Exploring the Enchanting Island of Santorini with My Wife

A Fond Farewell to Santorini

As our Santorini adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared over the past eleven days. Today was all about soaking in the last bits of this island paradise, from the bustling Santorini Old Harbor to a final, breathtaking sunset. It’s amazing how a place can feel so familiar in such a short time.


Explore the breathtaking Santorini Old Harbor, a picturesque marina surrounded by stunning views and vibrant local culture, perfect for travelers seeking adventure.

Our day began with a leisurely breakfast at Parea Tavern in Fira. I've always appreciated a good, hearty breakfast, and Parea Tavern did not disappoint. I opted for a classic Greek omelette, while Greta enjoyed some of the best tomato balls Santorini has to offer. It was a simple meal, but the fresh ingredients and cozy atmosphere made it a perfect start to our final day. We reminisced about our time in Berlin, and how much we'd miss the slower pace of island life. I made a mental note to try making tomato balls back in Berlin, hoping to capture just a sliver of Santorini's magic.

After breakfast, we decided to head down to the Santorini Old Harbor. The harbor is nestled at the base of the Caldera Cliffs in Fira. The plan was to take the cable car of Santorini down – a much easier option than braving the 580 steps, or the donkeys. I'll admit, I was a bit nervous about the cable car, heights aren't exactly my forte, but Greta assured me the views would be worth it. And she was right.


Discover Santorini's breathtaking views on the Cable Car, a must-visit attraction offering stunning panoramas of the caldera and Aegean Sea.

The cable car ride was quick, no more than five minutes, and the views were absolutely stunning. As we descended, we were treated to a panoramic vista of the Aegean Sea, the volcanic islands, and the whitewashed houses clinging to the cliffs above. It was a unique perspective, and I found myself snapping photos like a tourist possessed. I could see why the cable car is such a popular option, even if it meant a bit of a queue.

Once at the Old Harbor, we took a stroll along the waterfront. The harbor was bustling with activity, a mix of cruise ship passengers, excursion boats, and locals going about their day. The waterfront was lined with shops, restaurants, and taverns, each vying for attention. We soaked in the atmosphere, watching the boats come and go, and enjoying the vibrant energy of the place. It was interesting to learn that the Old Harbor used to be the island's primary commercial harbor until Athinios Port was established. Now, it mainly caters to cruise ships and tourist excursions. It was a hive of activity, with as many as 80,000 visitors passing through each day during peak season.

We considered taking a boat tour to the volcano and hot springs, but decided against it. Instead, we opted for a leisurely lunch at KooKoo Bar Restaurant Sunset Rooftop in Oia. We hopped on a local bus and made our way to Oia. I had heard great things about KooKoo Bar, and we were eager to experience it for ourselves. Luckily, we managed to snag a spot on the rooftop terrace, which offered incredible views of the caldera.


Experience breathtaking sunsets and delightful Greek cuisine at KooKoo Bar Restaurant in Oia, Santorini.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

The food at KooKoo Bar was fantastic. Greta ordered the fried calamari, while I went for the lamb kebab. Everything was full of flavor and beautifully presented. The service was also top-notch; the staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home. While we ate, we watched as the sun began its slow descent, casting a warm golden glow over the island. It was the perfect setting for our last lunch in Santorini.

After lunch, we wandered through the streets of Oia, soaking in the town's unique charm. Oia is known for its stunning sunsets, and we were determined to find the perfect spot to watch the spectacle. We eventually settled on Sun Spirit, a cocktail bar perched on Oia's foremost cape. We managed to get there a bit early and discovered the bar as we were exploring Oia. The views were simply incredible. I ordered one of their signature cocktails, while Greta opted for a glass of local Santorinian wine. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky exploded with color. Hues of orange, pink, and purple painted the sky, creating a breathtaking panorama. It was the perfect way to end our Santorini adventure.


Experience the best cocktails in Oia, Santorini, as you unwind with stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere at Sun Spirit.

Sun Spirit was the perfect place to soak in the last moments of our trip. The atmosphere was lively, with locals and visitors alike coming together to celebrate the sunset. The drinks were expertly crafted, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. It was a truly memorable experience, and one that I will cherish for years to come.

For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves to a special meal at Throubi Restaurant at Andronis Concept. Located in Imerovigli, Throubi is known for its innovative take on traditional Greek cuisine. We had heard rave reviews about the restaurant, and we were excited to try it for ourselves. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with a modern yet cozy atmosphere. The staff were incredibly attentive, making us feel like royalty. We started with a few appetizers, including the smoked octopus and the zucchini flowers. For our main courses, Greta ordered the Waygu sirloin, while I opted for the Vinsanto Rabbit. Every dish was a culinary masterpiece, a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The wine list was also impressive, with a wide selection of local and international wines. It was the perfect way to celebrate our last night in Santorini.


Experience exquisite Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with breathtaking views at Throubi Restaurant in Imerovigli.

As we savored our meal, we reflected on our time in Santorini. We had explored ancient ruins, swam in crystal-clear waters, and savored delicious local cuisine. We had met friendly locals, and witnessed breathtaking sunsets. It had been an unforgettable experience, one that we would cherish for years to come. As an ESL teacher, I find that travel broadens my perspective and gives me new insights to share with my students. I am already looking forward to incorporating my Santorini experiences into my lessons. The trip reminded me of why I love exploring new places, and the importance of cultural exchange. I can't wait to share our experiences with my students back in Berlin, and inspire them to explore the world.

Tomorrow, we'll be heading back to Berlin. While I'm excited to return to my familiar routine, I know I'll miss the laid-back island life and the stunning views of Santorini. I’ll miss the warmth of the sun on my skin, the taste of fresh seafood, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. I’ll miss the friendly faces we met along the way, and the sense of adventure that permeated every day. I’ll miss the simple pleasures of island life, the slow pace, and the feeling of being truly present in the moment.

As we prepare to leave, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences we've had, and the memories we've made. Santorini, you have captured our hearts. Until next time, farewell!

I’m already thinking about our next adventure. Perhaps we’ll explore more of Greece, or maybe venture further afield. The world is full of possibilities, and I can't wait to see what adventures await us. I hope you'll join us on our next journey. Until then, happy travels!

And as I always say: Keep exploring, keep discovering, and keep sharing your stories. The world is waiting to hear them.

Safe travels, everyone!

Joseph Alexander