Most people I’ve talked to who have been to Greece, have also been to the island of Santorini – and with good reason. Some people (who haven’t been there) claim that it’s “overrated” or “touristy”… to them I say… “where did you stay when you were there?” *wink*.

My goal today is to impress upon you why anyone who considers themself a lover of travel should visit Santorini at least once in their life.

The sunsets are spectacular

Stop for a moment. Imagine you’re sitting on a cliff in the Aegean sea, looking out over an ancient volcano, watching the tired, red, sun sink down below the horizon, while your lover quietly sits beside you. Silence, as everyone on this island breaths in the moment, that moment is only right then, and right there.

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The sun sinks below the horizon and you let your breath out, you didn’t realize you were holding it in, but magic makes you do things that you are not entirely aware of.

The Natural Beauty

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From the flowering bougainvillea trees that create canopies to walk through as you move from one cafe with spectacular views to another, to the red volcanic clay beach (called “red beach”). From hiking the volcano on it’s own little island (literally, the volcano IS an island, you have to take a boat to get there – I also recommend wearing something other than Sperrys) to the hot springs down below. The island is filled with countless naturally beautiful views and adventures.

The Food

Classic, I know, after all…….. *ba dum dum* Dan likes to eat 😉

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A few things you should know about the food…

• Santorini is famous for their wine, which is made with the grapes grown on the island in volcanic soil. There are many factors that create this delicious wine but the biggest thing is that the climate is so dry, and the volcanic soil combined give the grapes a unique flavor.
• Greek Yogurt is better in Greece… and I mean that honestly not just because I was high on life but because I normally don’t even like Greek yogurt but this was different (also something about the load of honey that it came with helped!)
• Not all Souvlaki is created equal but if you find some place that is proud to serve Souvlaki, you will likely not be disappointed. If you eat somewhere that serves it without love… well… I’m sorry to say but you’ve done it wrong.
• Baklava is better served with ice cream (Greek ice cream, or otherwise).
• Try the Fava Bean Dip (with pita) – apparently this yellow colored bead dip has a history of causing immediate death in some people; however, if you don’t die… you’ll love the flavor. I was one of the lucky ones and made it out alive with my tastebuds enlightened.

The Romance

Or whatever you want to call it. I think the word “romantic” is the best one to describe the vibe on this magical island. I don’t mean romance as in ‘love for a person’, but I meat it as in… the island is romancing your heart with its beauty, you feel like you could fall in love with the atmosphere. Santorini is the most romantic place I’ve ever been. Walking around in the town of Oia at the far end of the half-moon shaped island at dusk when the lights begin to flicker on was a feeling I have never had so deeply anywhere else in the world.

I don’t mean romance as in ‘love for a person’, but I mean it as in… the island is romancing your heart with its beauty.

-Me

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Pretty much anywhere I went on the island left me speechless. All the views are incredible and there are so many hidden pathways to take and explore new places.

The Cliff Diving

Oh, I’m sorry – did I forget to mention that I went cliff diving in Santorini? (YouTube video on this coming soon!) Yes I do have shots from my GoPro and from my Drone – I had to capture my shirtless proof of overeating in the Mediterranean for too long.

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I hardly scratched the surface

In order to not overwhelm anyone, this is where I will leave a few more pictures and bid thee adieu. Truly, I am pleading with you to prioritize this experience in your life. You will not be sorry. The memories will last your whole life.

This is the only life we get, so go live it!

-Me, Today

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And if you got this far and want a little bit more, here is a video where I captured all of my favorite things that I ate on the beautiful island of Santorini, Greece.

Until next time, my fellow traveler.

Good night.