Oia, Santorini
Coming here again kindled so many emotions that I can’t put into words! I never realised up until I booked our tickets that this place had a profound effect on me. I know it sounds strange but after spending almost a month here, I can say it made me see things differently….I have learnt to appreciate the small things…..the slow life.
The backstory
Years ago, I spent a month in Oia with my sister and friends. It was one of those experiences that will stay with me forever!
Our friends were opening a restaurant in Oia and we decided that it’d be the perfect opportunity to support our friends on their new journey and to see Santorini!
This place isn’t just a place-it’s a feeling! It shifts something inside you! It takes your breath away!
Whitewashed homes stacked one on top of another, cobblestone streets and alleys….old courtyards with bougainvilleas growing over every doorway….verandas with small coffee tables….blue domed churches and rooftops! Rich blue sea as far as the eye can see! Beautiful!
Our friends had rented a home on the caldera. It was a cave house! Perfect for summer….cool and cozy!
The only sunlight that came into the house was from the kitchen window and the front door which lead out to the veranda. The veranda!! Oh my! My favourite spot!
While everyone else slept, I’d make a coffee and sit on the veranda all morning! Eventually, I got to know the locals living in Oia and greeted them in the mornings. I’d sit there for hours enjoying my coffee and looking at the endless blue! It was the highlight of my day! Calm, quiet–It felt like a dream!
Then, walks in Oia’s cobblestone streets. Camera in hand and smile on my face! Never got tired of it! We’d explore Santorini’s beautiful, unique beaches and in the evenings….dinner at Cadouni’s.
Seeing our friends’ restaurant again after so many years…..I was overwhelmed with joy! I was so pleased to see it with all its charms….I always loved its terracotta checked floor and still do! Its traditional, warm feels! It was SO moved!
This year I experienced it a bit differently! We decided that we wanted to stay somewhere more quiet, secluded. Away from the bustling streets of Santorini’s popular spots.
We travelled by boat from the port of Piraeus to Santorini. We travelled with Seajets early in the morning and by noon we’d arrived. Renting a car is something I’d recommend especially if you’re planning on seeing the island.
We booked a room at Agia Irini. (photos) It’s on the other side of the island’s caldera, not far from Santorini’s beautiful sights but idyllic for what we wanted! It was perfect!
We checked in, relaxed a bit and on our first evening, we had dinner at The Vine. Although they ask that reservations be made beforehand, we risked it and went anyway! Since we were having an early dinner, 7:30ish, not many people were there so it wasn’t a problem. Make reservations and ask to me seated at the balcony’s edge for the spectacular view!
I loved this place! The food! The view! The atmosphere! Wow!! Greek salads were our thing all summer long! So definitely anywhere you go, order one! We had the lobster linguine-oh my goodness- and spinach tortellini. SO good! Santorini is also know for its award winning wines so….enjoy!
On our second day, we went to Akrotiri and visited the ruins. I’m very into places like this! We had coffee by the ocean just down the street from the site and then drove to see Santorini’s red beach. You park your car near the church of which is located near the beach and you walk from there.
Lunch at The Good Heart-highly recommend this place! They’re traditional Greek food is amazing! We ordered the moussaka, fava (yellow split peas puree-delish!), and obviously greek salad! Yum! They even make their own products. I bought this sweet tomato jam! I know, sounds gross! But it’s good! They make lots of different tomato products from their farm and they even have a little shop with all their products.
The village of Akrotiri is beautiful! I like how on the entire island has the same architectural style. It’s worth spending a morning if you’re into a more laidback kind of day.
The following morning we decided to walk the streets of Oia. Go early! Really enjoyed exploring the alleyways and its cute shops!
After the hundreds of photos and just as it was starting to get hot….we had a freddo at Kastro. Perfect spot to enjoy a nice coffee!
I must note something; Parking is kind of a struggle in general anywhere you go in Greece. Santorini had quite of a few public parking places but during high season it can be hard. So what we did is looked into finding some good parking spots. From our hotel going to Oia was about a fifteen-minute drive and we found this parking that was so convenient and hassle free!
Skaros Rock is another place worth seeing. It’s located in front of Imerovigli. What a view! On our last night we walked in Imerovigli and watched the sunset from there. Beautiful!!
Santorini is know for its beautiful sunset! The locals say that sunsets in Santorini are never the same. They each have got their own vibe! Some restaurants and cafes even have a menu for a “sunset soirée “! Perfect set up!
Santorini has got so much to offer! No two experiences are the same.
I do plan on coming again very soon! Maybe even next summer! (hopefully!)
I’m a firm believer of “going with the flow” of things and see where it takes you!
Enjoy every sip, bite, day, moment! Our lives are always rush, rush, rush and somehow we loose the sense of the small pleasures in life!
This quote really speaks to me…
“Voluntary simplicity means going fewer places in one day rather than more, seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, acquiring less so I can have more.”
-John Kabat-Zinn
Living in Greece has changed my life for the better! I’ve come to learn and appreciate all those little things!
xxx