Scrolling through my Instagram, Facebook and other social media I can easily see that this summer Santorini is a Number 1 Place To Be. I am not even surprised. Breakfast feasts with besties next to the infinity pool and romantic sunset moments with hubby is something you can’t get bored of.

I’ve ecided to go to Greece a bit earlier (check out also my last post about Mykonos: http://pinklemonade.eu/greece-bliss-mykonos ) to avoid the crowds and enjoy picturesque surroundings with my bestie on my side instead thousand of completely strange to many asian tourists.

Let me share with you my some tips.

Stay/ go / be in  OIA.

I’m sure the island is full of magical gems, but if you’re short with time as I’ve been (only 3 days :(…) go see what you have to see. Santorini is known cause of its cascade cute houses, magical sunset views  churches with their blue domes. And this is Oia. I know it is a super touristic destination. Normally I am trying to avoid this kind of places but… here I absolutely agree that Oia is a face of Santorini.

We stayed in Thira (also you may see “Fira” – capital), and was nice, we managed to see 2 different cities and travelling from one to another wasn’t a big deal ( 1,60 Euro one way with a public bus going very frequently), but if I could choose once again I would just stay in Oia.

Oia is a small village, and there is no much to see, if you’re looking for a worldwide known pieces of art or ancient ruins. But the atmosphere is soo amazing it just makes you wanna stay there forever! We had tears in eyes literally every 5 min, and we’ve been just changing one view point to another one, 5 meters far away.

I also wouldn’t say that is overrated or overpriced. Of course, if you want to stay in the best 5* luxury hotel it will be expensive (for example Astarte Suites or Charisma Suites), but would be same anywhere else in the world. Here you know what you pay for, waking up with in a cave somewhere on the edge of the massive rock and having breakfast in your private jacuzzi is not something ordinary (lucky you if yes!), so let’s be honest, it won’t be for free.

But still, if you’re going on a budget (as we did), you can have a great time and eat in the most beautiful places. Prices in restaurants I would say are pretty normal comparing to other fancy cities in Europe, and there’s not a big price difference if you choose a resto with a view or on the other site of the street! If you don’t want to spend a fortune go to the best restaurants and bars just for a glass of wine and have a taste of a luxury life without ruining your bank account!

Attention! Many hotels is closed just for guests so they won’t let you in to spend a day at their swimming pool or even have a drink! Where you can go for sure is:

• Black Rock Restaurant – stunning place with amazing people, definitely recommend to go either during or evening !
• Grace Hotel Restaurant
• Canaves Oia Hotel Restaurant (one of the most famous ones)
• 1800 Restaurant

You don’t need a map or a guide there, just walk around, everything is very close to each other so I’m sure you will just bump into most beautiful places without even looking for them.

Everyone wants to make its perfect sunset pic! So my recommendation is: think about a place and plan it in advance, it can be a restaurant, boat, or just a roof of someone else’s house (yep, quite popular spot), and go there before the sun comes down!

Oia is not a party place. Probably during the high season restaurants and bars are open slightly longer but what locals say – if you want a fun night out, go to Thira. However, for me Santorini is a place for ” in love couples”. I went to Santorini with a friend (<3) and I loved it, but our goal was to relax, admire views and simply spend some time together (and obviously photoshoot everything what’s possible;)). Probably you won’t be that satisfied if you would go there with a family or a big group of friends, but maybe I’m wrong! 🙂

Let me know if you have any questions or you’re planning a trip there, I am always happy to help and share with you more ! <3