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Santorini is one of the most lusted-after destinations in the world.
With its stunning sunsets and blue domed roofs, the Greek island provides the perfect backdrop for Instagram pictures.
But is the influencer hotspot actually as glamorous in reality?
I recently headed to Santorini on holiday with my boyfriend – and can say the experience was very different to how it looks when you're scrolling through social media.
So, I thought I would take you behind the scenes of Santorini and provide you with the authentic guide behind the influencer island.
Here are my brutally honest thoughts on the popular destination.
As soon as I arrived on the island, I realised I'd fallen victim to the expectation that social media had painted.
I'd packed multiple pairs of heels and a gigantic straw floppy hat in my suitcase to really ‘look’ the part.
The outfits would look great as I relaxed with a cocktail and took in the views – or so I thought.
While influencers show the island to be relaxed, at times Santorini can be far from chilled.
What these social media influencers don't tell you is that Santorini is extremely windy.
I can only assume that they superglue their straw hats to their head because my hat was nearly blown away by strong gusts.
Instead of looking effortless like influencers do, I really had a battle on my hands to keep my rather large hat on my head.
And I must admit, it took away the enjoyment of sipping my pina colada.
Even at a sunset dinner my hair became one with the wind.
Although this may have been comical to some (including my boyfriend), the next weather battle was one we both had to face – the mist.
This mist wasn't the type you face on an autumn morning in the UK.
This was the mist that stopped boats going out and rendered the scenery impossible to see.
After paying £2,000 for the room with the amazing view of the volcano, we were left glaring into nothingness.
Instagram stars fail to mention this is a normal occurrence for the island due to the cliff-tops and weather.
Moving on to the biggest kept secret about the island – the steps.
Instagram doesn't tell you that you should hire a personal trainer before taking on Santorini.
Influencers are seen perched sipping their drinks and soaking up the sun – but how did they get up there?!
To get pretty much anywhere on the island you need to work up a sweat.
You will be doing a lot of walking and a lot of that will be up and down steps.
Blistering in the 30 degree heat, the last thing you want to do is tackle steep climbs.
These are the kind of steps that make you wish you didn’t skip leg day and went to that gym you pay membership for but never go to.
While I'd prepared to take glamorous Instagram pictures, I now know I really should have left my high heels at home.
So, take this with you.
If you see influencers posing on their holiday they probably had to fight the forces of nature and extremely steep steps to just get that picture.
Not everything is just sunsets and blue roofs.
While you might not get the Instagram-worthy photos you were hoping for, Santorini has a lot more to offer.
I wish the influencers spoke about some of the great things to do on the island.
There are amazing walking trails, hot springs and vineyards.
And if you're looking to brush up on history, you can visit archeological sites and museums too!
I will be back one day Santorini – but this time I will be armed with hiking boots and without a massive floppy hat that is a victim to your winds.
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