Many people dream about exploring Greece and one of its special places: the idylic Santorini. With me there was no difference. I had been to Athens and Mykonos before, but at that time I left this picturesque island for another trip, one that I could have with someone as special as the city.
We arrived on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The sky was as blue as the splendid Mediterranean Sea. My husband and I were with my parents. My mom was really enthusiastic about the city, my dad not so much, cause he thought it would be like Mykonos or any other beach. The hotel’s van parked in front of a little gate. From there we weren’t able to see anything. Then the driver led us thru a staircase and…
Wooow! My Gosh! What a place! Heaven on Earth! Was it even real? We were completely astonished. My dad couldn’t stop taking pictures, smiling and happily saying “what place is this? Is this real?”. Soon even he became enthusiastic… So you can imagine how I was. One big smile from ear to ear. My heart was racing hard. I fell completely in love.
Santorini is even much more beautiful in person than through pictures, if such a thing can be possible. It’s picturesque, it’s different from any other place I have been to. It’s unique! It’s important to mention that Santorini is the island’s name and each village (or neighborhood) has one proper name. In the Caldera region, as the main front area is called, there are three famous villages: Fira, on the left side looking from the land, Imerovigli, in the middle and the most well known Oia (pronounced “ia”) on the other side, the port’s (Fira) opposite side.
By the way, do you know why that region became a really huge cliff? Thousands of years ago, there was an active volcano that began to erupt. Half of the island simply melted away into the sea, creating a marvellous rocky cliff that adds a lot to the picturesque setting.
I researched a lot before I chose the hotel and I figured out that in Imerovigli, at this time of the year (summer), there is a better chance for you to watch the sunset from your room. In Oia some of the hotels are at the extreme end of the Caldera, so the sun is setting behind them at this time. Untill I arrived that was the main thing that contributed to my decision.
When we got there, I understood things a little better and discovered that Oia may be very famous, but the most charming place to stay, in my opinion, is Imerovigli. I explain it better in the post Where to Stay in Santorini, but in summary, picture yourself with a lot more exclusivity, because the region only has hotels, apartments and few restaurants, therefore almost – I say almost – no tourists and much more romance than Oia.
I don’t consider Santorini as a destination for the beach lovers, although there are some beautiful ones that we didn’t visit. Often indicated – and I realized that is a popular tour – is to rent a boat, usually a catamaran, and sail around the island, sometimes with Greek barbecue and wine. We didn’t have time to do it, but those who do say it is a must see.
It was just a few days, a few hours in paradise … but I can say that we live pure magical moments on that wonderful island. It far exceeded my expectations, which were very high. I was open-hearted, knowing that it is an extremely touristic place and sometimes this may make it lose some of the charm, but I really surprised myself and now I consider it as one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been in life
Santorini is a dream of mine! This is wonderful. Makes me want to go even more.