Santorini is about Oia sunset. Not.

Well, I think Santorini is one of the most famous islands all around the world. At least one of the most famous Greek islands, next to Myconos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and more. I have visited this island twice so far and I plan to visit it again this summer for a wedding. The interesting thing is that I visited the island of Santorini in two completely different periods of my life. One when I was around 17 and one around 40.

This allowed me to see the island again from a different perspective. I didn’t want the wildlife of sweet seventeen but I kinda missed it when I saw that the whole island was still vibrating with young people exploring life. I found it less noisy though…

What I saw was that Santorini kept the same feeling and balance between traditional houses and “tourist” attractions as it was all these years before. I got the same feeling more or less which is a plus for the Mayor and habitants of the island to manage to keep this unique sensation and style, this island has. I went through the different little pathways and narrow passages between houses, tasting some very nice snacks and plates during the days I spent there.

Some history

The island, located at Cyclades complex of islands, was formed in its current shape after an eruption of the famous Santorini volcano. Prior to this the island’s name was Strogili (round). The blast changed the shape of the island and thus the name (had to) change also. The back then habitants of the island are alleged to be linked with the Cretans/Minoans. After the eruption a Tsunami blasted measured around 70 feet high and with a 100km speed. Imagine the Minoans shock back then.

The magma still pure out slowly from the once above the sea level land. Actually the island Nea Kameni (which is a no-green ground) is like a cork on top of the underwater volcano and a result of magma spill from it. Slowly during all these years Nea Kameni was formed from spilled magma. I also visited this place with a boat cruise and climbed to the top (not easy at all and sulphur smells strongly at some points.

What to do

A plenitude of activities is available to all visitors to this island. Like going long boat cruises on wooden boats where you dive in many different places around the island and enjoy nice snacks aboard. A towel and a swimsuit is the formal dress code for these.

Or do the traditional donkey ride where I felt sympathy for those four legged fellows doing this up and down so many times per day. I visited beaches with crystal waters and jet skied for the first time in my life. If only I knew what I was missing all this time!!! To the surprise of many I didn’t watch the sunset at Oia. But tasted some nice wines.

Well, Santorini is a lot about wines. By talking with the people there I learned many details for which wines are good and which are less good. Why the quality of the black Santorini wine is different from the white ones and for what exact reasons. I am not going to tell you… you will have to either google it or taste it yourselves.  There are many wine tours and many winery’s in the island. Just ask the local restaurants or small shops which to visit depending the village you are staying in. Actually, specific food and wine tours are organized all the time. You have to try Vinsanto. Not so much for table wine than as a sweet desert.

I have heard that you can rent a seat in a small scuba boat and you can explore ruins in the bottom of the island sea. Well, don’t do it. They informed me that it was abandoned as a project and it was a scam after all.

I went all over the island, all the way to the lighthouse. And also to the top of the mountain above ancient Thera where you can see everything around and the vistas are spectacular.

The island is famous for weddings and a splendid honeymoon location. Many people, literally around the world, go the island to get married and spent their sweet first days as a couple there.

If you like photography the whole island is a set for cart postal shooting. Everything get into the frame and look dreamy.

The caves in Caldera where build as houses at first, from the first settlers due to their fear for pirates. Slowly, the villages of Oia and Fira sprung out. Until today, villagers do dig caves to store nets and their fishing equipment. But also the old caves I mentioned before transformed to high value houses. The climate in these cave (yet luxurious) houses is very good. Cool in summer and warm in winter. Also a specific and significant role in Santorini buildings is played by the arched roofs. These also serve very nice temperatures and they are part of the island’s scenery and particular characteristics.

Visitors will find a ton of apartments and hotels and studios to stay in the island. It depends on the taste, likes and what you want to do or where closer to be. Distances in the island are very logical and hog bikes are everywhere with controlled speed for those who don’t drive cars, nor bikes. Just try to find the best price for a room with a view. It is the first thing you will see at morning and it will pay all its money in feelings.

Some specific proposals

Yes, since you are there do take your significant other and do watch the sunset. It’s like a ritual for all visitors. But don’t do only that. There are numerous beaches even with different sand colors (black, red) which are crystal clear Aegean water. Visit the museum of Prehistoric Thera and learn something amazing (which I will also not share) for the island and how back it goes in history.

But most of all be aware. You will find that the island has a specific energy that seems to positively alter you energy to a higher level. You will indeed feel different from day one (or at least the day after un packing).

Taste the white eggplants. Very delicious. And tomatoes which are grown with almost no water (sounds like tomatoes from Malta actually), and cherry tomatoes. If you want to launch your taste ask for Fava, tomato-balls, cod fish with garlic, and for sure “chloro”. It’s goat cheese quite fresh. And finally seek for “Melitinia” small pies.

Other than that, do explore. The island is not an adventure destination and green is limited but it covers all the rest as any Aegean island.