Vacation in Santorini, Greece

There are places that need absolutely no introduction, and Santorini is definitely one of them. I think a vacation here, or at least a short visit, is on everyone’s bucket list at least once in a lifetime. It is not called the “Island of Love” for nothing; it wins you over instantly with its fairytale-like landscapes and architecture. You have probably seen this Greek island thousands of times in photos, with its iconic blue-domed churches, narrow streets that seem suspended over the Aegean Sea, and those stunning sunsets that flood the internet.

However, once you get there, reality is a bit different from the expectations set by travel brochures. That is because there are tens of thousands of other people who want to visit the exact same island, the same spots, at the exact same time. Believe it or not, you will have to wait in line for minutes or even hours just to take photos in the island’s most Instagrammable spots. Plus, the streets are extremely narrow and crowded, and everything around is very dusty. This is completely normal for a volcanic island, but it is a detail nobody tells you before you arrive and one that, obviously, you never see in photos.

Fortunately, we chose to spend most of our time in Kamari and avoid the peak hours in Oia, so overall, our vacation was incredibly relaxing. Spending a week in Santorini was exactly the escape we needed to recharge our batteries and fully enjoy that laid-back, warm, and friendly Greek vibe. The locals truly know how to make you feel welcome.

Things We Did on the “Island of Love”:

Pyrgos and the Venetian Castle of Emporio (Kasteli)

We visited the famous village of Pyrgos. It is the ideal place if you want to experience an authentic Santorini – a fortified medieval settlement with a whole maze of narrow streets where you can only travel on foot or… by donkey 😊. I was completely captivated by the vibrant colors of the doors, each one unique, contrasting beautifully against the white walls of the buildings.

We continued our walk towards the village of Emporio, which is just as photogenic as Pyrgos.

Wine Tasting at Santo Wines Winery

On our way to Oia, we stopped for a wine tasting at the famous Santo Wines winery. I must admit, it was the first time I was more captivated by the panoramic views from the terrace than by the wine varieties and the stories behind their unique wine production.

However, the stop was a huge success: my husband found his absolute favorite wine, Vinsanto. It is produced right there from grapes left to sundry under the island’s intense sun. (Way too sweet for my taste! 😂)

Oia and the Famous Santorini Sunset

And finally, we arrived in the famous Oia, which truly offers spectacular views. We waited for at least an hour to watch the sunset, but the view was absolutely worth it. I have a soft spot for sunsets; I make this moment of the day a special event every single time, wherever I am in the world. And in my personal ranking for the most breathtaking sunset, the one in Oia is definitely in the top 3.

Kamari Beach and Traditional Tavernas

We stayed in the resort town of Kamari. Whenever we weren’t relaxing at our hotel, we would stroll through the town, exploring the beachfront and the local tavernas. We loved that it was a much less crowded area compared to Fira or Oia, offering incredible Greek food and smiling, welcoming locals.

One day, we stopped by a traditional taverna, and the owner came over to greet us and ask where we were from. After giving us a few menu recommendations, he found out that I am not a fan of seafood at all. He smiled and confidently told me that, in fact, “I just hadn’t eaten it at the right place.” He told me not to worry about a thing because he would personally make sure to change my mind.

About 20 minutes later, he reappeared triumphantly at our table holding a massive platter of fried seafood… completely unaware that seeing mountains of food instantly makes me feel a bit overwhelmed and ruins my appetite on the spot! 🫣 Even though I truly appreciated his gesture and authentic hospitality, after taking a bite, I came to the exact same conclusion: seafood is simply not for me.

Santorini Vacation Conclusions: Pros and Cons

What We Loved:

1. The Traditional Food: I am a huge cheese lover, so I tried absolutely every type of saganaki (fried cheese) I could find. Even though I didn’t make peace with the seafood, their traditional Greek cuisine completely won us over.
2. The Landscapes: They have a unique charm, mostly thanks to the striking color contrasts.
3. The Locals: The people are incredibly welcoming and friendly.

What We Didn’t Like:

1. The Dust: As I mentioned earlier, there was a lot of dust everywhere. Because of this, the famous blue domes in Oia aren’t actually as bright blue in reality as they appear in all the photos online.
2. Overpriced for What It Offers: Prices are quite high simply because of the island’s popularity and fame.
3. The Crowds: Especially in Oia and Fira, the narrow alleys get so packed that you are walking shoulder-to-shoulder.

Where We Stayed:

We stayed at the Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort, which was recently opened at the time of our visit. We chose the half-board option, and the hotel’s Italian restaurant was excellent – we truly loved the food. We also thoroughly enjoyed the pool, the jacuzzi, and our regular dinner guest 🐈.