Exploring the Enchanting Island of Santorini with My Wife

Day 4: Conquering Skaros Rock and Savoring Santorini’s Delights

Today was a day of exploration and indulgence here in Santorini. Greta and I set out to discover the hidden gems of Imerovigli and challenge ourselves with a hike to the iconic Skaros Rock. We also made sure to treat our taste buds to the exquisite local cuisine.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Cava Alta back in Pyrgos. It's quickly becoming a favorite spot. The charming atmosphere and the delicious Greek and Mediterranean dishes made for a perfect start to our adventures. I couldn't resist trying the Yellow Donkey beer again, a local Santorini brew that's quickly growing on me. After fueling up, we hopped on the local bus and made our way to Imerovigli, eager to explore this picturesque village.

Imerovigli, often called the balcony of Santorini, truly lives up to its name. Perched high on the caldera cliffs, the village offers unparalleled views of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic islands. As we strolled through the narrow, winding streets, I was captivated by the whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and the overall serene atmosphere. It’s easy to see why it's considered one of the most romantic spots on the island.

Our main objective for the day was Skaros Rock. This impressive rock formation, forged over centuries by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, was once a Venetian fortress and the capital of Santorini. The hike down to Skaros Rock starts with a steep, winding staircase from Imerovigli. The path transitioned from concrete steps with a thin wire guardrail to a gravel path with no barrier. I was glad I had my comfortable walking shoes on; Greta, on the other hand, was thankful for her sporty sandals. The views along the way were simply breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the caldera and the surrounding sea.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

The hike itself was moderately challenging, with a mix of inclines and declines. As we descended, we passed a small, historic church tucked into the bluffs. We took a moment to explore it, appreciating its simple beauty and the sense of history it exuded. Continuing on, we eventually reached the base of Skaros Rock. While climbing to the very top is possible, we decided to explore the path around the rock, taking in the stunning views from every angle. I could only imagine what it must have been like to live here centuries ago, using this elevated position to watch for pirate ships.

After our invigorating hike, we were ready for a well-deserved lunch. We chose The Athenian House in Imerovigli, a restaurant known for its traditional Greek cuisine with a creative flair. The restaurant is set on the edge of the Caldera, offering stunning views of Skaros Rock and the Aegean Sea. We savored every bite of our meal, which was a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The service was impeccable, and the ambiance was both elegant and romantic. It was the perfect way to recharge after our trek.

Before leaving Imerovigli, we took some time to wander through the village once more, soaking in the atmosphere and capturing some last photos. Imerovigli is definitely less crowded than Oia or Fira, making it a peaceful haven for those seeking tranquility and stunning views. It’s easy to walk to other villages from Imerovigli; it’s connected to Oia, Firostefani, and Fira by scenic walking paths.

With the afternoon sun beginning to mellow, we decided to head back to Pyrgos. But before settling in for the evening, we made a stop at Epilekton, a shop I had read about that offers an eclectic mix of art objects and collectables. Although I knew there was a shop with the same name in Oia, I was happy to discover there was one in Pyrgos as well. It was like stepping into a treasure trove, with items ranging from vintage maps to handmade pottery and sculptures. Greta and I spent a good hour browsing the unique collection, eventually picking up a small mosaic figurine as a memento of our trip.

For our final culinary experience of the day, we had dinner at Kapari Wine Restaurant, located in Imerovigli. This restaurant is known for its Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, using local ingredients and offering an extensive wine list. Luckily, we brought a light jacket, as it got cooler when the sun went down. We were fortunate enough to get a table right on the ledge, offering an amazing view of Skaros Rock and the sunset. The passionate bartenders were experimenting with indescribable cocktails while we enjoyed the view from the restaurant's terrace. The dramatic sunset was a sight to behold, as the colors of the sky blended with the shades of the blue sea.

The food was exquisite, with each dish a work of art in itself. I particularly enjoyed the local Santorini wines, which paired perfectly with the flavors of the Mediterranean. The friendly and attentive staff made the experience even more memorable. As we savored our meal and watched the sun dip below the horizon, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this incredible journey.

As we walked back to our accommodation at Afoura Houses by K&K, Greta and I reflected on the day's adventures. From the challenging hike to Skaros Rock to the exquisite culinary experiences, today was a perfect blend of exploration and indulgence. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Santorini Wine Museum. I'm especially excited about ending the day at the Tango Champagne & Cocktail Bar. Until then, goodnight from Santorini!

I’m also starting to feel like I should have packed an adapter for Greek power outlets. Luckily, the hotel had one we could borrow.

Tomorrow, we're planning a visit to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera to delve deeper into the island’s history, followed by a trip to the Santorini Wine Museum. We plan to cap off the day with cocktails at the Tango Champagne & Cocktail Bar. It sounds like the perfect mix of culture and relaxation.

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley