Picture a whole island covered in white stone and blue dots. This is the view of Santorini, Greece, where the white stone buildings and picturesque views are mirrored in the crystal blue waters. Located approximately 200km southeast of Greece’s mainland, Santorini is a daily paradise for locals and a must visit for anyone interested in a slower island lifestyle.
After some exploring, it becomes clear that Santorini is the keeper of natural beauty. Not only can you see amazing colours in the buildings, streets and locals, but Santorini’s beaches; coloured either red, white or black (personally red is my favourite), is also the perfect location to watch the most romantic sunsets in the world.
There are a lot of day tours which allows you to adventure up a volcano to see the amazing beauty from a point, visiting a hot springs to allow your body to relax, seeing the incredible sunset, which believe me could almost be ‘photoshopped’ and taking that stereotypical, yet enjoyable ride on a donkey.
If tours aren’t for you, or you are lucky enough to have more days on the Island then one of the easiest and cheapest way to move around is on a quad bike. A ride through the windy island allows you to investigate what Santorini has to offer at your own pace, as well as receiving quite a vivid view of the whole island from its houses, churches, beaches, and even the light house which is among one of the oldest lighthouses it that part of the world.
Not only will you taste and smell that salty air, but the seafood, or other local meals are filled with flavour, that either just melts in your mouth, or razzles those tastebuds. Here, your meals will most likely be cooked and served by locals of Santorini, and you’ll know it’s good as many restaurants you go to other diners themselves will be the islands local people.
Santorini should not be missed when travelling to the Greek Islands as your eyes will not forget the colours or amazing beauty, your mouth will not forget the authentic, tasty foods, and your body will not forget the opportunity to lay and relax on either one or more of the incredible beaches.
Black Beach at Santorini
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Santorini, Greece
All images courtesy of Sarah Pow 2012.