How can anyone resist the charm of Santorini Island? The caldera view, the sights of Fira & Oia towns hanging on tops of a steep cliff, the little shops & cafes…I could get lost just sitting there admiring the views. If you decide to check out the island, you should definitely splurge a little & stay at an amazing hotel with the breathtaking view – worth every penny!
Where to stay: Ira Hotel – without hesitation! The hotel is absolutely stunning and luxurious. The rooms are cozy, comfortable and large, but nothing beats the pool & sunbathing area. Facing the volcano, it’s the most breathtaking swim you will ever have. The view is surreal – sip on a cold drink and take it all in. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast with everything you could want, from pastries to eggs & bacon. The best thing? You can grab your coffee & plate and take a seat at a table facing the caldera view. The hotel is located 15 mins away by foot from Fira town and it’s an easy walk along the edge of the island, where you get to enjoy some more incredible views. The hotel staff was very friendly and accommodating, they showed us around the hotel and even took the time to fill my white swam with air. Overall: 5 star experience – highly recommend.
What to do: Visit the towns of Fira & Oia – by bus (super cheap and fast, but it gets very crowded), by taxi, or by scooter/quad (if you’re brave enough, trust me that cliff is steep, the road is tiny & the curbs are insane – can’t see what awaits you behind)…! Another must is a boat tour – there are various options, but the one I preferred is a semi-private yacht tour that takes you to various beaches & the hot springs of the Volcano – includes a meal & open bar and usually runs for half day. The best time is in the afternoon from 2:30pm-9:30pm to avoid the strong sun during peak time.
What to wear: Depends on the activity! If you stay at Ira Hotel, you will definitely want to hang around the pool, so naturally you should opt for a bikini & a cover up like this Amuse Society Sandrine Kimono! I have fair skin so I always need to protect it from the sun or else I will burn. During my Santorini stay, I used this Avene’s new line of sunscreen: Avène High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+ and the Avène High Protection Body Spray SPF 50+! I didn’t burn at all and I actually have a little tan now :) And of course I had to bring this ‘little’ big guy with me: SunnyLife Inflatable Swan! The hotel staff was sooo nice to inflate it for me, amazing service at Ira Hotel :)
What to eat: Gyros are amongst my favourite in Greece, however if you’re looking for a sit down dinner, the Ouzeri restaurant is amazing! Delicious mousaka, great service and really good prices!
Outfit details: Kimono: Amuse Society Sandrine Kimono // Bikini: Old, similar one: Shopbop bandeau bikini// Shades: Ray-ban shrunken aviator sunglasses// Swan: SunnyLife Inflatable Swan// Sun protections: Avene
Kisses,
WCX