SANTORINI, GREECE
SPLENDID SANTORINI
With stunning views, glittering seas, and all the Greek food you can eat, Santorini is one of my favourite places on earth. It’s such a relaxing and luxurious spot to visit. It’s almost like time stops when you’re standing amongst whitewashed houses, looking out across the turquoise Aegean sea.
I was daydreaming about visiting Santorini even before I left for Greece. I couldn’t wait to explore the cliffs with whitewashed buildings, enjoy meals overlooking the caldera (the island is formed by an old volcano), and watching the sunset slowly change colours from yellow to orange and pink. One spot was so beautiful, I had to take pictures during the daytime, sunset, and stayed into the night for the perfect shot. It was just as perfect each time I went and I never wanted to leave.
Because Santorini is a moderately sized island, there are a few towns and places to visit, like Oia, Fira, Akrotiri, and more. The most popular place is Oia, which can be very expensive. It is probably the place you’d think of when you imagine Santorini, since most pictures are taken in Oia.
I stayed in Akrotiri, at Hotel Goulielmos. It’s a small, family-run hotel in a traditional Greek town, which meant it was such a charming and personal experience. It had a stunning view, and was close to Bronze Age buildings (and some beautiful beaches). Akrotiri was only about 40 minutes from Oia by bus, with a transfer at Fira.
If you want to take the bus to Oia, make sure you check the schedule in advance and leave on time. If you miss the last bus, you’ll have to take a taxi back for about €25.
The island is definitely a place where you’ll want to let go of packing your days with things to see. It’s a better idea to just wander through the curving streets and let the day come to you. And when you get to the staircases, always take them. The view is worth the climb, I promise.
There are so many jaw-dropping Greek islands to explore, but none have a view like Santorini’s.
It’s safe to say I fell in love with the blue-domed churches and the narrow passageways that always seemed to have a good restaurant with amazing Mediterranean-style grilled vegetables and seafood. It’s too easy to find a great meal, and you’ll almost never be hungry!
It was such an amazing experience to be able to disconnect and be present in the moment. There is no other word to describe Santorini other than magical. From the scenery to the luscious Greek food, to spending days in the ocean, it was pure magic.
P.S. A must do in Santorini is watch the sunset from the famous Sunset Serenade point – it’s breathtaking!
