Santorini .. towering cliffs and whitewashed buildings

June is a beautiful time to visit Santorini. It's not quite the height of the season and the weather is not too hot. In fact in the week leading up to our trip the temperatures looked like they were only going to be peaking in the low 20's! What will be will be so we headed off ready to accept whatever was our fate. HQ's motto .. never let the weather dictate what you do in life. We were fortunate however and we had beautiful days averaging 26-28C and only one day of winds, which was perfect because we spent most of our days relaxing by the pool.

Santorini is well known as one of the most idyllic and spectacular islands in the Aegean Sea. There is a mystical feeling and energy about it which probably has something to do with the earth beneath still alive and breathing around a smouldering volcano.

I have always coveted the idea of going to this beautiful Greek island. I'd seen images of the whitewashed villages carved into the cliff side layers of volcanic rock, azure sky and the deep indigo blue waters .. all very alluring .. and it promises the most beautiful sunsets on the planet. Everything I'd ever heard about it was impressive and now I see why.

During the day the town of Thira is relatively quiet .. but it is just prior to the setting sun that the hoards come out to view what is meant to be the most photogenic place in the world (and I would add the most photographed judging by the amount of cameras capturing every moment .. mine included)! Most of the restaurants are terraced and boast views over the Caldera.

I loved the fact that we were there during the full moon and able to witness it in all it's glory! I have to say that the sunset each evening was beautiful and varied and despite the amount of people dining, there was an unexpected quietness adding a magical, peaceful ambience.

I have seen many beautiful and spectacular sunsets in different parts of the world so I would not like to make comparisons. To me they are all quite wonderful and amazing in their own right.

On our last night dining out on the terrace of Apiron Restaurant, the sun set in it's usual spectacular fashion and darkness descended. After a short while a mist began to rise from the sea and wafted up and over the cliff top. I asked the waiter what it was and he replied 'humidity .. it's what keeps the grapes alive." And the fog kept rolling in making the air damp and cool. The surrounding buildings looked like something out of medieval London! In my mind I could almost hear the howling of the Hound of the Baskervilles whilst walking back along the road to the hotel as well as witnessing a red waning moon rising through the mist on the opposite side of the island. Very surreal.

One thing I will warn you about if you plan to fly in to Santorini (as opposed to cruising) .. it appears the tiny airport has not been upgraded since it was a military base so be prepared to stand in line and generally expect some chaos prior to your departure. There is nothing there except a café/bar and a miniscule duty free shop so not worth being there too early either and there are few places to sit. It is very unorganised .. the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing and all the flights seem to leave at virtually the same time adding to the confusion. But we got there in the end .. boarding just 10 minutes before we were scheduled to leave and thankfully being blessed with a tail wind which got us in half an hour earlier than planned! Another fantastic holiday to remember!

Next time, and I hope to return, I would like to explore the island in more depth .. there is more to Santorini than idyllic villages and sunsets. There is also a wealth of history, archaeology, hot springs, hiking and exploring to experience and if you like art, galleries featuring local artist's work and artisan jewellery.

We stayed at El Greco, Fira http://www.elgreco.com.gr/

Restaurants we liked and would recommend ..
Sphinx, Fira http://sphinx.gr/
Argo, Fira http://www.argo-restaurant-santorini.com/
Apiron, Fira http://www.apironsantorini.com/

Art Galleries we liked ..
AK Galleries, Fira Centre http://www.ak-galleries.com/
Mati Art Gallery, Fira http://matiartgallery.com/