Whitewashed Mediterranean villa terrace overlooking a serene blue sea with distant islands on the horizon.

 


An Unexpected Stillness


This summer, I wasn’t planning to leave Scandinavia. But when a friend suggested a getaway, I didn’t need much convincing. We ended up booking Santorini—just two weeks before departure.


I had always thought of Santorini as a dream destination: bucket-listed across the world, famous for its breathtaking sunsets and views that look like postcards. Newlyweds save up to come here. And yet, somehow, this time it was surprisingly affordable.

I couldn’t quite believe it.


I knew July was high season. I braced myself for crowds, long lines at restaurants, and the kind of heat that makes narrow streets feel overwhelming. I imagined that finding quiet moments would be almost impossible.

 

A beige lounge chair with turquoise fabric sits beside an indoor pool with white walls and tiled flooring.
Scenic view of white traditional Greek architecture along cliffside overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea in Santorini.
Yellow wildflowers grow along the hillside overlooking white Mediterranean buildings and distant mountains in Santorini, Greece.
Two black round industrial drums sit on chairs against a Mediterranean-style white building with cacti at sunset.
White stucco archway with steps leading up to it, casting soft shadows against a Mediterranean-style building exterior.
A series of vintage-style sepia photographs showing someone taking pictures in a mirror.

What I found



I was wrong.

Restaurants with sunset views were half empty. Luxury hotels and apartments sat quiet, with many rooms untouched. The island felt strangely calm, like it had space to breathe.

Blue indoor swimming pool with white walls and covered furniture visible at the edge of the water.
Silhouetted thistle plants against a calm ocean vista at sunset creating a romantic coastal landscape.
Wine glasses silhouetted against a golden sunset over a harbor with boats anchored in the tranquil waters.
A rustic lamp hangs over Mediterranean waters with rocky coastline and sailboat silhouetted against mountain backdrop.

The Earth Beneath



Only after booking did I learn what had happened. Since late January, earthquakes had shaken Santorini, and news of them had driven away a large share of visitors. Around 25–30% fewer tourists came this season, maybe more.


Had I known, I might have hesitated too.


Was I nervous? Yes, a little. We felt a few subtle shakes during our stay—barely noticeable, but enough to remind me of what had happened. One night they kept me awake, until I finally let go and trusted the island to hold us.


Panoramic aerial view of rugged coastal cliffs overlooking deep blue Mediterranean waters at sunset.

"Sometimes, not knowing is what leads us to the adventures we’ll remember most."



White Mediterranean church perched on cliffs overlooking deep blue waters of Santorini, Greece.
Someone in a black dress stands on a rocky cliff face casting a long shadow during golden hour.

Infinite Sunsets



And I am grateful for not knowing. Otherwise, when would I have tasted the crisp sweetness of Santorini wine? Enjoyed the freshest fish? Met locals who welcomed us warmly? Or stood at the edge of the caldera, watching a sky that seemed endless?


Ah, the sunsets.

I could return to Santorini a thousand times just to watch them, and never tire of their slow descent.

A silhouetted figure admires the warm sunset over calm ocean waters and mountainous coastline views.

A gift



What we found was a rare kind of luxury—a stillness that probably doesn’t exist here in high season most years. An unexpected gift, made possible only because we didn’t know.


A reminder that sometimes, not knowing is what leads us to the adventures we’ll remember most.

 

personal picks

 

Rita Bar, Pyrgos

A stunning spot with a spacious setting, fresh local wines, and the warmest, friendliest staff.

Demitris Ammoudi Taverna, Oia

Oia may be busy, but it’s worth braving the crowds for their fresh fish dishes, served right by the water with a front-row seat to the sunset.

Imerovigli

sunset walk

Take a sunset walk through this village and admire the string of elegant restaurants and luxury hotels perched on the cliffs.

Heart of Santorini

Watch the sunset. A breathtaking view that captures the island at its most magical.