Social media photo craze sparks tourist invasion at picture-perfect vacation hot spot

Long lines of tourists are forming at some of Santorini's most famous photo spots as visitors seek out the island's iconic views.

Videos circulating online show crowds lining the narrow streets of Oia to pose in front of the Greek island's famous blue-domed churches — with some visitors lining up early in the morning for their turn.

Mandee Migliaccio, CEO of New Jersey-based Stepping Out Travel, told Fox News Digital that Santorini was a bucket-list destination long before social media, but she believes that today's platforms have amplified travelers' desire to capture the same iconic images.

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"People are wanting to go get those iconic pictures," Migliaccio said. "It's been there, but yes, it has been amplified."

The churches, with their brightly colored domes, are among the island's most photographed locations — along with sunsets, windmills and whitewashed staircases, she said.

Crowding can become particularly intense when cruise ships are in port.

"You have thousands upon thousands of people getting off the boats and wanting to take the same four pictures," Migliaccio said.

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She encouraged travelers not to plan their entire experience around recreating photos they've seen online.

"Make your own story. Make your own vacation," she said. "Don't just go there and plan a trip around four photos you're gonna take [on the trip]."

For those who still want the famous shots, she recommended going early and staying several days.

On Mondays and Tuesdays, there tend to be more cruise ships in port, while Sundays may be less crowded, she said.

The scenes have also sparked discussion online about whether social media has been changing the way people travel.

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"Traveling is so much fun if you're not doing it for social media," one TikTok user commented.

Reddit users have expressed mixed views as well. 

One commenter said seeing the same destinations online repeatedly can create expectations and diminish some of the surprise, while also acknowledging that social media has made planning trips easier.

Another person called social media "an amazing resource" for discovering places, restaurants and attractions they otherwise might have missed.

Migliaccio said travelers can also use social media to highlight experiences beyond the same famous photo spots, including cooking classes, wine tours and other parts of the island.

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"Santorini is so beautiful and there's so much to do," she said. "And it's not just about the photos. Go experience it."

She also urged visitors to remember that the island is home to local residents.

"People often forget, because you're on vacation, that this is people's homes," Migliaccio said.