Santorini, Greece, May 2021
After a wonderful week in Athens, we left for Santorini island, the famous Greek island. We took a short 45 minute Aegean Airways flight from Athens direct to Santorini. There, we were picked at the airport up by the car rental company we had booked a car with, taken to their offices nearby, filled out all the paperwork, and off we went to Oia pronounced (EEya).
Santorini, officially called Thira, is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast from the Greek mainland. It is the largest island of a small circular archipelago (formed as a cauldron of a volcano). The island was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history: the Minoan eruption (sometimes called the Thera eruption), which occurred about 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization. The eruption left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of meters deep. Several sides of the crater collapsed into the sea many years later, and the caldera is now part of the Aegean Sea. Santorini forms the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km2 (28 sq mi) and a 2011 census population of 15,550.
We had booked to stay at the Marriott hotel on Oia, and at that time, it was reasonably priced as Greece was just opening up for tourism. We drove to Oia, which is located at the north end of the island, and since Oia is a town perched on the steep volcanic rim, roads were narrow and parking was valet only. Also, it was steps, steps, and more steps to get to wherever you wanted to go, due to the steep hillsides. We checked in and got prepared to check out the island.
First impressions: The towns of Oia and Imerovigli (Fira) on Santorini and its other inhabited volcanic island of Therasia are simply spectacular sights. These towns are all built on steep hillsides of the volcanic crater, and are all whitewashed, and church tops/dome/spires are all painted light blue. They look like they are clinging on for dear life onto the clifftops 😊 . And the Aegean sea is deep aqua blue, the skies are clear blue. It is truly a beautiful landscape, and I have to agree with the waiter in Athens who told us everyone should visit Santorini once in their lifetimes.
Some scenes below from Oia, and Imerovigli (Fira), the town just south of Oia.
![Town of Oia on the northern end of Santorini island Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Town of Oia on the northern end of Santorini island](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lm41lvq7x0dulren5f8zx/DSC07156_neo.jpeg?rlkey=g9bsf853yn8uqq5kn7h9pw4jb&raw=1)
![Town of Imerovigli as seen from Oia Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Town of Imerovigli as seen from Oia](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qn39fl2yjj2fs5bglu4ks/DSC07091_neo.jpeg?rlkey=47gkapq06wqphr4fix18iiaek&raw=1)
![Oia town as seen from our hotel, with the island of Therasia in the background. Note the blue domed church on the hilltop in Oia Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Oia town as seen from our hotel, with the island of Therasia in the background. Note the blue domed church on the hilltop in Oia](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fnfg751gzptfn9lu9eo3y/DSC07119_neo.jpeg?rlkey=5gp492fk43o6qh8pa6b6a56y7&raw=1)
Oia from our hotel
The hotel staff had known that it was Dilshad’s birthday a few days before (while we were in Athens); and they kindly prepared a nice surprise for her regardless
![Happy B’day, Dilshad 😊 Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Happy B’day, Dilshad 😊](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uesmid1e87p3s38262ogf/IMG_1767_neo.jpeg?rlkey=87v7dpu1p924gx5zkxcphttil&raw=1)
![Stunning views from Imerovigli overlooking Therasia island Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Stunning views from Imerovigli overlooking Therasia island](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dlcb6s19llsh2skc5vlxa/DSC07128_neo.jpeg?rlkey=raepb6or7ra5xm0v4lfdc7np8&raw=1)
![Imerovigli town Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Imerovigli town](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vwx5vbuz9o0pzp0mooj0x/DSC07129_neo.jpeg?rlkey=f8q819v6p5ttqfksgevji2r93&raw=1)
![Imerovigli and Oia on Santorini Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Imerovigli and Oia on Santorini](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/n2v1i90947qdj58vc4die/DSC07167_neo.jpeg?rlkey=pnxkft3jlxluhju9vl3yei3w2&raw=1)
One evening, we drove down a steep road down to the sea for dinner at Ammoudi Bay near Oia, There are several restaurants that were all quite full for sunset dining. The setting sun produced interesting colors on the cliffs of Oia.
![Ammoudi Bay and the multiple seafood restaurants at sunset Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Ammoudi Bay and the multiple seafood restaurants at sunset](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2wopnhnwzy4xh63gmq0jk/DSC07093_neo.jpeg?rlkey=ok17e7ixv4p81lsrf7ac18vfw&raw=1)
![Sunset Dinner at Bourbounaki (Μπαρμπουνάκι Σαντορίνη) restaurant in Ammoudi Bay; excellent fresh seafood Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Sunset Dinner at Bourbounaki (Μπαρμπουνάκι Σαντορίνη) restaurant in Ammoudi Bay; excellent fresh seafood](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ad3qh172hu030n7ji490o/DSC07096_neo.jpeg?rlkey=yo7sssz6z65j7o0uyggrt45wm&raw=1)
![Amazing sunsets on Santorini at Ammoudi Bay Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Amazing sunsets on Santorini at Ammoudi Bay](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/otmyfljf59m5z2vouq3ek/DSC07098_neo.jpeg?rlkey=55b7xi2fdaal9nwgeesvyq9p9&raw=1)
![Town of Agia Eirini on Therasia island in the background. Lots of small boutique hotels everywhere like these in the foreground; a testament to the amount of tourism in Santorini Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Town of Agia Eirini on Therasia island in the background. Lots of small boutique hotels everywhere like these in the foreground; a testament to the amount of tourism in Santorini](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/d9kau4gr4v5mme4iytggy/DSC07163_neo.jpeg?rlkey=1cb3yeuf1a95avbzvq95adfrn&raw=1)
![Steps to …… Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Steps to ……](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0qrhpdjs2fux33rkx4x22/DSC07130_neo.jpeg?rlkey=fikvqwiucc9nscmlxaiicymyn&raw=1)
![Stunning views everywhere Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Stunning views everywhere](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/i5n4ybtdkzzomle7xz1hs/DSC07138_neo.jpeg?rlkey=kmuw5q3mh0gc9ox5orufnvhp3&raw=1)
![View from Imerovigli to the southern part of Santorini Island Santorini, Greece, May 2021, View from Imerovigli to the southern part of Santorini Island](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dpuiezc4j5sdx3u5s0ehf/DSC07134_neo.jpeg?rlkey=chvqhp5p6o5n3qcoefrxwus65&raw=1)
![Commercial but quaint, as not too many tourists yet Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Commercial but quaint, as not too many tourists yet](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/l7qcmfz4f5qopeojoj3vd/DSC07203_neo.jpeg?rlkey=5xg4r7x26rgyt7jl2px3gavuy&raw=1)
![Those restaurants look interesting at sundown; beautiful locations in Oia Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Those restaurants look interesting at sundown; beautiful locations in Oia](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pa4je65shi6vjj3efyvky/IMG_1807_neo.jpeg?rlkey=rkuvmi7bh3cjdn2dzodwm1z9p&raw=1)
![Closeup view of the town of Agia Eirini on Therasia island Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Closeup view of the town of Agia Eirini on Therasia island](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bwr9jqsi069qi9spekaul/DSC07168_neo.jpeg?rlkey=7bopjdnqcotn6exkmrbvrzq4p&raw=1)
![Lots of steps everywhere Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Lots of steps everywhere](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8t84uqxqgb20k2ehk9w4g/DSC07146_neo.jpeg?rlkey=yhgookv3evjtq87fcez9n3cub&raw=1)
![Oia port/ferry; and steps leading to/from Oia town above Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Oia port/ferry; and steps leading to/from Oia town above](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6dsxdw3oluosmlf1fytt9/DSC07157_neo.jpeg?rlkey=yvdp354un36rjhq8xlkjepm7f&raw=1)
Not sure how they sustain such building on the steep volcanic crater sides in the event of earthquakes or storms/landslides. But they seem to have managed well. Since the “desirable” part of the towns is on the cliffside, there are no roads there, just footpaths and plenty of steps to get to all the whitewashed houses and boutique hotels. Parking is on the other side of the cliff, where the land is flatter.
We travelled to several different parts of Santorini and it is only the western edge of crescent shaped Santorini island that is we saw the steep cliffs plunging into the aqua-blue crater waters. This is also where most of the tourists go as it is the most beautiful part of Santorini. The other (eastern) side of the island is relatively flat and gentle slopes to the sea. The island is fairly small (12 miles long and ~2.5 miles wide) so its easy to get around. Some of those sights are below:
![Beautiful Greek Orthodox churches everywhere; whitewashed with blue domes. Love the tiered church bells. Overlooking the aqua blue Aegean sea and clear blue skies Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Beautiful Greek Orthodox churches everywhere; whitewashed with blue domes. Love the tiered church bells. Overlooking the aqua blue Aegean sea and clear blue skies](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zo3saths42b6s516qjugy/Churches.jpg?rlkey=919v6wur7pfvlaij6z3r4485i&raw=1)
![The other side of the island that is not so steep; and much less densely populated Santorini, Greece, May 2021, The other side of the island that is not so steep; and much less densely populated](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lfezk2zwiirmnqppn0lev/DSC07181_neo.jpeg?rlkey=iy1i4ula94494xlfx4ng8iu9o&raw=1)
![We visited one Greek Orthodox church, and there was a team of congregation members who were cleaning the church; no English, but they invited us to have fruit juice and some baked snacks with them 😊 ; so we did. Very nice of them Santorini, Greece, May 2021, We visited one Greek Orthodox church, and there was a team of congregation members who were cleaning the church; no English, but they invited us to have fruit juice and some baked snacks with them 😊 ; so we did. Very nice of them](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6houpwss7ev9gwv82dwtu/DSC07145.jpeg?rlkey=8pca19i74bngj9mm6wcjcg4sh&raw=1)
![Center & east of the island has small untouristed towns Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Center & east of the island has small untouristed towns](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/koli5unf4omj99emti62k/DSC07196_neo.jpeg?rlkey=zwn0qu21kaibaglye4gyays3j&raw=1)
![Town of Pyrgos, central Santorini Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Town of Pyrgos, central Santorini](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ce9awmx4hwvmadjt1t7cu/IMG_1790_neo.jpeg?rlkey=5zrnqv9j5ut4jiheade7myz26&raw=1)
Views of Santorini
![View of the caldera sea from Megalochorion town, and the path down to the sea with church at the bottom Santorini, Greece, May 2021, View of the caldera sea from Megalochorion town, and the path down to the sea with church at the bottom](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wf2c3pyd2mvy5umynfr9g/DSC07208_neo.jpeg?rlkey=uaamn6gmtlsinhs57ap0vbnpk&raw=1)
![View of the caldera sea and islands from the Akrotiri lighthouse as the south western end of Santorini island Santorini, Greece, May 2021, View of the caldera sea and islands from the Akrotiri lighthouse at the south western end of Santorini island](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9u59mzslrjsupti3hedrf/DSC07214_neo.jpeg?rlkey=dfhrdqmjhl9axivafl6bqouzd&raw=1)
![Beautiful peaceful scenery at the southern end of Santorini Island Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Beautiful peaceful scenery at the southern end of Santorini Island](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pj436zdiubenavrod5h7a/DSC07215_neo.jpeg?rlkey=bkfbqxl0b8ninoehnd9vkw4mg&raw=1)
Fresh seafood was always the best on the island; but about 2-3x as expensive as in Athens. Since this is a heavily touristed place, a volcanic island and not enough food is grown locally, most food and all supplies are imported into the island; hence the cost. And this was just the beginning of the tourist season ☹. We stuck mostly to seafood
![The beaches were mostly small pebbly black sand beaches Santorini, Greece, May 2021, The beaches were mostly small pebbly black sand beaches](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/964z136ddp0js4qhtdvpj/DSC07228.jpeg?rlkey=g3pzrumc46xcmlxfaarqlr0g5&raw=1)
![Great restaurant locations on the island away from Oia and Imerovigli Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Great restaurant locations on the island away from Oia and Imerovigli](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ohe9sp4ryo92wjh2q98ig/DSC07234_neo.jpeg?rlkey=673yx0jnd1z9k9t7con5bggn7&raw=1)
![Great seafood & vegetables everywhere Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Great seafood & vegetables everywhere](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hcicbqiuoxr34xt14rorr/DSC07235_neo.jpeg?rlkey=stsz0hofvt6d74mz5ovwx48mn&raw=1)
![Beautiful sunsets every day Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Beautiful sunsets every day](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q17c8e47vw32tj79weqsu/DSC07238_neo.jpeg?rlkey=jdj67pgdmv0ga12u1gif0j0p9&raw=1)
![Nightview of Imerovigli on the clifftop Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Nightview of Imerovigli on the clifftop](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/upuca7k6fybh2x5p70pae/DSC07249_neo.jpeg?rlkey=xuerxjl21xsvhli7gfh7wty10&raw=1)
One day, we took a drive to the eastern end of the island, and checked out Perissa town; seafood on the beach was great with far fewer tourists and more of a local dining experience
![Perissa town Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Perissa town](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3344r67c0okszmweop4gt/DSC07274_neo.jpeg?rlkey=txmy5dba3kb0h33inrql0yp89&raw=1)
![As local a dining experience as we could find, on Perissa beach Santorini, Greece, May 2021, As local a dining experience as we could find, on Perissa beach](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9rel2tp5c9nxqna16fk2q/DSC07277_neo.jpeg?rlkey=37n2xtxjl45cevlk7ei4vu76k&raw=1)
We then drove via Prygos to Prophet Elias Monastery from Perissa
![Sunset at Prophet Elias Monastery Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Sunset at Prophet Elias Monastery](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2rtlwbc3uzv2qp2npuabt/DSC07284.jpeg?rlkey=s49yeb2f12najcfowzvno68zj&raw=1)
The monastery is built on a hilltop that is the highest point (567meters above sea level) on Santorini, so great views and of course, the sunset. Unfortunately, this monastery was closed by the time we got there, but the beautiful sunset was the prize
![Sunset view from the Prophet Elias monastery Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Sunset view from the Prophet Elias monastery](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xrkqoe26o6xb0e8vi3tl2/DSC07292_neo.jpeg?rlkey=ohpzfe3zsnypvs8yrlegfgu28&raw=1)
We drove by the windmills of Santorini, but did not see any activity there so not sure if they were active or not. I suspect is that many of them have been converted from the original flour mills (using wind power) to hotels and B&B’s.
![Windmills on Santorini Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Windmills on Santorini](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/doehwfaov2wfq6y1m0y6d/DSC07306_neo.jpeg?rlkey=nlsjfy0mognmz2icv67qrk2jj&raw=1)
After several days on Santorini, it was time to leave to go to Mykonos. We had planned to take a ferry from Santorini to Mykonos, the 2nd island on our trip. We drove to the ferry terminal in central Santorini west coast.
![Drive down to the Ferry port on Santorini Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Drive down to the Ferry port on Santorini](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tzviivy7ptmw7gofemvh1/DSC07308_neo.jpeg?rlkey=5fsnao43atc4m6thq9soztdq0&raw=1)
All the car rental companies had offices here at the ferry port, so we dropped off the rental car, and took the ferry (prebooked a day earlier) to Mykonos.
Santorini is jaw droppingly beautiful, and definitely worth visiting once in a lifetime. But it is a tourist trap, so be prepared. We had excellent weather and even hot at times. Well worth visiting.
Mykonos next
Our trip so far
![Trip till Santorini Santorini, Greece, May 2021, Trip till Santorini](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gvg6h3trn19xhy8mirh30/Trip-till-Santorini.png?rlkey=ywsn7mpk1ho9g38c41psvfcwh&raw=1)
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Wow Mashallah, Oia Whitewash village. Beautiful.
OMG, you guys are blessed.
May Allah gives you more power and energy to explore more.
Ameen
THanks for the kind words Shamim.
We thank Allah every day for the life he has given us all
Santorini – heaven. I really enjoyed the beautiful island. Thanks for sharing and it brought lots of memories on my last trip. Beautiful pictures. Keep safe and protected.
Regards,
Shamim.
Thanks Shamim; glad you concur with me that this island is indeed very beautiful.
Always thankful for good memories 🙂
Take care
Wow; such a beautiful place. Need to go there.
Is it not amazing that the church offered you juice and snacks?
Kindness is universal.
Indeed it is a beautiful place. One of the most beautiful I have had the fortune to visit.
You are correct; People are generally kind and caring mostly.
We absolutely loved Santorini when we had a brief visit a couple of year ago. Loved your blog and pics. Would love to return.
Thanks Naz, for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed your trip and happy that you are enjoying the blogs
Thanks for sharing its on our bucket list .
Regards
Almas Suteria
You will love it Almas.Go for it.
Absolutely heavenly
Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories. Always appreciate “travelling” with you and Dilshad. Look forward to your next venture.
Gulzar Paroo
Thanks for the feedback Gulzar; glad you are enjoying traveling with us 🙂
Your Pictures are just amazing. Been to Santorini and it is breathtaking! Thanks for sharing.
🙂 thanks for confirming my opinion that Santorini is breathtakingly beautiful
Absolutely wonderful…wow..seems like you both were on a different planet. Every moment on your journey must have been a gem…beautiful sunsets, fresh sea food….and surrounded by turquoise blue waters..what more does one need eh..?? Thanks for sharing .. Nevin Harji.
Thanks so much for the feedback; the journey was indeed wonderful with such beautiful nature surrounding us.
As always love to read your blogs.
So true; Santorini is very touristic but worth the visit!!
Thanks Shemin for the feedback; glad you enjoy the blogposts 🙂
Thank you for sharing your travels. You guys are really adventurous and blessed to be able to travel so much.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Sultan.
We are indeed blessed to be able to pursue our dreams of travel
Thanks again
Really enjoyed this blog.
Thanks Irfan, glad you enjoyed it.
And thanks for the feedback
We have been all over Greece and Santorini was one of our favorite places to visit. Glad to see you enjoyed. It is indeed like stepping into paradise.
It is indeed Alnoor; thanks for the confirmation of the beauty of Santorini.
Enjoyed reading and learning about Greece . You are blessed
Yes, we are indeed blessed.
So glad you enjoyed the blog
Glad you made it to Santorini
Thanks Amir; I am glad we went there
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