Santorini has long been seen as "destination honeymoon". The place is dripping with romance at every turn and who could resist the weather, especially during a Canadian winter.
But fear not, Santorini is far from catering only to those who seek romance. Here are ten reasons why Santorini should be on your travel radar.
1. The Accommodations
Santorini has many options when it comes to accommodation, the most popular area being Oia. There are many beautiful hotels within this vicinity, but you will also pay the premium that comes with being right in the middle of the action.
However, there is a downside, due to the densely packed, compact "streets", the area is largely pedestrian traffic only, especially on the hillside where most of the hotels sit. This results in a long hike dragging your bags up many steps to reach your final resting place.
We stayed in Pyrgos Kallistis, which is about a 20 minute drive from Oia and I would highly recommend it. It was nice coming back to peace and quiet after a full day of crowds. The area itself is also worth exploring and was the site of our best dining experience in Santorini.
2. The Food
A vacation is never complete without good food to look forward to. Santorini will not leave you disappointed.
The flavours of every dish are so well balanced, especially coupled with the always fresh tzatziki sauce. Pastries are buttery soft and don't even get me started on the olives. Put it this way, I hate olives at home, in Santorini I would beg to have some.
The hospitality you will receive when dining at most establishments is second to none and only adds to the experience. Your waiter will always recommend the best item on the menu and in typical European fashion, you will receive some form of liquor before your meal, especially if you have chosen a traditional greek restaurant.
Avoid restaurants with english-only menus as they cater more to tourists and tend to be overpriced without the quality you deserve.
3. The Beer
Great beer is one thing I did not expect to find in Santorini. However, after playful coaxing from a waiter who found out we were Canadians, we finally ordered a massive bottle of a beer called Crazy Donkey.
Brewed by the Santorini Brewing Company, this beer is the first IPA made in Greece and it was fantastic. Curious, we tried some other brews under the "Donkey" name, including our favourite which was called Yellow Donkey.
Yellow Donkey is an unfiltered American Pale Wheat Ale and was our go to for the majority of our trip. There is a specific way this beer must be poured, so be sure to get a glass and ask your waiter for a demonstration.
4. The Wine.
Of course, I cannot mention beer without also talking about the wine. There is no shortage of wine on this island, just another reason I would feel okay being stranded here.
We recommend booking a table at Santo Wines in Pyrgos Kallistis to watch the famous sunset without the crowds of Oia.
Here, you have the option of ordering a wine flight consisting of sixteen different varieties and if you're by yourself, they have delicious food to help you succeed in "tasting" them all.
Being able to try unique wines we wouldn't be able to have anywhere else, complete with a stunning view of the sunset, made this wine tasting experience unlike any other.
5. The Sunset.
It goes without saying, you have to watch the sunset at least once during your stay in Santorini. However, where you decide to watch will depend on what you want out of your experience.
Make your way to Oia, where crowds of people gather on the outer streets to get a view of this amazing sight or journey outside the crowds and book a table with a view.
Perhaps you crave complete privacy, in this case, venture outside the typical viewing locations to find your own vibe.
6. All of the Lights.
The beautiful view does not end with the completion of that famous sunset. After dark, Santorini illuminates with the twinkle of a thousand lights rising up from the pitch black sea.
Give yourself some time to explore and see the island in a different light.
7. The Hiking.
Great hiking awaits throughout Santorini with stunning views, including routes for the beginner or advanced.
We hiked from Thera to Oia, with a stop at Skaros Rock. It was a little more than we bargained for, as we got lost and ended up trekking up steep mountainsides, but after six hours in the stifling heat, we eventually ended up in Oia.
Skaros Rock is worth the stop if you are daring enough to climb to the uppermost plateau. The views from up there are second to none, however, the final ascent is not for the faint of heart.
There are no safety precautions in place as you climb the final eight feet or so to the top. It was nice, while we were there, everyone worked as a team to ensure complete strangers made it up and down safely. Some opted out at the last minute, while others encouraged the risk was worth it.
It was quite a knee shaking experience, knowing one wrong move and you could be tumbling into the ocean, but I'm glad I did it at the end of the day.
8. The Beaches
Each beach in Santorini is unique in it's own way, offering a variety of landscapes as well as different coast formations. You are sure to find the ideal beach to call home for a day.
We were lucky enough to stop off at Red Beach. Located close to Akrotiri Village, it is a little bit of a hike to get to from the tiny parking lot at the opening of the path, but well worth it.
Once you arrive, you will appreciate the effort it took to get here due to it's isolated feel. You are surrounded by rocks the colour of iron and below your feet, a rocky shore. Water shoes are recommended!
9. Amoudi Bay.
Amoudi Bay deserves to be a reason all on it's own. Not only is it a great place to watch the sunset while enjoying a delicious greek meal, it is also perfect if you love seafaring. Many boats are for hire if you want to venture onto the sea.
Get some exercise in and brave about 200 steps down to the bay (remember you must go back up) or hire a taxi if you aren't great on your feet. The steps are very uneven, each being a few paces deep, but you will get to see some donkeys along the way.
10. The Cats of Santorini
A cat lovers dream, Santorini is home to a ton of stray cats. Thankfully, they are cared for by locals and often fed by tourists leaving them quite the picture of health.
You do not have to leave behind the joy your furry friend brings you while vacationing here. Most of these cats love the attention and will put up with your eager attempts to get in a pet with every cat you see.
Santorini was such a diverse kind of vacation for us, providing relaxation, exploration and superb gastronomy. You are able to make this place what you want of it and I hope this helped open your eyes to the potential awaiting you in the Aegean Sea.