On August 7th we left mainland Greece and flew from Athens to Santorini which was only a 45 min flight. As soon as we arrived we saw what a beautifully unique island Santorini is. Here was the view from where we were staying... Just breathtaking!
We stayed in the Imerovigli area of the island. What's so different about Santorini is that all the villages are built high up along the volcanic cliffs. This makes for some pretty great views...
It's difficult to describe this place...the pictures speak for themselves.
Greek salad, fried tomato balls & calamari
for our first Greek meal...
In the afternoon we walked along the cliffs to Thira, one of the other villages. Here is part way along the walk and in the background is Imerovigli where were were staying...
Looking toward Thira...
In Thira we found a place for drinks, here was the view...
The afternoon sun was incredibly hot and we were regretting not getting a place to stay with a plunge pool at this point! View on the walk back...
Once we returned back from our walk we showered and then relaxed on our patio as we waited for the sun to begin to set.
As the sun continued to drop we walked up just around the corner from where we were staying to be able to see it set.
The next morning we picked up our rental car and set out to explore the island. Since Santorini is mainly volcanic rock there are very few beaches on the island. We drove to the one below which is a black sand beach and we spent a few hours relaxing under an umbrella and out of the heat. The water here was unbelievably clear and felt very refreshing.
In the afternoon we continued to one of the islands other beaches which is red sand...
As we were leaving and hiking back up the small path to get to the car Brian found a 10 Euro bill on the ground. Later we stopped in Thira for some frozen yogurt to cool off. As we were walking around Brian saw a young girl (maybe 8 years old) sitting on the ground playing an accordion with a puppy for money. He reached into his pocket and took out the 10 Euro and gave it to the girl...wish I had captured the picture, what a great way to pay it forward!
Later for happy hour we enjoyed this view again...
And ended the evening with another beautiful sunset...
The next morning we set out in the car again and our first stop was the small village of Pirgos in the center of the island.
I just loved the blue & white and cute little doors everywhere!
Eventually we made it to the highest point on the island...
From there we stopped at the Santos Winery to taste some Greek wine...
Later in the evening we headed over to the village of Oia for the sunset. This is one of the most popular places to watch the sunset on the island. Since it can get very crowded in certain places to watch we decided to make a dinner reservation at restaurant with a view.
Oia...
Below is the restaurant we ate at...
Last sunset in Santorini, very pretty once again...
The next morning we took a 12:00 pm ferry which we rode for about 2.5 hours to Mykonos. Here was the port leaving Santorini...
And the boat we took...
Once we arrived in Mykonos we met up with one of Brian's coworkers & friend who are Greek and happened to be there as well for one night. We went to Super Paradise Beach which is a party beach club for a couple hours.
Brian and Fotis...
Later that night we met in Mykonos Town at about 11:00 PM...Greeks start late and stay out late! We weren't intending to make it a real late night but it turned out we got the real Greek experience I guess you would say...We learned that traditional Greek music and dancing is really fun and before we knew it the clock said 5:00AM! I have no idea how we ever made it that late (or early)! Picture a lot of clapping, holding hands and dancing in circles as a group! So much fun and something we would have never experienced on our own.
Luckily the next day we were able to just sleep at the beach...
Later we had a nice dinner near our hotel along the water and an early night...
The rest of the trip was spent pretty low key at different beaches around the island.
We even checked out the one where celebrities and other very rich people with their luxury yachts are known to go.
It was fun watching people from the yachts get brought into shore on smaller boats. Everyone was looking to see who people were but it was pretty hard to tell with wet hair, hats and big sunglasses...if we actually saw anyone we are not sure who, fun to look though!
More late afternoon pool relaxing...
And another night out...
During a cloudy morning we went to Mykonos Town for breakfast and to look around during the day time.
Later in the evening...
On our last day we hung out by our pool then in the afternoon we went to Vioma Organic Farm & Vineyard. Some other friends of our had been here and recommend it. The food was so fresh and the wine was nice.
My favorite part though was the donkey! :)
From there it was time to turn in our sweet wheels and head to the airport...
I think Brian may want a Smart Car now when we go home, haha...Great times in Greece!
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