Magical Santorini

Theros Wave Bar - Santorini

Whitewashed houses with blue domes, dramatic cliffs overlooking an endless sea, and sunsets that take your breath away — Santorini is just as enchanting as you imagine.

We spent the last three days of our holiday on Santorini. This island had been on my bucket list for years, and now we finally made it there. I do recommend visiting in the shoulder season, though — it was already quite busy in many places, and during high season it’s simply not enjoyable anymore.

We stayed at Astoria Hotel, a small design boutique hotel on the black beach of Perivolos, which turned out to be a great base for exploring the island.

Beach, please! The Chillest Spots on Santorini

Santorini is, of course, famous for its whitewashed houses and breathtaking sunsets, but did you know the island is also home to some fantastic beach clubs? From chic beach lounges to laid-back spots with your feet in the sand — these are the ultimate places to relax, swim, and enjoy island life in style.

Along Perivolos Beach, you’ll find plenty of beach clubs. One is even more beautiful than the next, but they are incredibly expensive and very much about seeing and being seen. It’s also extremely busy, which isn’t really my thing — though it’s definitely fun to check them out. Think of places like Wetstories, Fortyone Beach Bar, and several others.

Yalos Santorini, located on Exo Gialos Beach, was also nice to see, but in my opinion, it’s overpriced as well. My absolute favorite was Theros Wave Bar — a wonderfully relaxed spot with a boho vibe, not too crowded, super friendly staff, and great food. Driving there almost feels like you’re passing through the Grand Canyon, with towering rock formations along the road and the beach. A top spot!

Visit the village of Fira on Santorini

Of course, we also visited Fira and the iconic Three Bells. In the evening, this area gets incredibly busy, with plenty of restaurants to choose from. Hotels and restaurants seem to be clinging to the cliffside here, offering stunning views over the Caldera and the sunset.

You can enjoy the same breathtaking views from Imerovigli. While walking around there, we stumbled upon a lovely, intimate, and peaceful restaurant called Rocca Nera. Here, you can enjoy delicious food while taking in the incredible scenery. A fun detail is the glass balustrade on the terrace, which makes it feel as though you’re looking straight down — slightly thrilling, but absolutely magical. A super romantic spot and a real hidden gem if you’re looking for a beautiful and quiet place.

The village of Pyrgos in Santorini is definitely worth a visit

Pyrgos is another lovely village to explore, located in the heart of the island. It’s much more relaxed than Fira, and while wandering around we happened to stumble upon a really nice restaurant called Rosemary, where we enjoyed a delicious meal (and at very reasonable prices 😉). From here, you have a beautiful view of the sunset.

Pyrgos is a small, authentic village where donkeys still roam the streets to collect the trash — a charming detail that’s fun to see.

Santorini is truly a must-visit, but not for a full week. Go for a few days to see the highlights and soak up the atmosphere. And be sure to visit during the shoulder season to avoid the crowds. This trip was a dream come true for me!

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