Santorini with young children

[Louisa30]

We have a night in Santorini after visiting some of the Greek islands and would like suggestions on where to stay with two small children (3 & 5). Is it worth staying in Oia just to see it (it will be July so I hear very crowded and hectic!) or is it better to stay outside in another location?

Thanks!

Last year we stayed at Santo Miremare hotel with 2 small children. It was in Perivolos much quieter area.
we hired a car and drove to Oia for the evening it was much better for us as it was very busy there.
We hired a car and we to different areas each evening.

What time does your ferry arrive in Santorini?
The port is a nightmare as it’s really busy and the road out is up a steep, winding cliff face that gets clogged with traffic. Therefore, if you’re arriving quite late I’d recommend Thira just to cut your travel time.

@diamonds2023thank you! I’d not seen this hotel and it looks great! We won’t have a car as only there for one night, is it worth seeing Oia while we are there or would you give it a miss with small children?

@countdowntonapthanks for the tip! Our ferry arrives at 3:30pm in the afternoon. Good to know we should prepare for the traffic!

If you’re only there for 1 night and want to see Oia then would be best to stay there. If you stay elsewhere and try to get in for the evening it’ll be a struggle. “Crowded” is an understatement! We struggled to actually move down the street, it was heaving. If you’re staying there, you can explore in the morning if time allows but enjoy the (absolutely stunning!) sunset from your accommodation.

I wouldn't go with such young kids to Santorini.
Crazy busy, they will hate it.

Perissa beach is o.k. though - black sand, volcanic after all.

You can get the bus there . Better to stay there.

If your not desperate to see it then I wouldn’t bother.
It was far too busy and we had a buggy for one child and was a nightmare.
It was a good experience and lovely to see but too hectic with small children in my experience.
Good luck Let us know what you decide in the end :)