If you’re looking for a last-minmute European holiday in the sun, one tourist believes he has the ideal location after highlighting it is full of vacancies.
Robert Sherman claims popular Greek islands are “dead” as he offered a glimpse into his time in Santorini. “Did Euro summers get cancelled this year?” he began in a TikTok video.
“I’m in Santorini right now and this island is dead – there is availability all over the island.” Robert went on to express his surprise as he explained that despite it being a weekend in the middle of July and therefore peak season – prices are “low” due to a lack of demand.
“I don’t even have a hotel booked tonight,” he continued. “I’m about to walk into town and pick out my hotel at a discounted rate.”
In a follow-up video, meanwhile, Robert showcased the “one thing” you should do should you wish to join him on the seemingly deserted isle.
“If you do one thing in Santorini, see the island by boat,” he said as he took part in an excursion with a handful of other visitors.
Hundreds of TikTok viewers offered their thoughts on Santorini’s apparent decline in popularity, meanwhile.
One theorised: “Santorini and Mykonos have priced themselves out due to pure greed.”
Others put it down to recent earthquakes, including one TikTok user who hit out: “Why do people have an opinion when there is no knowledge? Santorini this summer has low prices and availability cause there were earthquakes in the winter so many people chose this summer to avoid Santorini. All the other islands are fully booked.”
A Greek national added: “As a Greek living abroad who has visited the islands every summer for the past 15 years, I made the decision last year not to return this year. Prices have skyrocketed, and overtourism has made the experience overwhelming. What should have been a holiday ended up feeling more like a stressful ordeal.”
Whilst a fourth individual explained: “I believe the fully booked islands are different ones. People are tired of Santorini and Mykonos: they’re not authentic, they’re overcrowded, and they offer a very touristy experience. Try other islands like Milos, Paros, Amorgos – those are packed.
“Moreover, I think hotel availability is linked to the fact that they have overbuilt: there are hospitality structures everywhere, and they outnumber the homes of people who live on the island year-round. The locals now even rent out their garages.”
According to another holidaymaker, the situation in nearby Crete isn’t much better. They added: “Here in Crete and the locals saying it’s the worst season since Covid – cost of living in Europe – flights have gone up massively so people cancelling or if they come are being frugal and not spending money.
“It’s a shame for the locals who are the most friendly, warm, hospitable and genuine people I have ever come across.”
Temperatures are predicted to soar in several popular holiday hotspots next week as the British school summer holidays get underway, with staggering highs of 44C predicted in some regions. These temperatures have turned new weather maps by WXCharts volcanic red, even with swathes of deathly white and grey dotted across Greece.
The charts, dated Monday, July 21, predict temperatures rarely below 36C on the Greek and Italian mainland and well into the 40Cs on the island of Sicily. In the region near the picturesque Greek city of Larissa, few holidaymakers will be able to enjoy its impressive ancient ruins as temperatures are expected to reach a sweltering 44C by 3pm on Monday.