Santorini, Greece
- adriennevolk
- Aug 12, 2017
- 4 min read
Getting There:
Most international flights will land in Athens and you will need to connect to Santorini (JTR). It's a very small and easily navigable airport. Renting a car was simple, but make sure to book it well in advance because there are limited quantities on this small island (especially for an automatic). We rented a Smart car which was great on gas and easy to navigate through the small streets. It also afforded us the opportunity to explore different towns and beaches (which we would not have done if we relied on a taxi).
Rest Your Body:
While in Santorini, I rented the home of a friend in Messaria (the center of the island), which ended up being an eventful experience. It was unique to experience that aspect of Greek culture. However, I would recommend staying in Oia if you only have a few nights in Santorini. It is the more charming town on the island, where Fira (essentially the capital), is much more touristy and crowded.
My personal thought is that you could see Santorini effectively in 3 nights, but could certainly stay longer if you wanted to relax and dig into the culture on this lovely little island.
Culinary Delights:
This is the best kept secret since Bill and Monica. Metaxy Mas Taverna is my favorite restaurant in the entire world (and that is something I have and will only say once!). I actually went to this gem twice- on the first and last night of our stay in Santorini. It is situated in Pyrgos, at the top of the mountain, hidden behind the church. It is delicious, authentic, and inexpensive.
We started with a Greek liquor on the house and olives and cheese. The Greek salad was the most delicious I've ever had and was authentic to Greece with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, capers, a soft goat's cheese in it (and no lettuce- who knew?!). I would also add sun-dried tomato. Then we had this amazing pan fried feta in a phyllo wrapping with honey drizzled on it and sesame seeds on top. We also had an extraordinary sun-dried tomato and chicken risotto that was mind blowing!
Metaxy Mas Tavern
Exo Gonia Santorini
PO 84700
Santorini
Greece
Tel. (0030) 22860 31323
Email: info@santorini-metaximas.gr
We went to a semi-touristy place called Caldera View on the southwest part of the island, which was amazing for the gorgeous Greek sunset (and they randomly had great crepes.)
The Dolphin Restaurant by the Red Beach has a great view where you sit right out on the water on a dock.
On the East end of the island there are several restaurants near the airport that came highly recommended by locals. Galini Fish Tavern is an adorable seaside family restaurant with great food just north of the airport. They even offered a tasting of all Greek items.
Just beneath the town of Oia, there are several restaurants lined up along the Bay of Amoudie. The seafood options here are delightful and endless! I would recommend not necessarily stopping at one of the first choices you see, but exploring the wide variety of options. They even display many of their seafood options for you to see including the octupi seen below with my dear friend, Stefanie!
Adventure:
Beach Options
Perissa Beach is a beach that lies right next to a large rock formation. There are many options for 7€ chairs and free wifi.
Perivilos Beach has many of options for 7€ chairs and free wifi as well.
Kalmari Beach had cute shops and a nice beach.
Red Beach is difficult to get to and not worth the effort. It is a red hue because of the iron in it. If you do go to Red Beach, make sure to check out the Dolphin Restaurant (see above).
You must absolutely visit Oia if you come to Santorini. It is a picturesque town with beautiful views around every turn. You can catch the most amazing sunset by the windmill at western end of island and wander the streets. There are dozens of adorable shops in the town and great restaurants as well. I have detailed the restauants in the Bay of Amoudie above!
Fira is the largest town on the island of Santorini. It's quite touristy and where all of the cruise ships disembark. Food and accommodations are relatively expensive and not very quality, but they can get away with it because so many tourists are only on the island for a few hours. I would suggest that you visit if you have the time, but don't stay here if you have the choice.
There is also a fine dining restaurant close to the church and museum in the most southern part of Fira called Koukoumavlos. It's pricey but has a beautiful view and interesting menu!
Koukoumavlos
Address: Φηρά, Fira, 847 00, Greece
There is also a very tasty crepe shop called Crepes & Waffle that makes a wide variety of savory and sweet crepes. It was such a fantastic treat and I would highly recommend it if you're in the neighborhood!
Crepes & Waffle
Fira, P.C. 84700, Santorini, Cyclades
TEL.: +30 22860 25512
e-mail: cornerfira@yahoo.gr
Santos Winery was a great spot to kick back for the sunset and enjoy a local wine tasting. Flights of wine were available I particularly enjoyed the local wine called Vinsanto. It is comparable to port wine.
The South of the Island
If you experience a little rain during your visit and need to be indoors or are a lover of history like myself, I would highly recommend Akrotiri, which is a 3,000 year old ancient Greek city that was preserved by a volcanic eruption. This historical site is the Greek version of Italy's Pompeii.
Cocktail Hour:
The nicest bar is Franco's Bar which was selected the most beautifully located bar in the world. It's a fantastic bar but a little expensive because of it's location overlooking the sea.
http://www.francos.gr/
Hidden Gems: Metaxy Mas Tavern, sunset in Oia, Seafood along the Bay of Amoudie
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