Santorini in Winter: A Peaceful Low-Season Guide for the 40+ Traveler
- Hillary Huyghue-Matias
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
What does your dream trip to your bucket list location look like? For me, my ideal vacation includes a beach, warm weather, and coming back home with a nice tan. Santorini, Greece has been on my must-visit list for decades, and now that I'm in my 40s, it was about time I made it happen. The iconic blue domes, the whitewashed walls, jaw-dropping sunsets, and gorgeous beaches—who could ask for more? Well, I finally ticked this dream destination off my list and soaked in all its beauty, except for the beaches. Why didn't I get to soak in the sun in Santorini? I went at the end of winter, so hitting the beach wasn’t really an option. But visiting Santorini in winter doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on its charm, and there are some perks to going off-season. So if you're looking for Santorini winter travel tips, things to do during the low season, and photo shoot-worthy opportunities, keep reading.
Why Visit Santorini in Winter?
Let’s be honest—summertime in Santorini is a gorgeous, Insta-worthy circus. But winter? That’s when the island whispers instead of screams. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and a sense of calm that pairs perfectly with your over-40 self seeking a relaxing vacation that won't put your patience to the test. You’ll have space to roam, time to breathe, and the chance to soak in the beauty without needing a reservation or having to use your selfie stick as a defense mechanism. Winter is when the island takes a deep breath and lets out a sigh of calm and glistening beauty.
Where to Stay During Low Season
Many of the big-name cliffside resorts shut down from November to March, but don’t panic. There are still some gorgeous boutique hotels, Airbnbs, and guesthouses open year-round in Fira and Oia—often with heat, Wi-Fi, and owners who are thrilled to have winter guests.
Fira is the best place to stay in winter. It's close to the airport and stays active with locals, open shops, and open restaurants.
Try Loizos Stylish Residences, Kalisti Hotel, or Oasis Hotel Santorini for affordable comfort and great service.
Oia is quieter and more picturesque, but due to a lack of people, it can feel like you’re in a beautifully painted ghost town.
If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider renting a traditional cave house. If you've reached your fabulous 40s, you deserve to treat yourself.
Things to Do in Santorini in Winter
Now, you may be wondering, if the weather is not beach worthy, what can I do in Santorini in the winter? A fair question, considering some attractions might be closed for the season. However, here are a few gems to explore:
Exploring Oia: Yes, Oia is beautiful at any time of the year. Stroll through its charming streets and admire the famous blue domes and stunning views, all without the summer madness. It's the low season, so you can snap that picture-perfect Instagram-worthy photo without playing dodgeball with fellow tourists.
Wine Tasting: Visit local wineries like Santo Wines or Venetsanos Winery. Sample the exquisite Assyrtiko and indulge in the panoramic views as you sip your worries away.
Fira’s Caldera Viewpoints – Great for early morning light and avoiding crowds.
Hiking from Oia to Fira: If you're up for a challenge, and want to get your Fitbit dancing and vibrating, nothing beats the breathtaking hike from Oia to Fira. It’s about 6.2 miles (10km) of pure scenic drama: cliffside views, quaint buildings, rocky trails, and moments that’ll make you stop and say, “Oh wow,” before realizing you still have four miles to go. Plan on spending between 3-5 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take “accidental modeling” photos.
What to Know Before You Go:
Wear sneakers or hiking shoes. Leave the cute heels and sandals for another day, unless you want to be airlifted back to the hotel on a stretcher.
Pack water and snacks for the hike. Even in cooler temps, you’ll be sweating and panting. Keep in mind that many shops might be closed, so bring your stash with you.
Dress in layers. The island wind can make you soar like Superman!
Start in Oia and hike toward Fira—it’s less uphill this way (your 40 year-old joints will thank you).
Travel & Hiking Gear
Comfy waterproof hiking shoes (for that Oia to Fira hike) | Lightweight windproof jacket (Santorini wind has zero chill) | Hydration backpack (hike-ready and stylish-ish) |
Where to Eat in Winter
You might find fewer restaurants open, but the ones that are open tend to be cozy and filled with locals.
Argo in Fira – Still open in winter, delicious seafood, and warm vibes.
Taverna Simos – A hidden gem in Fira with big portions and even bigger hospitality.
Skiza Café in Oia – Pizza, wine, and that view. Yes please.
Charming taverna setting in Santorini
Picture Perfect Santorini
If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, we'd need to invent an entire new language to capture Santorini's iconic photo opportunities! So make sure you have plenty of storage available on your camera to capture the breathtaking moments. Traveling in the winter with fewer crowds will give you more photo opportunities, especially during peak moments like during sunrise or sunset.
Sunrise: Oia is famous for its sunrises. Get up early (not something I normally would do on vacation, but it's so worth it) and head to a viewpoint. The hues that light up the sky will surely change your perspective on waking up before noon. You'll feel like you're watching the sunrise on the edge of the earth.
Sunset: Fira also offers mesmerizing sunset views, so plan ahead and find a cozy spot. The glowing cliffs and vibrant waters are nothing short of breathtaking.
Photoshoots: Here’s something you probably didn’t expect in the off-season: people still come here in full glam mode for Santorini photo shoots. Think weddings, anniversaries, proposals and even the famous "flying dress" photoshoots. Yes, in winter. Yes, in the wind. It's quite easy to hire a professional photographer in Santorini. I would highly recommend Kimonas Patiniotis Photography to capture your special milestone moment and I've included some of his fabulous work in this blog! So whether it's your special day or you've been dreaming of channeling your inner Beyonce with a famous flying dress photoshoot, this is the place to do it.
Photo Shoot Prep
Flowy maxi dresses (channel your inner flying goddess) | Mini ring light for selfies (because golden hour isn’t always enough) | Portable tripod (hands-free glam moments) |
Santorini in Winter - Your Over-40 Winter Escape
Visiting Santorini in winter can be an unforgettable experience, offering a quieter oasis to indulge in beauty, history, and delectable food while evading the tourist rush. You’ll walk more, spend less, and experience more of what makes this island special. So whether you’re in your fabulous 40s and looking for a relaxing, refreshing escape, or simply in search of adventure away from the sunburnt crowds, Santorini in winter has something special waiting for you.
Enjoy your adventure!
Winter in Santorini: Quick Q&A for Curious Travelers
Q: Is Santorini worth visiting in the winter?
A: Absolutely! Winter in Santorini offers peaceful vibes, stunning views without the crowds, and lower prices. You won’t be beach-hopping, but you will be sipping wine, hiking caldera cliffs, and enjoying a front-row seat to postcard-worthy sunsets without fighting for elbow room.
Q: What should I pack for Santorini in the off-season?
A: Layers, baby. Think comfy walking shoes, a light rain jacket, and cozy sweaters. It’s not freezing, but that island wind will remind you it’s still winter.
Q: Are restaurants and shops open in the winter?
A: Many tourist-heavy places close for the season, but plenty of local gems stay open—especially in Fira. Pro tip: look for where the locals are eating and you’re golden.
Q: Can I still do a photo shoot in winter?
A: Yes, and you’ll likely have better lighting, fewer people in the background, and a more intimate experience. Winter flying dress photoshoot, anyone? (Cue your Beyoncé moment!)
Q: Is the Oia to Fira hike safe in winter?
A: Definitely, as long as it’s not raining or super windy. The trail is well-marked, and winter makes it cooler and more comfortable. Just don’t forget the snacks and water.
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Great suggestions! I've always dreamt of going to Santorini and now I'm going to go off-season. Thanks!😊