Santorini Off the Beaten Path: Discover the Hidden Gems of This Greek Island

The famed cliffs during dusk

Our adventure in Greece culminated in the stunning island of Santorini. Rather than taking a flight, we opted for a high-speed ferry to embrace a different perspective of the Aegean Sea. The ferry ride, although touted as high-speed, took a leisurely couple of hours, and the embarkation process was initially a bit chaotic. Being among the first passengers of the day, we encountered a throng of fellow travelers waiting at the dock, uncertain of the boat's arrival time. Tales of ferry schedules not being the most reliable were confirmed, and we had mentally braced ourselves for this eventuality. Eventually, the ferry arrived, though loading passengers and vehicles proved to be a bit time-consuming.

The ferry itself was quite comfortable. As we sailed toward Santorini, we spent a reasonable amount of time on the upper deck, captivated by the mesmerizing views as the island drew nearer. Onboard, a variety of snacks and food items were available for purchase, adding to the overall pleasant journey.

Pro-Tip: Upon disembarking at the ferry drop-off point in Santorini, ensure you have pre-arranged transportation. The scene can be bustling and overwhelming, with people and vehicles scattered in every direction. Having a ride organized in advance will spare you from the scramble and uncertainty that we witnessed.

Navigating this chaos, we managed to locate our pre-arranged transportation, which transported us to the airport, where we picked up our rental car. An unfortunate sight awaited us as we spotted some travelers trudging uphill, burdened by their luggage, a stark reminder of the importance of organizing transportation in advance.

Upon securing our rental car, we drove to our hotel, kicking off our Santorini experience in style. For dinner, we headed to the Kokkaao restaurant, known for its panoramic vistas of the quieter side of Santorini. While the view was not of the famed sunset side, the serenity and the tranquil ambiance were equally captivating. We then embarked on a journey to witness the sunset from a different vantage point – a beautiful cliffside that offered an exquisite view of the sun sinking behind the horizon.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the island, we captured the magic of the moment in photographs. Amidst a gathering of fellow travelers, we marveled at the breathtaking beauty that unfolded before us. Despite the wind that accompanied the moment, it only heightened the ethereal atmosphere, underscoring the magnificence that is Santorini.

The next morning, we welcomed the day with breakfast, accompanied by our beloved Freddo cappuccinos, a Greek indulgence we couldn't get enough of. Eager to explore, we embarked on a horseback riding adventure, a unique way to soak in the island's charm. Riding from the town down to the coastline, we reveled in the breathtaking landscapes that unfolded before us. Our journey led us to a black sand beach, where we paused to capture the moment in photographs before making our way back.

Channeling our adventurous spirit, we embarked on a mini hike that rewarded us with spectacular drone shots of the island's rugged beauty. Our culinary exploration continued as we stopped for lunch at the Feggera restaurant. Here, we encountered shakshuka, a flavorful dish that introduced us to Greek variations of this popular North African recipe. This unique twist replaced the tomato sauce with a mix of greens, resulting in a delightful flavor fusion.

Our exploration took us to one of Santorini's famed red-sand beaches, a journey that required navigating steep roads and off-road tracks. Although the beach wasn't ideal for lounging, the crystal-clear waters beckoned us for a refreshing dip.

In the evenings, we sought to experience Santorini's nightlife, contrasting with the vivacity of Mykonos but offering its own charm. Exploring the town's bars, we discovered some hidden gems, enjoying after-dinner drinks in the island's enchanting ambiance.

The following day started with a breathtaking breakfast at Volkan, where we relished a sumptuous meal while soaking in the mesmerizing overlook. Our day continued with a unique “Eat & Walk” tour, immersing us in Santorini's culinary and cultural offerings.

Starting at "To Briki," we savored traditional Greek coffee before our host, Dimi, treated us to snacks overlooking the iconic Three Bells of Fira. Our journey led us to Volkan on the Rocks, a spot boasting stunning views and delectable appetizers. Ouzeri followed, fulfilling our anticipation with mouthwatering moussaka. Stoa offered an olive oil tasting that painted a vivid picture of the island's culture. We wrapped up the tour with a variety of delectable street food and the irresistible loukoumades for dessert, encapsulating the essence of Santorini's culinary delights.

With another exciting day ahead, we set off for a morning single-tank dive just off the shore. After the dive, we indulged in a hearty meal at a nearby restaurant, its spread and house wine leaving an indelible mark.

Embracing the island's diversity, we explored Santorini's less-known beachy side, offering a lively contrast to its famous cliffs. Relishing the atmosphere, we enjoyed the sun and sea, cherishing every moment. As the day waned, we captured the essence of Santorini's magical sunsets, a fitting farewell to this enchanting island.

Our final evening in Santorini was spent reflecting on the adventures, memories, and flavors that had defined our journey. As we prepared to bid adieu to this breathtaking island paradise, we carried with us the moments that had etched themselves into our hearts. Santorini had woven its beauty into our souls, a testament to the wonders of Greece that we would forever cherish.