Oia, Santorini — a postcard-perfect dream.
Whitewashed walls, blue domes, and skies that seem painted by the gods.

But behind the magic, there’s a quiet absence:
No voices of children playing in the alleyways.
No scent of home-cooked meals drifting from windows.
No elder people whispering at the doors of their homes.
Because most of the people who used to live here… don’t anymore. Most of the buildings are now places where foreigners can enjoy their vacations in a stunning location.
Now is more like a town transformed into a backdrop, not a home.

Tourism sustains economies, yes — but what happens when beauty becomes a product, and the locals are priced out of their own paradise?

Just a reminder to travel with respect. Choose local, support small businesses, ask questions, be present, and if you can, avoid using the donkeys for pleasure and help or take care of the street cats, because bringing them some water costs nothing and will help them a lot.

Saying “kalimera” (good morning) and “parakaló” (please) is easy, and locals will appreciate that effort a lot.

This isn’t just a place. It’s someone’s homeland.

Ps: I’m wearing a second-hand dress from @faithfullthebrand.

#OiaSantorini #Overtourism #SustainableTravel #VeganTraveler #EthicalTravel #RespectLocalCulture