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Lori posted an update 7 years, 8 months ago
SANTORINI & Mykonos. We will be “flying” over from ATHENS on our vacation in mid-early May. How does one completely AVOID seeing the donkeys & mules? Also, any newer modern hotels/boutiques (no pets, children or smoking) anyone has stayed at on either island? Is it true the stray dog & cat population is rampant in Athens? Thank you!
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Hey Lori! I’ve been to Santorini, and I have to say, it is nearly, if not completely, impossible to avoid seeing any donkeys or mules. Unfortunately no matter where in the world one goes, animal cruelty follows. However, if you’d like to help offset other tourists’ impact on their lives, they do have a donkey sanctuary in Santorini that you could volunteer at or donate to. The less touristy a place was, the less donkeys there were, so Oia, for example, had a lot less animals and tourists than Fira, which is where all the tourists from the cruises come in and take donkeys to get up to town. There are stray dogs and cats absolutely everywhere on the island though, in my experience it was mostly cats in Fira and dogs in Oia. Santorini was amazing to visit despite seeing the donkeys, and next time I think I would definitely try to stop by at the sanctuary! @lifestylewithme and @heyshae went to both islands and took some videos of Santorini and Athens (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdXVKPUDhMs) and the sanctuary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdXVKPUDhMs) if you want to check them out!
Hi Michelle, WOW! Thank you so much for your quick response. Yes, we plan to fly in so we can avoid the cable cars and donkeys. You’re saying OIA is the most recommended where you still have beautiful views and nice hotels. Ughhh with the dogs, tho. I did see the info somewhere else about the donkey sanctuaries. Since we will only be there 1.5 days total, I’ll do my best to stop by. Otherwise, I’m definitely going to look more into this. I’m very active in the states with animal rights and helped to shut the traveling circus down and also the greyhounds getting more protective rights.
Anyhow, I will look at the two videos you attached. I just find it hard to have a romantic stay when we know there are donkeys huffing, puffing and getting cracked by the whip all day.