Santorini, Greece…What a Dime Piece
Greece is pure magic. Every direction you look you’re overcome with blue and white scenery. It’s almost like you were dropped inside the most beautiful painting ever created by the happiest artist there ever was. It really is that gorgeous.
Arriving in Santorini
Téa and I flew from Nice to Athens, and from Athens to Santorini arriving late at night. We found the most amazing Air BnB in Imerovigli, which is half way between Oia and Fira. Our host even set up a car to pick us up from the airport AND someone to help us bring our extremely heavy luggage down the steep Santorini steps.
Day 1:
Going to bed felt like Christmas Eve but instead of anticipating Santa Claus, we could not wait to see the incredible Santorini sunrise. The two of us sprung right out of bed the moment we felt the sun sneak into our room. It did not disappoint. From there on out we were ready to hit the Santorini streets! But of course, we first needed to fuel up.
Full and dressed to impress we began to stroll down the gorgeous caldera view among the white houses.. Oohing and Ahhing at all of the breath-taking views and resorts. We began to snap photos left and right. We then proceeded to make the very, very un-informed decision to “hike” from Imerovigli to Oia.
The Hike from Imerovigli to Oia
“Just a 3.5-hour hike along the coast. No big deal. We’ll take photos along the way. It'll be fun”, Téa said. This would soon haunt us for the next 3.5 hours. Now, I love a hike as much as the next fitness loving person BUT as long as I’m dressed right for the occasion, aka sneakers and leggings. Dresses and leather laced up sandals are NOT the right outfits. But, I must say for two girls who were very under prepared, we hiked up and down a 9-mile goat path like experts. It was touch and go for most of it, but we eventually made it to Oia and were rewarded with the most stunning views.
Ammoudi Bay
We arrived to Oia right around lunch time and the tourists were in full swing. Bumping into one another left and right. But we were on a mission and that mission was Ammoudi Bay. As we made it through the winding streets and down the other side of the cliff, this time it was at least paved. The good thing about getting to Ammoudi is that not a lot of tourists have the energy to make it all the way down the cliff, so you get to experience Greece as a local. After all the stairs and managing to not bump into the donkeys (or their poop), we were ready to eat! We made it down towards the water and noticed an incredible restaurant, Sunset Taverna by Paraskevas, lined with tables right up against the sea.
This was lunch with a view unlike any other! The two of us got some cocktails, ordered some tzatziki and seafood pasta and we were beyond happy. (P.S. this is where they also filmed Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. If you havent noticed, Téa likes to pretend she's Blake Lively)
From there we wanted to cool off and go for a swim in Ammoudi Bay. To get there you walk through the restaurant that we ate at and follow the cliffs all the way around. You’ll come across a crowd of people with the same thought. We joined several others swimming and jumping off the cliffs. The water was cool and the prettiest blue green and everyone was laughing and splashing without a care in the world. It truly was an experience unlike any other.
P.S. We did, unapologetically, take a donkey ride back to the top.
Sunset and Snacks
More so than the sunrises, Santorini is known for its sunsets. We decided to rest our feet and grab a snack at Terpsi 'n Oia. Little did we know that we were about to be seated right in front of the double blue domes we had been looking all day for. More food with views to die for. Seems to be a theme in Santorini.
We watched the beginning of the sunset fall on top of the blue domes and proceeded to make our way home. Taking the bus this time.
Imerovigli Sunset
We secretly hoped that we’d catch the end of the sunset at our Air BnB villa, and fortunately we did! Breath-taking. As expected. (And of course we had a mini photshoot)
Day 2:
Morning stroll to Fira
Before we had to pack up and head to Mykonos we went on an early morning stroll to Fira, which is in the opposite direction of Oia. Along the way you can’t help but admire the perfectly white streets with pops of blue and pink. It’s simply picturesque. And so, we did what needed to be done, took more photos along every inch of our walk as we enjoyed Nutella filled croissants.