A Family Adventure in Santorini: Sunsets, Culture, and Relaxation

Echoes of the Past, Sands of Today

Today was a day of contrasts, a beautiful blend of delving into Santorini's rich history and basking in the island's natural beauty. It’s amazing how much history is packed onto this little island, and I was excited to share it with Hans and Kati. We explored ancient ruins, relaxed on black sand beaches, and savored delicious local cuisine. It felt like a perfect day, balancing education and relaxation – something I always strive for on our family trips.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Theoni’s Restaurant in Pyrgos. The reviews I read online were spot on; the food was delicious, the service was friendly, and it was the perfect way to fuel up for our adventures. Theoni's is conveniently located near the square, so it was an easy walk from Afoura Houses, where we're staying. I had some amazing local Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey, while Hans opted for a more traditional German-style breakfast with eggs and bread. Kati, of course, went for the pancakes. It's funny how even in Greece, some things never change!


Discover the charm of Santorini at Afoura Houses by K&K, a cozy cottage offering comfort, convenience, and breathtaking views in Pyrgos.

With our stomachs full, we set off for Ancient Thera. The drive up Mesa Vouno mountain was quite the experience. The winding road offered breathtaking views of the island, the Aegean Sea sparkling in the distance. I could see why the Dorians chose this spot so many centuries ago; it’s a natural fortress with unparalleled views. According to what I read, the city was founded in the 9th century BC by Dorian colonists from Sparta, who named the island after their king, Theras. It’s incredible to think that we were walking the same paths as people who lived here over two thousand years ago. I made sure to bring plenty of water, remembering how parched we got hiking in the Harz Mountains last summer. I didn't want a repeat of that!


Explore the ancient ruins of Thera in Santorini, where history and breathtaking views intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

The ruins themselves were fascinating. Ancient Thera isn't as well-preserved as, say, the Acropolis in Athens, but that almost added to its charm. You could really feel the weight of history here, imagining what life must have been like in this ancient city. We explored the remains of temples, houses, and public buildings, each stone whispering stories of the past. I was particularly impressed by the agora, the ancient marketplace, and the remnants of a theatre built into the hillside. I tried to explain to Kati how this place was once a bustling center of commerce and culture, but I think she was more interested in taking photos for her Instagram.

History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

One of the highlights was seeing the remains of a basilica that was built on the ruins of a temple around the 6th century A.D. It’s amazing how different cultures and religions have layered themselves on top of each other throughout history. The views from the top of Mesa Vouno were simply stunning, offering panoramic vistas of Perissa and Kamari. I made sure to take plenty of photos, trying to capture the beauty of the landscape and the historical significance of the site. I even managed to get a few shots of Hans and Kati that I know they'll treasure for years to come. I read that the city was inhabited for over 16 centuries and experienced both prosperous and turbulent times. It reached its peak in the 4th century BC under the Ptolemies, who used it as a naval base. I found it interesting that Ancient Thera adopted the Phoenician alphabet as the basis for Greek writing.

After immersing ourselves in history, it was time for some relaxation. We drove down to Kamari Beach, known for its black volcanic sand. The contrast between the dark sand and the turquoise water was striking. I read that Kamari is a popular beach resort, fully organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and various water sports. Despite the crowds, we found a nice spot to set up our towels and soak up the sun. The sea was a bit chilly, but Kati braved the waves for a quick swim. Hans and I preferred to relax on the beach, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the sound of the waves. I must admit, the black sand was a bit unusual at first, but it was actually quite comfortable to lie on.


Experience the captivating beauty and vibrant energy of Kamari Beach, Santorini, where relaxation meets adventure amidst stunning landscapes.

For lunch, we decided to try Aroma Avlis, a restaurant located in Exo Gonia, which I had read about online. It's part of the Artemis Karamolegos Winery, so we were excited to sample some local wines along with our meal. The setting was beautiful, with a lush garden and a terrace overlooking the vineyards. The restaurant itself was charming, decorated with plants and flowers that created a welcoming atmosphere. The menu featured traditional Greek and Mediterranean recipes made with local ingredients. I opted for the fava dip, a Santorini specialty, while Hans chose the grilled octopus. Kati, predictably, went for the souvlaki. Everything was delicious, and the wine was excellent. It was the perfect place to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch after our morning of exploring.


Discover the essence of Mediterranean cuisine at Aroma Avlis in Santorini - where every dish tells a story.

In the evening, we had dinner at To Psaraki in Vlychada. This taverna, whose name means “The Little Fish”, opened in 2009 and is located at the southern tip of Santorini, overlooking the harbour of Athinios. The menu emphasized seafood, with several fish of the day options that were priced by weight. The setting was lovely, right by the harbor, and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. We started with some traditional Greek appetizers, like tzatziki and dolmades, before moving on to the main course. I chose the grilled sardines, which were absolutely delicious, while Hans opted for the sea bass. Kati, surprisingly, decided to try the moussaka, a traditional Greek casserole. Everything was fresh and flavorful, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect way to end our day of exploring and relaxing.


Experience fresh seafood and stunning marina views at To Psaraki in Vlichada - a top choice for Mediterranean cuisine lovers.

After dinner, while Kati decided to head back to our cottage, Hans and I decided to check out PK Cocktail Bar in Fira. I had read about it online and was intrigued by its reputation for amazing cocktails and stunning views. The bar was located on the cliffs of the Caldera, offering panoramic vistas of the volcano and the Aegean Sea. The atmosphere was lively and sophisticated, with expert mixologists crafting creative and delicious cocktails. I tried a signature cocktail made with local ingredients, while Hans opted for a classic martini. The drinks were excellent, and the views were simply breathtaking. It was the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Santorini at night. I read that the bar is housed in the center of Fira Town, at the dramatic cliffs of the Caldera overwatching the famous Volcano of Santorini. PK Cocktail Bar has been around for 46 years and it definitely shows!


Discover PK Cocktail Bar: Santorini’s premier cocktail haven, blending stunning views with creative drinks for an unforgettable nightlife experience.

As we sipped our drinks, we talked about our plans for tomorrow. We're heading to Oia, the famous village known for its stunning sunsets. I'm particularly excited to see the Castle of Oia, which I've heard offers unparalleled views of the caldera. We'll also be having breakfast at Armeni Restaurant, lunch at Karma Greek Restaurant, and dinner at Ambrosia Restaurant. And, of course, we'll be doing some shopping at Epilekton. I’m especially excited to visit Oia as I’ve heard it is one of the most picturesque villages in the world. I’m hoping to capture some amazing photos there tomorrow!

Before heading back to Afoura Houses, we stopped for a nightcap at a local bar in Pyrgos. It was a quiet, unassuming place, but it had a certain charm. We sat outside, enjoying the cool evening air and the sounds of the village. As I looked up at the stars, I felt grateful for this opportunity to travel with my family and experience the beauty and history of Santorini. It’s moments like these that make all the planning and preparation worthwhile.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” I feel like today we turned a few more pages in our own travel book, creating memories that we'll cherish for a lifetime. And I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings!