So what can I possibly write about this overwhelmingly beautiful island that hasn’t already been written….well probably a lot, if the proper words to describe it only existed. I can never quite find the right words to describe Santorini because it has this magical mystical surreal thing going on, and I find myself filled with awe and inner peace when I’m there. I even hear this weird distant hum, some strange faraway sound like I’m in another galaxy (no, I don’t take drugs). I guess I just can’t really put Santorini into words. It must be experienced… now, with that said, it’s never good to go anywhere with high expectations, so … disclaimer here: try to go to Santorini a little off season as it is very hard to find any peace and serenity – or any enjoyment at all in fact – when pushing through crowds of tourists in the small narrow streets of the island … you’ll walk away with a very different experience. I would never think to go in July or August. Even June and September are crazy busy on this island, as it’s also a popular stop for huge cruise ships which unload thousands of people every day and these pack the island. As much as tourism is a great thing for Greece, Santorini is currently getting more than its share, likely due to all the great publicity the island has received in the past few years – and its title as ‘the most beautiful island in the world’.

Santorini is not an island for beach seekers…. or budget travelers… it has beaches – including a black sand beach (Perissa) and a red sand beach (Akrotiri) – which are both great and worth seeing, but I don’t recommend going to Santorini for a beach vacation. Fira (the capital), overlooking the caldera, and Oia are the most popular towns and get quite crowded.. but there are many other great places to stay on the island. The caldera is impressive and legend has it that the lost city of Atlantis disappeared into the sea here during a big volcano. You will definitely feel something quite mystical in the air when you’re transfixed at the surreal beauty of the caldera.

I’ve been to Santorini several times, most recently September 2017. It was busy but enjoyable … we stayed about 10 minutes outside of Fira this time. I usually always stay in Fira as I like to walk everywhere.

Santorini is famous for many things besides it’s beauty, including Vinsanto – a sweet delicious wine (if you’re into wine, visit the winery on the island), small tomatoes, capers, fava beans and much more.

Here are some photos from my last visit … with some recommendations on great spots for sunsets, cocktails and great cuisine…