Santorini, Greece - May 2014
Before arriving in Santorini with two of my best friends from college, I thought a week was going to be overly long and slightly dreadful. I was not sure if I even knew how to relax for that long. But a week was not enough. I could not get over the white and blue contrast and the light fresh Aegean breeze that cooled you down from time to time. I would read on top of our hotel roof garden every day and being able to just sit there and glance at the deep blue ocean any moment I desired was unexpectedly therapeutic. On our last evening, we watched the famous sunset from the Kapari hotel restaurant, and honestly I've never understood the whole allure with sunsets until I experienced a Santorini sunset. Yes, it was kind of romantic and beautiful. Santorini is like no other, of the places I've been to thus far, this is one of the most breathe taking places. To see it in person is whole other experience.
The whole notion of "relaxing" and "the slow life" never really clicked for a while until I came here. Of the tropical/exotic places I've explored, this one specifically has been the most relaxing of them all. Maybe it was because I haven't traveled too much up to that point or I have been living in a bubble for the past nine months. But this trip specifically, reminded me of the importance of appreciation, and most importantly the wonders of this planet, because I almost forgot about the rest of the world while living in NYC. Seeing my best friend on top of the Volcano, that caused one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, genuinely appreciating its beauty and history, made me realize that I had forgotten to appreciate.
A few snippets from my recent trip to Santorini. One of the most beauitful places I have ever been. Food was surprisingly amazing and every meal had a spectacular view. Not a single meal was dissapointing. Everything was just so fresh and high quality. Although the vast majority of our meals were in Imerovigli. I'd say that we used TripAdvisor signs as a point of measure. I also recommend staying in Imerovigli as opposed to Oia, because everyone stays in Oia and it's more touristic and crowded. Imerovigli is much more intimate and equally scenic if not more. You can always take the bus to Oia which takes about 15-20 min or hitch hike. The buses in Santorini are also not crappy buses you'd find in America, but it's actually more of tour buses.
Food:
1) Pirouni - A great lunch spot, spectacular service and wonderful view.
2) Kapari - I recommend making a reservation in advance and dining here to watch the sunset, it was absolutely stunning. The food was beautifully presented and of a creative Greek style with a mix of modern and traditional. The service was fantastic.
3) Sunset Taverna - This restaurant is located in Ammoudi Bay, I recommend making a reservation to watch the sunset right by the water far in advance. It's a lot pricier but the view is fantastic and the seafood was very fresh.
Activities:
1) Book a half day semi-private or private boat cruise
2) Climb on top of the volcano
3) Visit Thira, Firastefani, Imerovigli and Oia
4) Santos Winery
5) Red beach, white beach
6) Swim in the hot spring - BEWARE - do not wear a light colored swimsuit as it will STAIN.
7) Get a fish pedicure! - Though there are some discrepancies about its sanitation but do your own research before deciding.