Santorini

July 17 – 20, 2017

The Greek Islands, “irresistible—magic to make the sanest man go mad.”
          Homer, The Iliad

We spent three perfect days relaxing by our amazing pool at our incredible villa overlooking the caldera. The Greek islands have been on my bucket list since I saw Moonspinners when I was 12.  I know it was Crete. Patricia and I visited Greece and the Greek island of Hydra in 1972. Hydra was one of my favorite memories from our summer in Europe.  As an adult, I fell in love with Santorini and the “blue domes.”

Sailing into Santorini was magical. Someone described seeing Oia and Fira sitting on the caldera rim  “like the frosting on a wedding cake.”

Anteliz Suites is right on the footpath with no steps to get to and from the hotel. We were close enough to walk to dinner every night but far enough away to be peaceful. That said, people passing by would stop to take pictures and catch a glimpse of the amazing patio and pool. Breakfast was delivered each morning to our upstairs patio overlooking the sea and was outstanding! Orange juice, eggs to order, croissants, breads and pastries, Greek yogurt with fruit and honey, Museli, and of course coffee! Our suite was incredible. The views and sunsets took your breath away. And the staff was outstanding.

Click on a photo to start the slide show.

We spent the first full day just relaxing by the pool. There was even a little friendly competition!

Click on a photo to start the slide show.

The second day we rented a car and drove around the island beach hopping. Our first stop was Oia. My mission was to get “the shot.” The iconic blue domes that match the blue sky with the caldera as a backdrop. I actually had GPS coordinates. And yes, I got it!

Click on a photo to start the slide show.

After Oia, we continued “beach hopping” around the island.  “The beaches in Santorini are themselves among the attractions of the island since each one of them is a sight you won’t see on other islands. The reason for this phenomenon is the volcanic nature of Santorini. The past volcanic eruptions not only shaped the island but also gave it its unique character and part of its natural, extraordinary beauty. As a result, the beaches are distinct as well, as they are covered in volcanic rocks and sand. There is a diversity of colors and the landscapes they create; white, red, and mostly black sand and pebbles adorn the beaches in Santorini.” The most famous of Santorini beaches is the Red beach. Perissa and Perivolos are the most popular black beaches, as well as the best sand and swimming beaches in Santorini. They are essentially the same beach. Perissa is the north part, Perivolos is the south part.