A Romantic Escape to Santorini

Akrotiri's Fiery Embrace

Today was a day of exploring the southern reaches of Santorini, a journey filled with vibrant colors, historical echoes, and the tantalizing flavors of Greek cuisine. Hans and I set out early, eager to discover the unique landscapes that Akrotiri had to offer. It's amazing how each day here brings a new perspective and deepens my appreciation for this beautiful island.



Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Aroma Avlis, a restaurant nestled amidst the vineyards of Exo Gonia, conveniently close to our hotel. The setting was enchanting, a beautiful terrace overlooking the lush vineyard grounds. The air was filled with the scent of aromatic herbs, a perfect start to the day. I savored the vegan fava dip, while Hans enjoyed a hearty omelet. It was evident that Aroma Avlis is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination. The cheerful ambiance and friendly service made us feel right at home.




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

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.

After breakfast, we set off to Red Beach, one of Santorini’s most iconic and unique shores. As we approached, the sight of the towering red cliffs against the backdrop of the azure Aegean Sea was simply breathtaking. The beach itself is a mix of red and black volcanic rock, a testament to the island’s fiery past. The walk down to the beach was a bit steep, but the view was well worth the effort. I remembered to pack my comfortable walking shoes, thankfully. The vibrant hues of the cliffs and the crystal-clear water created a surreal landscape. Although it wasn’t ideal for sunbathing due to the pebbly sand, we couldn't resist dipping our toes into the refreshing water.




Experience the breathtaking beauty of Red Beach in Santorini, where striking red sands meet crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable getaway.

We spent a couple of hours simply soaking in the beauty of Red Beach, taking photos and marveling at the natural wonder. It was a bit crowded, even in late May, but the unique landscape made it worth braving the throng. I imagined Olena would love this beach, her appreciation for unique landscapes mirroring my own. It reminded me of some of the landscapes back home in Ukraine, although with a distinct volcanic twist.



Next on our itinerary was the Akrotiri Lighthouse. The drive there was scenic, winding through the charming village of Akrotiri. As we approached the lighthouse, its striking white tower stood tall against the clear blue sky. Built in 1892 by a French trading company, the Akrotiri Lighthouse is one of the first lighthouses in Greece. It has a rich history, having been powered by petrol fuel initially and later reconstructed by the Greek Navy after World War II. The lighthouse still operates today, emitting a bright white light every 10 seconds, guiding ships safely through the Aegean Sea. It was interesting to learn that the lighthouse was named after the ruins of an ancient Minoan settlement nearby, showcasing the layers of history embedded in this island.




Discover the historic Akrotiri Lighthouse in Santorini, where stunning views meet rich maritime heritage in a serene coastal setting.

We found a spot on the exterior wall of the lighthouse and watched as the sun began its descent. The view was mesmerizing, the red sun slowly dipping into the Aegean Sea, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a truly romantic moment, and I was grateful to share it with Hans. The Akrotiri Lighthouse offers a serene alternative to the more crowded sunset spots in Oia, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a peaceful and breathtaking experience.



After our sunset viewing, we decided to indulge in some souvenir shopping at The Traditional Cave Souvenirs. The shop was charming, with a unique cave-like architecture that blended seamlessly with the coastal style. I picked up a few small trinkets for Olena and some embroidered tea towels for myself, a little piece of Santorini to bring back home to Leipzig. It's these little mementos that help keep the memories alive long after the trip is over.




Explore the best of Santorini at The Traditional Cave Souvenirs, your go-to store for beach clothing and unique handcrafted jewelry.

For lunch, we drove to To Psaraki, a traditional taverna overlooking the harbor of Athinios. The restaurant specializes in seafood, and we were eager to try some of the local specialties. We started with a Greek salad, bursting with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese. For our main course, Hans ordered the grilled sardines, while I opted for the fried red mullet. The fish was incredibly fresh and flavorful, perfectly cooked and seasoned. The sardines had a hint of smokiness from the grill, while the red mullet was tender and juicy. The service was friendly and attentive, and the view of the harbor added to the overall dining experience. I could see why this taverna was recommended as a must-stop for lunch before or after visiting the beaches on the south side of Santorini. I made a mental note to try to recreate the red mullet dish back home; perhaps I could even source some local German fish to give it a unique twist.




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

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Seaside Santorini for dinner, a luxurious beach club and restaurant located on Agios Georgios Beach in Perivolos. The setting was stunning, with black sand, crystal-clear water, and a vibrant atmosphere. We rented two lounges and enjoyed some time relaxing on the beach before dinner. The music was upbeat, and the service was impeccable. The menu at Seaside Santorini is adventurous, with a focus on Mediterranean gastronomy. We started with some delicious sushi, followed by a flavorful cuttlefish risotto garnished with gold leaf. The cocktails were equally impressive, surprising combinations and explosive beverages crafted by skilled bartenders. It was the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a privileged food and drinking experience.




Discover Seaside Santorini - where authentic Greek flavors meet stunning views of the Aegean Sea for an unforgettable dining experience.

Tonight, the Santorini Jazz Festival is taking place, but we are too tired to attend. Maybe Olena would have enjoyed it though!


As we savored our meal, the sun set over the Aegean Sea, casting a magical glow over the beach. The candles and lanterns created a dreamy ambiance, making for a truly memorable dining experience. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with exploration, relaxation, and culinary delights.



Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into Santorini’s history and culture with a visit to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Santorini Wine Museum. We will also try the Tango Champagne & Cocktail Bar. I'm particularly excited about the wine museum, as I've heard it offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's winemaking traditions. Until then, I'll cherish the memories of today's adventures, the fiery embrace of Red Beach, the serene views from Akrotiri Lighthouse, and the delicious flavors of Santorini's cuisine. I feel so grateful to be experiencing all of this with Hans by my side. It’s moments like these that make life truly special. I am also grateful that the weather has been so good so far, allowing us to maximize our time outdoors. Hopefully, the good weather will continue for the rest of our trip. It would be a shame to miss out on any of the planned activities due to rain or other unfavorable conditions.