The Greek Islands- Santorini

Santorini

In 1982 a movie came out called Summer Lovers, about 1-2 years later it was on TV, I remember sneaking watching it, as it was a little risque for 10 year old. What resonated with me the most was the scenery- long before Google, I had no idea where Santorini was, all I knew was that I would go there one day... We left Athens and took an 8 hour ferry- what a comfortable way to travel, cheaper then flying, we got to Santorini in no time...I was giddy with anticipation. 

However our first views were not so impressive....

Our first views were a little dissappointing

We decided to rent a car right away rather then paying a huge abount to take us up the cliffs....We were staying in Fira, as it was a little more reasonable then Oia, and we figured we had a car and could drive around the island over the next few days. We had a cute little hotel about a 20 minute walk from downtown, we started exploring right away.

Fira was lovely-  narrow cobblestone streets, pink bougainvillea everywhere...and oh the arches! We even found a place that sold delicious cheap Gyros as we were now addicted!

The next day we toured around the island visited the ruins of Akrotiri (Greeces version of Pomeii). When the volcano Thera erupted in 1400 BC all the inhabitants fled and the whole town was covered in volcanic matter, preserving the building and contents. the excavation only began in 1967- they still have a long way to go...it is pretty crazy had advanced the society was, with evidence of sewage systems and indoor plumping, there was even a toilet found!

this blows my mind...a 2000 year old toilet...these Greeks were some smart cookies

The time finally came where we went into the town of Oia. We wanted to plan it right as we heard watching the sunset from there is amazing. Santorini was one of the prettiest places I have evr seen. Picture perfect, no filters needed, everything really is that white and that blue!  The one thing I did notice was the whole town of Oia was a little TOO polished...everything was quite fancy (no cheap Gyros here). Santorini was really exactly as I pictured...that said definitely not the place to be with kids and on a tight budget.

As the sun was starting to set hundreds of people were walking the streets trying to find the perfect place to watch the famous sunset from. Every restaurant we peeked in had crazy prices, (even by Toronto standards- a juice alone started at $6- meals were all about $20-50). We made the decision to hit the local supermarket, we bought crackers, cheese, pastries, beer and juice (for $15) headed to a spot and just waited. Kids were annoyed that we wouldn't splurge, but we had a great time anyway despite our budget seating arrangements and sub-par dinner  ( and guess what? We went into Fira after the sunset and had the most delicious Gyros ever!) 

we decided the views from here would do

It really was a beautiful spot to watch from, and FREE!

our high end "ledge" that we secured, if you look close you can see our "dinner" on the ground next to us:)

The next day we explored again, walking the 500 steps down to the old fishing village of Santorini, most opt for a donkey ride, but we have been travelling for almost a year and not only do we need the exercise, we would rather spend our money elsewhere..(kids grumbled the whole way!)

At this point I was second guessing getting a ride up...man it was hot!

What an awesome first glimpse into the Greek islands. We were heading to Naxos and Mykoknos next...as I heard both places have their own unique charm. very excited about everything...

PS- still cant stop smiling :)

Hello Europe...Nice to meet you!

Growing up very close to the largest Greek neighbourhood in North America (Greek Town on the Danforth), I have always had many Greek friends who have regaled me with stories of their upbringing at their beach house on some island or other. The tales of the blue waters of the Mediterranean and domed houses on cliffs have made Greece on my bucket list for as long as I can remember,  coupled with the fact that we were all done with Asia and needed a recharge the Lambers' were so excited to start the European leg of our journey.

I put it out there to all my Greek friends which islands to hit. We did not have a ton of time so rather then flitting all over, we decided to concentrate on Athens and the Cyclades islands (Santorini, Naxos and Mykonos).

We started in Athens, staying in an amazing Airbnb in a residential neighbourhood, close enough to walk to the tourist areas (it was great as the prices were much lower at the markets etc, but we could be in Plaka in 20 min)...we had a rooftop terrace where we could see the Acropolis - it was so incredible.

lots of antennas from the other rooftops, but a perfect view nontheless

the cleaned up version

We had 3 days and wanted to cram in as much as possible. We decided to start our day at the Acropolis..hitting as many sites as we could along the way. The entire time I was here I had a smile on my face, I absolutely LOVED Athens and was so in awe of all the history...

The very first site of the Olympics was first up...

 Followed by Zeus's temple

Then the Acropolis...the grounds are incredible, we spent hours walking around exploring all the nooks and crannies..Liv loves Greek mythology so she was as excited as we were.

this stadium Odeum of Herodes Atticus, can you imagine seeing Andrea Bocelli perform here?

the Parthenon!

Even though ot was hot and sooo dusty, we all loved visiting this wonder...incredible.

We then spent some time exploring the neighbourhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki...what I loved the most is these neighbourhoods are all built around random historical sites, in the oddest places...

The next day we toured more of old Athens, it was so great being walking distance to everything. We tried to eat most meals at home to save money, but the girls discovered Gyros and were in LOVE! They were a pretty good deal at only $4-5 we ended up eating at least 1 a day the WHOLE time we were in Greece, (on a side note I actually became a vegetarian on this trip...going amazing, not missing meat at all...but then we got to... Greece and I caved, the yummy Gyros were so good)

inside one of the many museums we visited

The most intact ruin in Ancient Greece the Temple of Hephaestus

The most intact ruin in Ancient Greece the Temple of Hephaestus

Of course Johnny set me up for this....

Lots of pictures of old stuff I know, but Athens was so interesting, a total must for everyone. we had such a  great time exploring this city, I know we did not even scratch the surface. I think we all have our mojo back...while still ready to go home, being in Europe has completely recharged us. So excited for what's to come....

Greek Islands here we come WHOOO HOOO!