Thera, Thira, Santorini

With our last few weeks on this first leg through Europe and our last country, as well as our first Greek island, it seemed like Santorini had some big expectations to fill. Arguably Greece’s most popular island I had heard the many stories of the breathtaking views, stunning architecture and one of the most magical sunsets you will ever experience. And in most these aspects Santorini did not not fail us.

The blue domes…As expected, yet still extraordinary

However, to quote my favorite movie, Clueless, Santorini is a “total Monet.” From far away or taking in the island as a collective view, all the parts together: the many, many gorgeous white hotels with blue tops, the bright turquoise pools, panoramic 360 views of the Aegean Sea all atop a sunken massive caldera, it truly is a sight that should be seen in your lifetime.

A view from our room, looking down at Fira

Lifetime -Memorable sunset in Oia

Islands in the distance

But up close, the island is a parade of tourists, tourist shops, huge tour buses, ATVs, motorbikes, donkeys and pedestrians without proper sidewalks when walking along the streets. I kept thinking, we aren’t even in high season! I can’t imagine.

The crowded streets

The crowds at sunset

This lady literally was taking photos on top of me

That said, we stayed about a 15 min walk from the main and busy town of Fira, in a teeny town called Firostefanti, away from the chaos. I had been looking forward to Santorini as I would find myself in a proper hotel that Aaron and my parents had secretly arranged as a birthday present. It was more than I could have asked and the staff was delightful. Upon arrival we received complimentary local wine and cheese and fresh tomatoes from the neighboring island of Naxos atop our cliff perched balcony over looking the sea and the volcano.

So Lux!!!

Yeah, I could get used to this…

Santorini or traditionally called, Thira, we tried to hit the hot spots: took a bus to see the famous sunset in Oia (in the north), rented a car to see the red, black and white beaches and fish taverns in Perissa visit the ancient archeological site of Akrotiri (in the south) and an authentic gem of a family tavern off the beaten path. In summary, the beach hopping was relaxing and a lot of fun. The fish taverns were an experience, waiters would bring out the fresh fish caught that day that we could pick ourselves, the site was super impressive, and the family tavern was probably the highlight. We sat and drank to singing and guitars, greek danced with locals and the owners, and broke plates till 3am.

The red beach

Fresh fish at the beachside taverns

Black beach

Drive up at sunset

Greek dancing, horosis

Breaking plates

The last day we took a boat tour to the volcano and the natural hot springs. We hiked up the volcano for the opposing view of the island from the sea and played in the hot springs mud. At our arrival back to the island we decided to walk to the top of the caldera to the city up the 588 steps in the heat, in the path of hordes donkeys. Making to the top tired, hot and sweaty we fell onto the small street and gulped water and ate banana Greek style yogurt.

On top of the volcano

Playing in the hot springs which has medicinal mud

Up, up, the whole caldera

588 steps later

So to summarize, as Cher would put it, “I am totally in butt-crazy in love with Greece!”