Dream Destination: Santorini

Everyone has a dream destination, and Santorini has always been mine. So, when my (now) wife and I were planning our honeymoon last year, we knew that Oia—the picturesque, blue-roofed village at the top of the island of Santorini—was the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.

Oia
Dog in Oia
Scenes from Santorini
Santorini White Chapel

We chose to stay at the Katikies Hotel, which features a slightly more upscale version of the stark white cave houses that are so emblematic of the island. Our own cave house was just steps away from the stone path that leads from the beginning of Oia, snakes through a variety of homes, shops, and restaurants, and eventually—via a winding staircase that tumbles down into the sea—ends up at Amoudi Bay.

Morning in Oia Santorini
Foot Path in Oia
Colorful Street in Santorini
Santorini Blue Dome
Path to Amoudi Bay
Donkeys in Santorini
Boats in Amoudi Bay

Amoudi Bay, a location also famed for having appeared in countless films, lived up to all of the hype. It is one of the best places on the island to view the infamous Santorini sunset, all while watching fisherman come in with their catch of the day. You can choose your own catch at one of the bay’s two restaurants. (We preferred Sunset Taverna, aptly named.) I can’t imagine that there is a better al fresco dining spot in all the world.

Ammoudi Bay

Since Oia is one of the most photographed Mediterranean locations, we knew what to expect. What we didn’t know, however, was that the island boasts a variety of different terrains, each with their own village and their own personality. We rented a car for three days while we were there, and—though driving on the island can be a bit of an adventure—I hate to think of what we would have missed had we not explored the whole island.

Santorini Water

Our favorite find was Kamari beach, a black pebbled beach with mountain views, a whole avenue of charming shops and cafes, and an unmistakable European vibe. At the entrance to Kamari, there is an open-air cinema that shows many English-language films, and an evening there—with your love, a cold beer, and the island air—is one of the many attractions on the island that shouldn’t be missed.

Kamari Beach

Stay

Katikies Hotel
Oia (Ia), Santorini
+30 22860 71401
[email protected]

Danielle Aquiline is a constant state of wanderlust. Between travels, she is a college professor and a part-time lifestyle photographer in Chicago, IL. She is always searching for the next adventure.

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Comments…


  1. […] Well, that’s not the full truth. I did have a chance to take my camera out for a spin when we were in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica last month. You all know how much I love to travel; I’m in a constant state of wanderlust. And I’ve been lucky enough to share some great trips in the past (like Charleston, Turks & Caicos, and–most recently–the fab travel blog, Entouriste, featured my photos from our honeymoon in Santorini). […]

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