SANTORINI, Greece!
One of the most famous Islands in the Cyclades celebrated for magnificent sunsets, black sand beaches and magical atmosphere. I arrived in breathtaking Thira [more commonly known as Santorini], on a perfect day in Greece. I traveled by ferry and was greeted by a representative of a car rental company that I had hired for my stay. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to plan ahead in order to make it as convenient as possible for those of you who are traveling.
I drove up in my car up the steep winding road. I have never driven up something so steep but the views are glorious! It didn’t take me long to realize that I was actually driving up along the inside a volcanic crater! Wow.
Knowing that this is a popular destination worldwide, I discovered that Santorini is literally what remains of a colossal volcanic blast dating back approximately 4,000 years ago which forged its prevailing crescent shape called the Caldera. The view of the Caldera and the sunset is one of the most ethereal views I’ve ever seen in my life!
It would be an understatement to say that I had such gloriously wonderful days here and I’m happy to share it with you all. It seems like everywhere I looked is a perfect photo opportunity. The panoramic villages of Oia and Fira are truly an ideal destination for everyone.
One of the tourist destinations I went to is the famous village of Oia where iconic snapshots of whimsical white washed houses and scenic cobblestone alleyways also emanate from and is perceived as the typical Santorini. My personal favorite spot here would have to be the renowned castle ruins! It was such an exquisite feeling witnessing the colors change as the sun sets on the calm sea. It was so truly magnificent.
I found Oia Village filled with dome churches and white washed chapels with blue domes to be alluring! I went inside and the interior is even more gorgeous and compelling. I found the stores that lined their cobblestone alleys to be quite gratifying [yes, I bought more Greek sandals here!], but extremely touristy. The specialty shops were filled with treasures that are so unique to Greece. A number of photographers and artists have galleries that showcase their artwork of Santorini. I really wanted to bring some home to Los Angeles with me. However, I just did not know how to pack them properly without the risk of damaging them along the way. Sadly a lot of the art vendors don’t provide protective covers. I was able to score some smaller but still unique pieces great for the home.
Style Details
Outfit | ASOS
Handbag | MULBERRY
Heels | JIMMY CHOO
Jewelry| PEARL JEWELRY
I also visited Fira, the largest, most touristy village in Santorini that is situated in the middle of the island. I can’t fathom the fact that this place was founded over a thousand years ago! Locals proclaimed that it is built with traditional architecture on the cliffs of Santorini measuring about 300 meters above the water.
When you stand in the open space with a view of the Caldera, you’ll quickly realize that you’re right along the cliff. I noticed that most luxury hotels and restaurants are situated in this area, which is not a surprise as the delightful photo opportunities of the romantic landscape are so common place. The nightlife shops are superb and the village beaming with life. Fortunately, they were celebrating the volcano festival that day and I got to enjoy fireworks being launched from the volcano’s opening! It was truly spectacular.
Not too far from these villages was an intriguing place called Ancient Akrotiri. I am so happy to have had the chance to visit this astounding archeological site. Nicknamed the “Minoan Pompei”, the area was once a flourishing town destroyed yet naturally preserved by a volcanic eruption in 1450 BC. But unlike Pompie, ashed human remains were never found here. It was like the people of Akrotiri disappeared. Some even attribute the myth of the lost city of Atlantis to be the real life story of Ancient Akrotiri.
I feel amazed by how passionate the Greeks are with their past as they excavate the ruins and have built a large modernized shed to protect it from the elements. I felt so blessed to have had the time to see the marvel that they have discovered underneath the ground. I’ve always admired people who have such a strong sense of identity. I believe that it is from the past that you better understand the present, and enable you to make plans for a better future. For me, the Greeks have perfected preserving their rich, vast history and I sincerely honor them for it.
Up to this day, there seem to not be enough words to describe the beauty of Santorini. Let me warn you to expect your days here to be extremely memorable and unique. Seriously, get ready for the sparkling Aegean Sea to greet you on every turn! Also, I found the fabulous conversation I had with the locals and travelers like me to be unforgettable. It truly was like I was living in a completely different world: Primitive, yet in many ways, with their high-class clientele, incredibly hip and progressive.
One of the most beautiful places I’ve been to! Sublime sunsets, perfect memories, a thousand dream come true stories amidst the backdrop of gorgeous blue, red and gold streaking the sky… all these, for me, are Santorini.