SANTORINI & SAMOS
GREECE
TRAVELLING TO SANTORINI AND SAMOS: TWO STUNNING GREEK ISLANDS IN THE AEGEAN SEA.
Greek Island Adventures: From Samos to Santorini
Our Greek island adventure was a tale of contrasts, spanning the serene shores of Samos to the breathtaking vistas of Santorini. In Samos, we stayed in a charming hilltop apartment with stunning harbor views, but our experience was marred by mediocre food at inflated prices and unfortunate mishaps—like lost ferry tickets and a stomach bug—that left us less than impressed. In contrast, our journey to Santorini, despite being marred by a slow ferry ride, revealed an island of unparalleled beauty. Staying at the nearly deserted Stavros Villas, we enjoyed serene days by the pool with views of the Mediterranean. Santorini’s caldera, sunsets in Oia, and volcanic adventures made it an unforgettable destination, even as storms extended our stay.
Samos
Our journey to Samos began with a ferry ride that ended in a picturesque harbor town. We had booked a charming apartment perched atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the harbor. The setting was idyllic, but our experience on the island was less than perfect. Samos was overly touristy, with many restaurants serving mediocre food at inflated prices designed for tourists.
To add to our woes, we misplaced our ferry tickets, leading to a stressful scramble to replace them. As if that wasn’t enough, both of us came down with a stomach bug, which made our stay even more challenging. Unfortunately, these setbacks meant that Samos did not leave a favorable impression on us, and we found it difficult to enjoy our time there.
A Snapshot of Samos
Samos, a gem in the Aegean Sea, is an island rich in natural beauty and historical significance. Known for its lush landscapes, Samos is covered in pine forests, olive groves, and vineyards, making it a green oasis among the Greek islands. The island is famously the birthplace of the ancient mathematician Pythagoras and boasts numerous archaeological sites, including the Heraion, a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera.
Samos’ coastline features pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and water sports. Charming villages like Kokkari and Pythagoreio offer a blend of traditional architecture, bustling tavernas, and vibrant nightlife.
The island’s wine, particularly the sweet Muscat, is renowned and a must-try for visitors. Samos is a perfect destination for those seeking a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty in the heart of the Aegean.
Santorini
Leaving Samos, we embarked on a very slow ferry to Santorini. It was the off-season, so many of the usual ferries were no longer running, and we found ourselves on a “milk run” ferry that seemed to stop at every island along the way—at one point, it even seemed like we stopped at the same island twice!
Upon arriving in Santorini, our initial impression was underwhelming. As we traversed the island, it appeared to be just another dry and dusty Greek island. However, everything changed when we reached the caldera. The view was nothing short of spectacular, undoubtedly one of the best in the world.
We stayed a couple of kilometers outside of Fira at Stavros Villas, a wonderful family-run hotel. As the end of the season was near, we had the place almost to ourselves. Each day was sunny, and we spent our time lounging by the pool, gazing out at the Mediterranean Sea. It was pure bliss.
Of course, no visit to Santorini is complete without a trip to Oia to witness its legendary sunset. We also took a day trip to the volcano in the center of the caldera, adding a touch of adventure to our stay. Santorini turned out to be a fabulous destination, full of breathtaking views and serene moments.
Our plans to move on to Mykonos were thwarted by a massive storm that canceled our ferry. This unexpected turn of events meant we had to extend our stay in Santorini—a delightful twist of fate that allowed us more time to soak in the beauty of this extraordinary island.
A Snapshot of Santorini
Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic islands, is renowned for its stunning beauty and dramatic landscapes. Perched on the edge of a volcanic caldera, its whitewashed buildings with blue-domed roofs create a picturesque contrast against the azure Aegean Sea.
The island is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, particularly in the village of Oia, where visitors gather each evening to witness the sun sinking below the horizon in a blaze of color. Santorini’s rich history is evident in its ancient ruins, such as the prehistoric city of Akrotiri.
Visitors can also indulge in the island’s unique culinary offerings, which include fresh seafood, locally produced wines, and traditional Greek dishes. Whether exploring charming villages, relaxing on unique black sand beaches, or sailing around the caldera, Santorini offers an unforgettable experience steeped in natural beauty and cultural heritage.
