Greek islands are a feast for the eyes, and Santorini is no exception. Turning street corners in Thira and Oia felt magical. The aegean sea is an unmatchable blue. Photos can truly never do it justice. I could not get over how lovely each and every doorway was. Even beyond the quintessential white and blue houses dotting along the cliff sides, the island was bursting with color, patterns, and architecture. I probably looked like a mad woman taking photos of random people’s doors, but I love me a good doorway.
Oia is a coastal village on the northwestern tip of Santorini. Like the rest of the island it’s built on the cliffs facing the caldera, with steep and winding stairs and narrow pedestrian streets. Driving is a nightmare, but it’s worth it to see the stunning azure blue domes gleaming in the unforgiving Santorini sun. Wear sunscreen, and a hat, and be prepared to walk! The path to Ammoudi bay is a steep and arduous trek, but well worth it. Instead of trying to walk back up the side of the mountain to Oia proper (or take one of those poor horses) I would suggest coordinating a boat to pick you up from Ammoudi and take you back via the many ports around the island - Ammoudi is virtually impossible for taxis to access.
I don’t think I ever would have visited if not for a wedding, which is truly a shame because there’s a reason Santorini is a popular bucket list travel item. I’ve never been a big Europe traveler (it’s too expensive and overdone I suppose) but this last trip changed my mind. There are so many incredible places that any traveler should see at least once in their lifetime, and I fully believe Santorini is one of them.
