Santorini is a stunning island that is a part of the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea. Created by a massive volcanic eruption, this island contains the beautiful cities of Oia, Fira, and Kamari. From the Grecian architecture to the pristine blue waters, it is all too easy to fall in love with Santorini. The combination of the white villages bordering the Aegean Sea was breathtaking. If you decide to go, I’d recommend renting an ATV and driving around the island! This method of transporation is suprisingly cheap and easy to do. It’s fun to drive through each village, stop to eat, and check out a local beach along your way. Read more about my trip to Greece by checking out my article on Athens, Greece: 2-Day Trip to the Ancient Acropolis.
In Fira, you can catch a spectacular view of the white and blue coastline, as well as a glimpse of the caldera – a sea lagoon created by Santorini’s active volcano. Although the coastline is steep, the city is built on the uppermost portion of the cliffs. The Santorini Cable Car enables travelers to ride up to the city from Athinios port below. If your adventurous, you can also ride a donkey up! Located about 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the ferry port, Fira is an easy place to stay during your visit. Since Fira is the capital of the island, it’s also filled with tons of clubs, restaurants, and shops, so I’d recommend taking a walk around at night to see what the city has to offer!
Surprisingly, these ATV’s can go pretty fast! I’d say we peaked at around 30 miles per hour. When we upgraded to a higher horsepower ATV, that number hit the 40’s!
Located near the ancient site of Akrotiri, Red Beach is difficult to get to, but is perfect for pictures! The rocks are a vibrant red against the crystalline ocean. If you can’t make it to Red Beach, Perissa & Perivolos Beach and Kamari Beach are also great for a day trip! In particular, the Perissa Black Sand Beach is a must-see. This beach has crystal clear waters, black pebbles, and lots of loungers to lie down on!
In contrast to Fira, Oia has a very relaxing and romantic atmosphere with very few shops or clubs. Oia is the most famous city in Santorini due to its breathtaking scenery and array of hotel options. This area can get very crowded, so I’d recommend exploring this area early in the day! There are also a ton of delicious places to eat in Oia, as well as a Kissing Fish station! Fish pedicures are a popular tourist attraction and definitely a must-try while in Santorini.
Located in Caldera Square, Ekklisia Panagia Platsani is a traditional Greek Orthodox church with white-washed walls and a blue cupola. Although the original church was destroyed by the 1956 earthquake, the rebuilt church still follows the traditional cycladic architectural style.
I had an amazing time in Santorini and would love to go back. From the delicious Greek cuisine, to the long ATV rides on the coastline, I had an amazing time in Santorini’s picturesque towns.
If you have been or want to go to Santorini, let me know what you think of the island in the comments below!
XO, Kim
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