewer tourists, and you can actually breathe while enjoying yourself. Trust me, your Instagram pictures will still be fire, and you can still get your money’s worth for your holiday.”
In recent years, Santorini has emerged as a favoured getaway for Brits thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, spectacular caldera views, distinctive volcanic shores and charming whitewashed houses. The island’s magnificence, especially the spectacular sunsets across the caldera and its characteristic buildings, has helped establish it as a premier choice for sun-seekers.
Nevertheless, critics argue that social media has fuelled its surge in popularity even further, with countless influencers creating content showcasing the island’s splendour. During peak holiday periods, visitors should naturally anticipate busy conditions.
One traveller recommended: “Go in September when the kids are back in school.” Another commented: “Santorini is amazing, people just go to the wrong part.”