As crazy as this may sound, I did not think of travelling this year due to multiple reasons Covid-19 being one. 🙂 But it happened, everything happened so fast. I cannot believe I have already travelled this beautiful island and back. Still feels like a dream.
With all the travel restrictions in place, when the government opened their borders on July, I was hopeful that we were heading to a better space. I still didn’t think about travelling then and suddenly I saw sale from the Ryan Air and that’s it. I booked the flights and prayed that it wouldn’t get cancel. Also, had to make sure that the destination I travel to, to be on the safe list and I was very glad to see Greece and Greek Islands were on the green list. It came as a beautiful surprise after all the cancelled planned holidays and travel for the year, to be able to travel again.
So, here I am writing about the holidays that I have already been and can not wait to share all my experiences with the the fear of Covid and transmission and all the surprises that would follow with.
All the check-ins in the Dublin airport went smooth. I noticed I wasn’t the only one lol. The flight was almost full like 75%. Luckily, I had an empty seat beside me while flying to Island. Everyone had their masks on throughout. It is one tough job to keep that thing on, I am beginning to appreciate all the health workers who have them on in and out.
Upon landing, I did not see the temperature screening for everyone. People were randomly called out for the swab collection and temperature check. I think it was for certain travellers flying from certain destinations, I am not sure which one though. I had filled forms that were sent to me before flying to the Island and received a QR codes 24 hours prior to the travel. That’s one thing they checked at the Immigration and went pretty smooth for me. I had hired a car for the stays there, so the man was waiting outside and he took us to the car and briefed everything.
I stayed in Oia in Santorini and having a car then felt so stupid however, I was lucky that I travelled in these times, I found plenty of free parking spaces. 😀 Staying in one of the Cycladic suites was like a dream come true. We stayed in Muses Cyclades Suites Everything felt so magical, from the lights, view, hot tub, bath tub you name it.
Everyone working in the Island were very cautious in terms of dealing with tourists like myself. They had their masks on respectfully, however, we weren’t forced to keep the masks on in the premises which I think was very kind. But for sure, I kept them on for safety.
Locals in the island mentioned that it was less crowd during this time but I was shocked to see so many people during sunsets in sunset spots in Oia and during late evenings. During my four days stay in Santorini, in spite of staying so close to the Sunset spot in Oia, I never made it to the actual sunset spot in Oia. It was crazy to see so many people rushing towards the spot and not everyone had their masks on. So, I made my way back to hotel halfway and enjoyed the sunset from my hotel’s private balcony. Other days, I watched sunsets from different location in Santorini called “Megalochori“. It’s a beautiful cliff spot to enjoy the sunset view.
On a very similar note, when I travelled to Kamari Black pebble beach, it was certainly big and more commercial but I did not stay there as it was again little busy. So, I drove to Perissa Black sand beach and it was hands down one of the nicest beach in Island. Water was crytsal clear, I loved being there and spent rest of the day there. It’s more relaxing as the business owners there did not bother as the one in Kamari beach. 🙂
You should not miss the Red beach in Akrotiri, it is unique and they also have a boat service there for €6 they take you to the white and black sand beach and back which is very handy just incase you didn’t plan this ahead you can go with the flow. The beach is wonderful to get a photo for the instagram. I hiked down and walked till the end and back, didn’t spend much time there as the beach is small and it was full of people. Free advice always avoid the crowd.
Santorini is a beautiful island, very picturesque and there is something for every type of traveller. Its definitely an island to relax, to enjoy outdoor activities and there are tonnes of things to do. From hiking, scuba diving, snorkelling, boat tour, sight seeing, wine tasting, local food spots, etc.
I did so many things like the hike from Fira to Oia in August, I felt so stupid cause it was very hot and very tough. It took me 6 hours to complete the hike with lots of breaks for Beers, energy drinks, ice creams, smoothies, photos and miserable sounding videos where I constantly bickered about hiking in mid-day in August in scorching heat and sun. 🙁
I also took my first Scuba diving lesson from Atlantis Oia dive centre which was like 10 mins walk from where I stayed. I did two dives in Armeni Bay, it was serene and a quiet beach. I was very nervous but it went well as the guys made me very comfortable being under water. Definitely check them out if you plan to do. Ps. Not sponsored just a good word for them.
Exploring towns like Fira and Oia is certainly not to miss. I spent good few hours in Fira, explored markets and hiked down to Gialos/Old port it was 587 total steps, grabbed a fresh calamari and some sardines for lunch and came up in the cable car which was €6 per person. It was totally worth it.
I had a wonderful time to just let myself be in the island. Lots of photoshoots bound to happen because it’s truly a destination that would make you want to pose in an elegant way possible. So, girls pack some light and beautiful dresses and thank me later. 🙂
Santorini is gorgeous and being listed under safe countries to travel to makes it even more amazing. However, I would suggest you to be more careful while enjoying your time in the island. Wear the masks and take all the necessary precautions. This is not only for yourself but also to those around you. And enjoy while you are there.
