August 2024 | Vol 13
LIFE HERE is LIKE a WAKING DREAM
words & photos Kristina Avdeeva
Greek holidays in Santorini are high on the list of unforgettable adventures. The volcanic origin of the island against the backdrop of white houses and blue domes of the churches gives an association with fantastic cinema. Throughout history, the appearance of the island has changed many times. What modern man sees today is the result of a powerful explosion in 1707 that created a crescent-shaped caldera, making this place one of the most beautiful and unique in the entire Cyclades archipelago.
IT CAN BE REMINISCENT OF THE STAR WARS MOVIE
Renting a car in Santorini increases the chances of seeing more non-tourist routes. Feel free to visit archaeological museums, wineries, the beaches of Theros Wave Bar, Paralia Koloumpo or Paralia Agios Nikolaos - each of them will remind you of the Star Wars movie. And along the way, count the Greek churches, go inside if possible and do not hesitate to admire the surrounding wonder.
MINIMALIST AND MEDITATIVE: ANDRONIS ARCADIA
If you're on holiday for a long time, it's a good idea to stay in different places. The fishing village of Oia in the north of the island is much smaller than the capital Thira, but there are some interesting places to visit.
Andronis Arcadia Hotel in Oia is an elegant and inspiring meditation center from the Preferred Standards of ExcellenceTM collection. Minimalism in architecture that complements the relief and recalls primitive times, while at the same time representing the highest levels of comfort and style. A distinctive feature feature - an isolated area, not included in the chain of houses of typical Santorini architecture, can rightly be considered the hallmark of this place. Guests of the hotel, in addition to an unforgettable experience in it, receive a ticket to the front row for a show of amazing sunsets, which are pleasant to watch from their own pool with a glass of local wine.
TRUE ROMANTICS: LASKARINA AND YANNIS
Fans of authentic city life should choose Cycladica Private Villas. The creators, Yannis and Laskarina, have built a real oasis, taking into account their personal experience of living on the island and respecting centuries-old traditions, without forgetting the quality standards of 5-star hotels. One of the best examples of "yposkafo", the Greek term for building architecture partially buried in the ground, are the Cycladica Villas: narrow and deep houses with a cool living room in the front, bedrooms in the back, a small kitchen and a magnificent terrace with a hypnotic view of the caldera.
Laskarina and Yannis are true romantics, in love with the history of their native island, and have made their dream come true. And they will be your guides to the surrounding sights. Don't miss the boat trip: a picnic on the water, fascinating new perspectives on Santorini and stories from Yannis, whose ancestors still remember one of the last eruptions. You will remember this day with great pleasure. This summer, everyone who visits her will have the opportunity to enjoy the island not only from the terrace, but also from the water. Yannis' hard work and patience finally made it possible to complete the construction and launch of the wooden boat. The fulfillment of a long time dream will double the impressions of your stay on the island. You can be sure that this will be one of the unforgettable adventures of your life.
ANOTHER HIDDEN PLACE, KATIKIES KIRINI
On the other side of the village of Oia is another hidden place, Katikies Kirini. It is part of a group of boutique hotels located in different parts of the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. The villas are an extension of the snow-white village houses that, from a distance, resemble snow caps on the peaks or powdered sugar on an Easter cake. From here, a familiar view of the caldera opens up, but from a slightly different side - and it will definitely fall into the treasury of memories of unforgettable landscapes. Reserve a table at Selene Restaurant with the concierge. Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini returns to forgotten traditions, embodying the most vivid fantasies of Greek cuisine. Within the walls of a charming medieval era, with a glass of wine from the Santorini vineyard, the evening turns into a romantic fairy tale under a blue moon in a starry sky.
Wherever the roads lead in Santorini, no matter what plan you choose for the day, a classic taverna or a Michelin starred restaurant, a wild beach or a private pool in a villa, against the backdrop of a volcanic landscape, you will feel like the hero of a movie traveling to another planet. In this place, life is a waking dream, and this dream is better seen with your own eyes.
