'I went to Santorini and it was the worst holiday of my life'
Santorini, often hailed as one of Europe's most picturesque islands, is paradoxically a dreadful choice for a holiday destination. Indeed, the Greek island boasts impeccably white walls. True, its blue domes are strikingly azure. And yes, the celebrated sunsets are truly breathtaking. However, I can assure you that no amount of scenic sunsets, pristine walls, or vivid domes could justify the expense of visiting Santorini, writes James Walker.
I recently endured the unfortunate experience of joining the two million tourists who flock to the island annually. My partner and I spent 36 hours there, concluding an otherwise splendid nine-day Greek odyssey that had delighted us in Athens and Naxos – both exceptional locations.
We never expected Santorini to be the pinnacle of our trip. We were well aware of the notorious crowds, exorbitant prices, and utter pandemonium.
We had even been tipped off about a few scams. Still, we pondered, could Europe's most sought-after destination really be that terrible? The answer, regrettably, was a resounding disaster.
Within mere minutes of our arrival, we encountered telltale signs of the worst tourist traps: an out-of-place Indian restaurant in the Mediterranean, a shop touting "100% legal cannabis", and a dodgy sex store. We brushed it off, thinking these nuisances could easily be overlooked.
After all, we hadn't even reached the central town yet, reports the Express. But then our coach deposited us in Fira. What unfolded before us was a quagmire of chaos that could make Leicester Square seem like a tranquil paradise, complete with an M&M World.
American visitors stood agape. Traders of cheap souvenirs hawked their wares. Social media influencers posed incessantly.
After battling through the throngs of counterfeit vendors, American tourists and selfie-stick wielders, we finally arrived at our hotel. Following a brief rest - and a refreshing cold shower - we plunged back into the fray.
For a moment, the trip seemed to be improving. The vistas were as breathtaking as advertised and the weather was bearable. However, an hour and two beverages later, I found myself frantically opening the EasyJet app whilst being cornered by a herd of charging donkeys. When could I escape this hellhole?
Not soon enough, it seemed. I confess, I'm not one for stoicism. That trait seems to have been omitted from my genetic makeup.
However, I've conversed with other Santorini survivors - those of a more resilient disposition - and the consensus is clear: your hard-earned cash is better invested elsewhere.
Sure, you can enjoy a pleasant evening with a romantic dinner and a mesmerising sunset. And if you're flush with cash, you might relish a day lounging by the infinity pool.
But you'll be missing out on so much more: the excitement, the cuisine, the beaches, the history and the culture that are abundant on nearly every other Greek island.
So, scrap your plans to visit Santorini. Absorb the cancellation fees. Reschedule those flights. Then use whatever funds remain for a jaunt to Naxos and thank me afterwards.
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