Red Beach, Santorini, Greece

Now that our Tiny, Skinny Greek Wedding was over and done with, and we have walked the whole stretch of the hiking trail, explored Oia and Fira and watched a lot of stunning sunsets — what else is there to do in paradise?  We found aplenty.

 

Beyond the Hiking Trail

The day after our Tiny, Skinny Greek Wedding, we rented a car and explored places beyond the reach of the hiking trail.

Black Sand Beach in Perivolos, Santorini, GreeceOur first stop was the black sand beach of Perivolos in the southeastern end of the island. It is known for the dark volcanic sand and pebbles that strewn its shoreline.

 

Black sand beach of Perissa, Santorini, GreeceWe then moved to the  beach of Perissa. It connects with the beach of Perivolos and their combined area is the longest stretch of beach in Santorni.  We found the vibes in Perivolos more up-market and loungy, while Perissa seem to attract more backpacker crowds.

 

Sarong for sale on the beach of Perissa, Santorini, Greece

Colorful sarongs for sale at one of the many shops that lined the beachfront.

 

ATV in Santorini, GreeceRenting an ATV is another fun way to explore the island.

 

Stuffed Red Pepper,  Lava Restaurant, Santorini, Greece

We had a sumptuous, colorful, traditional Greek lunch at Lava Restaurant, located between Perivolos and Perissa beaches. It was highly recommended by locals.

 

On Red Beach, Santorini, GreeceFor a different beach scene and color, we headed to the Red Beach.

 

Red Beach, Santorini, GreeceRed Beach is famous for its red pebbles and the dramatic red lava cliff behind it.

 

Bathers on the Red Beach, Santorini, GreeceBathers in Red Beach.

 

Rocks on  the Red Beach, Santorini, GreeceThe soaring red lava cliff behind Red Beach.

 

Cliff in Akrotiri, Santorini, GreeceNot too far from Red Beach is the cape of Akrotiri which offers a very spectacular view of the cliff.  There is a lighthouse nearby.

***The village of Akrotiri has an archeological site where the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean region have been uncovered. Unfortunately, the site was closed to the public during our visit. However, we were able to see some of its beautiful frescos on display in National Archeological Museum in Athens.  The  site recently reopened and you should check it out if you visit Santorini.  The oldest relics in the site date back from late Neolithic age (around 4th century BC) and must be worth a visit.***

Megalohiri, Santorini, GreeeceWe visited the charming village of Megalahori, the center of Santorini’s wine industry.

 

Cellar of Cavallas Winery, Megalohiri, Greece

Wine tasting at Cavallas Winery, Megalohiri, Santorini, Greece

We checked out the family owned Gavalas Winery in Megalohori and enjoyed some wine tasting. The winery boasts award-winning wines and has been featured on the food show of Giada de Laurentiis.

 

 

Oia at Night, Santorinii, GreeceIn the evening, we went back to Oia. We walked around its charming streets and enjoyed a nice dinner and its night scenes.

 

Returning to  Ammoudi, Oia and the hiking trail

Early morning in the port of Ammoudi, Santorini, GreeceOur hostess Despina suggested that we return to the port of Ammoudi for a nice breakfast at one of its tavernas.  We went much too early and all the places were still closed. However, we thoroughly enjoyed the tranquil morning atmosphere.

 

 A boat in port of Ammoudi, Santorini, GreeceA boat at port of Ammoudi.

 

A bakery in Oia, Santorini, GreeceWe then went to Oia where our noses followed the aroma of freshly baked bread and we were led to this delicious bakery.

 

Yummy Greek  sweet treats!

Yummy sweet Greek treats at the bakery.

We hit the trail again and head towards the direction of Fira. This time we took it much slower and enjoyed more of the sights in the villages along the way.

Donkey, Santorni, Greece

A donkey on the trail.

 Home on the cliff in the village of Imerovigli.

 

Homes in Imerovigli, Santorini, GreeceCluster of homes in the main village of Imerovigli.

 

Street in Imerovigli, Santorini, GreeceA street in the village of Imerovigli.

 

Skoura, Imerovigli, Santorini, GreeceSkaros is a rocky hill in Imerovigli that protrudes to the deep blue Aegean sea. It holds ruins of a medieval castle.

 

Cafe on the cliff, Imerovigli, Santorini, GreeceA café on the cliff with the rock of Skaros in the background.

 

Door to nowhere, Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece

Door to nowhere in Imerovigli.

 

View of the volcanic island of Nea Kameni from FirostefaniThe view of the volcanic island of Nea Kameni from Firostefani, the village between Imerovigli and Fira.

 

Firostefani stairs, Santorini, GreeceStairways in Firostefani.

We’re back in Fira.

Village of Fira, Santorini, GreeceA hill in Fira.

This time we got to see more of Fira’s landscape. Like Oia, it has a lot of churches but with different architecture.

A church in Fira, Santorini, Greece

 

Church in Fira, Santorini, Greece

 

A domed church in Fira, Santorini

 

Loofah for sale in front of one of the churches.

What we looked forward to at the end of the day.

 ————-

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, it did! On our last full day in Santorini, we went sailing around the stunning caldera. It was amazing! Check out – Santorini Part 3: Sailing Around the Caldera

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About Marisol

Taking you on our journey one photo - and footstep - at a time.

16 responses to “Santorini Part 2: Our Big, Fat Greek Honeymoon

  1. Danica Moran

    Wow, the more photos you post the more breathtaking Santorini is. You captured the island so well; I felt I was there myself. Thanks for sharing your amazing photos and experience.

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Dani, our pleasure. We’re glad you felt transported:)

  2. Kira

    Thanks for taking me to another spectacular tour of Santorini. I thoroughly enjoyed it. You guys looked like you really had the best of time. I look forward to Santorini Part 3!

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hey Kira, glad you enjoyed it. Yes, we had the very best of time. We feel blessed.

  3. Carrie Sieber

    Love! Love! Love Santorini! Can’t wait to get there myself. You guys seem to have done a lot and really enjoyed the island. Most people I know who had been to Santorini mostly took cruises and just scratched the surface. I will do it your way – a long, slow travel in paradise.

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Carrie, we really hope you get there soon. Yes, slower travel is the best. During our trip, we met some people who were in a cruise and we felt sad that they could not experience the island as much as we did. They were there for half a day and we were there for a whole week and we felt we could have stayed another week.

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hey Brock, thank you! Yes, it was truly special. Good luck with the the Viator video tour!

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Mike, thanks. Glad you enjoyed the photos. Going off-peak is great because its less crowded. Otherwise, you can rent a private island :)

  4. jo

    Beautiful. Of all the places you have visited what is your favorite. Our 20 year anniversary is coming up next year and I am trying to pick the location to celebrate. We did Cozumel, FL Keyes on our honeymoon. What about Greece vs. Hawaii?

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Jo, We have a lot of favorites.! Greece and Hawaii are both great choices. It depends what season you would like to go. If you’re going in winter Hawaii is a better bet as the Greek islands can get cold in winter time. Enjoy your 20th anniversary trip!

  5. Jen

    You two have such a beautiful married life. We wish we met you guys during our short time living in New York City. I found your blog during our last-minute Santorini and Athens research. My husband and I are due to travel at the end of this month. Would you have any tips or comments regarding the practical, non-glamorous aspects of traveling and staying in this country in particular, i.e. I heard from others that some honeymooners had massive allergic reactions to mosquitoes on this island. Was this an issue for you guys? How is the water situation here – some people said it’s safe to drink and brush teeth while others advised us to even brush teeth with bottled water. And of course I heard about the no-flushing thing. Any insight during your stay would be greatly appreciated. We’re also staying two days in Athens. Thank you, and I hope this finds you well.

    • Marisol

      Hi Jen, I apologize for the late reply. I’m glad you found your way here. You know, we didn’t experience any mosquito problems in the islands. We went in September not sure if its an issue during other months. We didn’t have any water issue either or any plumbing issues. The issues you mentioned were the ones we experienced in India but definitely not in Greece. Santorini is stunning and we found it pretty clean. I hope you stay at one of those places along the caldera so you can enjoy its beauty to the fullest. We included travel tips in our Santorini Part 3 post – you may want to check it out. We also wrote a post on Athens. Athens as a city is not so charming, but if you focus your attention to its ancient heritage you won’t be disappointed.
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