Being the least like the other Cyclades, voulcanic island of Santorini offers the most unique experience among all. Villages are mostly spread over the top of the island, elevated on cliffs that have been changing throughout the history. The beaches are rare but very beautiful.
Fun fact: All water on Santorini is salty. Even the shower!
The arrival of our ferry was a whole-new experience – cliffs everywhere around. Unless having a private shuttle service dispatched, the only way to the top is by bus (2 € to Fira). Dont't expect to go by foot. At the Fira bus terminal, we changed the bus towards Parissa (2,20 €) to finally reach our accommodation. And what an ambient was awaiting us there! Gentle pastel colours ... Our host happily showed us our room and supplied kitchen appliances.
Pasithai Studios
With a 24h bakery just around the corner, there's no need to walk 10 min each morning to buy bread for breakfast. You will find well-supplied shelves and reasonable prices there, however. As we were located at the lowest area of the island, we had no need climbing the cliffs to reach the beach.
As for the Paros we would recommend visiting other parts of island. Unfortunately, there is no daily ticket available, so be prepared to feel some heft in your wallet as coins will slowly accommodate in it. The visit of New Burn caldera is a must, but you need to book a tour as you cannot reach it on your own (unless you rent a boat. Hmm, is that possible here? Probably you have to be 22 — and, boy, that's expensive!). Finish your trip with a sunset in Oia or at Akrotiri lighthouse and the day will remain eternally.
Glamourusly occupying the top of the highest and the only hill, it takes you around half an hour to get to there from Perissa. But do not try to visit it on Tuesdays because it's a full-day-siesta day for Greeks. Unless you want to have an excuse for not reaching the top ... or entering the site for the sake of expensive entrance fees (unless you are an EU-senior or non-EU student. Who made up those rules, really 🙄).
On the way, make sure to do a quick detour towards the church built into the climbing rock.
View of Perissa from the top
Kamari from the top
Panagia Katefiani
There are not many beaches, yet each of them is special in a way, mostly by its colour. Expect to see a Black Beach, Red Beach and more. Due to Santorini's voulcanic history, the sea floor is made of voulcanic dust that merged into solid rock, now ground to various slippery algae.
We swam at Black beach, which was only 4 min away. The sand there is actually black. Therefore, we recommend you visit it early in the morning or in the late afternoon when the sand cools down.
Paralia Perissa (Black beach)
Previously the only option to reach the island, now the port has been replaced by Athinos port due to its geological location (voulcanic island, remember?). But the Old port still serves as the hub for daily tours to the New burncaldera. It can be reached in two ways: climbing (literally) around 580 stairs (you can also take a donkey) or sweatlessly by cable car (which is costly). The tours normaly start at 11:00 and 14:00 — we took the former.
Old port (left) and caldera (island)
Old port
Steps and donkeys
At 11:00 we embarked a tourist boat towards the all-voulcanic island. The entrance costs 2,5 € for your safety — the money is used for maintinance of seismological equipment. The tourist guide explained us the history of Santorini and neighbouring islands on our way towards the top of the black-rocked hill. Then we enjoyed the panoramic views and felt the warmth coming out of sulphatares.
Hiking on earthened lava
Our ship at the bay
Panoramic view from the top
Heated by underground voulcanic activity, the hot springs reach up to 35 °C which results in a 10-degree difference when you first touch the water jumping off your ship (and on your way back — beware of that).
Tip: Bring the least favourite swimsuit as the sulphur will leave uncleanable brown stains. May look as though you had diarrhoea.
Hot springs
(It's all the same, by the way)
The capital of Santorini is the next one. Choose the name you like — it does not matter. You could endlessly walk the streets but if you have limited time only these are the sights you need to see. First being those stairs (hell on earth), then Three bells of Fira and lots of other churches. Wine tasting is available on every corner as well.
Streets of Fira
Museum of ancient Thera
Panoramic view of Fira
Known as Ia to locals (hmm, I wonder what animal inspired that name), Oia is THE sunset location of Cyclades. All people swarm here to take a single shot for that Instagram goodness.
The city is more beautiful than that, actually. Walk around the streets, get lost and enjoy the pristine vibe.
Promenade of Oia
View from Oia castle
Panagia Platsani
Home-cooked risotto
Burger & Greek salad & XL Pita Gyros
We had a kitchenette so we cooked for ourselves all but one day when we ate at Grandma's Recipes. The food was delicious and draught beer was just unreal.
Other days we tested some Mexican cousine (tortilla) and a risotto wich was so big that we kept eating it for two days.