Our journey began in Athens, where we hopped on a flight to the mesmerizing island of Santorini. Upon landing, we made our way to Fira by bus, costing just €2 per person, for a 15-minute ride. Excited to explore, we stopped by a local shop for a refreshing Mythos beer and a quick snack of ham, cheese, and bread for about €15 before setting off on our first day’s adventures.
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Day 1: Exploring Fira
1. Fira Theotokopoulos Main Square
- History & Facts: Fira’s main square, named after the famous Greek painter El Greco (Theotokopoulos), is the island’s lively hub, filled with cafes, shops, and local charm.
- Fun Fact: This square is a favorite gathering spot for locals and tourists alike and is often buzzing with musicians and street artists, especially in the summer.
2. Panoramic View in Fira
- History & Facts: Known for its iconic white-washed buildings overlooking the Aegean Sea, Fira offers breathtaking panoramic views that make it one of the most photographed spots in Greece.
- Fun Fact: Watching the sunset from here is a must-do, as the view of the sun dipping into the sea turns the caldera into a mesmerizing palette of colors.
3. Skaros Rock
- History & Facts: This towering rock was once a fortress protecting Santorini from pirates and invaders. Today, it's a famous hiking spot, with remnants of a castle and stunning views of the volcano.
- Fun Fact: Skaros Rock is known for its romantic views and is a popular location for proposals and sunset photography.
We ended our day with a hearty Greek meal at Obelix Souvlaki-Pizza-Pasta, enjoying souvlaki and beer for two for just €20.
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Day 2: Discovering Oia
After a quick €2 bus ride from Fira, we arrived in the picturesque town of Oia.
4. Wandering through Oia and Greek Ceramic Shops
- History & Facts: Oia is famed for its white-washed buildings and vibrant ceramic shops that feature traditional Greek designs and patterns.
- Fun Fact: Many of the ceramic artists in Oia draw inspiration from ancient Greek pottery, making each piece unique.
5. Castle of Oia
- History & Facts: Once a 15th-century Venetian castle, this location is now a prime viewing spot for Santorini’s legendary sunsets.
- Fun Fact: The castle was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1956, but its ruins remain an iconic part of Oia’s landscape.
6. Exploring Local Architectural Spots
- Fun Fact: Oia’s architecture, with its cave houses and domed churches, is a blend of Venetian and Cycladic styles, designed to adapt to the island’s hot climate.
After three hours of exploring Oia, we returned to Fira by bus.
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Day 3: A Road Trip Around Santorini
In Fira, we rented a small Smart car from Dimitris Rent-a-Car for €40, setting off to see the island’s most scenic spots.
7. Heart of Santorini
- Fun Fact: Known as an “Instagram hotspot,” this heart-shaped rock formation carved out of a cliff offers an incredible view of the caldera and is loved by photographers.
8. Akrotiri Archaeological Site
- History & Facts: Akrotiri is a well-preserved ancient Minoan city, sometimes called the "Greek Pompeii" due to its burial by volcanic ash.
- Fun Fact: Excavations have revealed advanced drainage systems and multi-story buildings, indicating the city’s sophistication.
9. Akrotiri Lighthouse
- History & Facts: Built in 1892, this historic lighthouse is perched on the island’s southwestern tip, offering panoramic ocean views.
- Fun Fact: It’s one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece and a favorite sunset spot for both locals and visitors.
10. Black Beach (Perissa)
- Fun Fact: The volcanic black sand at Perissa Beach is an iconic Santorini attraction.
11. Red Beach (Kaminia beach)
- Fun Fact: Named for its striking red volcanic sand, this unique beach is a must-see for visitors, though it’s best viewed from a distance due to landslide risks. We enjoyed a beer at a beachside bar for €2.50.
12. Ancient Thera
It was closed so we just enjoyed the view from top of the Mesa Vouno Mountain.
- History & Facts: This ancient city, situated on Mesa Vouno Mountain, dates back to the 9th century BC and offers archaeological remnants and stunning sea views.
- Fun Fact: The views from Ancient Thera encompass both the Kamari and Perissa coastlines, making it a double treat for history buffs and nature lovers.
After a full day of exploring, we returned the car in Fira and took a bus to Kamari, where we checked in at the Makarios Hotel, complete with a pool, jacuzzi, and table tennis.
13. Carrefour Supermarket
- Fun Fact: We took a quick trip to Carrefour, just a 15-minute walk from our hotel, to stock up on snacks and Metaxa—perfect for celebrating on the sidewalk with some authentic Greek spirit.
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Day 4: Relaxing in Kamari
We started with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, followed by “786” laps in the pool to build up our energy.
14. Kamari Beach
- Fun Fact: Known for its long stretch of black sand and clear waters, Kamari Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, with plenty of cafes and bars lining the shore.
The afternoon was filled with games of ping pong, and we wrapped up the day with a delicious meal at O Minas, a local restaurant known for its traditional Greek dishes.
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Day 5: Farewell to Santorini
Our final day started with breakfast, followed by a last swim in the pool, where we finally perfected our “arrow” dives—a big milestone for us! After a bittersweet goodbye to the beach and a celebratory drink, we walked to the airport for our next destination.
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Summary
Santorini enchanted us with its vibrant sunsets, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the cultural sights of Fira and Oia to the beautiful beaches and hidden spots across the island, each day brought new surprises. Santorini is a paradise for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. We highly recommend this unforgettable island getaway!
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