Try a first light journey to overcome the crowds, watch mild spill over the caldera
https://sethoufu423.publishlane.com/posts/santorini-photography-tour-capture-blue-domes-hidden-alleys-and-iconic-sunset-shots-4
Try a break of day travel to overcome the crowds, watch faded spill over the caldera, and seize serene streets prior to the island wakes up.