Thursday, January 5, 2017
Dream honeymoon!
Our dream honeymoon destination: Santorini, Greece
Going on a honeymoon was one my main concerns when planning a wedding hehe. We wanted a place where we could stay put, eat good food, drink wine, eat cheese, and enjoy views. It was a no brainer picking Santorini. After the wedding madness we just wanted to relax and enjoy being newly weds. Santorini did not disappoint.
We skipped the ferries and neighboring islands and flew right into Santorini airport. A very small and probably most disorganized airports we experienced. You get off the plane and take a a bus to the airport where they have the terminals. We arrived 6 in the morning and watched the sunrise as our hotel driver brought us to our hotel-On the Rocks in Imerovigili.
We quickly formed a relationship with the hotel ladies Maria & Janine. They were so nice & accommodating
We spent a full week in Santorini & felt like it was the perfect amount of time to explore the stunning island. Here is a list of things we did.
1. Santo Wines-wine tasting
We caught the local bus that drops you right in front of the venue. We suggest you catch a taxi back into town instead of waving down a taxi. The information desk will call a taxi for you. We split a taxi an older couple from France.
2. Boat tour around Santorini on a speed boat-The Titan
We booked the tour thru our hotel. We decided to go on a speed boat vs. catamaran. We wanted a smaller group and faster transportation. They pick you up and take you to the harbor. On the boat they feed you drinks and a delicious fresh Greek meal. I induldged in mimosas with an Australian and British lady who did not have a mimosa before! Dusty enjoyed his Grecian beers. We did an island tour where they took us around the caldera, visited the red and white beaches, hot springs, Indian Head Mountain, light house, snorkeled in the Aegean Sea and ended our day in Oia. The Aegean sea is unlike any kind of water I've swam in. It is has an enchanting deep blue color that was perfect to jump into and cool off. You automatically just float to the surface from all the salt. The water will sting at first with its coldness but naturally feels refreshing against the Santorini sun.
3. Hike from Imerovigli to Oia
3 hours hike with stunning views! You pass thru smaller towns of Santorini, old churches, all along the edge of the island overlooking the Aegean sea. Get an early head start to beat the heat!
4. Romantic Strolls from Imerovigli to Fira
Santorini is romantic both during the day & night. Stop & eat at restaurants and browse thru shops on this walk. At night the walk ways are lit. Enjoy the quietness & city lights of the different towns. Don't be afraid, we were told it is totally safe to walk at night.
5. Sunsets!
We watched sunsets in Imerovigli & Oia. Oia is the number one destination to watch the famous Santorini sunsets. It will not disappoint, but be prepared to find a spot 2 hours before sunset and get ready to dodge sea of people and cameras! We found a spot on top of an old castle with the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and Oia. However, we actually preferred the quiet relaxing sunset in Imerovigli/Firostefani. There you can watch the sunset over the crater & have space to breathe and enjoy the view with your lover. The sunsets are like no other. I never felt the sun feel so close as it sets. It's the only country we've been to when the sun sets the crowd cheers & the party begins!
6. Oia
We visited Oia twice. We hiked into Oia and road the bus into Oia. It was about 15 minutes away from where we stayed and $18 by taxi from Imerovigli. Oia is the more ritzy part of Santorini, high end shops, and restaurants. Don't do your shopping here they jack up the prices. We enjoyed the beautiful views, alleyways dressed in bougenvillas, some drinks, and pizza. It does get pretty crowded in the narrow alleyways and shops, but none the less picturesque!
7. Food
We ate at popular restaurants recommended by the hotel staff and found little gems when just walking around. Restaurants we enjoyed were mainly near Imerovigli/Firostefani. Restaurants we ate at (remembered) were called: Avocado, Mezzo, Blue Note, Aktaion were all delicious! We had to get used to the greek flavors. They are very rich & was an acquired taste for us. Fira (port town) had lots of restaurants from all cultures. We enjoyed a gryro with french fries in from a place called Restaurant Pizzeria Tabasco Santorini. Dusty's favorite place to eat was shop near out hotel called The Sun. They had the freshest pastries and sandwiches. Dusty would visit the shop ladies every morning to get some coffee and treats.
8. Pool
Santorini heat is no joke especially walking up and down the stairs through the different towns. We went at end of June so it was a bit hot. Some of the best days were just relaxing by the pool, reading a book, cooling off with a nice drink and taking in the breathtaking views. I just loved all the details of our hotel!
9.Shop
The best town to do your souvenier shopping is Fira. You'll have a lot of selection of gifts with the hundred of shops. There are also tons of restaurants to rest and rejuvenate after all the shopping and walking. We took home Santorini wine, ouzo, herbs, key chains, towels, & volcanic bead bracelets for our families.
Till this day we can't believe we went to Santorini for our honeymoon. We have so many memories & pictures of our honeymoon & often day dream of the dreamy island & special time spent there. Our advice for the newly engaged & newly wedded couple is GO on your honeymoon! Don't push it to the side or book it later. As newly weds you are seriously on a high! There is no better way to celebrate your new adventure & reflect on your special day in one of the romantic places you & your husband choose. You seriously will be glowing & feel "over the moon" in love!
Going on a honeymoon was one my main concerns when planning a wedding hehe. We wanted a place where we could stay put, eat good food, drink wine, eat cheese, and enjoy views. It was a no brainer picking Santorini. After the wedding madness we just wanted to relax and enjoy being newly weds. Santorini did not disappoint.
We skipped the ferries and neighboring islands and flew right into Santorini airport. A very small and probably most disorganized airports we experienced. You get off the plane and take a a bus to the airport where they have the terminals. We arrived 6 in the morning and watched the sunrise as our hotel driver brought us to our hotel-On the Rocks in Imerovigili.
We quickly formed a relationship with the hotel ladies Maria & Janine. They were so nice & accommodating
We spent a full week in Santorini & felt like it was the perfect amount of time to explore the stunning island. Here is a list of things we did.
1. Santo Wines-wine tasting
We caught the local bus that drops you right in front of the venue. We suggest you catch a taxi back into town instead of waving down a taxi. The information desk will call a taxi for you. We split a taxi an older couple from France.
2. Boat tour around Santorini on a speed boat-The Titan
We booked the tour thru our hotel. We decided to go on a speed boat vs. catamaran. We wanted a smaller group and faster transportation. They pick you up and take you to the harbor. On the boat they feed you drinks and a delicious fresh Greek meal. I induldged in mimosas with an Australian and British lady who did not have a mimosa before! Dusty enjoyed his Grecian beers. We did an island tour where they took us around the caldera, visited the red and white beaches, hot springs, Indian Head Mountain, light house, snorkeled in the Aegean Sea and ended our day in Oia. The Aegean sea is unlike any kind of water I've swam in. It is has an enchanting deep blue color that was perfect to jump into and cool off. You automatically just float to the surface from all the salt. The water will sting at first with its coldness but naturally feels refreshing against the Santorini sun.
 |
| Aimee cliff jumping |
3. Hike from Imerovigli to Oia
3 hours hike with stunning views! You pass thru smaller towns of Santorini, old churches, all along the edge of the island overlooking the Aegean sea. Get an early head start to beat the heat!
4. Romantic Strolls from Imerovigli to Fira
Santorini is romantic both during the day & night. Stop & eat at restaurants and browse thru shops on this walk. At night the walk ways are lit. Enjoy the quietness & city lights of the different towns. Don't be afraid, we were told it is totally safe to walk at night.
5. Sunsets!
We watched sunsets in Imerovigli & Oia. Oia is the number one destination to watch the famous Santorini sunsets. It will not disappoint, but be prepared to find a spot 2 hours before sunset and get ready to dodge sea of people and cameras! We found a spot on top of an old castle with the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and Oia. However, we actually preferred the quiet relaxing sunset in Imerovigli/Firostefani. There you can watch the sunset over the crater & have space to breathe and enjoy the view with your lover. The sunsets are like no other. I never felt the sun feel so close as it sets. It's the only country we've been to when the sun sets the crowd cheers & the party begins!
 |
| Imerovigli Sunset |
 |
| Oia |
 |
| Oia crowds |
 |
| Cheers |
 |
| Oia Sunset |
6. Oia
We visited Oia twice. We hiked into Oia and road the bus into Oia. It was about 15 minutes away from where we stayed and $18 by taxi from Imerovigli. Oia is the more ritzy part of Santorini, high end shops, and restaurants. Don't do your shopping here they jack up the prices. We enjoyed the beautiful views, alleyways dressed in bougenvillas, some drinks, and pizza. It does get pretty crowded in the narrow alleyways and shops, but none the less picturesque!
7. Food
We ate at popular restaurants recommended by the hotel staff and found little gems when just walking around. Restaurants we enjoyed were mainly near Imerovigli/Firostefani. Restaurants we ate at (remembered) were called: Avocado, Mezzo, Blue Note, Aktaion were all delicious! We had to get used to the greek flavors. They are very rich & was an acquired taste for us. Fira (port town) had lots of restaurants from all cultures. We enjoyed a gryro with french fries in from a place called Restaurant Pizzeria Tabasco Santorini. Dusty's favorite place to eat was shop near out hotel called The Sun. They had the freshest pastries and sandwiches. Dusty would visit the shop ladies every morning to get some coffee and treats.
8. Pool
Santorini heat is no joke especially walking up and down the stairs through the different towns. We went at end of June so it was a bit hot. Some of the best days were just relaxing by the pool, reading a book, cooling off with a nice drink and taking in the breathtaking views. I just loved all the details of our hotel!
9.Shop
The best town to do your souvenier shopping is Fira. You'll have a lot of selection of gifts with the hundred of shops. There are also tons of restaurants to rest and rejuvenate after all the shopping and walking. We took home Santorini wine, ouzo, herbs, key chains, towels, & volcanic bead bracelets for our families.
Till this day we can't believe we went to Santorini for our honeymoon. We have so many memories & pictures of our honeymoon & often day dream of the dreamy island & special time spent there. Our advice for the newly engaged & newly wedded couple is GO on your honeymoon! Don't push it to the side or book it later. As newly weds you are seriously on a high! There is no better way to celebrate your new adventure & reflect on your special day in one of the romantic places you & your husband choose. You seriously will be glowing & feel "over the moon" in love!
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