Weekend Guide to Santorini, Greece
Enjoying lesser visited places around the world, I was surprised to book a flight from Athens to Santorini, one of Greece’s most popular islands. While staying in the Greek capital for a month with my mother-in-law, Theresa and I decided to treat her to a weekend in Santorini. We thought she’d enjoy it and she did. So did we. Because we went in August, the picturesque village of Oia was overcrowded and underwhelming. Here are highlights that avoid Oia.
Eat:
- Meatballs in a cream sauce from Rosemary, a hilltop restaurant with views of the water.
- Noodle bowls at Take A Wok, a make-your-own noodle bowl shop near Kamari Beach.
- Pastries from Grigoris Bakery Delights, a large bakery with sweet and savory options and a coffee bar.
Drink:
- Coffee with ice cream at Iriana’s cafe overlooking the blue water.
- Latte from Cool Cave, a tiny cafe along the water.
Do:
- Ride horses to the beach at Horseland Santorini, a horse ranch with over 100 horses run by a husband and wife team.
- Stay at Labyrinth Traditional Houses, a boutique inn inside caves with free breakfast on the rooftop.
- Taste local wine at Venetsanos Winery, the island’s oldest winery with sweeping views of the bay.
- Walk the cobblestone streets of Pyrgos Kallistis, a less busy village with sea views.
See:
- Airplanes landing at the airport from Kamari Beach, a beach with rocks near the shore to swim out to.
- White sand cliffs along Paralia Vlichada, a less popular beach with plenty of space.
