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.
Our 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.
We 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.
Colorful sarongs for sale at one of the many shops that lined the beachfront.
Renting an ATV is another fun way to explore the island.
We had a sumptuous, colorful, traditional Greek lunch at Lava Restaurant, located between Perivolos and Perissa beaches. It was highly recommended by locals.
For a different beach scene and color, we headed to the Red Beach.
Red Beach is famous for its red pebbles and the dramatic red lava cliff behind it.
Bathers in Red Beach.
The soaring red lava cliff behind Red Beach.
Not 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.***
We visited the charming village of Megalahori, the center of Santorini’s wine industry.
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.
In 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
Our 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 at port of Ammoudi.
We then went to Oia where our noses followed the aroma of freshly baked bread and we were led to this delicious bakery.
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.
A donkey on the trail.
Home on the cliff in the village of Imerovigli.
Cluster of homes in the main village of Imerovigli.
A street in the village of Imerovigli.
Skaros is a rocky hill in Imerovigli that protrudes to the deep blue Aegean sea. It holds ruins of a medieval castle.
A café on the cliff with the rock of Skaros in the background.
Door to nowhere in Imerovigli.
The view of the volcanic island of Nea Kameni from Firostefani, the village between Imerovigli and Fira.
Stairways in Firostefani.
We’re back in Fira.
A 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.
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
Feel free to leave a comment below.
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.
Hi Dani, our pleasure. We’re glad you felt transported:)
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!
Hey Kira, glad you enjoyed it. Yes, we had the very best of time. We feel blessed.
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.
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.
Beautiful! What a lovely place to spend the days after your wedding. Congratulations!
Brock – Backpack With Brock recently posted..Snapshot: Florence, Italy – My First Italian City
Hey Brock, thank you! Yes, it was truly special. Good luck with the the Viator video tour!
All of your photos are phenomenal and I love the name of your blog! I definitely want to go to Greece but I sure wouldn’t want to be around alot of people on my honeymoon!
Mike recently posted..My Outward Bound Trip To Northern British Columbia
Hi Mike, thanks. Glad you enjoyed the photos. Going off-peak is great because its less crowded. Otherwise, you can rent a private island
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?
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!
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.
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.
Marisol recently posted..Florence At Leisure