Exploring the Akrotiri and Pyrgos in Santorini

September 27, 2016 in Honeymoon

This morning we woke up early to watch the sunrise. We'll definitely miss this amazing view from our balcony. It's where we spent most of our time. After discussing our options on what to do today (as mentioned in a previous post, we didn't have an itinerary planned for our honeymoon), we decided to rent a scooter and tour the island of Santorini.

The island of Santorini (from Oia to Akrotiri) is only about 16 miles.  There are plenty of scenic points along the way, so make sure to bring your camera. — The island of Santorini (from Oia to Akrotiri) is only about 16 miles. There are plenty of scenic points along the way, so make sure to bring your camera.

After a short ride, we made it to Akrotiri (the other end of the island).  This church is located at the beginning of the trail that leads to the Red Beach in Akrotiri. — After a short ride, we made it to Akrotiri (the other end of the island). This church is located at the beginning of the trail that leads to the Red Beach in Akrotiri.

A viewpoint along the trail leading to the Red Beach.

Red Beach near the ancient site of Akrotiri (red and black volcanic rocks line the cliff)

The outside of the archeological site of ancient Akrotiri.  The entrance fee is 12 euros, and you can pay an additional amount for a guided tour. — The outside of the archeological site of ancient Akrotiri. The entrance fee is 12 euros, and you can pay an additional amount for a guided tour.

Similar to Pompeii, Akrotiri was buried in volcanic ash around 1627 BC, which preserved the remains of this Minoan Bronze Age settlement.  Akrotiri started as a small farming and fishing village, and later expanded into a center for processing … — Similar to Pompeii, Akrotiri was buried in volcanic ash around 1627 BC, which preserved the remains of this Minoan Bronze Age settlement. Akrotiri started as a small farming and fishing village, and later expanded into a center for processing copper.

Akrotiri was a sophisticated village with paved streets, extensive drainage system, and high-quality crafts.

After touring Akrotiri, we rode up the hill to the town of Pyrgos.  Since Pyrgos is perched high on top of a hill, there are panoramic views of the entire island of Santorini. — After touring Akrotiri, we rode up the hill to the town of Pyrgos. Since Pyrgos is perched high on top of a hill, there are panoramic views of the entire island of Santorini.

Since Pyrgos is very small and further away from the larger towns, there were no tourists to be found.

Pyrgos has the typical shops and boutiques of Santorini.  However, you'll feel like you have the entire town to yourself. — Pyrgos has the typical shops and boutiques of Santorini. However, you'll feel like you have the entire town to yourself.

Kantouni Traditional Cafe; we stumbled upon this place at the bottom of the hill in Pyrgos.  Their menu was like a newspaper and their food was local and very fresh.  A good choice if you're in Pyrgos. — Kantouni Traditional Cafe; we stumbled upon this place at the bottom of the hill in Pyrgos. Their menu was like a newspaper and their food was local and very fresh. A good choice if you're in Pyrgos.

Santorinian fava scented with orange zest, served with roasted almonds and local sausage; pita on the side

Fried calamari in a crunchy crust with semolina and corn flour, served with sun dried tomato cocktail sauce

Although we had rented the scooter for 24 hours, we decided to return it early since we knew we would be leaving Santorini tomorrow.  We ate dinner back in Oia and this was our view! — Although we had rented the scooter for 24 hours, we decided to return it early since we knew we would be leaving Santorini tomorrow. We ate dinner back in Oia and this was our view!

Black olives, sundried tomatoes, and capers with freshly-baked bread

A delicious hand-tossed pizza (because we didn't get enough in Italy!)

Tomorrow will not only be our last day in Santorini, but also the last day of our honeymoon.  It has certainly been the best honeymoon we could have ever hoped for. — Tomorrow will not only be our last day in Santorini, but also the last day of our honeymoon. It has certainly been the best honeymoon we could have ever hoped for.

The Hike From Fira to Oia in Santorini

September 12, 2016 in Honeymoon

This morning, we woke up early and ate breakfast on our balcony. We knew our day would be filled with a lot of walking, so we wore our tennis shoes this time. We would be taking the bus to Fira, and then hiking from Fira to Oia, which is about 6 miles. It's not a long hike, but the hills can be steep and the terrain is rugged (mostly dirt and loose rocks).

Eating breakfast on our balcony before our trip to Fira.

Our first view of Fira (the bus ride from Oia to Fira was only 30 minutes and 1.60 euros/person.)

Fira is the capital of Santorini and it is much larger than Oia, which means more room for tour groups and cruise ships.

You'll find plenty of musicians playing music on the sidewalk.

Just like Oia, the restaurants in Fira have incredible views.

Our hike hasn't even started yet and we are amazed by the scenic views and deep blue waters.  Fira is closer to the center of Santorini (as opposed to Oia), which gives it a different vantage point. — Our hike hasn't even started yet and we are amazed by the scenic views and deep blue waters. Fira is closer to the center of Santorini (as opposed to Oia), which gives it a different vantage point.

Plenty of small boutiques to browse through.  This shop (to the left) sells genuine leather handbags and purses. — Plenty of small boutiques to browse through. This shop (to the left) sells genuine leather handbags and purses.

Lucky's is small, but they are fast and you don't have to wait long at all.  This place had the best souvlaki wrap that we had in Santorini (pictured below.) — Lucky's is small, but they are fast and you don't have to wait long at all. This place had the best souvlaki wrap that we had in Santorini (pictured below.)

Souvlaki wrap at Lucky's in Fira...delicious!

We also stopped at the Santorini Brewing Company for some beers and snacks before we ventured on our hike.

Authentic Greek fava dip (yellow split peas) with capers; very simple and light, good flavor

It was a little difficult to find the trail that started the hike.  After asking a few of the locals, we finally made our way out of Fira.  Make sure to stock up on several bottles of water before you leave Fira (it was very hot when … — It was a little difficult to find the trail that started the hike. After asking a few of the locals, we finally made our way out of Fira. Make sure to stock up on several bottles of water before you leave Fira (it was very hot when we were there). It's also a good idea to have a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Also, make sure to use the restroom, since there are no public restrooms along way. Plan for the hike to take about 1.5-4 hours (it took us 3 hours; I stopped quite a bit to take pictures).

The panoramic views are spectacular!  If you look closely, you can see Oia at the very end of the caldera. — The panoramic views are spectacular! If you look closely, you can see Oia at the very end of the caldera.

You'll pass by many smaller towns along the way.  Each of them has their own unique set of hotels and shops. — You'll pass by many smaller towns along the way. Each of them has their own unique set of hotels and shops.

These churches have some of the best views in the world.

The blue domes of the church match the deep blue sky and sea below.

Stay on the trail, it's a steep slope down to the sea.

This church was at the very top of a hill with no easy access by car.  There was a man was waiting outside of this empty church.  He didn't speak any English, but motioned to us if we'd like to look inside.  We agreed, and looked arou… — This church was at the very top of a hill with no easy access by car. There was a man was waiting outside of this empty church. He didn't speak any English, but motioned to us if we'd like to look inside. We agreed, and looked around the small, one room chapel. We thanked him and he politely shook our hands as we left.

A little less than halfway back to Oia.  As you can see, Oia's still in the distance at the very end of the caldera. — A little less than halfway back to Oia. As you can see, Oia's still in the distance at the very end of the caldera.

A private hotel.  Once we make it down this hill, we follow the road a little before we ascend the next large hill. — A private hotel. Once we make it down this hill, we follow the road a little before we ascend the next large hill.

These views made the hike a little easier.

This trail leads up to a church, which has the best view of Oia from above.

At this point, we still had about a mile to go, but we didn't mind.  We were so happy that we didn't have any more hills to climb! — At this point, we still had about a mile to go, but we didn't mind. We were so happy that we didn't have any more hills to climb!

After we got back to our hotel, we swam and lounged around the pool for a while before we headed out to dinner.  This is our view from dinner. — After we got back to our hotel, we swam and lounged around the pool for a while before we headed out to dinner. This is our view from dinner.

Moussaka; an eggplant and potato-based dish with minced meat, cheese, and a bechamel sauce that is layered like a casserole; very good

Santorini has some of the best sunsets in the world.  There is a specific point where people "camp out" waiting several hours for the sunset.  But, I found that if you explore the alleys, you'll find an even better view that's not nea… — Santorini has some of the best sunsets in the world. There is a specific point where people "camp out" waiting several hours for the sunset. But, I found that if you explore the alleys, you'll find an even better view that's not nearly as crowded.

We stopped by the Kissing Fish on our walk back to our hotel to have our feet tickled.

It was quite the experience!  We couldn't tell if our feet were different afterwards, but this is something you won't be able to experience in the U.S. — It was quite the experience! We couldn't tell if our feet were different afterwards, but this is something you won't be able to experience in the U.S.

The hike was definitely well-worth the views.  Another perfect ending to a perfect day.  Tomorrow, we're traveling to another part of the island (but not by foot or by bus).  Stay tuned to see where we're headed! — The hike was definitely well-worth the views. Another perfect ending to a perfect day. Tomorrow, we're traveling to another part of the island (but not by foot or by bus). Stay tuned to see where we're headed!

Around Oia and Amoudi Bay in Santorini

September 08, 2016 in Honeymoon

We really lucked out on hotels during our honeymoon. There are so many options and since neither of us had been to Italy or Greece, we really didn't know what to expect. We chose our hotels solely based on pictures and reviews. We didn't go for the most expensive hotels, but we also didn't hold back when it came to deciding on a room. Atrina has complimentary breakfast that is served to you on your private balcony. French-pressed coffee/tea, juice, jams, greek honey, and a variety of fresh pastries and breads are served to you with every breakfast option. You also get a choice of a Mediterranean, English, or Greek-styled breakfast. For our first morning, we both chose the Mediterranean breakfast.

The mornings were beautiful.  Sunny skies the entire time we were there. — The mornings were beautiful. Sunny skies the entire time we were there.

Off to the distance, you can see some boats down at the bay.  This is where we would spend most of the day today (Amoudi Bay.) — Off to the distance, you can see some boats down at the bay. This is where we would spend most of the day today (Amoudi Bay.)

All of the hotels are very unique.  Some of the staircases have signs that say 'private' or 'guests only,' but a lot of them don't.  This is how I got some of my best pictures, especially at sunset. — All of the hotels are very unique. Some of the staircases have signs that say 'private' or 'guests only,' but a lot of them don't. This is how I got some of my best pictures, especially at sunset.

The main alley leading you through the town of Oia.  At times, this area can be very crowded, especially when cruise ships arrive and their tour groups scurry through the shops.  Early in the morning or late afternoon are good times if you… — The main alley leading you through the town of Oia. At times, this area can be very crowded, especially when cruise ships arrive and their tour groups scurry through the shops. Early in the morning or late afternoon are good times if you'd like to have quiet time to yourself.

Exploring one of the staircases.  Santorini is filled with some of the most simple and beautiful churches. — Exploring one of the staircases. Santorini is filled with some of the most simple and beautiful churches.

The 300 (large) steps leading down to Amoudi Bay. — The 300 (large) steps leading down to Amoudi Bay.

The hike down to (or up from) Amoudi Bay can be taxing, but well worth the view. — The hike down to (or up from) Amoudi Bay can be taxing, but well worth the view.

As you can see, even though there are only 300 steps to Amoudi Bay, the steps are longer than the average step (about 2-3 feet in most places.)  So, it will take a bit more time to descend/ascend. — As you can see, even though there are only 300 steps to Amoudi Bay, the steps are longer than the average step (about 2-3 feet in most places.) So, it will take a bit more time to descend/ascend.

We made it!  If you pass the restaurants and keep walking to the left, there's a small (and slightly dangerous) trail that'll lead you to a swimming area. — We made it! If you pass the restaurants and keep walking to the left, there's a small (and slightly dangerous) trail that'll lead you to a swimming area.

This part of the trail is fine, but some parts are very rocky and steep.  We were wearing sandals since we planned to go swimming, not the best choice of footwear. — This part of the trail is fine, but some parts are very rocky and steep. We were wearing sandals since we planned to go swimming, not the best choice of footwear.

The swimming area near Amoudi Bay.  The water is clean, but chilly.  Be careful if a small speed boat or large cruise ships coasts by, as the waters will become very choppy and there are many rocks nearby. — The swimming area near Amoudi Bay. The water is clean, but chilly. Be careful if a small speed boat or large cruise ships coasts by, as the waters will become very choppy and there are many rocks nearby.

After swimming, we walked back to Amoudi Bay and ate lunch at Katina's, which is well-known for their lobster spaghetti and fresh seafood.

Eggplant; a popular dish in Santorini filled with lots of flavor

The colors were so vivid and bright, like a dream!

Freshly caught octopuses, hung out to dry

After spending most of the day in Amoudi Bay, we didn't really feel up to walking back up to Oia in our sandals.  These donkeys were conveniently waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs.  For 5 euros each, it's not a bad deal.  Be … — After spending most of the day in Amoudi Bay, we didn't really feel up to walking back up to Oia in our sandals. These donkeys were conveniently waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs. For 5 euros each, it's not a bad deal. Be careful though, these donkeys aren't the best at walking in a straight line and they hit the walls quite frequently (watch out for your legs!)

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around Oia.

Whatever you imagine Santorini to be, it will be exactly as you picture it in your mind (or even better) when you arrive here.

Some of my favorite views weren't from areas marked as "scenic look-out points"; there's a lot of exploring to be done in Santorini.

Back to our room for some relaxation time before dinner

Lolita's was recommended to us for their (locally) wine-infused gelato.

To be honest, we ate so much gelato in Italy and Greece that I can not tell you what these flavors were.  I do know that we indulged in every bite and it was delicious! — To be honest, we ate so much gelato in Italy and Greece that I can not tell you what these flavors were. I do know that we indulged in every bite and it was delicious!

Surprisingly, it was hard to find gyros and hummus in Greece.  Pitogyros was one of the highest rated places in Oia for gyros. — Surprisingly, it was hard to find gyros and hummus in Greece. Pitogyros was one of the highest rated places in Oia for gyros.

Not the best gyro that I've had, the meat was dry and somewhat flavorless.  However, we did find a place with good gyros in Fira (next blog post, stay tuned!) — Not the best gyro that I've had, the meat was dry and somewhat flavorless. However, we did find a place with good gyros in Fira (next blog post, stay tuned!)

The garlic pita bread and greek salad were delicious

Another view of Fira in the distance, it's been calling our name.  One of the most recommended things to do in Santorini is the hike from Fira to Oia.  This is what we'll be doing tomorrow...wish us luck! — Another view of Fira in the distance, it's been calling our name. One of the most recommended things to do in Santorini is the hike from Fira to Oia. This is what we'll be doing tomorrow...wish us luck!

Arriving in Santorini

September 05, 2016 in Honeymoon

Last stop on our honeymoon...Santorini, Greece! We took a flight from Rome to Athens. From there, it was just a short flight (about 50 minutes) to Santorini. Our hotel highly recommended that we set up a ride from the airport to the hotel with their shuttle. The airport in Santorini is VERY small and taxi service is scarce. We're so glad that we did arrange something beforehand, because there were only 2-3 taxis in the front of the airport. The other 20 or so drivers were holding up signs for their future passengers. From the airport, it was about a 30 minute drive to our hotel in Oia.

When we arrived to the entrance of the town of Oia, a porter was already waiting for us.  We were not only amazed at how he could carry all of our luggage at the same time, but also how he could carry the luggage up and down the steep steps of … — When we arrived to the entrance of the town of Oia, a porter was already waiting for us. We were not only amazed at how he could carry all of our luggage at the same time, but also how he could carry the luggage up and down the steep steps of our hotel in one trip. This was the entrance to our hotel (Atrina Canava Traditional Houses). We were pleased to find that Atrina was in a good location (not in the crowded part of town, but close enough to walk to everything) and their customer service was impeccable.

As you can see, they paid very close attention to detail.  This complimentary bottle of wine and rose petals were waiting for us, along with a hand-written note congratulating us on our recent nuptials. — As you can see, they paid very close attention to detail. This complimentary bottle of wine and rose petals were waiting for us, along with a hand-written note congratulating us on our recent nuptials.

The pure white walls complimented the blue bathroom to bring together the trademark colors of the Greek Cycladic islands.

Our large open bathroom with a rainfall shower.

A nice seating area by the windows and a small kitchen (stove-top, sink, and refrigerator.)

Our private balcony with another stunning view

The view to the left of our balcony, you can see the pool lit up (lower center)

After we unpacked, we took a walk through the town of Oia.  Lots of shops, boutiques, and restaurants to choose from. — After we unpacked, we took a walk through the town of Oia. Lots of shops, boutiques, and restaurants to choose from.

All of the restaurants and hotels had marvelous views

The Church of Panagia Platsani.  During the day, this square is filled with vendors and musicians. — The Church of Panagia Platsani. During the day, this square is filled with vendors and musicians.

in the distance, you can see Fira (another town in Santorini) lit up at night.  In a future blog post, I will document our hike from Fira back to Oia. — in the distance, you can see Fira (another town in Santorini) lit up at night. In a future blog post, I will document our hike from Fira back to Oia.

Assyrtiko is a white wine grape that is indigenous to the island of Santorini.  This became a favorite of ours during our stay in Santorini.  Maybe it was the nostalgia of being on this balcony with my favorite person that made it so speci… — Assyrtiko is a white wine grape that is indigenous to the island of Santorini. This became a favorite of ours during our stay in Santorini. Maybe it was the nostalgia of being on this balcony with my favorite person that made it so special. One thing's for sure, we found this exact bottle once we arrived back home and will be saving it for our one-year anniversary. Maybe the view won't be as great, maybe the taste won't even be as appealing, but the memories of our first year together will be reason to celebrate.

Day of Exploring Rome

September 01, 2016 in Honeymoon

With only one more day in Rome, we woke up this morning with a mission. We had purchased City Sightseeing (24-hour) bus passes in order to hit all of Rome's top historical sights. Our goal was to get to the Colosseum before it opened, so we left early. However, what we thought was going to be a 15-20 minute bus ride, turned out to be an hour and a half! We didn't realize how many stops we would make along the way, or the amount of waiting we would spend at each stop. So, after we arrived at our first destination we threw our bus passes away and spent the rest of the day walking around Rome.