Santorini, Greece

13^th Destination… February 2038

20^th Wedding Anniversary 

I would like to have a nice calm holiday in this place.

And it is my 20^th wedding anniversary. 

This fantastic volcanic island in Greece is astonishingly beautiful, without anything else. 
The quant city is surreal as well as being very peaceful. 

There aren’t all that many people on the tiny island but on trading days it can become fairly hectic. 

The real beauty comes to life at night as the sun begins to set over the wide ocean. 

The island begins to glow warm colours, with the buildings mimicking the sky due to their white colour, the ocean gradually becomes darker and darker, and the horizon appears to be on fire with glorious vibrant colours. 

This really is a spectacular place to be and the island is a joy to explore. 

Things to do in Santorini

1.     Go up the Caldera on a mule ride 
One of the most authentic experiences is going up from the Old Harbour (or Ammoudi) on a mule. 

These friendly animals carry you through the 587-step winding path on the steep slope that designates the shortcut to Fira. 

The itinerary begins in a relaxing way with the orders given in the mule drivers’ language but soon enough, when the distance from the sea level becomes higher and higher and, the donkey gets closer and closer to the edge of the cliff, the adventure is on!

2.    Dive into the sunset 
The Caldera, generously embracing the Aegean, is the spot where the silence of the East meets the serenity of the West and creates a divine melody of colours. 

Colour nuances alternate so harmoniously as if overflown from the palette of the volcano. 

We needn’t run to Oia in the jam of people.
Wherever we are in the Caldera, the sunset is magical!

3.    Go to Ammoudi for swimming and eating 
Among my most favourite moments on the island: walking along the dust road to reach the small beach with the cliffs, diving into the deep waters and swimming below the Caldera - above the sea bottom chaos (here there are no sunbathing comforts etc). 

Then going to the taverna with the yellowish colours on the walls for fish and sea dishes and waiting for the sunset. 

The sun vanishes behind Thirasia and from this spot we have the sunset with the longest duration!

4.    “Maria Kallas” and Caldera 
Close eyes and imagine: Lying-chairs upon white terraces above the Caldera. 

The volcano before us and the serenity of the landscape overwhelming our inner self. 

And suddenly classical music notes caressing our ears and seagulls flying right before our eyes to the rhythm of a piano or the virtuosity of a violin! 

We are at Franco’s, the most famous bar of Santorini, playing only classical and opera music having the Caldera at the background. 

And what will we drink? A “Maria Kallas” cocktail, of course!

5.    Try the local cuisine with Santorini products 
Looking at the volcano, escaping in the Caldera. 

So what? 

What is the importance of all this if we cannot feel it deeply inside ourselves? 

And how is it possible to feel the power of this land, unless we sense its aromas through the products of its earth, cooked by a chef who really loves it? 

And, of course, by accompanying them with a bottle of “Santorini”, the Assyrtiko wine of our island with its metallicacidity and unique features.

Retrieved From:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/greece/cyclades/santorini-thira
http://www.greektravel.com/greekislands/santorini/