Aaaaaaaah... Santorini!!

One of the largest volcanic eruptions on this planet occurred in the South Aegean sea, over 3,600 years ago. It wiped out an entire island, leaving in its place an underwater caldera. Lucky for us, it also formed what is now known as Santorini, an island group that is unquestionably one of the most beautiful places on Earth...

And because Santorini has been on my travel "to-do" list, it was a no-brainer to decide to get off our cruise ship and spend a few extra days on this beautiful island.



After finding our driver, it took us almost an hour to reach our destination, Oia, from the cruise port. We stayed in the heart of the village at Old Oia Houses. What a great find!!!



Our house was super-charming, spacious (2 BR, a dining area and a separate reading room) and in a superb location. And oh-my-gosh: THE VIEW!! When we stepped out onto our balcony, we were taken aback by the stunning view of the caldera and surrounding areas. It was truly breath-taking and as you would expect, we spent A LOT of time on that balcony!!!



At 8:00 that evening, we headed out to watch the famed Oia sunset that we have read and heard so much about. Many say it is the most beautiful sunset in the world. There was no mistaking of where to go - just follow the crowd!!!



As we started walking, we realized what a special place Santorini is. The endless array of white, blue and pastel cycladic architecture, winding along narrow streets perfectly framed the spectacular view from everywhere you looked. It was amazing!

All of the streets were lined with quaint shops, art galleries, markets, restaurants and taverna's. There were also lots of steps, many of them steep and not for the faint of heart -- after all, Oia is built on a cliff-side! However, this just adds to the charm of this lovely place.

We found a spot to watch the sun go down, and yes, it was beautiful! A little crowded, but nonetheless, absolutely gorgeous.



Afterwards, we headed back towards the direction of our house and stopped for dinner at Lotsa Restaurant, whose owners, Gil and Visilis, also own the place we were staying at. As we awaited our dinner, we sat in the outdoor courtyard overlooking the Caldera.

The following day, we walked down 291 (steep) steps to Armeni Harbour, where we found ourselves in a secluded oceanfront area (no doubt, due to the 291 steps!). Here, the girls enjoyed playing in the water before we had lunch at the one and only taverna in Armeni.



We enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring local specialties -- deep fried tomatoes, aubergines (eggplant), a wonderfully seasoned pork chop and souvlaki, a perfectly grilled skewer of meat and vegetables.



In addition, the owner brought out a shot of Raki, which is the local "hard stuff", made from what's left over after pressing grapes for wine-making. Although we were not particularly fond of it, it was another opportunity to try something new.

We really enjoyed having the taverna almost completely to ourselves. That, and the quiet charm of the locals made us feel welcomed. Our host even cranked up some Greek music in hopes that PS would continue her dancing in the taverna!



Returning to the village gave us the perfect opportunity to ride the famous Santorini donkeys. Used mainly to carry loads up and down the steep hills, they were a sight for our sore eyes, especially when you are facing 291 steep steps in 90F temperature with two tired little girls!



PS and I rode together on the front donkey, while DS and Ray rode together behind us. While PS and I were "woo-hooing" all the way up, as we looked down those steep cliffs, those donkey riders in back sure were awfully quiet!!! :)



PS was quite tired by the time we got back to the top, so we headed back to the house for her nap, while the rest of us hung out for some R&R (reading and relaxing) on the balcony.

On the way to dinner, we decided to check out more of the village and were treated to another beautiful sunset!!! I can see how the locals never tire of watching it!!!



After dinner at a nearby restaurant, we put the girls to bed while Ray and I spent a quiet evening on the balcony...

The next morning while Ray and DS slept in, PS and I took an early morning walk through the village. This is the best time to explore: before it got too warm and crowded. We walked to the old castle and explored parts of the village that we hadn't seen yet.



Later, we headed back to join Ray and DS for breakfast on the balcony. Love that view!



We stopped and had a wonderful lunch at Restaurant Skala before sightseeing through more of the village.



Following lunch, we stopped for yogurt and honey-- the local Santorini treat recommended by Rick Steves. This plain yogurt has the consistency of a Penguins frozen yogurt, drizzled with lots of honey on top - quite yummy!



Soon enough, it was time to leave beautiful Santorini and head for Athens. But, not before a little excitement at the airport.

Due to some miscommunication with the airlines regarding departure time, we arrived at Santorini airport to find that our plane was already loaded and ready to taxi off. After Ray exchanged a few animated words with the airline agents, we were rushed through security, whisked off in a private car to the tarmac and escorted to where our plane was idling, waiting for takeoff!



Stressful, but at least we were off with no waiting. Now it was onwards to Athens, and the final leg of our Greek holiday...!!!