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<ul class="summary-list"><li>I'm a <keyword id="11896628" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="travel" source="Orion">travel</keyword> writer who has been visiting <keyword id="13888538" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="santorini" source="Orion">Santorini</keyword> every year for the past 15 years.</li><li>I spend up to three months at a time each year reviewing hotels and these are the 10 best places to stay.</li></ul>In my work as a travel writer, I've been visiting Santorini every year for the past 15 years. And while most people might come here for just a few days before hopping to another island, I often spend two to three months at a time each year reviewing hotels.As such, I've gleaned major intel on the local lodging scene that I use to help friends and family choose the right place to stay. To help them decide, I first ask a set of key questions.Do you want to pay extra for a small room overlooking the famous caldera? Or would you prefer a cheaper, larger suite inland? Do you envision an iconic carved-out-of-the-cliff cave room with a private hot tub or private plunge pool (and staggering prices to match), or does it make more sense to pick a resort with shared, but equally impressive amenities? Do you want somewhere romantic, or are you seeking a family-friendly vibe? And, of course, the all-important question in Santorini: If you want spectacular vistas from your room, are you willing to contend with countless slippery steps?Only you can answer these questions, but based on the answer, I can help guide you to the best hotels, from swoon-worthy suites to celebrity-loved resorts and cheaper out-of-the-way hotels. These are the best hotels I've stayed in on Santorini, for every type of traveler. <div type="image" title="Pool areas with palm trees and Greek architecture at hotel" height="1365" width="1820" msid="91472027" hostid="261"></div>NOBU Santorini One of my favorite caldera hideaways for couples, the recently revamped <a href="https://santorini.nobuhotels.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">NOBU Santorini</a> sits off a peaceful side road between Oia and Fira with breathtaking views over both sides of the caldera.The 30 rooms of this Cycladic-style boutique hotel are like cozy, dome-roofed caves with large bathrooms and king-size beds, and there's also a womb-like spa. For me, the absolute highlight is the stunning infinity pool — a sunset dip with a cocktail in hand and endless views is guaranteed to take your breath away.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgr%2Fomma-santorini.html" rel="nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Book NOBU Santorini</a><div type="image" title="In-ground pool and white hotel building with stone archway and gray lounge chairs" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472029" hostid="261"></div>Canvas Oia Epitome<a href="https://magazine.canaves.com/tag/celebrities-in-greece/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">This celebrity-loved</a> gourmet bolthole within strolling distance of Oia's shops and the famed castle is the epitome of luxury on an island where there are plenty of high-end hotels to consider. All of <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/cyclades/santorini/hotels/canaves-oia-epitome-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Canavas Oia Epitome's</a> 24 suites and villas are spacious, with stand-alone bathtubs and large, heated private pools, while award-winning chef Tasos Stefatos heads Elements restaurant, offering a sumptuous spin on modern Greek cuisine. But my favorite part about staying here is, because it's away from the main caldera area, there are no steps to navigate and you can park right outside the hotel.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgr%2Fcanaves-oia-epitome.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Canvas Oia Epitome</a>Villa MichalisWith just a scattering of low-key tavernas and a small black-sand beach, Vlychada (where the catamarans leave for sunset cruises), is one of the island's more remote spots. That's where you'll find <a href="http://villa-michalis.hotels-santorini-greece.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Villa Michalis</a>, with its good-sized pool and cheerfully painted comfortable (but not luxurious) rooms. It's one of my favorite options when I want to stay away from the crowded areas of Santorini and it's an excellent budget option, too. Rooms are cheap and a continental breakfast is included in the price.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgr%2Fvilla-michalis.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Villa Michalis</a><div type="image" title="Black chairs and table by a rug with a black and white floral print in front of bed with black headboard and white sheets and a chandelier above" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472031" hostid="261"></div>Opera Mansion For wow factor and strong romantic appeal, I don't think you can do better than <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/cyclades/santorini/hotels/opera-mansion-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Opera Mansion</a>. This spectacularly distinctive villa is perched along the cobbled backstreets of Fira town, and housed in what was once (some 200 years ago) Santorini's opera house. Photogenic features include a blood-red indoor heated pool, a large "his and hers" steam room, and a private wine cellar where you can order a romantic dinner cooked to your specifications.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgr%2Fopera-mansion.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Opera Mansion</a>Santorini SkyPrivacy is just about impossible near the caldera, where hotels are crammed against one another, and your seemingly private plunge pool or terrace is often overlooked by the neighboring hot tubs and restaurants of about a dozen different hotels.But standing well away from the crowds on the island's highest hill, and within strolling distance of shops and taverns in the traditional village of Pyrgos, <a href="https://santorinisky.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Santorini Sky's</a> six hip villas are real hidden gems. Each includes a large infinity pool and a full kitchen, and there is also a geodesic dome where you can enjoy a pre-booked romantic meal beneath the stars.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgr%2Fsantorini-sky-pyrgos.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Santorini Sky</a><div type="image" title="A blue infinity pool and white hotel building with lounge chairs overlooking sea" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472032" hostid="261"></div>Astra Suites It's a long hike along a slippery cobbled mule path to reach this lovely family-friendly spa hotel, but I promise it's worth it, not only for the views over the caldera and Skaros Rock (among the best you can get) but also because of the fantastic service. <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/cyclades/santorini/hotels/astra-suites-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Astra Suites</a> was actually one of the island's first cave hotels (created back in 1985), but the 22 recently renovated rooms and suites are large and comfortable (some have heated plunge pools) with cute terraces where you can sit and enjoy those stunning views.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgr%2Fastra-suites.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Astra Suites</a>Chez SophieClose to some of the island's best beaches and with ample comfort for a short stay, this family-friendly beach beauty is a great choice if you're on a budget. <a href="http://www.chezsophie.gr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Chez Sophie's</a> 12 rooms are grouped around a kidney-shaped pool and are fairly spartan, but I found the beds to be supremely comfortable, and if you're like me, you don't come to Santorini to stay in your room. There's no restaurant (although a generous breakfast is included), but it's steps away from hip cafés and seafood taverns lining the black-sand beach of Kamari, and there are regular buses to Fira and Oia.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgr%2Fchez-sophie.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Chez Sophie</a><div type="image" title="Bird's eye view of pool and lounge area of hotel with umbrellas and chairs and a beach below" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472033" hostid="261"></div>IkiesOn an island where cave rooms are two-a-penny, <a href="https://ikies.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Ikies</a>' sumptuous grotto suites that cling to the edge of the caldera really stand out, not only because they are incredibly stylish, but also because of the gourmet in-room dining menu, which I found to be quite convenient after returning from a long day of sightseeing.Just a 15-minute stroll from the center of Oia, the 13 rooms (10 with whirlpool baths) have domed ceilings, tiny windows, pretty caldera-view terraces, and some have antique furnishings. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgr%2Fikies-traditional-houses.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Ikies</a>Youth Hostel Anna On an island where very cheap accommodations are fairly rare, <a href="http://hostelannasantorini.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Youth Hostel Anna</a> is a reliable choice that's only a 20-minute bus ride from Fira and just across from a black-sand beach and Perissa's funky bars and laid-back tavernas. There are brightly painted dorms with bunk beds (up to 14 beds) but they also have private rooms facing a small swimming pool. But the thing I like best about this no-frills hostel, which has been a backpacker HQ for several decades, is the fact that it's also a great place to meet fellow travelers.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgr%2Fyouth-hostel-anna.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Youth Hostel Anna</a><div type="image" title="In-ground pool with two tan cushioned chairs in front of wall with two windows and stone wall" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472035" hostid="261"></div>Carpe Diem A far cry from Oia's surging crowds, but within easy reach when you want to mingle with them, this bijou adults-only boutique retreat on the edge of a traditional hilltop makes an ideal base for sight-seeing. Unlike many hotels on the caldera, <a href="http://www.carpediemsantorini.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Carpe Diem's</a> cave-style rooms and suites are spacious, and bathrooms have huge bespoke cement tubs. There's also a glittering infinity pool overlooking fields and vineyards, and the restaurant serves tasty dishes, including my favorite, the meltingly tender chicken cooked in the local <a href="https://santowines.gr/wines/vinsanto" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Vinsanto wine</a>.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgr%2Fcarpe-diem.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Carpe Diem Santorini</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-traveling-to-santorini-greece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Santorini.</a>

10 swoon-worthy hotels in Santorini with cliffside cave rooms and infinity pools that are also affordable, according to a professional hotel reviewer

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Before you visit <keyword id="13888538" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="santorini" source="Orion">Santorini</keyword>, <keyword id="6357856" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="greece" source="Orion">Greece</keyword>, familiarize yourself with these tips to ensure a seamless trip.</li><li>Keep reading for helpful planning details in Santorini related to COVID-19, weather, tipping, and more.</li></ul>I've been based in Greece for several years and visit Santorini regularly, often spending months at a time on this idyllic island. Like with any vacation, there are always local advisories to consider when planning a trip, but this is especially true for islands like Santorini that have a strong seasonal element.Below, I've compiled helpful tips and answers to popular questions, from the best time of year to visit and how to handle gratuities to the latest developments surrounding COVID-19.Whare are Santorini's current COVID-19 restrictions?Greece has been praised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Santorini was reported to be a<a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2021/05/22/how-greece-became-europes-unlikely-model-student" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"> safe haven for travelers </a>during the summers of 2020 and 2021. You can find my regularly updated "Greece rules" for "The Telegraph," <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/travel-greece-covid-rules-restrictions-entry-requirements-2022/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">here</a>. After several months of restrictions following an increase in cases, the rules are gradually being eased. It is no longer mandatory to wear masks outdoors, although they are <a href="https://gr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">still required indoors in public spaces and on public transport</a>. As of May 1, 2022, travelers entering Greece are <a href="https://gr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">no longer required</a> to show a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result.<div type="image" title="A cliff in Santorini dotted with white-washed buildings amid sea views." height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472042" hostid="261"></div>When is the best time to visit Santorini?Gathered around the slopes of an ancient volcano, Santorini's dark sands and black rock-studded landscapes tend to magnify the heat, and in summer, you can expect temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius (and up) in the middle of the day. So make sure to plan any strenuous activities for early morning or early evening, and then spend the rest of the day on the beach or lounging by your resort's pool.Usually quite refreshing (but sometimes loud), the Meltemi wind blows between June and September. If you prefer cooler weather (and less wind), visit Santorini in early spring and late autumn when temperatures hover around 25 to 27 degrees Celsius and there are fewer crowds. Because the island is so popular, hotels and restaurants tend to open earlier in the season than elsewhere in the Greek islands and stay open later, so you'll still find plenty of places to stay and eat that are probably cheaper in these shoulder seasons, too.Should I tip in Santorini?Although Greece doesn't really have a tipping culture, locals, especially those working in low-paid seasonal jobs, suffered during a long recession followed by a global pandemic that reduced tourism. I have met many people working in the tourism industry on Santorini who are struggling, so if you can, please tip. I know that the workers will greatly appreciate it.<a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-traveling-to-santorini-greece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Santorini, Greece.</a>

A travel writer answers 3 common questions for anyone planning a trip to Santorini this year

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I'm a Greece-based professional <keyword id="11896628" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="travel" source="Orion">travel</keyword> writer and hotel reviewer who visits <keyword id="13888538" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="santorini" source="Orion">Santorini</keyword> every year.</li><li>Here's my ultimate guide for every step of planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Santorini, <keyword id="6357856" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="greece" source="Orion">Greece</keyword>.</li></ul>As a travel writer and professional hotel reviewer based in Greece for the past 15 years, I spend most of my summers in Santorini. I also head back there with my camper van for long, lazy winters.Even Greeks I know who have all of Greece's 1,000-plus islands to choose from regularly flock to Santorini for its breathtaking views, gourmet restaurants, and spectacular boutique hotels carved out of stone that was once used to store wine.As for me, I'm still dazzled every time I arrive on the ferry (which is the best way to get here, in my opinion). It docks at the heart of the caldera, which is the huge volcanic crater set beneath towering red-and-black lava-lined cliffs that are dotted with tiny villages. I love those stunning views and adore the island's hip hotels with their infinity pools, chic restaurants, and resident DJs. But the Santorini I'm really mad about is the one that few tourists see.My secret Santorini is comprised of the in-the-know sunset spots or the warren of cobbled mule paths that take you far from the crowds to hike through fields where local sweet cherry tomatoes grow. The real Santorini, the one that I love, is in tiny hamlets where life goes on as it did 50 years ago. Locals say hello and bakeries still serve my favorite homemade treats — a creamy custard pie called bougatsa and the raisin-and-sesame treat, kopania. To sample this slice of true Santorini for yourself, follow my guide to the best places to go and see on this lovely island, just like a local. <h3>→ <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-to-santorini-greece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I travel to Santorini several times a year — here are my top tips for getting to and around the island</a></h3><h3>→ <a href="https://www.insider.com/where-to-stay-in-santorini-greece-best-hotels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 swoon-worthy hotels in Santorini with cliffside cave rooms and infinity pools that are also affordable</a></h3><h3>→<a href="https://www.insider.com/best-restaurants-where-to-eat-santorini-greece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> I've been visiting Santorini for 15 years — here are 9 restaurants where you'll find the most authentic food</a></h3><h3>→ <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-to-do-in-santorini-greece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I spend every summer in Santorini. Here are 10 things I like to do when I want a tourist-free, under-the-radar vacation.</a></h3><h3>→<a href="https://www.insider.com/santorini-greece-safety-covid-advisories" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Answers to 3 common questions for anyone planning a trip to Santorini this year</a></h3>

A local travel writer's ultimate guide to going off-the-beaten-path in Santorini

<ul class="summary-list"><li>After you see the main sights in <keyword id="13888538" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="santorini" source="Orion">Santorini</keyword>, save time for a lesser-known side of the island, too.</li><li>From castles to a crater and cliffside villages, here are must-visit places in Santorini, <keyword id="6357856" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="greece" source="Orion">Greece</keyword>.</li></ul>Santorini is a magnet for travelers from all over the world looking for incredible things to do and see.On this beautiful island, there are all sorts of things you'll only find in Santorini. Climb to the town's high-flung castle to watch famous sunsets, head out on a boat to see the volcano's crater from the water, or explore a tiny village clinging to the side of the cliff with a labyrinth of winding alleys.I've been spending time here for years and always suggest first-time visitors see the main sights, but make sure to save time for a lesser-known, more authentic side of the island, too.I recommend poking into tiny shops selling komboloi worry beads, stopping for buckets of brine-fresh feta cheese, and visiting one of the island's world-class archeological museums. Here are my favorite places off the beaten path. <div type="image" title="Champagne, glasses, and a bowl of grapes on a table with a white tablecloth on a ship with gray seating and view of the water" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472045" hostid="261"></div>Catamaran trip from VlychadaAfter several years of watching catamarans sail across the caldera every night at sunset, I finally booked a tour with the local company, <a href="http://www.santorinisailing.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Santorini Sailing</a>. A friend who lives on the island recommended them because they've been offering tours here for several decades. I was expecting the trip to be comprised of crowds of tourists and rowdy kids getting drunk, but this catamaran trip was simply a place to relax, get a tan, and see the sights. Leaving from Vlychada, we crossed the caldera to visit Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni islands. We leaped into the sea and swam in hot springs before enjoying a picnic of Greek salads, cold cuts, and plenty of wine. We finished the day with that famous sunset shimmering across the bay, and I had a brilliant time that I'd gladly repeat.<div type="image" title="Hill with grass and flowers and four people looking out at sea with island. One of the people is pointing toward ocean" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472046" hostid="261"></div>Santorini Walking ToursMost people explore Oia, Imerovigli, or another town lining the caldera rim when they come to Santorini. But it's well-worth discovering another side of the island with Nikos Botsinis, a hiking guide who spent nearly a decade mapping out the island's best, lesser-known trails.On several sunny spring afternoons, Nikos, the owner of <a href="https://santoriniwalkingtours.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Santorini Walking Tours</a>, took me on hikes along old mule paths leading through the center of the island to discover half-abandoned churches, lost-in-the-past towns, colorful rock formations, and the occasional hidden cove where I swam without another soul in sight. It was a real revelation, and one I heartily recommend.<div type="image" title="Two people on tour of factory with white walls and archways overhead. A wagon of canned tomatoes is in front of one archway and machinery surrounds areas of factory" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472162" hostid="261"></div>Tomato factorySantorini's tomatoes are <a href="https://www.tomatomuseum.gr/about/our-history/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">famed worldwide</a> and the Nomikos family opened its factory producing tomato paste in Vlychada in 1945.Until the late 1950s, there were nine tomato factories on the island, but as tourism grew, tomato production fell and the Nomikos factory closed down in 1981. Luckily, a few years ago, this industrial space was renovated to create a fascinating <a href="https://www.tomatomuseum.gr/the-museum/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">tomato museum </a>with a café in the courtyard and a hip gallery showing regular art exhibitions.<div type="image" title="Visitors looking at exhibit and taking pictures at museum area with Grecian ruins" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472166" hostid="261"></div>Akrotiri<a href="http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2410" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Akrotiri</a> is the Minoan site known as Greece's Pompeii because it was buried under rubble and lava during an earthquake in 1500 BC. Unearthed in 1901, visiting Akrotiri shows how the little-known Minoan people once lived in two- and three-story houses, with underfloor heating and running water, that are still standing. There are also colorful frescoes, huge clay pots and pithoi where they kept food, and excellent videos providing insight into the life of Santorini's ancient inhabitants.<div type="image" title="Blue and white fishing boats with orange detailing rocky cliffs in background" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472169" hostid="261"></div>Sunset trip with local fishermenAs shown in ancient frescoes on the walls of Akrotiri, fishing has been a way of life for Santorini islanders for centuries.Now, only a handful of locals survive from fishing and selling their catch to the local restaurants, and I highly suggest going out with them at sunset when they pull up their nets or reel in lobster pots. I had a fantastic trip with <a href="https://www.santorini-fishing-tours.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Giorgaros Fishing Tours</a>. The ride in owner Giorgaros' brightly-painted traditional kaiki fishing boat was like a cruise, with great opportunities to fill my Instagram feed with scenic views of the black-lava-strewn center of the volcano at Palea Kameni, below villages perched high up on the rim of the caldera. I helped Giogaros reel in several large pots full of flapping fish and later ate the fresh catch that was grilled and drizzled with a squeeze of lemon and served with a glass of local wine as the boat bumbled back to port.<div type="image" title="Uphill view of grass and purple flowers and staircase with view of ocean and other hill and sunset" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472171" hostid="261"></div>Hike to the top of Skaros RockYou'll need to be fairly fit, but it's well worth doing this picturesque hike out to the odd, chimney-shaped Skaros headland opposite the clifftop village of Imerovigli. Just be warned that you won't be up there on your own. It's a popular activity, especially with honeymooning couples and Instagrammers.Incredibly, this rock, which was once topped by a majestic medieval castle, was the island's capital until the 18th century. An earthquake destroyed the castle, and while there's little left to remind you of those times, the views over Oia, the Kameni Islands, and distant Thirasia Island make the long hike worthwhile.<div type="image" title="Couple sitting at table eating meal with view of coastline and sea with white chairs in foreground" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472172" hostid="261"></div>Sunset wine tasting at Santo WinesLike all visitors who come to Santorini, I enjoy those spectacular sunsets over the caldera. But instead of joining the crowds up by Oia's castle, I prefer to sit, sip, and see it in style from <a href="http://www.santowines.gr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Santo Wines'</a> glass-walled café and tasting room.Book a visit at the end of the afternoon to see the vines that grow coiled like birds' nests, and then sip crisp Assyrtiko whites, Santo's sparkling rosés, or their fruity Mavrotragano reds as you watch the sun slip down.<div type="image" title="View of whitewashed Greek buildings on hill and coastline and a view of the ocean" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472173" hostid="261"></div>Hike from Fira to OiaIn summer, the main road between Oia and Fira is often jam-packed with cars, tourist buses, and long lines of mules. But if you're relatively fit, there's a far more peaceful and breathtaking way to get between these two points.Best done in the early morning or evening, the fairly flat 10-kilometer hike along ancient cobbled trails via Imerovigli and Firostefani takes around four hours, but the views are so magnificent, you'll hardly notice the distance. There's often a pleasant breeze, but come armed with a hat, water, and plenty of high-SPF sunscreen.<div type="image" title="Brown rocky cliffs overlooking sea on a gloomy day. In the distance, a white lighthouse with silhouettes of people" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472174" hostid="261"></div>Sunset picnic at AkrotiriOia's sunsets are breathtaking and you'll want to see them at least once, but when you're tired of battling the crowds, you can have a unique and possibly more romantic experience by doing as I do. Stop at <a href="http://www.santorini-wedding-cakes.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">the Petranart bakery</a> in Megalochori to buy wedges of kolokithopita courgette pie and spanakopita (moist egg-and-spinach pie) and enjoy them with a glass of local wine during a sunset picnic at Akrotiri Lighthouse.Built in 1892, this remote watchtower on the island's southwestern tip is reached via a nerve-rackingly narrow road that runs right along the cliff's edge, but once you make it to this high-flung spot, the views are the best I've seen and you'll have that famous sunset (almost) all to yourself.<div type="image" title="Four people with dogs, goats, and a donkey walking in front of coastline" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472175" hostid="261"></div>Volunteer with animals at SAWAGiving back while you <keyword id="11896628" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="travel" source="Orion">travel</keyword> is a responsible thing to do and also introduces you to another side of local life. I usually go to <a href="https://www.sawasantorini.com/">Santorini's Animal Welfare Association (SAWA)</a>, which was founded in 1992 by a group of animal-loving volunteers to care for stray dogs and cats who can't fend for themselves at the end of the tourist season when cafés and restaurants close down. They also take in donkeys and mules that are often abandoned when they become too old to work.There are generally around 100 cats and dogs and more than a dozen mules in the shelter at any time. I often pop in when I'm on the island and bring carrots for the mules and treats for the dogs, or I'll take them out for a walk on one of the nice paths nearby. Whether you want to stay for a few days and help run the shelter or just drop in for an hour, you'll be warmly welcomed.<a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-traveling-to-santorini-greece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Santorini.</a>

I spend every summer in Santorini, Greece. Here are 10 things I like to do when I want a tourist-free, under-the-radar vacation.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I spend many months each year in <keyword id="13888538" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="santorini" source="Orion">Santorini</keyword> talking with locals and eating where they recommend.</li><li>Here are the best restaurants in Santorini for local specialties, fresh fish, and seasonal produce.</li></ul>With its fertile volcanic soil and sizzling climate, Santorini offers several specialties that you really need to try when you're here. As a long-time Greece-based writer, I've picked up many favorites: ntomades keftedes, which are tomato fritters made with Santorini's famously sweet tomatoes; cloud-soft fava, a puree made from the island's yellow split peas; and sweet white aubergines, which are divine when baked and then mashed to a puree with garlic, lemon, parsley, and olive oil to make melitzanosalata (eggplant salad).Having said that, it's not always easy to find tavernas where you can feed on the island's finest fare. Luckily, I'm a real truffle hound for sniffing out the best dining places serving local dishes that often have the best prices, too. After spending many months on the island, talking with locals, and eating out most nights, I've had plenty of time to separate the wheat from the chaff — here's my pick of the crop.<div type="image" title="Wooden tables and chairs with blue and white tablecloths and blue ceilings" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472178" hostid="261"></div>Kali KardiaI stumbled over this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/goodheartsantorini/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">family-run taverna </a>the first time that I took the lonely road to Akrotiri Lighthouse on the island's remote southwestern tip. Tired from an afternoon of driving on winding roads, I stopped in for a coffee and ended up staying for dinner, not only because they were as friendly as the name of the taverna suggested ("kali kardia" means "good heart") but also because the food, which included tender kouneli kokkinisto (rabbit in tomato sauce) and a big bowl of delicious moussaka thalassinon (seafood moussaka). At around 8 to 10 euros for a copious main dish, it was a pretty good value, too.SeasideHip surf-and-turf joints abound in Santorini, but it's always a good sign when most of the clients are Greek since locals generally know the best places to eat. That's the case at <a href="https://seasidesantorini.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Seaside</a>, a feet-in-the-sea taverna with a bamboo ceiling, circular wooden tables, and an inventive menu combining international and local tastes. I like their fresh garlicky yogurt tzatziki, which is made at your table, the beautifully paired fava and smoked eel, and aromatic pasta spiked with fresh Kalamata truffles. I never get bored of the food when I go there.<div type="image" title="Meal of fish, bread, pasta, salad, on a table with a white table cloth and a blue deck overlooking a port filled with ships" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472179" hostid="261"></div>To PsarakiIn the tiny seaside town of Vlychada, which is so remote that it's said they still believe in Santorini's mythical vampires, this no-frills <a href="http://www.topsaraki.gr/joomla/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">fish taverna</a> with its caned chairs and Greek blue veranda doesn't look like much. But chef Thanasis Sfougaris prides himself on only serving the freshest fish. Do as I do and order brine-fresh carpaccio or the Greek mussels steamed with wine and spring onions and you'll see how well he succeeds. If you're here at the right time of year, you might find lobster on the menu.TranquiloThis colorful bamboo-fronted <a href="http://www.tranquilo.gr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">beach bar and vegetarian restaurant</a> overlooks the black sands of Perissa beach and is one of my favorite spots to disconnect.It grows most of its own vegetables, which are prominent in huge, delicious salads, and there is also a large choice of wraps, veggie burgers, and meze snacks. But it's not just about the food here. Laze in one of their hammocks, do yoga in their shala, or enjoy an impromptu music event. This is as good of a place to grab a meal as it is to meet people and make new friends.<div type="image" title="Outdoor dining at night on patio with palm trees, square tables with white tablecloths, and building with archways surrounding area" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472180" hostid="261"></div>SeleneIf like me, you eat with your eyes as well as your stomach, you'll love this <a href="https://selene.gr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">dining venue</a> that was founded back in 1985 by foodies Giorgos and Evelyn Hatzigiannakis. Originally in the hilltop town of Pyrgos, this fine-dining spot now sits in the palm-shaded courtyard of a former monastery at the heart of Fira town and is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini. He puts his own aesthetic on traditional dishes like spinalio (octopus and sea bass in a yellow-pepper sauce) and kleftiko ( lamb baked in parchment and served with a smoky Cretan cheese mousse).1800You'll find dozens of restaurants with stunning views along Oia's main pedestrian street, but <a href="https://www.oia-1800.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">1800</a> is not just about glorious caldera views (although it has them, of course). Rather, this atmospheric restaurant resides in a captain's mansion that dates back to 1845 and has won countless awards for its creative spin on Greek cuisine.Standout dishes that I've tried in the past include mouth-wateringly tasty lamb chops served with a sweet-and-sour green-apple sauce, and a tender fillet of fresh white grouper on a red bed of Santorinian sun-dried tomatoes, surrounded by tiny spicy Santorini capers.<div type="image" title="Saganaki cheeseon a white plate with cheese oozing out and a lettuce leaf" height="2400" width="3200" msid="91472181" hostid="261"></div>Aroma AvlisSantorini is (justly) famed for its wine, and you can expect to taste some of the best at this taverna that belongs to <a href="http://www.artemiskaramolegos-winery.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">the Karamolegos winery</a> in the hamlet of Exo Gonia.Seated in the taverna's flower-filled courtyard with distant glimpses of the sea over the furled waves of vines, you'll sample a range of locally sourced produce. I like the grilled saganaki cheese rolled in sesame seeds and served with crusty homemade bread or tender fillet steaks with garden-fresh vegetables. I pair it all with the restaurant's own organic wines and come early and enjoy a tour of the vineyards before dinner.Meze MezeA real local-loved venue, Spiros and Irinikos Pagonis converted their ancestral family home in the village of Finikia to create <a href="https://mezemezerestaurant.gr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">this meze restaurant</a>, which has a gorgeous dome-ceilinged, cave-like dining room and vine-shaded terrace with distant views of Oia.Inspired by local cuisine, they serve a wide range of traditional share plates, including my favorite, the meaty grilled octopus with fava and spicy grilled loukaniko sausage. Other dishes include luscious goat's cheese with poached figs and eggplant rolls stuffed with local chloro cheese and served swimming in a rich homemade tomato sauce.<div type="image" title="Meal at a table in a restaurant with white walls and seating with red, orange, and gray pillows" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472182" hostid="261"></div>To PinakioAlong a sidestreet of Kamari town, this cave-like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/topinakio/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">mousiko mezedopoleio</a> (a meze taverna with music) is one of my favorite places when I want a cheap, tasty snack while listening to musicians playing traditional local nisiotika or island music.The acoustics in the dome-roofed café are excellent, as are meze snacks like tomato fritters, grilled sardines, burgers stuffed with feta cheese, and plenty of grilled meats, all served with carafes of the fiery local white spirit, raki.<a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-traveling-to-santorini-greece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Santorini.</a>

I've been visiting Santorini, Greece, for 15 years — here are 9 restaurants where you'll find the most authentic food

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I'm a Greece-based writer and have traveled to <keyword id="13888538" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="santorini" source="Orion">Santorini</keyword> multiple times per year for 15 years.</li><li>Here are my insider tips on the best transportation options for getting to and around Santorini, <keyword id="6357856" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="greece" source="Orion">Greece</keyword>.</li></ul>Popular with Greeks and tourists, travelers can easily access Santorini by plane from Athens throughout the year — airlines based out of New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, all have direct flights to the Greek capital.From there, it's just a quick trip to Santorini. As a Greece-based <keyword id="11896628" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="travel" source="Orion">travel</keyword> writer, I've visited this island in the center of the Cyclades in all seasons. It's an easy 45-minute flight from Athens and most of the other islands, but I prefer to travel by ferry to make the most of that dramatic arrival in the center of the volcano. <h3>Getting to Santorini</h3><div type="image" title="A plane on the runway in Santorini, Greece with the word Santorini on the tarmac." height="2160" width="2880" msid="91472038" hostid="261"></div>Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR)North of the village of Kamari and six kilometers from the island's capital, Fira, <a href="https://www.jtr-airport.gr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR)</a>, is the largest in the southern Aegean Sea. And <a href="https://www.jtr-airport.gr/en/jtr/air-traffic-statistics" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">with some 2.5 million passengers a year</a> (pre-COVID-19) passing through, it's also the country's eighth-busiest airport. It has a duty-free shop plus smaller stores selling snacks and expensive souvenirs and a few restaurants and cafés.Since Santorini is a very popular stop on most people's grand tour of Greece, it does get crowded during busy months, which (unlike many other islands) kicks off as early as mid-May and continues until late September, at least.Santorini's ferry portBack in the 1980s and '90s, I remember arriving by ferry at the (now only used by cruise ships) old port of Santorini that was right beneath Fira. The only way into town (or onto the island) was to take a donkey. These days, it's better to take <a href="http://www.scc.gr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">the cable car</a> if you find yourself there.Now, ferries arrive into the <a href="https://www.santorini-port.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Athinios port </a>on the island's southwestern side. The port is located at the bottom of a steep hill, and in summer, it can become overcrowded with many passengers pushing to get on and off of the ferries. If you're first in the queue, you're first out of the door, which makes it easier to beat the rush. If you've arranged a transfer, seek out someone holding a board with your name on it, or call out the name of your hotel if you don't see anyone.You'll also find plenty of taxis and <a href="https://santorinibus.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">a bus</a> will take you to Fira, Oia, and other main areas.<h3><div type="image" title="Greek buildings tightly packed together on a hill with staircases in between" height="3000" width="3999" msid="91472040" hostid="261"></div></h3><h3>Getting around</h3>Once you're here, the good news is that although this island is only slightly bigger than Manhattan, it's still small enough to make it easy to get around. Rental carThere are several rental car companies (including <a href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChcSEwjtiO3lmpb3AhUTkGgJHW6wCcsYABABGgJ3Zg&amp;ae=2&amp;ohost=www.google.com&amp;cid=CAESbeD2CH-uQqB0x6gDI9KNccS_j3UJFSqEzAXKTOsdD5WaC9NxsJTo8BKNQZo49DIh7WBEgr7Eeirv9ZVboV70OhuTngoC4AGIL0jsW4yFcHhHBg5tu0naziJXcyLzMgIdhT5HQ2SmaWVRwFoHrLc&amp;sig=AOD64_0agUfkixgl07vubc97TTXOqush9g&amp;q&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8pePlmpb3AhUShf0HHciHBxcQ0Qx6BAgDEAE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Hertz</a> and <a href="https://www.sixt.global/car-rental/greece/santorini/santorini-fira?xaid=7964&amp;c1=GR&amp;c2=santorini&amp;c3=santorini-fira&amp;fir=1&amp;utm_source=google_business&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;y_source=1_MTEzNjk2ODktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Sixt</a>) with offices just outside the airport (book ahead online in the summer to be sure to get a car). If you want to explore away from the main centers (Oia, Fira), you will need your own vehicle, but remember that the traffic on the island's usually potholed roads is dense in summer, and streets in small villages are narrow and often partially blocked with double-parked cars.Bus or taxiThe bus network is good in the daytime, with several buses per hour to most main sights, but after nightfall, the service tends to become slightly erratic. Luckily, there are plenty of (cheap) taxis.Sleek, clean, and air-conditioned, <a href="https://ktel-santorini.gr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Santorini buses operated by KTEL</a> are a cheap (from 3 euros) and easy option for reaching the island capital of Fira or heading to other parts of the island, including the marvelous Minoan remains at Akrotiri, and Fira's hip cafés and shop-lined streets.Although more expensive, <a href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChcSEwiOhJKQm5b3AhWNqXcKHTNMDoAYABABGgJlZg&amp;ae=2&amp;ohost=www.google.com&amp;cid=CAESbeD207oz1Xw3vG9Yb-8GMo8ZXPWknkMbK-eGohUeuCD6OxjgYyE9yqMH8gLOtEVQFM_i7J1De17sTOlZ5xOwT0dhilsbazJPSqmU0l0aqCHP_707FfA-0PHurlp9OGBbacrPwOhV8Ai0nM2D51E&amp;sig=AOD64_2XCNkNGAC4CnlkINVQQhDMAeWUxA&amp;q&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigkYOQm5b3AhXsR_EDHRAwBKsQ0Qx6BAgDEAM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">taxis</a> are a good value if you have a lot of luggage. At the airport, the taxi stand is next to the bus station (near passenger terminal one). A board shows fixed prices to different destinations, and a ticket to Fira's center costs around 15 euros. Alternatively, you can <a href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChcSEwiI49bBm5b3AhVP43cKHa8XACcYABAAGgJlZg&amp;ae=2&amp;ohost=www.google.com&amp;cid=CAESbeD22X2fTGGTOrrzRmFwWclPn5DgQEpUKE8Ch36_G5m2meTPudvpaRIG-gu6y8D8Vn_xUGeY8MmzbOpXMauteINAC5Z5c-rjoGyaB6n-cNNQd6M4qEmlDs-UwQ22V9zb3oOsSQEzA3AQUGJuQMU&amp;sig=AOD64_2xlIVBvFt26oci6aSvrbkLGgmLzQ&amp;q&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjVwcvBm5b3AhWfi_0HHT8XCeYQ0Qx6BAgDEAE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">book a taxi</a> in advance.Four-wheeled buggies, bikes, and moreIf you really want to get off the beaten track, <a href="https://santorini-rentme.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">hire a gourouni</a> (pig) which is the Greek name for the four-wheeled buggies you'll see buzzing all over the island.Alternatively, you can do the island an ecological favor and <a href="http://www.santoriniadventures.gr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">hire a bike</a> in most towns, but be careful of frenetic traffic at peak times from noon until 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. onward.If you're an active traveler, you can also reach many main areas of the island on foot via the cobbled footpaths that lead around the caldera. Just remember that it gets hot here (even in spring and autumn), so bring a hat, plenty of water and sunscreen, and plan to hike early in the day or from the early evening onward.<a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-traveling-to-santorini-greece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Santorini.</a>

I travel to Santorini several times a year — here are my top tips for getting to and around the island

<ul class="summary-list"><li>As <keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> and <keyword id="20048" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="tourism">tourism</keyword> shut down across the globe, <keyword id="6368036" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="hotels">hotels</keyword>, restaurants, and resorts in <keyword id="6357856" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Greece">Greece</keyword> were hit hard.</li><li>One restaurant owner in Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, estimates he lost 180,000 euros in potential revenue during the lockdown.</li><li>The owners of two family-run hotels in Olympiada used lockdown to set up new outdoor eating areas, but are still concerned about how the 2020 summer season will pan out.</li><li>The Greek government is incentivizing domestic travel, but businesses that depend on tourism from Europe and other parts of the world fear it may not be enough.</li></ul>In Greece, a nation heavily reliant on tourism, the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown were the last things hotels needed."It was all so difficult and sudden," said George Filippidis, manager of the Andronis Hotels chain in Santorini and Athens."We were expecting a great season full of tourists. We had to close our hotel properties and postponed the openings of another five hotels. Everything happened very fast," he told Business Insider. "Financially it's been catastrophic, especially as we're in the middle of our season."<div type="image" title="Andronis Hotels suites in Santorini." height="1394" width="2098" msid="76624855" hostid="261"></div>Family-run businesses have long been the backbone of Greece's hospitality industry. In the sleepy northern coastal village of Olympiada, Babas Alexiadis' parents run Hotel Liotopi and Hotel Akroyiali. One has 16 rooms and the other can house eight visitors. The hotel usually opens from April to October, but strict lockdown rules meant most reservations were canceled.<div type="image" title="Babis Alexiadis Olympidia family hotel" height="2268" width="3402" msid="76624859" hostid="261"></div>The Alexiadis family used lockdown to introduce new cleaning methods and new communal eating areas, aiming to keep the intimate, family atmosphere Greek hospitality is known for. "Breakfast can be in the garden, which maintains social distancing. We used to run a free workshop for guests once a week but we had to let that go," he added. <div type="image" title="Thessaloniki post lockdown 4" height="3186" width="4248" msid="76624863" hostid="261"></div>It's not just hoteliers that have borne the brunt of the lockdown. In Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, Nick Nyfoudis has lost a combined 180,000 euros in revenue for two branches of his restaurant chain, The Life Goddess. "It's not going to be a profitable year, but we're just trying to balance the losses," he said.His Greek-food delis are open again and "working well" with new social distancing rules thanks to an outdoors dining culture already common in Greece. But one obstacle could scupper his plans. "The problem is that when you have outdoor seating, you depend on the weather. We've been open for three weeks and it's been raining ... my London branches are closed, but there's been Greek-style sunshine in the <keyword id="6354868" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="UK">UK</keyword>," he said.<div type="image" title="life goddess restaurant greece outdoor seating" height="718" width="1280" msid="76624867" hostid="261"></div><h2>Santorini: A paradise lost and cleaned up</h2>Greece reopened its borders on June 15 to all EU member states (<a href="https://www.aia.gr/traveler/travellers-info/faq-for-covid19">not the UK, though</a>) and Switzerland. Athens Airport is currently the only hub open to international flights.Of the <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/413222/number-of-arrivals-spent-in-short-stay-accommodation-in-greece/">28.7 million international tourists</a> that visit Greece each year, more than 5.5 million head towards the island of Santorini for its bulbous blue domes, crystal clear waters, and stunning sunsets.A<a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2018/629184/IPOL_STU(2018)629184_EN.pdf"> report published in 2018</a> warned of damaging "overtourism." Locals have also expressed concerns about traffic jams, overcrowding, pressures on water supplies, and ecological damage. Then lockdown happened."Now you can look back and realize it was not sustainable to have 18,000 new passengers a day on the island. It was a good thing to have a complete lockdown," Filippidis said. Cleared of tourists, Santorini is somewhat reborn. Filippidis has observed hoteliers, locals, and officials coming together to clean Santorini's beaches, and diving volunteers cleaning the caldera's waters. "I've not seen the island this empty since the 1980s. It became too busy over the past decade," said Marianna Sigala, professor of tourism at University of South Australia. <h2>It's hard to know what lies in store for Greece's tourism industry</h2><div type="image" title="Views of Olympidia Greece" height="870" width="1450" msid="76624868" hostid="261"></div>Hotelier Alexiadis believes a family-first approach could bring back tourists, many of them loyal customers who have been coming back for decades."We decided to be super positive about it all. We gave customers flexibility. It was really endearing. People actually reached out to ask how we were doing and found ways to support us. That was super moving," he said.Nyfoudis believes 2020 may actually be the perfect year to visit Greece. "It's going to be an amazing experience this year for people that choose Greece because it won't be so busy. They will experience better customer service. Everyone here will give more focus on the few tourists in Greece." Alexiadis is optimistic, but understands the "element of fear" for new travellers having to socially distance. "Having said that, we've had reservations already. Most of them are for August, but you don't know if it'll work out or not," he said.<a href="https://www.kathimerini.gr/1082090/article/oikonomia/ellhnikh-oikonomia/yperdiplasiazontai-oi-dikaioyxoi-toy-koinwnikoy-toyrismoy-epidothsh-kai-twn-aktoploikwn-eisithriwn">300,000 Greek citizens could benefit from a government initiative</a> that allows residents of low-income households, pensioners, and the unemployed to apply for discounted summer holiday tickets. They can stay at select two-to-five-star hotels for up to 10 consecutive nights, paid for by the government, on the islands of Lesvos, Leros, Samos, Chios, or Kos. But some think encouraging local tourism might not work. If Greek nationals travel, "they stay with relatives for economic reasons," Sigala said. <h2>Some travelers are stuck in Greece because of the national lockdown</h2><div type="image" title="Locals dine in outdoor seating at a restaurant in Thessaloniki, Greece in late June 2020 after lockdown was lifted." height="3042" width="4563" msid="76624875" hostid="261"></div>Giorgios Venizelos of Cyprus was on his way home in late March after booking a flight from the US, via the UK. But instead of being with family and friends, he ended up in lockdown in Greece."On the way to the airport, Cyprus closed its borders," he said. He spent a night at Gatwick Airport in London and took the plane to Greece instead.Dora, who spoke on the condition that her last name was not revealed, has been stuck in Greece since March. She was only meant to visit from the UK for a couple of weeks, but when her vacation was over she did not want to return to the UK because of the pandemic."At first I wasn't allowed to come back but now my son says 'stay where you are.' Greece took precautions from day one," she said.She feels that life has returned "back to normal," with bars and restaurants on the mainland filled with locals once again. Venizelos said "the beaches are empty and the bars too" on Thassos Island. Tourists hotspots remain deserted, while residential areas where locals spend their time have returned to life. "I'm missing my family but I'm quite safe here, probably more so than in London," Dora added. In Manchester, UK, Voula Polychronidou had pre-booked her late-July trip to visit family in Greece well in advance. But her sense of excitement is overridden by fear."Uncertainty adds up to anxiety," she said. "Just the thought that I might not be able to go back is really breaking my heart. My mother is in Greece, I haven't seen her since Christmas. My cousin had a new baby, but I might not be able to see it."Even when we're talking about me going in July, I'm contemplating if I should be holding the baby … and I feel like I won't be doing it."Polychronidou told Business Insider that Greeks want the economy to get back to "what it was before," but said locals are worried that tourists might cause a second wave of infections. Nyfoudis agrees, but believes that Greece is well-prepared for tourists."Everyone here is taking really seriously the measures of service," he said. "This is very important. We succeeded in tackling the virus, but if people don't respect the measures, what's the point? If everyone wants to travel, it's a safe choice compared to other countries."If you do choose Greece as a travel destination for 2020, Nyfoudis offers a word of advice: Make sure you're healthy before you head off.

'Financially it's been catastrophic': How hotel and restaurant owners in Greece are reopening after the loss of tourism during COVID-19

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Mag BoronThe author in Thailand.</div></div></div><ul><li>I <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/jobs">quit my job</a> after 10 years of working at an aerospace brand and in finance.</li><li>By many measures, I had excelled in those roles - I earned great money and ran prestigious teams all over the world.</li><li>However, the 12-hour days and little free time became too much to bear, and I felt that life was passing me by.</li><li>So I <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/jobs">quit my job</a> to travel the world - and unexpectedly became a CEO. </li></ul> Ever since I was five years old, all I've ever wanted was to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-plan-multiple-country-travel-on-a-budget-2018-6">travel</a> and meet people around the world. I grew up in communist Poland. The borders were closed, and passports were nearly impossible to get. Everyone around me said I would never be able to see the world. But I never believed it. I've always felt like a global citizen. Soon after communism collapsed in Poland, I put all of my drive and ambition into my education. I came to the US, finished <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-college-is-different-in-the-us-and-the-uk-2018-6">college</a> in three years while working full time, graduating summa cum laude. I quickly got recruited by a multi billion-dollar global aerospace brand. Within six months, I began leading global IT programs, creating and managing remote teams on four different continents and training thousands of members around the world from my laptop.We accomplished amazing things, and soon new <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/career-advice-for-college-students-2018-8">career</a> opportunities poured in. I wanted to challenge myself and grow, so I moved to the financial industry. I had finally made it to the VP level. Running large global programs and leading high-performance teams sounded prestigious. But each new career step was becoming more intrusive, stressful, office-bound, and time-consuming.I spent agonizing hours in traffic getting to and from a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/smartphone-habits-that-are-ruining-your-productivity-2018-7">job</a> that was less than inspiring. My 12-hour work days were filled with spreadsheets, slide presentations, endless meetings, and canceled <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-paid-vacation-time-is-different-around-the-world-2018-7">vacations</a>.Swiveling in my chair in my almost-corner office, I wondered: Is this all there is to life?I started wondering what had happened. Where was the adventurous soul who wanted to travel the world? Now I could barely scrape together a week to get away.<h2>Life was passing me by</h2>Like many people I know, I was living on autopilot: finishing school, giving up the best years of my life to work, and postponing my dreams for the elusive idea of retirement. Deferring life was my norm. Essentially, I was betting my entire life on the possibility of truly enjoying it near the end. The more I thought about it, the more the idea sounded like an irresponsible and risky gamble. There was only one option: I had to take time off to begin living - now.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">David Prado Perucha/ShutterstockIt was now or never.</div></div></div>The stakes were high - I was leaving behind my entire 10-year career and giving up the security of my income in exchange for one year of travel and living. I was scared, but the more I looked around, the more I realized that there are no guarantees in life. We have only one life, and there is no do-over. I began to see that quitting my office job to finally live my life was not the riskiest decision - staying in my taxing job and not giving my life a chance was. So I packed my bags and bought a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/buying-a-one-way-ticket-to-switzerland-changed-my-life-2018-6">one-way ticket</a> to Spain.<h2>I traveled - and started a business</h2>I visited over 50 countries and six continents, soaking up the sun in Bali, sipping wine in Santorini, climbing to the base camp of Mount Everest, and scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef. Travel became my new life. <div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Mag BoronThe author hiking the Himalayas.</div></div></div>Every time I visited a new country, I was blown away by the talented people I met - amazing people with so much untapped potential and so few opportunities. I couldn't stand it.I could clearly see how many of the people I met could drive innovation for top companies worldwide, if only given a chance. Drawing on my own remote-work experience, I quickly realized that I didn't have to give up my dream of travel and helping people around the world to accomplish my career goals. All of a sudden, my vision was clear: Everybody deserves a chance to live up to their potential, and the flexibility of remote work can help them do it.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Mag BoronMagdalena Boron in Nepal.</div></div></div> So I created my first Facebook <a href="http://bit.ly/RemotTravelFBGroup">group</a> for remote and travel jobs, and began working with progressive and forward-thinking employers worldwide who shared <a href="https://pangian.com/job-travel-remote/?utm_source=BI&amp;utm_medium=1YrCEO&amp;utm_campaign=RemoteWorkDaily">remote work</a> opportunities daily. Initially, there were only 100 members, but when the community reached 3,500 people, I knew this was bigger than me. These were extremely talented people from all over the world. I believed in them, and they counted on me. So I did everything I could to help. I reached out to every employer I could to bring more remote job opportunities and I went to every meetup out there to learn more about how to create a successful business. Eventually, I met entrepreneur <a href="https://www.greggpollack.com/">Gregg Pollack</a>, who recommended that I apply to <a href="https://www.starterstudio.org/?utm_source=BusinessInsider&amp;utm_medium=Pangian&amp;utm_campaign=PangianPost">Starter Studio</a>, an innovative hub he created for entrepreneurs.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Mag BoronMagdalena Boron in Cappadocia, Turkey.</div></div></div> I made a few slides showing how amazing our community is. After many subsequent steps, I was accepted to the program. For the next three months, I spent every waking hour learning from top entrepreneurs how to build a successful business. At the end of the program, Pangian, our borderless digital nation, was born. Today, <a href="https://pangian.com/?utm_source=BI&amp;utm_medium=1YrCEO&amp;utm_campaign=PangianGlobalPlatform">Pangian</a> is platform powered by machine learning and AI, matching top talent around the world with high-quality, long-term remote work. We just expanded to 121 countries with top global companies and over 39,000 members united by our goal of flexible work that has meaning and fulfills us.And this is just the beginning. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/clear-jelly-noodles-shangxin-liangfen-is-street-food-china-2018-8">These popular Chinese street food noodles are made with green bean jelly and served with extra spicy sauce</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

I quit my high-paying job to travel the world - and came back as the CEO of my own company

<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"></div></div>When I landed at Amsterdam Schiphol to work with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessinsidernederland/">Business Insider Netherlands</a>, I wasn't in a rush.Coming off a sleepless red-eye at 6:30 a.m., I wasn't due at the office and couldn't check in to my Airbnb for another eight or so hours. As far as I was concerned, even after an hour spent waiting in the passport line, I had all the time in the world.So I figured I'd sort out the train into the city instead of hopping in a cab.Man, was it easy.Taking the €5.20, 30-ish-minute shuttle from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal, the city's main train terminal and transport hub, probably took less time and effort - and certainly less money - than I would have spent waiting in the taxi line at the airport.Later in the week, watching the increasingly familiar stops tick by on Amsterdam's above-ground tram on my way to Dam Square, I had a a thought: Anyone who doesn't take public transportation in a new city is missing out.The more places I'm lucky enough to visit, the more I'm convinced defaulting to a cab, Uber, or car is unnecessary. This doesn't apply, of course, to more rural areas where you need a car to get around, or that dreaded airport-to-hotel slog many people make with suitcases bigger than their children. But in a major city, taking a cab or car isn't as much as a luxury as it is a disservice.I've written before <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/should-i-take-a-tour-bus-2016-9">about my deep love for hop-on, hop-off tour buses</a> in a new city, but in many places, public transport takes a close second. In London, the tube is painfully easy (barring weekday rush hour, as with anywhere) and the above-ground bus system is extensive - not to mention fun. I was surprised to see how easy, cheap, and convenient it was to take public buses around the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini. On the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/guide-to-sardinia-and-corsica-2016-6">island of Sardinia</a>, impressively clean coaches will ferry you from town to town, with views over the hills and the sea. The other day, a tram driver in Amsterdam saw me coming just a moment too late and held the tram at the station because I "looked disappointed."I haven't even tried the subway or buses.This perspective could be colored coming from New York City, where sliding into a car guarantees you nothing but privacy. In Manhattan, it's not quicker, it's not cheaper, and it's rarely all that much easier than piling on the subway. If you're trying to get across town, forget it: Most times of day, it would be quicker to walk.So I've become used to public transportation. At home, it's generally a necessary evil required to get to and from work, but elsewhere, it's an opportunity. Especially in the case of above-ground systems, opting in means seeing more of the city. It means getting a better sense of the area's geography, and, although I'll refrain from saying anything trite about immersing yourself in another culture, it's more interesting than sitting in a silent, climate-controlled backseat.New places can be intimidating, cities perhaps more than anywhere else. But making the effort to try the local transport isn't just cheaper than hiding in a cab - it's also more fun. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/protect-scam-bank-phone-call-vishing-definition-credit-card-2016-9">Protect yourself from scammers by doing this one thing every time your bank calls</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="5vYWJ3NTE6oMXvgKXB2XPDvIUDqQd2kr" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

A mistake too many tourists make in cities around the world costs them more than money

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Lee Abbamonte is a banker turned travel blogger who has visited every country in Europe. </li><li>He calls Spain, Italy, France, and Greece Europe's "Big Four" because of how popular they are.</li></ul><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/solo-travel-surprising-things-american-in-europe-2023-3">Traveling to Europe</a> this summer? If so, we'll take a wild guess that you're visiting either Spain, Italy, France, or Greece.These countries, nearly all of which are in the southern or Mediterranean regions, are what <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/visited-all-50-states-ranked-best-and-worst-2024-3">travel blogger</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/leeabbamonte/?hl=en">Lee Abbamonte</a> dubs Europe's "Big Four" because of their popularity among <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-tourist-disliked-europe-vacation-2023-11">American tourists</a>.Abbamonte, 45, knows a thing or two about travel. He's not only visited every state in the US but every country in the world, as well as the North and South Poles.Across the pond, Abbamonte prefers exploring <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/underrated-european-countries-for-summer-travel-better-than-tourist-favorites-2024-5">underrated European countries</a>, but he gets why people gravitate to the "Big Four.""If you don't like it, you're the problem," he said. "They're all good."Still, he's a fan of venturing off the beaten path.Here, Abbamonte shares a few alternatives to popular tourist hot spots that anyone visiting Spain, Italy, France, and Greece should check out.<h2 id="90a6cf5e-3c99-418a-8ef4-f8cce3580ab7">In Spain, forget Barcelona or Madrid and explore the cliffside city of Ronda</h2><div type="image" title="A still photo of the cliffside city of Ronda from above." height="959" width="1280" msid="110709387" hostid="261"></div>"Everyone knows Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Ibiza, Majorca," Abbamonte said. But not many Americans are familiar with the historic city of Ronda, perched atop a deep rocky gorge covered in lush greenery in the Andalucia region."If you're in Marbella, or if you're in Sevilla or Gibraltar, you can go out there and check out this awesome little town," Abbamonte said.He also can't speak highly enough of northern Spain/Spain's northern coast. One highlight is the seaside town of A Coruña, which is close to the Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimage routes leading to a holy site in the city of Santiago de Compostela."I've done a lot of road trips around the north of Spain," Abbamonte said. "It's just an awesome little slice of Europe that nobody ever goes to."<h2 id="e2cf8df7-42a4-4621-af81-95239fcc94b9">If you're planning to island-hop in Greece, Abbamonte has recommendations that aren't Mykonos or Santorini</h2><div type="image" title="A port in Hydra, Greece." height="900" width="1272" msid="110709389" hostid="261"></div>Mykonos and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/greece-underrated-island-crete-better-than-santorini-frequent-traveler-2024-3">Santorini</a> are two of the most well-known islands in Greece. Naturally, they're also two of the most overcrowded.People familiar with Greece, like Abbamonte, often advise <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ibiza-vs-mykonos-party-islands-2018-9">against visiting Mykonos </a>and Santorini in favor of smaller islands that are quieter but just as beautiful, such as Aegina, Poros, and Hydra.Abbamonte said Hydra, in particular, is worth seeing."There are no cars, and it's just goats and donkeys and walking. It's a very cool place to go."On the mainland, he'd also advise stopping by Meteora in Thessaly, known for its "otherworldly" monasteries built atop towering rock formations.<h2 id="3573afea-fe6c-45ec-a7a2-2544b50f46e7">In Italy, there are places just as beautiful as Lake Como and Florence that are far less crowded</h2><div type="image" title="San Gimignano in Tuscany." height="853" width="1280" msid="110709391" hostid="261"></div>According to Abbamonte, "With Italy, you can just throw a dart at a map, and you're in the coolest place you've ever been to."Even so, some of Abbamonte's favorite spots in Italy don't get the love he believes they deserve. In the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tuscany-americans-moving-italy-cost-of-living-slow-pace-2024-3">region of Tuscany</a> for example, he says people tend to prioritize Florence, Pisa, or Siena.All three are definitely worth seeing at least once, Abbamonte said, but he'd also recommend exploring smaller villages nestled between Tuscany's rolling hills, such as San Gimignano, Montalcino, and Montepulciano — all known for their endless vineyards and wines."Those are actually really awesome little villages and well worth checking out," he said.Up in the north, Abbamonte said he'd skip <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/private-villa-lake-como-italy-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-dinner-2024-5">Lake Como</a> for any of the other <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/teachers-buy-house-in-italy-instead-of-more-expensive-usa-2024-5">Italian lakes</a> close to the Dolomite mountains."It's my favorite place to road trip, probably, in all of Europe," he said.<h2 id="0508857f-862b-4b21-87ab-857b09757f98">Vacation like a local in France and visit Biarritz instead of Paris or Nice</h2><div type="image" title="The beach of Port Vieux from above in Biarritz, France." height="853" width="1280" msid="110709392" hostid="261"></div>Abbamonte cited <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-things-to-do-in-paris-what-to-skip-american-2024-1">Paris</a> and Nice as examples of some of France's best-known vacation spots.However, he said they are mostly hot spots for tourists rather than French locals, who tend to vacation in places "completely overlooked" by outsiders.One of his favorites is Biarritz, a seaside hub known for its surfing culture in the Basque region of France. It's north of San Sebastian, a coastal Spanish city popular with tourists that is about a half-hour drive from the French border."Everyone knows San Sebastian now. Not a lot of people know Biarritz except for French people," he said. "But that's why I like it because it has a real, local kind of old money, Grace Kelly feel."Other spots in France that he recommends checking out are the medieval town of Saint Paul De Vence <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/billionaires-peninsula-french-riviera-vacation-saint-jean-cap-ferrat-2019-3">on the French Riviera</a>, beloved by generations of artists and poets, and the riverside city of Avignon in the southeast, one of his "favorite towns in all of Europe."Correction: June 4, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the location of A Coruña. It's in northwestern Spain, not in Spain's Basque region. The story also misstated the location of Monte Carlo, which is in Monaco, not France.

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