Two Days in Santorini, Memories to Last a Lifetime: A Vacation Story from a Friend

 Last summer, I flew to Santorini; it was one of the places I saw on Instagram and thought, “Yes, I must go there immediately!” Let me tell you about my magical two days there, because those who are saving up for their summer vacation, those who enjoy the sun, those who want to relax... take a look here, let yourself be inspired! Watching the sunset in Oia, the orange lights glistening on the sea and the whiteness of the domed houses warm your heart. You walk through the narrow streets, each corner a surprise; tiny cafes, colorful doors, as if the island itself is embracing you. As you wander between the tranquility of Akrotiri and the bustle of Fira, each stop whispers another story. Fresh fish and local meze, especially fava and tomatokeftedes, make the meals not just to satisfy the stomach but to be remembered. The moment you step foot on Santorini, you feel both relaxed and rejuvenated. This is not just an island, but a short escape, a place to lighten your spirit. Since the island is small, you can easily explore it by ferry or by renting a car. While May to October is the busiest season, you can enjoy a more peaceful and affordable vacation experience between November and April. Last summer, I flew to Santorini; it was one of the places I saw on Instagram and thought, “Yes, I must go there immediately!”

Day 1: Oia Sunset & Fira's Mild Chaos

When I opened my eyes, I looked out the window of my room and was greeted by Santorini's famous view: white houses, blue domes, narrow stone streets... The morning light seemed to paint everything gold. My first task was to set out on the approximately ten-kilometer walking route from Fira to Oia. As I walked step by step, the blue of the sea and the steep cliffs made for a breathtaking experience. It felt as though time had slowed down around me, with every corner unfolding like a postcard scene before us. I stopped frequently along the way to take photos, smiling slightly, without a thought of fatigue crossing my mind.

When I arrived in Oia, the midday sun was illuminating the streets. Getting lost in the narrow streets, walking to the sound of the crunching stone pavement, and stopping at hidden cafes to sip lemonade gave me a special pleasure. At that moment, I noticed the small details: colorful flowers hanging from balconies, the laughter of children playing in the street, and the quiet presence of elderly people chatting at their doorsteps. At the café where I stopped for lunch, I wanted to try the prosciutto and local appetizers while browsing the menu. The flavors were so fresh and authentic that you could feel the spirit of the island in every bite.

As evening approached, I walked to Oia's famous sunset spot. The sun was slowly sinking into the sea, and the sky was turning orange, pink, and purple. The people gathered there were looking at each other in silence, witnessing this moment of nature with respect. I joined in this silent applause. The view was so breathtaking that the cameras and phones around me felt inadequate; one wanted to capture it only with one’s eyes and heart. In that moment, I thought: this cannot be a film set, because the reality here is not something that could be created with any special effects. One feels lost yet alive in this magnificent natural scene, of which one is a part.

Day 2: Beaches, Fira Fun & History

I dedicated the second day to the sea and culture side of my vacation. As I started my day, I noticed that the beach season had begun with the gentle warmth of the sun, and I couldn't wait to dive into the cool waters of the Aegean Sea. My first stop was Kamari Beach. It was quiet and orderly; sun loungers were lined up, umbrellas provided shade, and sweet cafes had set up their tables on the side. The beach’s laid-back atmosphere was relaxing, making you want to leave all the week’s fatigue behind and just watch the waves.

The next stop was Perissa, which particularly impressed me with its black pebbles and cool sea. The cafes lining the beach, combined with the energy of the sea, created an atmosphere like a “wedding hall by the sea.” As you walked, the gentle breeze from the sea and the crunch of the stones made you feel as though you were on an island, in a world where time moved slowly. Red Beach offered a completely different experience; the red and black sands looked like scenes from a Far Eastern film. The descent required some caution; you had to go down a rocky path, but the taste of those interesting colors and the view made every step worthwhile.

I had lunch at a tavern right next to the beach. I ordered a fresh souvlaki after swimming in the sea, and the waiter was so cheerful that he made me smile by saying, “Enough, describe the food yourself and swallow it!” The meal, combined with the salt of the sea and the gentle warmth of the sun, turned a simple lunch into an unforgettable memory.

In the afternoon, I returned to Fira. Walking among the city's white stone houses and labyrinthine streets, it was easy to get lost among the crowds of tourists, but it was impossible not to be captivated by the place. Every corner was like a small window opening onto the sea view, inviting one to explore. After Fira, exploring the ancient ruins in Akrotiri felt like touching the island’s history. As I walked, I felt as though I could hear the silent stories of the past echoing through the stones; here, time flows differently, with the sea and history intertwined.

Dining Recommendations in Santorini

Eating and drinking in Santorini is one of the most enjoyable aspects of exploring the island. Sitting down at a small cafe in the morning and saying “yorgunastar” is a wonderful ritual to start the day. The warmth of homemade pastries, the flavor of fresh cheese and olives, combined with the light sweetness of the jams served alongside, transforms breakfast into a celebration of joy. After breakfast, going for a walk or heading to the beach leaves a light, pleasant feeling in the stomach and provides energy for the rest of the day.

At lunchtime, sitting at one of the taverns by the beach makes dining with a sea view a completely different experience. The variety of meze and fresh tzatziki are served with a light breeze. The sound of the waves and the sunlight make the meal unforgettable, not just to satisfy your stomach but to savor the moment.

In the evenings, a tavern with a view is the ideal way to end the day. Sitting next to the castle or the sea in Oia or Fira, enjoying octopus, gulet fish, and Assyrtiko wine, you can feel the spirit of Santorini. Visiting one of the small bars recommended by my friend, sharing the day’s conversations, and letting yourself be completely immersed in the island with the accompaniment of soft music is possible. These places not only offer stunning views but also affordable prices that won’t strain your wallet, ensuring you enjoy a pleasant evening.

Accommodation Recommendations in Santorini

Staying in Santorini is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the island. When you find a place among the white houses and blue domes where the morning sun fills your room, the peace of your vacation begins the moment you walk through the door. Sipping your coffee while watching the sunrise from the terrace of some hotels is like a small ritual of happiness. Some accommodations are close to the beach, allowing you to wake up to the sound of the sea, while some boutique hotels are hidden in narrow streets, offering a sense of the island's tranquility. When making your choice, comfort, views, and atmosphere all play a role; because staying in Santorini is not just about spending a night, it's about feeling the island's spirit.

Canaves Oia Suites: Nestled in the cliffs of Oia, Canaves Oia Suites is a luxurious retreat. An exceptionally beautiful and elegant place... Most of the suites are renovated 17th-century cave houses. The hotel's name, Canaves, literally means “cave houses.” Canaves Oia Suites is a uniquely luxurious space designed and decorated in a white, contemporary style. The balconies offer breathtaking views of the Caldera, and you can enjoy moments of pure relaxation in your private pool.

Sienna Eco Resort: Located in Exo Gialos Thiras, Santorini, these traditionally decorated villas feature elegant décor and offer views of the Aegean Sea and the garden. Parking and WiFi access are free throughout the property. All of Sienna's villas are decorated in earth tones with tiled floors and feature air conditioning, white wooden furniture, a living room, dining area, and fully equipped kitchen.

How to get to Santorini from Turkey & Ferry Fares?

There is no single route from Turkey to Santorini; some planning and transfers are required. Since there are no direct flights, travelers typically fly via Athens. One of the most practical options is to fly from Istanbul or Izmir to Athens and then take a short 45-minute domestic flight to Santorini. During the summer months, it is also possible to find connecting flights from some European cities.

For those who prefer to travel by sea, there are different routes available. Since there are no direct ferries from Turkey to Santorini, you first need to travel to a nearby Greek island. For example, you can take a ferry from Çeşme to Chios Island, then travel to the Port of Piraeus in Athens, and finally board one of the daily ferry services to Santorini. Another route is to travel from Bodrum to Kos Island; during the summer months, there are ferry services from Kos to Santorini with a layover.

Traveling by ferry within Greece is a very enjoyable and scenic journey. The ferry ride from Piraeus Port to Santorini takes between 5 and 8 hours. Ferries from islands such as Mykonos, Rhodes, Chios, or Kos arrive in a shorter time. During the summer season, the number of ferries increases, making it easy to travel between the islands.