Travel Logs: Santorini, Greece 5 Things to Know

This piece of travel advice runs contrary to what you will read on a log of other sites.  But here’s the deal…if it is windy at all, which happens quite often on the islands, the ferries will have to move suuuuppper slow.  We met a couple that was stuck on one for eight, EIGHT hours.  That’s way too long, especially after your flight over from wherever.  So spend a little extra cash, our flights were $69 and book the 45-minute flight over to the island. It’s very much worth it! Especially if you have a limited time on the island.  As an added bonus, you can get some pretty shots of the caldera as you fly over.

@life_of_laird

We snorkel wherever we can and there was no way I was passing up a chance to jump into the Aegean Sea.  But even if snorkeling is not your thing, get on a boat and take in all of Santorini’s splendor from a different point of view.  A boat is truly the quickest and easiest way to see all of the beaches. {Our cruise stopped at Red beach, Black Beach, and White Beach} While we opted for an early day cruise, you can also choose an evening cruise around the island and take in the sunset from the water.  There’s no bad option! If you have the funds, opt for the semi-private cruise with 8-12 people instead of the all-out party boats.  Your experience, from drinks to food, to service, to bathroom situation will be 100% better.  

Most of the trails are beginner level, most. While there are several elevation changes, seeing the island by foot and at your own pace, is one of the greatest ways to cement travel memories.  We found dozens of the the 239+ churches that dot the island along our hiking trail.  We also discovered our new favorite Italian restaurant and challenged ourselves with a detour to Skaros Rock.  (that climb is not for the faint of heart) Even though you’ll run across plenty of restaurants and shops along the way, there are stretches of just you and nature-so be sure to bring plenty of water.  And just take your time and soak up island life. 

We found a terrific restaurant off the beaten path that had a great view and delicious food. If you’ve researched Santorini at all, you’ve read about Oia sunsets.  I wasn’t convinced the sunset could live up to all the chatter, but my husband wanted to check it out and we were staying in town anyhow. It feels like the whole island files into the streets of Oia about an hour before the sunsets.  We walked as far away from the center of town as possible and found a spot to watch and wait.  Mother Nature did not disappoint. She made worth every second of the 45-minute wait as she painted the sky with pastel hues of peach and pink and gold and then as the sun dropped below the sea, the sky lit up in every shade of blue. I actually put my phone in my pocket and just took in the show.  Luckily, my hubby caught the shots below.

In case you are on the hunt for the perfect pictures, I would say…there’s not a bad picture to be had on Santorini. But there are some iconic shots you aren’t going to want to miss.  First, while walking on the main promenade, through the luxury shops in Oia head towards the castle, on the left, there is a walkway in front of a jewelry shop {near Patisserie Medevio} leading down to a staircase that leads to a view featuring these three blue domes. Picture perfect!   Next, there’s no shortage of churches on the island and each and every one is beautiful and charming.  The church on Skaros rock requires a bit of hiking and 200 stairs but, it’s a great capture because you not only get a great photo, you’ll have an amazing story to share. 

If you are considering eloping, DO IT!  and do it in Santorini! The natural beauty will make it a picture-perfect fairytale.