Best kept secrets of Santorini

If there's one destination that can be beautiful even after all the volcanic eruptions, it has to be Santorini. Shaped like a crescent, Santorini is the icon of Greece and the island is incredibly famous worldwide & needs no introduction. The immense popularity is also the reason for the huge influx of travellers. While most of the tourist places in Santorini are crowded all the time, there are still some secret getaways that best reflect the true nature of the island. Megalochori Adorned with tavernas, neoclassical buildings, and old cave houses, the charming village of Megalochori is one of the picturesque places in Santorini. The windy streets marked with arrows guide you through and there is an air of nostalgia that engulfs you. When you are there, visit a farm to learn everything about Greek food, learn cooking in a Greek tavern, and visit the Hellenic Cultural Centre. Most importantly, Megalochori is well-known for the wineries and it is advised that you book a wine tour. Amoudi Bay Set right below the town of Oia is a hidden gem of a bay, Amoudi. While all you hear about Oia is the beautiful sunset, an equally exciting thing to do is head to Amoudi Bay. And the best way to do it is rent an ATV. Drive till the port and descend down the 300 stairs. The hike down the bay is one of the best in Greece. Along the way stop by the quaint restaurants to satiate your appetite and then soak in the beauty of the bay. Mesa Pigadia Beach Greece has an overwhelming number of beaches and Santorini is no different. But given the popularity of the beaches, most of them are usually overpopulated with tourists. On the other hand, if you are looking for a relaxing beach spot with less crowd then Mesa Pigadia beach is the place. The pebble-stone beach is a hidden attraction and the towering cliffs in the back act as a shade. Swim through the caves, unwind by the sunbeds, check out the tavernas. Mesa Pigadia beach is very close to the Akrotiri lighthouse and can be reached on an excursion boat from Akrotiri or by car.  Fira When it comes to the best viewing spot for sunset in Santorini, most people recommend you with Oia. While it is also true, Oia is buzzing with tourists all the time and that tones down the overall experience. Alternatively, catch a sunset at Fira. Tucked away from the crowd, at Fira you can witness a mesmerizing sunset with the backdrop of two volcano islands. The promenade in the central Fira closeby to the cliff is the best spot. There are also many cute cafes where you can book a table and gaze at the incredible views while gorging on the food. Atlantis books A book lover lost in Santorini? Take a visit to the Atlantis bookstore in Namikos street. The compact bookstore is a calm oasis where you can talk to books. What makes Atlantis stand-out from the rest is they carry rare first editions of literature and is absolutely worth-it every penny! Not fond of books? Check-out Atlantis still. It will change you.   Dinesh Sundar Pickyourtrail