What NOT to Do in Santorini: 15 Mistakes to Avoid

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Written by Rachel | Published September 10, 2025

Wondering what not to do in Santorini?

Here’s the short answer: don’t underestimate the stairs, don’t rely on Google Maps, and definitely don’t show up to a caldera restaurant without a reservation.

Those are just a few of the Santorini travel mistakes that can derail your trip, and exactly what this guide will help you avoid.

Most guides just list generic don’ts, but these are the lessons I learned the hard way (or watched others make) on the island.

I’ve huffed up endless stairs, trusted maps that lied, and seen travelers stuck in taxi lines for over an hour.

The good news? You don’t have to repeat those mistakes.

And because I want your trip to be stress-free, I put together a free Santorini Destination Guide with 30 insider tips, a realistic packing list, and the cultural do’s and don’ts I wish I’d known before my first visit.

You can grab it below — it’s like having a local in your back pocket.

Let’s dive into the biggest mistakes in Santorini and how to avoid them, so you can spend less time stressing and more time sipping wine at sunset.

1. What Not to Do in Santorini: Underestimate the Stairs and Steep Paths

The biggest surprise for many first-time visitors is how steep Santorini really is.

What looks like a quick stroll on Google Maps often turns into a sweaty workout of endless stairs carved into the cliffs.

If you’re not prepared, this is one of the most frustrating Santorini travel mistakes.

I learned this the hard way in Oia.

Walking down the main path felt easy enough.

But the moment I had to climb back up from the caldera, I realized my “five-minute walk” had morphed into a leg-burning, 20-minute uphill battle.

And that was before dinner. By the top, I felt like I’d just done a surprise leg day.

And it’s not just about timing.

The marble steps get slippery, especially in sandals, and I’ve seen more than one traveler trip, fall, and end up injured.

Santorini wasn’t built with handrails and safety codes in mind, so you have to be careful.

Here’s how to make it easier:

• Wear real shoes. Flip-flops won’t cut it on slippery marble steps.
• Give yourself extra time. If Google Maps says 10 minutes, double it.
• Think about location when booking your hotel. Staying on the Santorini caldera is magical, but if you don’t want to tackle stairs constantly, look at other Santorini villages that are flatter.
• Skip the donkey rides. They might look “authentic” in photos, but it’s tough on the animals and unnecessary if you pace yourself.
  

The stairs are part of the island’s charm, but they can throw off your whole schedule if you don’t plan ahead.

Build them into your daily timeline, and you’ll be clinking glasses at a sunset taverna instead of catching your breath halfway up a cliff.

2. Santorini Travel Mistakes: Relying on Google Maps Alone

One of the easiest mistakes in Santorini is trusting Google Maps to tell you how long it will take to get somewhere.

On flat land, sure.

But in a cliffside village like Oia or Fira, that “two-minute walk” can stretch into nearly an hour once you factor in steep stairs, winding paths, and the occasional wrong turn through someone’s courtyard. 

It happened to us. Google promised a quick two-minute walk.

Between zigzagging down the caldera and getting lost on hidden side paths, it ended up taking almost an hour.

By the time we finally arrived, we were hot, tired, and way behind schedule.

Google Maps doesn’t tell you when your ‘two-minute walk’ includes a vertical hike worthy of a mountain goat.

Here’s how to outsmart the map:

• Add buffer time. If Google says 15 minutes, think 25.
• Plan with the terrain in mind. Flat-looking lines on the app don’t mean flat in real life.
• Ask locals. Hotel staff or shopkeepers know how long a walk really takes.
• Book dinners with time to spare. Especially if you’re aiming for a sunset table at a Santorini caldera restaurant.
  

Maps are great for finding where places are, but they won’t save you from underestimating the stairs.

Trust your eyes, trust locals, and most importantly, give yourself time.

3. Things to Avoid in Santorini: Skipping Restaurant Reservations

If there’s one mistake that crushes dreams fast, it’s showing up to your bucket-list Santorini restaurant at sunset without a reservation.

Most of the good spots are small tavernas perched right on the caldera, and they book out days — sometimes weeks — in advance.

I made this mistake early on.

I thought I’d just wander into a cozy spot in Oia for dinner and watch the sunset with a glass of wine.

Instead, I ended up circling crowded streets, begging hostesses, and finally eating a gyro on a bench.

Romantic? Not so much.

Missing a reservation in Oia at sunset is like showing up to a Beyoncé concert without a ticket — good luck squeezing in.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Make reservations as soon as you can. If you’ve got a dream caldera view in mind, lock it in before your trip.
  
• Aim for sunset tables early. Spots with a view of the caldera fill up the fastest. Check out some of the best Santorini caldera restaurants and secure your table.
  
• Have a backup plan. Even if you’re booked, things happen. Scout a second-choice taverna just in case.
  

Sunset dinners are one of the highlights of Santorini. Don’t let poor planning turn your dream meal into street food.

Save the gyros for lunch and treat yourself to that once-in-a-lifetime view with zero stress.

4. Common Mistakes in Santorini: Ignoring Cruise Ship Schedules

Santorini’s charm can feel very different depending on the time of day, and cruise ships are the reason why.

Most dock between 8 and 9 a.m., which means thousands of passengers flood Oia and Fira by late morning.

The narrow streets that felt calm at sunrise suddenly feel like Times Square.

I learned quickly that if you want those dreamy photos without a hundred selfie sticks in the background, timing is everything.

Morning coffee with just a few locals around? Bliss. Midday wander through Oia? Chaos.

Here’s how to plan around it:

• Go early or late. Explore villages like Oia before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. for a completely different experience.
  
• Head off the beaten path mid-day. While the crowds pack into Oia, spend a few hours exploring hidden spots in Santorini where cruise passengers rarely go.
  
• Time your excursions smartly. Save popular spots like the caldera walk for off-peak hours.

The island feels like two different places depending on the cruise ship schedule.

Plan wisely, and you’ll get to experience the quiet magic that makes Santorini unforgettable.

5. Santorini Travel Tips: Don’t Assume Taxis Are Easy to Find

One of the biggest mistakes in Santorini is thinking you can just hail a taxi like you would in a big city.

The island only has a handful of taxis, and during peak times, they’re practically impossible to snag.

Missed dinners, delayed ferries, and sweaty walks with luggage are all too common for travelers who don’t plan ahead.

(If you’re catching an early ferry, check Ferryhopper for real-time schedules.)

I’ve watched couples in full vacation mode melt down at the taxi stand in Fira when they realized the wait was over an hour.

Trust me, you don’t want your Santorini memories to start (or end) that way.

What to do instead:

• Book taxis ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute.
  
• Use reliable services. A personal favorite is Welcome Pickups, which lets you pre-book a driver to meet you at the airport, ferry port, or even for day trips.
  
• Ask your hotel to arrange transfers. Many have partnerships with drivers.
  

Planning your rides ahead means you’ll spend your evenings sipping wine instead of standing in a taxi queue.

6. Don’t Expect Early Mornings Like Back Home in Santorini

If you’re used to grabbing coffee at 7 a.m. before the world wakes up, Santorini will throw you off.

The island runs on a slower rhythm, and most cafes and shops don’t open until later in the morning.

I learned this my first trip when I bounded out of my hotel early, ready for coffee and a pastry.

Instead, I found silent streets, shuttered doors, and a handful of cats sunbathing like they owned the place.

Not exactly the morning fuel I was hoping for.

Here’s how to adjust:

• Sleep in. Embrace the slower mornings. You’re on vacation.
  
• Stock your hotel fridge. A quick run to a Santorini supermarket the night before means you’ll have water, fruit, or coffee supplies on hand.
  
• Use mornings differently. If you’re up early, go for a walk along the caldera or head to the beach while it’s still empty.
  

By mid-morning, the island hums to life, and you’ll have plenty of chances for fresh coffee and spanakopita.

But don’t count on Santorini for a crack-of-dawn caffeine fix, unless you’re okay with cats as your company.

7. Santorini Beaches: Don’t Expect Florida or Hawaii Sand

If you picture soft, fluffy sand like you’d find in Florida or Hawaii, Santorini’s beaches will surprise you.

Most are made of volcanic rock, which gives them dramatic colors but a very different feel underfoot.

The first time I went, I honestly thought “black sand beach” meant Florida-style sand, just darker. Instead, it was finely ground volcanic rock.

It’s not sharp, but it’s definitely not the kind of sandcastle sand I imagined.

Think spa exfoliation, not sandcastle building.

Once I got over the surprise, I realized it was part of what makes Santorini beaches so unique.

Here’s what to know:

• Bring water shoes. The rocks get hot under the sun, and they can be uncomfortable barefoot.
  
• Check out different beaches. Perissa and Kamari have long black sand stretches, while Red Beach and White Beach are striking for their colors and cliffs.
  
• Don’t skip them. Even if they’re not “traditional” sandy beaches, they’re absolutely worth visiting for their beauty.
  

If you go in expecting something different, you’ll appreciate the wild, volcanic charm.

For ideas on which ones to visit, check out this guide to the best Santorini beaches.

8. Money Mistakes in Santorini: ATM and Credit Card Traps

Money mistakes are some of the easiest ways to waste cash in Santorini.

The island is full of ATMs, but not all of them are equal.

The blue and yellow Euronet machines you see on every corner look convenient, but they hit you with sky-high fees and terrible exchange rates compared to bank ATMs.

We learned this firsthand.

The first time we withdrew money from a Euronet, the conversion rate was so unfavorable we basically paid for an extra appetizer without ever tasting it.

After that, we stuck with bank ATMs and saved ourselves from getting nickeled and dimed every time.

Using a Euronet ATM is basically tipping the machine for no reason.

Here’s how to keep your money in your pocket:

• Use bank ATMs only. Stick to machines attached to actual Greek banks like Alpha Bank or Piraeus.
  
• Always choose euros. When given the option between your home currency and euros, pick euros to avoid hidden conversion fees.
  
• Carry a little cash. Many small tavernas and shops still prefer it.
  

It’s a simple fix, but it can save you a surprising amount of money over your trip.

It’s one of those things to know before going to Greece that can really save you money.

9. Things to Avoid in Santorini: Disrespecting Homes or Churches

One of the fastest ways to annoy locals in Santorini is by treating their homes or churches like your personal photo backdrop.

It might look Instagram-worthy to climb onto a roof or lean on a church dome, but it’s not just disrespectful — it’s dangerous.

The cringiest thing I saw was a flying dress photoshoot where the model was standing on the roof of a church while the photographer shouted directions.

Locals walking by were clearly unimpressed, and honestly, it felt awkward for everyone else watching too.

Climbing church domes for Instagram is the Greek version of standing on someone’s car for a selfie.

Please don’t do it.

Here’s what to remember:

• Stay on public paths and viewpoints. Santorini has no shortage of jaw-dropping spots for photos.
  
• Respect churches and homes. Those domes and courtyards belong to someone, and they aren’t props.
  
• Be mindful of locals. Santorini isn’t just a vacation spot — it’s home to people who live and work here year-round.
  

You’ll capture amazing photos without climbing onto someone’s roof. For more beautiful places to explore and photograph respectfully, take a look at the most charming Santorini villages.

10. Don’t Forget Greece’s Emergency Numbers When Planning a Trip to Santorini

It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need, but it’s smart to be prepared.

Greece uses the European-wide emergency number 112, which connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services.

We saved it on our phones the first day we arrived in Santorini.

Thankfully, we never had to use it, but it was reassuring to know it was there if something went wrong.

Santorini is known to be generally safe, but when you’re halfway around the world, peace of mind matters.

Save them in your phone before you land.

Think of it as Murphy’s Law insurance — if you’ve got the numbers handy, chances are you’ll never need them.

A few other handy numbers:

• 100 for the police
  
• 166 for ambulance
  
• 199 for the fire department
  

Hopefully, they’ll just sit in your phone unused, but you’ll feel better knowing you’re covered.

11. Santorini Sunsets: Oia Isn’t the Only Spot

Oia gets all the fame for sunsets, but it also gets the worst crowds.

By the time the sun dips, you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of people, cameras raised, and it feels more like a concert than a romantic evening.

Here’s the secret: Santorini has plenty of other sunset spots that are just as stunning.

I’ve watched the sky light up from Fira, from a catamaran cruise, and even from a quiet viewpoint with no one else around.

If you want to see the sunset from the water, check out this Santorini catamaran cruise on Viator. It’s one of my favorite ways to skip the Oia crowds.

Honestly, those sunsets felt more magical than fighting through the Oia crowds.

For ideas, check out the best places to catch a Santorini sunset without the chaos.

12. Cultural Mistakes in Santorini: Don’t Use the “Palm Out” Gesture

It seems harmless, but in Greece, extending your palm toward someone (like a “stop” hand) is offensive.

Stick your hand out like that in Greece, and you’ve basically flipped them off in HD.

It’s called the “moutza,” and it’s the equivalent of giving someone the middle finger.

The first time I heard this, I was so glad I hadn’t unknowingly done it.

Imagine trying to wave off a street vendor politely and accidentally insulting them. Yikes!

Keep your hands relaxed, and if you need to gesture “no,” a simple shake of the head or a gentle wave works fine.

13. Planning a Trip to Santorini: Bring Your Own Medications

Here’s something many first-time visitors don’t realize: common over-the-counter meds in the U.S., like ibuprofen, require a prescription in Greece.

Pharmacies are helpful, but you typically can’t just grab Advil off the shelf when you’ve got a headache.

We brought our usual medications with us, and I’m so glad we did. It saved us from scrambling at a pharmacy or trying to explain what we needed when we weren’t feeling 100 percent.

Pack any daily meds you take at home, plus basics like pain relievers and allergy tablets. You’ll thank yourself later.

14. Don’t Ride the Donkeys in Santorini

It might look like a fun “authentic” experience, but riding the donkeys up and down the caldera is tough on the animals.

The paths are steep, hot, and slippery, and the donkeys often work long hours carrying heavy loads.

Every time I walked past the donkey path, I felt bad seeing them struggle under the sun.

Honestly, the climb is doable on foot if you pace yourself and wear good shoes. Or better yet, take the cable car.

It’s better for the animals, and it still gets you where you need to go.

15. Santorini Travel Tips: International Driving Permits and ATV Insurance

If you’re planning to rent a car or ATV in Santorini, you’ll need an international driving permit (IDP)in addition to your home license.

Without it, most rental companies won’t hand you the keys. You can obtain an IDP for around $20 from your local AAA office.

And here’s the kicker: ATVs are fun but risky. I’ve seen more than one traveler return to their hotel with bandaged knees or road rash from accidents.

If you’re renting an ATV, make sure your travel insurance covers it. Some policies specifically exclude them.

💡If you’re planning to rent a car or ATV, I always compare prices on DiscoverCars. It’s what I use in Greece because it clearly shows what’s included in the insurance and which companies have the best reviews.

Before You Go

Santorini really is as magical as the photos, but only if you avoid the common mistakes that trip up first-time visitors.

From steep stairs and cruise ship crowds to taxi shortages and money traps, now you know what not to do in Santorini.

With a little smart planning, you’ll skip the stress and get straight to the sunsets, wine, and once-in-a-lifetime memories.

And if you want to make planning even easier, I’ve got you covered.

I put together a free Santorini Destination Guide that’s like having a local insider in your pocket. Inside you’ll find:

• 30 essential Greece travel tips so you feel confident the moment you land
• A realistic packing list (with safety must-haves you might not think of)
• Dining etiquette & cultural do’s and don’ts, so you blend in like a pro
• The best ways to get around Santorini without stress
• My favorite tours, activities, and local experiences worth booking
  

👉 Sign up here to grab your free Santorini Destination Guide and get it sent straight to your inbox. You’ll also get my best insider tips, hidden gems, and Greece inspiration so you can stop stressing and start daydreaming about your trip.

Not ready to join the list just yet? No worries — keep planning with one of my most popular Santorini posts: Best Time to Visit Santorini.

Planning a trip to Santorini doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You just need someone who’s been there to do the heavy lifting.

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