Greece (Part 1) – Santorini
“You think too much, that is your trouble.” These words from Zorba the Greek came to my mind as I was traveling in Greece. It’s easy to overthink, to get lost in plans and worries, but on the Greek islands, thinking slips away. Here, life is meant to be felt and experienced, not analyzed.
I spent ten days in Greece, and it all began here, in September, with fewer tourists and the island of Santorini almost to ourselves. From the whitewashed streets to the endless views, it was a journey that made me stop thinking and just live.
Itinerary Overview:
Day 1-3 Santorini (Covered in this post)
Day 3-6 Paros
Day 6-9 Milos
Day 9-11 Athens
Arrival in Santorini
As the plane approached the island, we were flying next to the mountains. It was my first time seeing Santorini, and the landscape embraced us immediately.
After landing, we picked up our rental car and made our way to our Airbnb in Pyrgos. The island’s landscape and roads reminded me a bit of Sinai in Egypt, with its similar mountainous terrain. After settling in, I did a bit of work before heading out to explore Pyrgos and grab lunch.
Exploring Pyrgos
We started our Santorini journey with a classic: souvlaki at Kantouni. The meal left me feeling like a content, fat cat, and afterward, we wandered through the village to explore. Pyrgos is a maze of narrow, winding pedestrian streets lined with white-and-blue buildings—a color palette that is not only symbolic of Greece but also serves practical purposes, like keeping homes cool and hygienic during the 1938 cholera outbreak.
I fell in love with Pyrgos almost immediately. Walking through its stone streets, embraced by those iconic blue-and-white houses, was an experience in itself. Every corner revealed a new view of the sea or a hidden gem: an artsy boutique, a local café, a cozy restaurant. Even though the village is small, it’s full of surprises and discoveries, with a charming population of cats that are so beloved they even have their own spots on Google Maps.
Franco’s Café: A Night to Remember
That night, we climbed the narrow streets to the top of the hill, where we found Franco’s Café, one of the highlights of the trip. Classical and opera music filled the air, guiding us to the café, which sits near a church and offers sweeping views of the island at night. It was romantic—sitting there with my partner, sipping wine, listening to music, and enjoying the night. It was one of those perfect, timeless moments that will stay with me forever.
Santorini’s Beaches and the Power of the Sea
The next day, we attempted to visit the Red Beach, but we ended up parking in the wrong spot due to some map confusion. As we were about to leave, we heard a man shouting, “Red Beach, White Beach, Black Beach… the boat is leaving soon!” Without hesitation, we ran for the boat, and soon we were off to explore three different beaches. While the beaches were rocky, they were clean, and swimming in the clear waters of Santorini was an experience I cherished. However, I wouldn’t say the beaches were the island’s highlight; for me, it’s the villages, narrow streets, and unforgettable views that stand out.
Lunch that day was at Nicholas Cave, a restaurant right by the sea. There’s something so therapeutic about being near the water, listening to the waves, and soaking in the iodine-rich air. My partner once asked, “Why is it that people love the sea so much? Why do sea-view properties cost more than mountain-view ones?” I could write an entire blog on this topic, but simply put, the sea is therapy. It washes away your worries, and its rhythm brings you back to the present.
In Greece, life is simpler and more beautiful. There’s no pretense, just an appreciation for the small, essential things.
Exploring Villages and Local Life
After lunch, we visited the village of Megalochori for ice cream. We sat in a small square, people-watching as locals and tourists passed by. The village was charming, full of boutique shops, artisanal stores, and jewelry and leather vendors. I found myself imagining what life must be like for the locals, running their small businesses in such a magical place. That night, I slept better than I had in years—according to my Garmin watch, it was the best night’s sleep I’d had in three years!
Fira: The Heart of Santorini
Our last day in Santorini was spent exploring Fira, the island’s most famous and photogenic spot. It was more crowded than Pyrgos, but the long walks, endless photo opportunities, and stunning views made it worthwhile. I grabbed another Greek coffee made in the traditional briki style with a spoonful of sugar, and once again, I found myself mesmerized by the sea. Everywhere you go in Santorini, there’s a view waiting to take your breath away.
Oia: The Perfect Ending
We ended our Santorini adventure in Oia, hoping to catch the famous sunset. We were a little late, and the sun had already set by the time we arrived, but Oia didn’t disappoint. The village was lively, filled with well-dressed people, bustling shops, and a vibrant energy. It’s no surprise this is where most tourists stock up on souvenirs. Despite missing the sunset, it was a perfect way to close out our time in Santorini.
Heading to Paros
As we left Oia behind, there was a sense of completion, but not finality. Santorini had given us moments of stillness, beauty, and reflection, but I could feel there was more to discover. The rhythm of Greece was calling us onward, pulling us toward our next destination: Paros. With its own unique charm and slower pace, Paros promised a new chapter in our journey. It was time to pack our bags, board the ferry, and embrace the next island on this adventure through the heart of Greece.
