Stunning Santorini

Yassas! And welcome to my blog on Santorini :- Despite a total area of only 70km. Santorini is diverse and has much to offer holidaymakers. From Oia in the north to the lighthouse on the headland of Akrotiri you drive just 27km along the caldera edge. The islands capital of Fira lies just 10 to 15km from the island’s main resorts Karamri and Perissa. Santorini is very easy to travel around, there is an excellent bus service from all resorts, the main bus depot for connections, if necessary is Fira and the cost of a ticket is only a few euros. The bus service runs late into the evening, alternatively, car hire and trike and motorcycle hire is widely available( although check your travel insurance when hiring these) So where to stay ? Kamari is undeniably Santorini’s main tourist hub, Megalochori, Pyrgos and Messaria are also good places to stay. A long beach of coarse dark sand and pebbles stretches along the entire coast to Monolithois with its secluded ports of fishing boats and yachts. Today Kamari has the most hotels, B&B’s and tavernas along the east coast. In contrast to its neighbouring rival Perissa in the south, the promenade in Kamari is a nicely paved walkway free of traffic, lined on both sides with cafes’, tavernas, boutiques and a handful of cocktail bars. This resort is great for families and those who wish to explore the island but don’t want to pay the price of staying on the west coast of the island which can be a lot more expensive particularly if you want to stay on the caldera. You can also catch a small boat to Perissa from Kamari which has a narrow sandy beach. Oia and the north:- In some respects Oia resembles the islands capital Fira. Many of it’s houses overlook the caldera edge or nestle in niches hewn into the crater rock, Just like Fira , Oia was also devastated by the earthquake in 1956 and the islands growing tourism helped to restore the town from the ashes after 1970. In Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia you can find stunning whitewashed villas, cave-style hotels with terraces, and infinity pools that have served as backdrops to countless fashion photo shoots, Instagram posts and marriage proposals. Thing’s to do and see:- Amoudi bay : - Allow time when visiting or staying in Oia to have a meal in Amoudi bay one of our most memorable experiences in Santorini. This tiny port is located directly at the waters edge and can be reached on foot down 300 steps or by car along the paved road. There are several tavernas on the quayside serving delicious freshly caught fish and with the romantic views of the boats in the bay and the island of Ios in the background, sipping wine by the waters edge it’s definitely a “Shirley Valentine” moment to behold. Cliff path walks: - Hike along the rim of the caldera, explore the towns of Oia, Imerovigli, firostefani and fira and enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the island. The hike can take around four hours and the walking path is a mix of paved pedestrian streets and dirt hiking trails. Red Beach: - Red beach is the most famous beach in Santorini and one of the most colourful beaches worldwide. It’s a narrow strip of reddish sand and pebbles under red cliffs, thus its name. The colour is due to the iron-rich rocks formed as a result of the volcanic eruption. Visit a winery: - There are more than 18 wineries to visit in Santorini, in fact the locals have a saying it is said that they drink “more wine than water “ Santorini is undoubtedly Greece’s top destination for wine tourism. Visit Santorini Brewing company: - The Santorini brewing company is a local brewery which opened in 2011. The company is the only brewery on the island and home to the “Donkey beers “Pop along for a visit and enjoy a taste of their Yellow, Red and crazy donkey beers it’s a fun day out. Ancient Thera: - This 11th century BC Dorian settlement includes remains from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantie periods. Churches: - So may beautiful churches on Santorini. Some of which have the picture postcard blue domes. They are lovely to go into, to sit, light a candle and have a quiet moment. You also have the Candlemas Holly orthodox metropolitan cathedral in Fira with its ornate bell tower and an interior adorned with stunning frescos. Sunset Cruise: - A catamaran cruise is a wonderful experience to have during your stay in Santorini. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters of its most iconic beaches, such as red beach and white beach and in the therapeutic waters of the volcano’s hot springs. You will enjoy delicious food on board as well as terrific views of the caldera cliffs. After a wonderful day out spend the last few hours on your catamaran cruise enjoying the stunning sunsets Santorini has to offer with the beautiful backdrop of Oia where most people congregate to watch the non-obstructed sunsets. Local food : - Santorini tomato’s – Nestling in the volcanic soil of the island absorbing the humidity of the caldera at night you must try the legendary “Cherry Tomato” they are delicious. Santorini tomatoes are sweeter and larger than the garden variety cherry tomatoes. Fava is probably the most famous dish in Santorini, and while its name might suggest fava beans, it’s actually a yellow split-pea puree. The creamy dish is usually served warm with olive oil and lemon and sometimes topped with onions or capers. Santorini is a beautiful island and offers something for everyone. “efcharisto” I hope you get to visit this beautiful Greek island one day … By Debbie Hayward-Bird (Independent Travel Counsellor)