Santorini

Santorini, More than a postcard picture

Wrapping up our Greek adventure, we saved the best for last: Santorini. This island is the stuff of postcards, with its iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and jaw-dropping views of the caldera.

After hopping over from Paros (check out my other blog post for that leg of the trip), we arrived via a short ferry ride. Our hotel was spot-on—friendly staff, well-equipped rooms, a handy store right across the street, and a car rental place next door.

Tired of hoofing it and dealing with public transport, we decided to rent a Polaris SSV. This little beast had some serious kick and made exploring the island a blast. We zipped around, always keeping safety in mind, and managed to see a ton of what Santorini has to offer.

Our first stop was Fira, the island's buzzing hub. Perched on the cliff's edge, the town is a maze of narrow streets, charming shops, and eateries with views that make your heart skip a beat. We grabbed breakfast at a café overlooking the caldera—absolutely stunning. The water's so clear yet mysterious; you can't quite tell how deep it goes. Sure, the food was a bit pricey (you're paying for that killer view), but it was worth every penny.

Wandering through Fira's winding streets, we did notice it was packed with tourists. A bit of a buzzkill, honestly. If I were to do it again, I'd aim for the off-season to really soak in the place without the crowds.

We spent the whole day exploring, and thankfully, free parking was easy to find, so we didn't feel rushed. As evening rolled in, we stumbled upon a cozy bar with a perfect sunset view. After a quick 10-minute walk (dodging tourists like a game of bumper cars), we reached a quaint restaurant. Earlier, on our bus ride to the hotel, a local had mentioned something about fireworks. We didn't quite catch it at the time, but as we dined, fireworks lit up the sky. Turns out, it was the Ifestia Festival, celebrating the island's volcanic roots with a massive display over the caldera. Total serendipity! The food was top-notch—delicious and perfectly cooked.

The next morning was a bit of a scramble. I had booked a dinner at Ammoudi Bay for me and my girlfriend, and we had until 7 PM to explore the island, get back, and freshen up. She's the planner, so I just followed along. We kicked off with breakfast in Fira, then headed to the black sand beach. Honestly, it was a letdown. The sharp pebbles were tough on our feet, so we didn't stick around. The silver lining? Navigating the sketchy, winding dirt roads in our buggy was a thrill. We ended up doing a full loop of the island, taking in all the sights.

By 5 PM, we were back at the hotel, showered, and ready to roll. Dinner at Ammoudi Bay was out of this world. The lobster was spot-on, the steak was divine, and watching the sunset added a magical touch. It was the perfect finale to our holiday.

Santorini truly lived up to the hype, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments.