Santorini

Pictures don’t do it justice.

I am planning a trip to the greek islands in June and I need to start and end in Turkey. What is the best (most affordable) way to get around? Should we book a package tour or take ferry boats from island to island?

But a 3-night stay is enough :)

Stay in Oia, dinner at Amoudi Bay – I recommend Dimitri’s Taverna.

JUST THIS

Budget
Going between March 14 to March 21
Itinerary
Departing IAD evening on March 14 (Friday)
Arriving Santorini (JTR) evening on March 15 (Saturday)

Staying at Oia’s Sunset Apartment for 3 nights

Departing JTR afternoon on March 20 (Tuesday)
Arriving IAD afternoon on March 21 (Wednesday)

Budget

Airplane tickets (tax included) for two (lastminutetravel.com)

$2175

Lodgeing at Oia’s Sunset Apartment (http://www.greekhotel.com/cyclades/santorin/oia/oiasunset/home.htm)

Studio 2 pax 80 euro per night for 2 for 3 nights

$350

Other expenses

120 euro per day

$700

this place is one of the most amazing places i’ve ever been. i recommend everyone to see there. just fascinating!

Who DOESN’T?

This is the most beautiful place we went in Greece and certainly one of the most beautiful in the world.

I would recommend renting a car or moped(s). I would personally stay in Ia if I get a chance to return although where we stayed was amazing. Take the time to get to and eat the fish in Imerovigli. Spend as long in Santorini as you can!

Oh my, what can I say? I’ve been to Thira 3 times. It never ceases to amaze me. I know the sun sets over the water in the west, but if you can get up early in the morning – some mornings, a blanket of clouds sweeps from the water up over the cliffs, and if you’re outside when it happens, you can see the cloud start at the bottom, whoosh up towards you, envelop you, and creep up until it disappears – all of this takes about…1 or 2 minutes – it’s the weirdest, coolest sensation.

Anyway, the last time…Basically, the main town is getting harder to deal with by the year. There are more and more tourists, boring jewelry shops, bars and stupid drunk people. The effect of all this is that the rest of the island is paying the price. On my second trip (only 2 yrs. apart) the town of Oia felt isolated and magical. There were just a few tourists there. My last trip in 2001, Oia was packed to the gills with tourists lining the streets waiting for their photo-op of the sunset – it was hard to even find a place to stand!!!

The other small towns are expanding their tourism too. The isolated magic I found in Imerovigli – well, I hope they haven’t started putting in clubs. eek!

But don’t get me wrong! I think Santorini is the absolute most amazing place on earth and highly recommend going. It’s the ultimate mix of archaeology, beach, natural wonder – and so romantic it would make Dirty Harry dance the tango.

This was probably the most breathtaking island although not my favorite by a long shot. After spending two weeks in Rhodes and Crete, Santorini was a shot back into reality with too many American 20-somethings getting drunk and being all around obnoxious on their scooters and 4 wheelers. The good thing was the morning was nice and quiet b/c everyone was still drunk from the night before.