The Ruggedly Beautiful – Santorini

Santorini described as one of the mos photographed places in the world. Considered to be one of the most romantic cities. Rated as one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe and a place where you can see the most beautiful sunset.

So, for all this is descriptions and tags, did we really find Santorini beautiful?Here’s our journey!

We reached Santorini via Ryanair, one of the budget airlines in Europe. The sad thing happened was, we were not aware that we should check-in online in Ryanair website. So when we reached the counter, 5 minutes past the counter opening, the airline agent told us that we need to pay 110 euros for doing the counter check-in. The online check-in is free. So please if you book through Ryanair be sure to  check-in online a week or 2 days before your flight to be sure.

Arriving at the airport, we took the airport shuttle which you can find as soon as you exit the airport. The cost is 24 euros (for 2) one way, going to the Sigal Villa in Akrotiri town.  We can highly recommend Sigal Villa. They have wide rooms, good breakfast, amazing view and the family who own the business is very helpful.

Akrotiri is far from the famous Fira & Oia town. As per some reviews, you can reach by bus or taxi but for us, we rented a car from a reliable company recommended by the hotel. Some were driving an ATV but the couple we met said, its a bit tiring to drive around still humid and hot even it was October month.

Driving with a car around is more fun but  it will be difficult to find a parking, the roads are very narrow. Fira town has more cafes and restaurants than Oia. You can see alot of huge buses dropping off tourist that maybe doing a day trip or from cruise line companies. The bus station in Fira, is the most convenient way to reach to the other towns like Imerogvili, Oia or Firostefani. I like Fira for 2 things, many shops, cafes & restaurants and it is more lively than Oia. Try visiting 1983 Two brothers bar and eat in Lucky’s Souvlaki.

There are many blue-domed churches is Santorini, more or less 250 churches. The famous one is in Oia but to be honest, we didn’t find it. Wished that we stayed longer to find that church, explore the red beach, black beach and do some trips to other islands such as Crete, Poros, Hydra and Aegina. In Santorini, you are paying for the view but you can find the same taste/dishes/quality on some small cafes/shops off the beaten path which is cheaper.

When visiting Oia, you can go down to Amoudi Bay by walk or by a donkey. The restaurants in Amoudi Bay is a bit costly, but you get what you are paying for, a very nice view and they offer variety of sea foods. Try the Amoudi Bay restaurant.

Santorini is famous for its white-washed houses, buildings, everything is painted in white and the churches are blue domed which is the countries color that symbolizes the color of the everyday life, the sea and the sky. Since it is from a volcano eruption so the soil is a bit hard and mostly crops are olives and grapes. They have seasonal fruits and vegetables and  one thing that we will never forget and will always remember that, its only in Greece that we tasted the best and juiciest tomatoes in our entire lives.

So, is Santorini really beautiful?

It is definitely beautiful!.