Santorini, Sunsets, and Friendship: The Perfect Greek Escape
Who says romance is a travel essential?
Journalist Alice Hinds and her best friend left bad dates behind and swapped swiping on apps for a sunny adventure in Greece. In our final installment of #MomentsToMemories Alice shares how she turned a dream trip into an extraordinary experience.
By Alice Hinds
Of all the romantic destinations around the world, Santorini stands out from the crowd. Nestled southwest of mainland Greece, the island’s famous whitewashed buildings rise up from sparkling blue waters, clinging to the edge of rugged volcanic rock for a backdrop that’s truly breathtaking.
With narrow streets marked out by cobblestone paths, picture-postcard blue-domed churches, and unspoiled views that stretch out across the Aegean to the horizon, it’s easy to see why Santorini has become a popular place for loved-up couples seeking ancient architecture with a side of sun, sea and sand.
And while the most intimate of all the famous Cyclades is certainly the perfect setting for sunset proposals and extended honeymoons, there’s no reason it should be reserved solely for romantic or otherwise special occasions. In fact, I would advise anyone waiting for their dream vacation to tick Santorini off their bucket list. Now is the time to book your ticket and enjoy the rest, relaxation and really good wine the island has to offer with a best friend.
A trip to remember
I experienced the magic of Santorini a few years ago during an unforgettable 10-day trip with my high school friend, Katie. Both single at the time and bored of wading through the depths of the modern dating pool in search of a travel companion, we decided a spontaneous girls’ trip would be the perfect antidote to dull first dates and unreplied texts – and we would take better photos than an Instagram boyfriend anyway.
Our trip started not in Santorini, but nearby Mykonos which shares the same iconic architecture and picturesque streets adorned with vibrant pink bougainvillaea, while also enjoying a reputation as Greece’s answer to Ibiza. If you’re looking for bars that spill out onto the street, superclubs that stay open until dawn and celebrity spotting on the beach, this party island won’t disappoint.
Plenty to do
Staying just outside of the capital Chora (also known as ‘Mykonos Town’ or ‘Hora’), the first stop on our visit was the island’s famous windmills, which are nestled in front of the Little Venice neighbourhood where a warren of elegant bars and restaurants line the seafront. Visible from every point in town, the Kato Mili have been a Mykonos landmark since the 16th century, and provide the perfect opportunity to learn more about the island’s agricultural past, before exploring the area’s charming side streets and stopping for an aperitif – preferably in one of the many former wealthy merchant homes overlooking the water, which now serve as fashionable bistros and cafes.
Alice and Katy swapped bad dates for sunsets in Santorini
When it comes to dining, Mykonos is filled with everything from laidback eateries to stylish restaurants with crisp white linens and epic views, but for an authentic taste of simple Mediterranean cuisine you simply have to visit Kiki’s Tavern. A true highlight of our holiday, the tiny restaurant is tucked away on the north side of the island beside Agios Sostis beach, and has no sign outside, no phone for reservations and no electricity. Arriving at midday just before opening, we were served complimentary boxed rose wine as we stood in the bustling queue for a table – and after feasting on plates of fresh salad and charcoal-grilled seafood, fish and vegetables, it was truly worth the wait.
Having made the most of Mykonos’ infamous nightlife – including an evening at Cine Manto, a beautiful garden bar complete with open-air cinema – and crippling our credit cards at the glamorous Paradise Beach club, we were glad to have planned to finish our trip with a quieter few days in Santorini.
Cheers to friendship
Just two and a half hours away by ferry, Santorini has a relaxed and carefree vibe that begs for lazy afternoons spent soaking up the sun. However, no trip would be complete without first tackling the Karavolades Stairs, which zigzag down the cliffside between the capital of Fira and the island’s main port. There is a cable car for those who want to enjoy the views without breaking a sweat, but we (perhaps unwisely) decided to climb all 588 steps – rewarding ourselves with a large glass of white wine at the top.
Speaking of wine, the Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum is an excellent choice for foodies who want to experience a little culture. Built eight meters underground and forming a labyrinth of caves, the quirky museum explores the history of winemaking in the region, and each tour ends with a tasting of local vintages, which boast unique flavors thanks to Santorini’s volcanic soil – something I also recommend exploring up close with an all-day cruise.
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We booked an excursion on a traditional wooden caïque boat which included visiting the top of the island’s still active volcano, swimming in hot springs off Palea Kameni, and a visit to Thirassia, a charming nearby island that’s less frequented by tourists.
On the last night of our extraordinary stay, dining underneath the stars at a restaurant overlooking Santorini’s glittering bay, we both agreed it had been a trip of a lifetime – and we ended the night by saying cheers to embracing our wanderlust, turning our shared dream into an extraordinary experience.
Did her story inspire you to make a trip of your own? Discover your next adventure here!
