Imagine little islands floating in a deep blue sea, their white cottages shimmering beneath the golden sun—it’s almost like Greece’s blue and white flag come alive. I used to believe that such scenarios only appeared in movies. But as I flew from Turkey to Athens, I saw Greece from a bird’s-eye perspective, and it was much more magnificent than I had imagined. Only 227 of Greece’s approximately 6,000 islands are inhabited. Athens, the busy capital, greeted us with strong sunlight even at 7 p.m. Our final stop is the lovely island of Santorini.
We chose a hotel near the port to spend the night before our trip to Santorini the next day. Getting there was simple: a direct bus from the airport to the harbor took only an hour. What impressed me was the amount of accountability among the natives. There were no ticket checkers or helpers; everyone utilized their local transportation cards appropriately. When we arrived at the Port of Piraeus, we were met by the colorful atmosphere of a port city. The sea breeze, the bustling crowd—it was the perfect prelude to our next adventure.
Setting Sail: A Cruise to Santorini
Our long-awaited journey began at 7 a.m., when we boarded the boat to Santorini. The cruise included stops in Mykonos and numerous other islands, giving passengers a taste of Greece’s island enchantment. The seven-hour journey was anything but boring. Each island we visited had its own unique appeal, with lively settlements, deserted areas, and rows of windmills spinning in the breeze. It was my first time seeing so many islands up close.
Arrival to Santorini: A Living Postcard
We finally landed at Santorini around 2 p.m. The scene that greeted us was strange. Giant red mountains appeared before us, with picturesque settlements perched atop. These were the scenes I had loved in numerous photographs but experiencing them in person was beyond words. We boarded a bus to Fira, the island’s core. As the bus drove up the zigzag mountain roads, the panoramic views of the sea and the island grew increasingly magnificent.
Lost on Google Maps: The Hike to Our Hotel
After a 40-minute bus ride, we arrived at Fira’s bus station. Our hotel was in Karterados, and Google Maps said it was only a 5-minute walk away. Spoiler: It wasn’t. Under the blazing 3 p.m. sun, dragging baggage uphill, Google insisted it was still 12 minutes away! Exhausted, we went to a nearby restaurant for lunch, which consisted of spaghetti, bread, and cold drinks because most of the dishes were pork-based. While sitting there, I noted that the water is always visible from anywhere on Santorini.
Chasing the sunset in Oia
Summer sunsets in Europe last until 8:30-9 p.m., and we planned to enjoy them at Oia (pronounced “Eeya”). It’s THE place for sunsets, and it did not disappoint. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere was joyous, as if everyone had come together for a celebration. We went through the meandering, multi-level streets—Santorini was produced by volcanic lava, so the architecture is naturally stacked like a 3D puzzle. We followed the crowds to the greatest sunset locations. The sky turned from golden yellow to flaming red as the sun gradually sank into the Aegean Sea, creating a magnificent glow over the white-washed houses.
Unexpected moments of joy
One of the most heartwarming moments? Watching a pair on a faraway rooftop as the man proposes to his girlfriend at sunset. Despite the fact that we had no idea who they were, the entire audience applauded. It was pure, unadulterated delight. In that moment, we were all connected strangers enjoying love and the beauty of nature.
10 Must-Do Experiences in Santorini
1. Watch the Sunset in Oia
Oia offers one of the world’s most iconic sunset views. Find a cozy spot and watch the sky turn golden as the sun dips into the sea.
2. Explore Fira’s Cliffside Streets
Wander through Fira’s narrow streets lined with charming cafes, shops, and breathtaking views of the caldera.
3. Visit the Red Beach
Known for its striking red cliffs and crystal-clear waters, Red Beach is a must for beach lovers and photographers alike.
4. Take a Caldera Cruise
Sail around the island on a caldera cruise, exploring hidden coves, volcanic islands, and hot springs.
5. Hike from Fira to Oia
This scenic 10 km hike offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, volcanic landscapes, and picturesque villages.
6. Taste Local Wines at a Vineyard
Santorini is famous for its unique wines. Visit a local vineyard and sample the island’s signature Assyrtiko wine.
7. Discover Ancient Akrotiri
Step back in time at Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city preserved in volcanic ash, often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean.”
8. Relax at Perissa Black Sand Beach
Spend a lazy afternoon on Perissa Beach, known for its unique black volcanic sand and relaxed vibe.
9. Visit the Blue Domed Churches
Capture the iconic sight of Santorini’s blue-domed churches in Fira and Oia—a picture-perfect memory.
10. Savor Greek Cuisine
Indulge in local delicacies like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood at traditional tavernas scattered across the island.
Wrapping Up the Perfect Day
As the sun set and the sky turned orange and purple, I felt overwhelmed with appreciation. This was more than just a trip; it was the culmination of a decade-long dream. Santorini’s beauty is not limited to its vistas; it also exists in the moments, people, and shared experiences.
If you’ve ever wanted to visit Greece, let this be your sign. Pack your bags, chase sunsets, and immerse yourself in the azure and white splendor of Santorini. Believe me, it’s worth every second.
Till the next expedition, keep dreaming and discovering!
