SANTORINI : The Greek Travel Adventure

Known for its breathtaking views of Mediterranean sea, Oia's world's famous sunset, detectable cuisine, distinctive blend of traditional and modern-day cycladic architecture, with stunning infinity pools, blue-domed churches, paved paths that made this island the most romantic places and famous in the world. Woah that's one hell of a intro! So, it's time for me to share to you our ultimate Santorini experience. Also, we had the opportunity to explore the historic capital city of Athens, particularly the majestic construction ever build, the Parthenon. 

We arrived in Athens international airport by morning from our trip Romania, and we headed straight to Santorini which is 15 to 20 minutes flight. Since we're really dead tired coming from a 3 day activities in Romania, we arranged a private transfer from our airbnb host and decided to hibernate first before starting our activities.

• From Athens, you will need to get a domestic flight going to Santorini. 
• For us, we booked a flight from Volotea Airline. Check their promos, you might get a great deal just like us!
• Santorini Airport is relatively small, just like Caticlan airport in Boracay. So you won't get lost. 
• I advice you to book a transfer from your host/hotel. 

FIRA 

Is the capital city of Santorini. Though this Capital is tiny compared to other Europe cities, Fira is pack with everything you need. From cruise ship main port, shopping stores, restaurants, nightlife, and some of the top hotels are here. You can also find great Airbnb accommodation in this town.

Located in the western edge of the island. It offers a breath taking panoramic view of the volcanic island and the Mediterranean sea.

 Overlooking Fira Town.

During late spring to summer, the central or main streets becames crowded with tourist around the world. But if you head away and explore deep inside Fira, you'll find romantic streets, hidden chapels, picturesque houses and arching doorways that are waiting to be captured. 

 Perfect lunch overlooking Fira.

• Wake up early and start strolling Fira. You will need enough time to explore this beautiful town.
• No need to ride a public transportation since it is a small town. Walking is healthy too!
• There's a lot of beautiful restaurants here with panoramic views!

OIA

Known for it's world famous sunset. This town of Oia will give you a romantic feel while strolling around. Every part of this place is beautiful and picture perfect! So ready your full charged phones and cameras! You will stumble upon breathtaking views of blue domes, and white houses overlooking Aegean sea. 

 Oia's famous gelato.

Of course this trip to Oia will not be completed if you're not going to see the famous sunset. Most of the tourist during late afternoon will go and lined up to the streets overlooking the sea and ready to snap and witness the gorgeous sunset, giving you the rich golden feels. Definitely worth the wait. Better get your perfect spot!

• You will need a whole day for this trip, for you to enjoy and explore ever part of this town.
• Ride a bus from Fira to Oia. Bus trip normally starts around 6:30am until 8pm. almost every hour.
• It is a 20 to 25 minute drive.
• I advice you to not to bring or rent a car since parking in Oia is limited. Riding a bus is more efficient for this activity.
• Better get a perfect spot for the sunset viewing, just before the crowd starts coming. normally the volume of tourist will increase around 4:30pm.

RED BEACH

On our 3rd day, we rented a car and headed to some of the beaches that surrounds Santorini. Our first stop is the famous Red beach.

Located at the ancient site of Akrotiri, this beach is arguably one of the most popular beaches in Santorini. With its dramatic and breathtaking backdrop of soaring crimson cliffs which is composed of red and black volcanic rocks.

If you're coming from a tropical country, you will find this beach a little underwhelming, but over all we had fun specially was able to take a dip for the first time in Mediterranean sea.

• Red beach is relatively small. You can just stay here for an hour or two.
• Ride a bus from Fira to Akrotiri. Then a short walk to the beach it self. KTEL is the island bus company that runs frequently to everywhere on the island.
• I advice you to rent a car when beach hopping. There's a lot of beaches in Santorini, this will maximize your time well.
• Car rentals is everywhere in Fira.
• It is a 20 to 25 minute drive.

METAXY MAS

Known as the best restaurant in Santorini. Our airbnb host also recommended this to us, with just a short 10-15minute drive away from Fira, you will be greeted by a stunning and relaxing views of Aegean sea and vineyards. With one of the most delicious authentic and original recipe in Santorinian cuisine. Surely this restaurant lived up to its hype!

Overlooking Santorini's Vineyards and Aegean Sea. Photo credits from Metaxy Mas

There Boneless porckchop with orange sause & baked tomatoes is to die for! Must try.

One of our best lunch during our stay in Santorini. You'll leave this restaurant will full stomach! Perfect for dinner too! 

• It's 10 to 12 minute drive from Fira. It's in Waze. 
• Ride a bus from Fira then go down to Exo Gonia for 20 minutes, then walk for 10-15 minutes down to the resto. Told you rent a car!

FIRA AT NIGHT

After all the activities, have time to relax and enjoy the amazing view of this magical romantic town of Fira at night. 



ACCOMMODATION

It's really hard not to talk about this beautiful home where we stayed through Airbnb. Arbor's villa is equipped with everything you need. With its spacious and romantic feels, it will definitely give you the ultimate Santorini experience right away! 

Our friend Nina got to celebrate her Birthday in Santorini. 

Arbor House is located on the eastern side of Santorini in the charming and unspoiled village of Kontohori, a peaceful heritage-designated village.

The villa is located in Fira, and just a few minutes walk away from the main town where restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and groceries stores are easily accessed, as well as the island’s main road and bus terminal.

• You can check Arbor's house through airbnb or other travel booking websites. 
• There's a lot of hotels and villas to choose from in Fira, and Oia with famous whitewashed interiors, infinity pools, and a panoramic view of Aegean sea. It comes with a hefty prices if you want a stunning view, but there's also a cheaper accommodation. So book ahead of time, because it's in hot demand.

ATHENS

Greece is regard as the cradle of Western Civilization. Ever since high school, I have this big fascination of Acient Greece, that I only got to see it through books. Now its time to make it to a reality, so, we grabbed the opportunity to spend two days in this city to explore and gleaned an understanding of some of the well known ancient famous sites and foodies, before heading back home.



ACROPOLIS 

View of the Acropolis of Athens at the ruins of Ancient Agora.

The Acropolis of Athens rise above the ancient and modern Athens. A lasting testament of Greece's glorious golden age in 5th century BC. A place of worship and refuge when the city is under attack. This historical site is on top of the list of every tourist visiting the capital city of Greece. Lets talk about some parts of the Acropolis.

PROPYLAEA

The extravagant gateway of the Acropolis

TEMPLE OF ATHENA NIKE

The Temple of Nike overlooking modern Athens

Nike is the greek word for victory. It is where Athenians celebrates and honored their victories.

PARTHENON

A marble temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena. It is one of the most majetic construction ever build, a palace fit for goddess, and a master piece of geometry and proportion.

It's one of the places I've been dying to see since I was young, and finally it happened. So surreal!


ANCIENT AGORA

Located at the northwest of the Acropolis, it is where for 3000 years Athenians gathers for activities. It is the commercial hub for political and social life. 

The entrance of Odeon Agrippa at Ancient Agora.

  Strolling around this ancient epic greek past is unforgettable experience that you'll never forget. 



PLAKA

It is the oldest district in Athens. Though it is quite commercialized, but no doubt, the most picturesque and nicest neighborhood in central Athens. With its pleasant surroundings, restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from. Also, there's a lot of souvenir shops here.

TEMPLE OF ZEUS

The Temple of Olympian Zeus with the Acropolis at the back. 

It is the largest temple ever build in Ancient Greece build 6th century BC. This colossal temple was dedicated to Olympian Zeus, a name originating from his position as head of Olympian Gods. 

• Get some accommodation in the center of Athens for easy access to all tourist spots.
• There's a lot of cheap hotels around metro. We booked out stay at Hotel Cosmopolit. It's near Omonia train station. Check it out!
• From Omonia station, go down to Acropoli Station. The Acropolis entrance is just walking distance from there. 
• Plaka and Temple of Zeus is around the Acropolis too.
• I don't recommend you to stay here for a long time, 2 to 3 days of touring the ancient ruins, cool restaurants and see their museums is enough, then off to go to other island or cities like Santorini!
• Taxis in Athens are relatively cheap.

Learning and experiencing contemporary Greece changed the way I think about their culture. This is not just about touring this country, after our trip, some how, I have a more comprehensive understanding of their complex identity. Also, this trip is very special to me, as this is a promise to myself on my 30th birthday, to visit Santorini and the famous Acropolis. Santorini's cycladic architecture and Athens rich ancient history tickles my curiosity and imagination. So, if you're into rich history and architectures, then greek culture it for you!