Cable cars, cliffside serenades, and authentic gyros!
Santorini was our first port on our Mediterranean cruise. After a day at sea, what a perfect way to start our Greek island adventure!
Since there were eight of us traveling together, we booked a private tour through Tours by Locals and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Our guide, Argyris (Archie) N., was absolutely wonderful: friendly, warm, funny, and so knowledgeable about his island home.
The adventure started with a bit of courage-building on my part. To get from our ship to the main town of Fira, we had to take a tender to the cable car that carries you up the mountainside. I’m afraid of heights, but I’m proud of myself for doing it – and the views were worth every nervous moment!
From there, we met Archie and climbed into our private air-conditioned van. What surprised me most about Santorini as we drove around was how dry and desert-like the island actually is. It was so different from what I’d imagined, but beautiful in its own unique way.
Our first major stop was Oia, which truly was everything I’d dreamed it would be from all those Instagram photos I’ve seen. Those iconic blue domes and white-washed buildings were even more stunning in person!
Next, Archie took us to Pyrgos Village in the Mount Profitis Ilias foothills for some incredible panoramic views of the island. The perspective from up there really shows you how unique Santorini’s volcanic landscape is.
Then came one of our most magical moments – overlooking the famous red beach from the cliffs above. As we stood there taking in the incredible view, a local man was playing traditional Greek music on his guitar. The sun was starting its descent, and I captured this beautiful shot of a ray of light hitting the water. It felt like something out of a movie – the music, the setting sun, the dramatic red cliffs. Pure magic!
During our drive around the island, Archie asked us if we’d heard of the movie “Summer Lovers” with Daryl Hannah and if we knew it was filmed in Santorini. When he mentioned the song from the movie, I said I knew “I’m So Excited” by the Pointer Sisters. “Okay, sing it!” he challenged. I started singing but couldn’t remember all the words! He laughed and said something like “Let me know when you know it better.” So while we continued driving, I secretly googled the lyrics on my phone. A little later, I asked him, “Would you like to hear it now? I have the words!” It turned into a fun karaoke moment as I serenaded everyone, and they all sang along to the chorus.
For lunch, Archie brought us to the charming seaside village of Kamari where we got authentic gyros from Elias Grill. Walking through those quiet village streets while eating our gyros felt so perfectly Greek. Honestly, if I ever return to Santorini, I’d love to spend more time exploring that little gem of a place.
We ended our day back in Fira, where I found a special souvenir at a little winery. I picked up a bottle of Vinsanto, a naturally sweet wine made from Assyrtiko grapes that tastes remarkably like plum wine – which I absolutely love! What made it even more special was the name: my father’s name was Vincent, and he’s passed, so having that little connection felt meaningful.
Santorini exceeded every expectation and gave us memories to last a lifetime!
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