Can you believe Santorini is the end result of a volcanic eruption which happened in the 16th century BC?? When we visited Santorini, we were stunned with the beauty of the island. It's a Perfect picture postcard place. The combination of white and blue houses makes you feel that you're in a majestic world world.
Here are the top 10 things you should not miss from the world of white and blues.
1. Mesmerizing Sunsets
Santorini witnesses one of the best sunsets in the world😍. According to me missing out on a sunset in Santorini would be an offence🙄. The entire town of Fira and Oia would come together to witness nature in its utmost beautiful form. While Oia has many sunset points where people can gather and watch the sunset, Fira is located right in the middle and has an amazing chain of hotels where you can relax in an infinity pool, a patio or maybe in a restaurant and experience the breath taking view of the sunset.
2. Hike to the top of Santorini Volcano
Grab your walking shoes, hop on a board of a local Boat and jump on to the Kameni Island. The volcanic landscape is pretty much active yet 'asleep'. You can sense the activeness of the volcano with the sulphur smell all over the top and also feel the heat inside some of the rocks. (Do proceed with caution though)
Also, don't forget to pack your swimming gears as some of the boats also make a small halt near one of the geothermal points that heats the sea below.
It's a captivating experience as you can clearly make out the difference in the temperature.
3. Explore the Capital, Fira
Fira is the capital of Santorini. Do not go by the size of the Town because as little as it may seem, it is immensely beautiful than any other humongous capitals in Europe. For a town as teeny as Fira, it has a bunch full of stuff to do with visiting gorgeous views, to quaint churches to cobbled streets. I am sure anyone wouldn't want to miss out on these things.
4. Experience the Nightlife
Santorini has one of the coolest nightlife in entire Europe as people from all over the continent especially from neighbouring countries have made Santorini a weekend gateway. Don't be surprised if you find more tourists dancing than the locals themselves. I would specifically recommend Koo and Enigma. They are one of the oldest and finest in the town.
5. Hike from Fira to Oia
Well, Santorini is not just an island of leisure. Until we actually visited Santorini, we also thought of it like an island of only relaxation. We actually did find some amazing trails especially the Caldera trail from Fira to Oia. Oia is around 10 Kms (6 miles) from Fira. You could also rent a quad bike or maybe grab your shoes, pack some water and head off the early morning or maybe later in the afternoon to avoid the strong midday sunshine. We tried both and I would have to say that the hike was much more memorable than the quad bike ride.
6. Shopping
Shopping here is a lot different than in other cities or islands of Europe as it's highly priced and I wouldn't recommend it personally. For gifting to your near and dear ones you can definitely find many unique stuff out there. The island has some of the finest shops selling necklaces and other stuff made from volcanic rocks. They're really attractive and something unusual.
7. Grab a plate of trofí
Greece is known for its delicious food and Santorini is no exception. There are so many local dishes you can try. Greek yoghurt is a must-try. You cannot visit Greece and not have Greek yoghurt. Apart from the desserts there are a variety of food options that Santorini offers, starting from the traditional Greek dishes like Greek salad, souvlaki, moussaka and many more to many other western dishes. Souvlaki is a personal recommendation as it is one of the finest grab and go food on the island.
8. Visit Atlantis
Well over 3000 years ago, a catastrophic volcanic eruption consumed Santorini causing the middle of the island to disappear into the ocean below, with the island long assumed to be the home of the legend of Atlantis. The Volcanic eruption was one of the biggest eruptions in the world and happened around 1,600 BC.
Not only did it cause a vast majority of the island of Thera (the big island that once was Santorini) to sink beneath the ocean, it also left a huge crater that formed the vast cliffs on Santorini - leading to many assumptions about this being the home of Atlantis.
Over the last five-decade, archaeologists have found a place like the Akrotiri Archaeological Site that shows us a glimpse into the past. Head here to learn more about the island's dramatic (and pretty recent) past while also discovering some of the ancient settlements.
9. Sail around Santorini
No trip to an island is complete without a little jaunt on a boat. It's one of the Best things to do when on an island. Here in Santorini, you can visit the Volcanic island, dip into the hot springs, ride a jet ski, or maybe dive into the deep blue sea.
10. Explore the neighbourhoods
A little away from the main town as you move south there is a place in right called Pyrgos. A beautiful small town with a stunning view of the sun and the sea together in one frame.
On the other side of the Pyrgos, there's Megalochori, another beautiful town near Santorini. It's a perfect town to explore for a few hours. You can always rent a quad bike to roam around the entire island as it is around 10 minutes from the main town of Fira.
On your way to these places or on your way back don't forget to stop by Santo. Wine lovers you wouldn't want to miss this one.
Santo Winery Let me know how much you guys can relate to this quote after you experience these 10 things on the island.
And then you go to a place that stops you in your tracks and makes you wonder how you got so lucky just to be there. As our ship entered the foggy caldera and I caught my first glimpses of Santorini, I knew it would be one of those places.
Alex in Wanderland
Thank you for your time. Do check out the other blogs.
Wanderer | Explorer | Photographer📷 Traveller from India.
Take only memories, leave only footprints👣
Follow @happyfeetwanders for more
