[ Itinerary created September 2022, so note certain things may have changed since then ]
4 days of discovering historical sites, watching sunsets, admiring white houses perched on colossal cliffs, and trying traditional Greek food.
Our hotel.
Located in the heart of a small, coastal village called Perissa, you can find this boutique gem. From the moment you arrive, you feel like you are on a Greek island, with the white washed walls, accompanied by vibrant pops of colour, with the greenery and flora, echoing the iconic architecture of the Cyclades.
Our room had a balcony which was ideal for my sunrise/sunset loving self, and the interior colours were a combination of white and earthy tones, reflecting a soothing Mediterranean ambience.
There was a swimming pool, and a terrace, where breakfast was served everyday from 8-10am. The breakfast consisted of a variety of breads, meats and fruit; the perfect mix to start the morning. And, there were various communal spaces, with cozy seating areas adorned with local artwork and handcrafted decor. The reception staff were extremely helpful, and gave us a map of the whole island, and various recommendations on what to do while we were there.
The hotel had a sister restaurant on the beach; which meant sun beds were fortunately included in the price of our room, and we were offered a 10% discount on all the food there.
Day one. Skaros rock - like a scene from Mamma Mia.
But first let's talk about getting there. Perissa to Fira is a 20 minute bus journey, however the bus didn't come for ages and the timetable was a mess. However, we still got there in time to avoid the crowds (around 10am).
The climb to the rock from the bus stop took us about an hour or so, but the time went so fast, thanks to the various distractions along the way; the luxurious white yachts sailing below, the little cafes and market stores in the cobbled streets, and the array of white and blue colours. On reaching the top of the rock, the views were even more phenomenal. Although, the peaceful feeling is then rattled by the view of stairs, and the realisation that you have to climb back up. But, this part does make you feel like you're in a scene from Mamma Mia.
We had lunch on the way back to the bus stop, in a hillside restaurant - To Briki, Firostefani - chicken tacos and a classic Greek salad. And then we waited for the next bus to take us back to Perissa. On returning in the afternoon, we ventured to the beach and found the perfect spot to sunbathe. We then dined in the evening at a restaurant called Noma.
Day two. Exploring Akrotiri.
Due to the bus schedule not being the best the day before, we hired a quad bike, which was £70 for the day, to get around more easily, as we had a lot we wanted to see!
We started at the Akrotiri archeological site; which dates back to the Early Bronze Age, which was found, covered in Volcanic Ash after the 17th century BC earthquake and volcanic eruption. You can walk along the walkways inside the site, which are suspended above the ruins, and explore the lost city yourself - observing artefacts, ancient furniture and reconstructed houses.
Next, we visited Red Beach. As its colour and formation are unique, it doesn't come as a surprise that it's an extremely touristy spot. As you walk down the winding, rocky steps, the melodies of a man playing the violin, infuse into the air, creating a rather ethereal soundtrack to the descent. There is a cafe on the beach, where you can grab some food. And, there are lounge chairs to hire, if you want to sunbathe, and watch the boats come in and out throughout the afternoon.
In the early evening, we made our way to the Lighthouse viewpoint, still in Akrotiri, which is a well-known spot to watch a classic Santorini sunset - it did not disappoint!
On the way back, we drove through the picturesque streets, with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding cliffs. When we arrived back into Perissa, we headed out for dinner at our hotel's sister restaurant on the beach; Aquarius.
Day Three. Boat Trip.
We booked our boat trip with Santorini Luxury Travel.
It was $45 for the day; including the hotel to port transfer, visiting the Fira Old Port, climbing the Volcano with a guided tour, swimming in the Hot Springs, and having lunch in Therasia.
We ascended the Nea Kameni Volcano, and at the top there were unbeatable views of Santorini and the neighbouring volcanic islands. After the hike, we had the opportunity to swim in the therapeutic Hot Springs.
Note: You should tie your hair up if it's dyed blonde, as the sulphur in the water can turn your hair orange. Also, wear a bathing suit you don't really care about, as it may change colour.
The temperature of the water was around 35 degrees, and it was noticeablely different to the normal sea temperature.
After, there was a visit to Therasia, a hidden gem in the Aegean Sea, known as Santorini's sister island. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling main island. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the charming villages, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic vistas (if you choose to do more climbing).
We sat in a small beachside restaurant, and had a massive plate of meat; chicken gyros, souvlaki, etc. Post-lunch, we laid out on the rocks in the sun and indulged in a quick swim, before heading back onto the boat. On re-approaching Santorini, we witnessed the beauty and charm of Oia, and the contrast between the vibrant blue Aegean Sea and the overpowering white buildings above.
For our final dinner we went to a restaurant at the very end of Perissa Beach; Demil Mar.
Day Four. Final day.
During our time in Santorini, we had done lots of exploring. So, to enjoy our last few hours on the Greek island, we had a relaxing beach day. Our flight was in the evening so it allowed us plenty of time to lay out in the sun, and catch a tan, before having to say goodbye to Santorini.
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