The island of Santorini itself is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I mean, if you want to go on a romantic getaway with your camera, or your partner (haha), then this is the place to go! With it's beauty that just lures you in from just photos you see online, it's no wonder flocks of people come in daily by the ferry boat to see the white washed cave houses that just glow under the Greek sun, against the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea. How to get there: Getting to Santorini isn't easy. If coming from outside of Europe, you will have to fly into Athens (or other major airports in Europe) and fly or take a ferry to Santorini, and then take a car or bus to whichever part of the island you decide to stay. Then, make your way through the busy narrow streets to hopefully catch an unobstructed (HAH!) view of the majestic views that everyone else came there for (that would most likely be in the village of Oia). Nonetheless, the hypnotizing views, especially during sunset, is all really that makes the trouble of getting here worth it! And that being said, it was no surprise for us to see that we were never alone in our early morning sunrise photo sessions. This also meant that we knew that it was going to be quite difficult to get good shots throughout the day...And we were right! When to go: Now, Santorini in the summer, is not for those who are not fond of crowds. With temperatures going up to the extreme highs, and having to weave your way through narrow walk ways and steep stairs, it can be quite unbearable. Because of the way the cave houses are situated (in cliffs) you'd be lucky to find shade, and that's if it wasn't already taken! I highly suggest, if you can help it, to really go during shoulder season (Spring or Fall), for lesser crowds. However, if you really can't help it, shooting early in the morning in the summer time is your best bet for less crowds, better lighting, and much more comfortable temperatures :) Doing some research prior to arriving Santorini definitely helps in being efficient as you try to make the most out of your experience in getting those perfect shots. Luckily for us, our amazing friend Simone Primo (who also took our wedding photos) and scouted out some sights prior to the day we shot! Now, we all want to capture that magical Greek island sunset. Just be aware that everyone else wants to as well! So, to avoid the crowds, we decided to shoot early each morning (before sunrise at 5am--which means, we woke up at 4am each day) :D We spent 4 days and 3 nights in Santorini, which if you ask me, is enough time in the summer. But that's me. If you do love the crowds, and prefer to explore many different parts of the island, then you may want more. Because getting through the crowds can be very time consuming, proper research on the points of interest (and how you plan to get there) you want to reach within your time frame is highly suggested. So here are the places that we were able to see, without the feel of being rushed, being comfortable, in the heat of the summer in 4 days! imerovigli villageSituated in the north of the island of Santorini, this village is lesser visited than its neighboring villages of Fira and Oia. But it's not to say that, it is not as beautiful, because I personally thought it was just lovely! And knowing me, who is not one to be around that many people, I would suggest this place for those who prefer a more quiet but dreamy scene. :) |