Today we are going to start with a history lesson about Santorini because it is fascinating! Santorini, Greece - also known by the names Thera/Thira - is one of the Cyclades islands in the southern Aegean Sea about 120 miles southeast of Greece's mainland. An enormous volcanic eruption destroyed a formally single island and created a giant caldera containing several smaller islands including Santorini. The center is basically a 1,350-foot deep lagoon filled with water. The eruption, which occurred around 3,600 years ago, is one of the biggest in recorded history. The island offers massive steep cliffs, diverse volcanic rock beaches, and white-washed architecture - making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Stunningly beautiful, it's a bucket list adventure for most people including Kate and me so we are determined to do it right! Including splurging on a place to stay, we filled our suitcase with colorful outfits that compliment the white cave buildings and contrasting blue sea.
There are actually a handful of spots in Oia (Ee-aa) known for showing up on Instagram. (To find their location google: Best Instagram photo spots in Santorini with maps.) This morning we hit those spots. Even at 7am there is a line to capture your perfect pic, as plenty of people have the same goal in mind.
Totally Instagram worthy!
From our deck
Kate was determined to have breakfast with a view so found us our place to eat: Vitrin. For the view, coffee, and affordable food, it is worth seeking out. Good job Kate! What topped it off was the barista's response to my simple question, "what time do you open"?" He responded, "you tell me what time you want me to be here." Those are the words that capture my heart! This is where you want to go if you like to have coffee as soon as you open your eyes.
Vitrin Creperie - breakfast with a view
After a morning rest, we walked down to Amoudi Bay for a dip in the refreshing water. You'll want some decent shoes for this one; it is steep and the stones are slick. When you get down to the bottom there are a few restaurants along the waterline. Turn to your left, walk through the restaurant, and continue around the bend of the rock. If you have time and energy, I recommend you add this to your Oia day!
Amoudi Bay
The swimming area at Amoudi Bay
Dangling our legs over the water
We now know where Santorini's locally brewed IPA got its name. Those donkeys that bring tired tourists up the cliff from the water are CRAZY. Seriously watch out - they came at me like bulls! If you hear the tinkling of bells, do whatever you can to step up off the path!
The donkeys have the right of way here and aim straight for you. The red one on the left just locked eyes on me - I barely made it out alive!
To get back up the 278 steps, if you don't want to walk, you can choose to put your life in the hands of a crazy donkey - only 6 euros for the "Ferrari with WiFi and air conditioning". If you don't have the bravado to ride a crazy ass - you can take a taxi for 10 euros.
After our adventure we had a very late traditional lunch at Anemomilos Tavern. They serve tasty food for a decent price.
Greg and Chris ordered the sea bass fillet but got the whole sea bream instead
Greg is not a fan of eating whole fish but managed to eat the entire thing
I couldn't leave Oia without watching a sunset from the best view in town - the old castle. Determined to see it, I saved my spot, the 2nd best seat in the house (the first best seat was already taken), 2 hours in advance. Within 5 minutes later the outer wall was lined with other patient people, also willing to wait for the show. Within 30 minutes of the sunset, the castle was full and could only fit those who pushed their way through.
The prime view of the sunset from Oia is from the castle
As the sun gracefully slipped into the sea, the cliff erupted with applause for Mother Nature's flawless performance.
Lounging late at night on our deck beneath the main walkway, honing in on American conversations, the comment we got the biggest kick out of was from the ~5 year old girl who asked her parents, "Oh what's next a ten hour walk or a ten hour hike?" My big kids can relate to that, lol!
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