We spent 10 amazing days in Greece at the beginning of May. Not knowing what to expect, aside from a lot of rock and little shade, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Let’s travel to Greece…
I don’t do well with the heat. We only had 2 days where the sun blazed down on us. One day in Oia, and on our last day. It was only 20 degrees, but in the sun it felt like 35, at least to me.
All in, it was a pretty great trip. I may have gotten cranky a couple of times, but we won’t talk about that…
I tried Greek coffee for the first time and was immediately sold. So much flavour and not ruined by cream. I’m going to get the required pot and make my own.
Day One
Day one consisted of an AM layover on May 6th in Munich.
Talk about culture shock. Aside from all the bread and sandwiches, I was surprised to see people drinking beer at 8 a.m. This isn’t allowed in Canada. At least not in Toronto. The bars need special permission from the city just to serve alcohol before noon.
It was also difficult to find a traditional breakfast. We did find something close to it at a restaurant called Dallmayr…
Dallmayrs
Fried Eggs and ham, no beer
Once we landed in Santorini, we picked up the car, drove to our Airbnb, and then went for groceries. We spent 23 euros on items that would have cost $60CDN. Impressive. We’re off to a great start.
It was evening in Greece so there wasn’t much time to do much.
By the way, if you’re looking for an Airbnb while in Greece, I highly recommend Martynou View in Pyrgos. The host is amazing and the unit is pretty much perfect, with an awesome view.
Highlights
While writing this blog, I decided that doing a play-by-play beginning on Day 1 would take too long. So we’re just going to hit the highlights. And there are a lot of them, so buckle up.
We began with Tsigrado Beach, or Ladder Beach as I ended up referring to it since I could never remember the name.
We saw videos of this beach on YouTube. And every one of them told the same story. This beach was difficult to get to, but worth it.
I have to agree. It was difficult to get to, but worth it.
I don’t mind saying that I was stressed about it even before we left Toronto. I typically don’t do well with climbing. And from the videos we saw, and in this order, there was a rope, a ladder, a walk through a narrow gap between rocks, another rope, and another ladder.
When I first came up on it, I could be heard saying, “I don’t think I can do this”. Even though I really did want to. If for the only reason of being able to say I did. I also didn’t want to let Sheri down because I knew she was looking forward to it.
It was a nice beach. Small, but nice. The water was cold. I only went up to my knees. But Sheri swam a couple of times. Cold sea water doesn’t phase her I guess.
Check out the pictures below. I hope it gives you a good image of what that beach looked like.
It was an experience I won’t soon forget.
Sensyo Home
“Soundscape” cave-suite panoramic Caldera sea views!
Spacious private terrace cave-suite with sea views, inside feel’s like a big hug, the round room give’s you that warm feeling. The studio has organic and minimalistic black & white look. Cool during summer, with glossy black floor and white walls is a magical getaway for two! Caldera views even while in the bath-tab, with a huge oval window overlooking the Caldera bay. The private terrace makes the junior suite unique with endless unobstructed views!
“Imagine the views being 250 meters above sea level, on top of the unique volcanic Caldera rim, looking out at the spectacular crater island “Kameni” and across “Thiriassia” island.”
This is where we stayed on our last night in Greece. And I know I already said it, but all gratitude goes to Sheri for choosing this Airbnb. It was amazing with epic views.
Mind you, it did have a fair amount of stairs to gain access to it, but it was was worth the climb.
Aside from the apparent heat stroke I may or may not have experienced, I quite enjoyed. The sunset on our last night was crazy.
I highly recommend this Airbnb if you’re looking for a place to stay with epic views.
Franco’s Cafe
This place was so good we almost became regulars.
It’s near the top of the peak in Pyrgos and it comes with epic sunset views and the village below.
We visited it twice. The first time just by chance. I won’t go into that. But it was near sunset so we ended up staying for a while.
You should however be aware that depending on the time of year, it gets hella windy up there. Luckily they have blankets, and some of us (me) needed multiple.
The second visit to Franco’s was for Sheri’s birthday. They wished her a happy birthday with comped drinks and treated us like royalty.
Franco’s knows how to treat their clientele. Cheers to them.
And the sunsets? Well, see for yourself when you travel to Greece.
Penelope’s
Penelope’s is another spot we visited more than once. The first time for breakfast, as we just happened upon it during our exploration of Pyrgos. The second time was also for breakfast since the first time was so good
We decided to come back the next day for breakfast. It was one of the few places where I could find a close-to-traditional breakfast. Or so I thought. The bacon turned out to be ham but that was at least consistent with the other restaurants we visited during this trip.
Interestingly enough on this occasion, a busload of tourists passed through, totally clueless to the fact that it was a restaurant and people were trying to eat. Needless to say, the staff at the restaurant were none too pleased and gave them a verbal shellacking. After a bit of hesitation from one or two photo takers, they moved on and we continued to enjoy our breakfast, amid high winds I might add. What’s with the wind anyway…
All of Milos
Literally all of Milos. What a difference between the landscapes of Santorini and Milos.
From our Airbnb to the beaches, it was pretty epic. Papafragas Caves, Firiplaka Beach, Sarakaniko Beach, Tisgrado Beach, Klima. I would love to visit Milos again.
The next time I’ll be sure to back up my drone footage shortly after I fly.
Obligatory Food Post
What would a blog post be without all the things we ate? From Grilled Cheese at BBrusco, “bacon” and eggs at Penelope’s to Gyros at Mythos Tavern to Sea Bream at Remvi’s it was all so delicious. And some firsts for me.
I’ve never had Sea Bream, Gyros, Moussaka, or Greek coffee. Basically, everything I ate while in Greece was a first. Except for eggs I guess, but even they were different than here in Canada. Check it out…
A plate with two breaded and fried meat cutlets served with a side of pasta, garnished with crispy fried onions, a slice of orange, and a dollop of red sauce or jam. The plate is on a wooden table next to a glass of beer and blue napkins. A person wearing a black shirt with a black and white patterned top is sitting behind the plate.
The image shows two plates of food on a wooden table, each with breaded cutlets, a side of potato salad garnished with herbs and cucumber slices, and a small serving of red sauce or jam. Two tall glasses of light-colored beer are placed near the plates, with blue napkins underneath. A person dressed in a black shirt with a patterned top is seated in the background.
A person wearing sunglasses and a floral shirt is seated at a table with a plate of food, a large blue mug, and an empty plate. A potted plant is also visible on the table. The setting appears to be outdoors on a balcony or terrace with a blurred background.
A breakfast plate with two slices of bread topped with fried eggs and chopped chives, a slice of tomato with white cheese, and diced cooked ham. In the background, there is a bowl of food, a blue mug, and a potted plant on the table. The setting appears to be an outdoor dining area.
A meal is served on a blue table, featuring a plate with scrambled eggs topped with black pepper, two slices of ham, mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, and two pieces of toasted bread with olive oil. Additionally, there is a bowl of salad topped with a large slice of white cheese, two white cups of coffee on saucers, and a small wooden basket with bread slices. A person wearing a floral patterned shirt is partially visible in the background.
A plate with two slices of baked layered dish, possibly moussaka, garnished with arugula and a cherry tomato, is on a table. In the background, there is a person dining with a plate of food and a scenic view of white buildings and the sea. The table also has a knife, an empty square plate, a small white cup, a napkin holder, and a glowing yellow light.
Two wraps filled with ingredients including tomato and meat are served with French fries on a white plate. The plate is on a table covered with a cloth featuring fish patterns. In the background, there is a glass of beer, a salt shaker, and other dining items.
A wooden table at an outdoor restaurant displays a meal consisting of a cheeseburger with a knife inserted in it, French fries, a black plate with a salad topped with a sesame-seed-covered patty, and a bowl with fried food and a side of dipping sauce. Two glasses of beer and a black teapot are also on the table. In the background, there are wooden chairs, potted plants, and a view of the sea.
A close-up of a salad with leafy greens, sliced fruit, sesame seeds, and a round breaded item on top, served on a black plate. In the background, there is a burger with fries, a person sitting, and an outdoor setting with furniture and a partly cloudy sky.
A glass of beer with a foamy head is placed on a wooden table. The glass features a logo with text. Behind the glass, there is a black container with a wooden base, and some outdoor scenery with trees is visible in the background.
A breakfast spread on a blue outdoor table includes two slices of toasted bread, scrambled eggs with black pepper, two slices of bacon, and a salad with mixed greens and grape tomatoes on a black plate. Adjacent to the plate are two cups of coffee, one with a small amount remaining and the other almost finished. Also present is a bowl of salad topped with a large slice of feta cheese and a wooden basket containing additional pieces of toasted bread. A person wearing a floral-patterned top is seated at the table.
A breakfast plate with two slices of bread topped with fried eggs and chopped chives, a grilled tomato slice with a white cheese topping, and a serving of diced ham. The setting includes a potted plant, a blue coffee mug, and another plate with food in the background. The table has placemats and cutlery on a terrazzo surface.
A breakfast setting includes a plate with two fried eggs, slices of ham, a small portion of arugula, and a cherry tomato. There is also a glass of orange juice, a small jar of mixed fruit, a cup of coffee, a basket of bread rolls, and a vase with dried flowers on the table. A person is partially visible in the background.
A breakfast plate with two fried eggs, slices of ham, and a small side of greens with a cherry tomato. On the table, there is a glass of orange juice, a small jar of fruit salad, a cup of coffee with creamers, and a basket of bread rolls. In the background, a person is seated with another plate of food and a vase with dried flowers.
A blue table with two cups of coffee, a plate with scrambled eggs, bacon, salad with cherry tomatoes, and two slices of bread, and a bowl of Greek salad topped with a large slice of feta cheese.
A meal is served on a blue outdoor table with a clear sky in the background. The meal includes a folded omelette accompanied by a fresh salad with greens and tomato slices drizzled with a dark dressing. In the background, there is another plate with eggs, bacon, and salad, along with a glass of orange juice garnished with a slice of orange and a green straw. Blue chairs and white walls are visible around the dining area.
A man wearing an orange cap, sunglasses, and a beige jacket is sitting at a blue table outdoors, holding a small white cup of coffee toward the camera as if toasting with another person holding a similar cup. On the table, there is a small plate with two partially eaten cookies, a menu, and some plates with utensils. The background shows a white wall and a clear blue sky.
A plate of breaded meat schnitzel served with a side of spaetzle topped with crispy onions, brown gravy, and a dollop of red cranberry sauce and a slice of orange on a wooden table. A person wearing a black shirt with a patterned inner shirt is partially visible in the background. A glass of light beer and silverware on blue napkins are also visible on the table.
Two plates of breaded schnitzel served with pasta salad and a small portion of red sauce are on a wooden table. Each setting includes a glass of light beer, with one salt grinder visible on the table. A person wearing a black jacket and patterned top is seated behind one plate.
All in all and lost drone footage aside, Greece is pretty amazing. I’m not sure I could adapt to that lifestyle, but I could definitely visit again and hope to. We strongly advise travel to Greece.
If you’re looking for some tips, I don’t have many. Prepare yourself for a lot of stairs and uphill climbs, travel light if you can, wear a hat, stay hydrated. and travel to Greece.
Oh and hopefully you have an awesome travel and life partner like I did. She put up with my periodic crankiness and mood swings. So yeah, love you for that Sher.
These were our 10 Amazing Days in Greece. If you’re looking for more, try this…
Until next time…
A rocky cliff extends into clear, turquoise water with visible rocks beneath the surface. The sky is partly cloudy, and the sea appears calm. There is a small cave or arch at the base of the cliff where it meets the water.
A rocky beach with pebbles and large stones near the shore, leading to calm sea water. The coastline has rugged cliffs on both sides, and the sky above is mostly cloudy with patches of blue. Several pairs of black water shoes and sandals are placed on the beach.
A coastal scene featuring smooth, light-colored rock formations surrounding a calm, clear body of water with distant hills under a cloudy sky.
A large, light-colored rock formation rising from a body of water under a cloudy sky with distant land visible on the horizon.
A woman wearing a white dress and black sandals stands on a rocky shore with calm water behind her. The sky is cloudy with hints of sunlight near the horizon, and there are distant hills and rock formations in the background.
Rocky coastal landscape at dusk with a calm sea, distant hills, and a sky displaying a gradient of colors from pink near the horizon to grayish-blue higher up.
The image shows an outdoor swimming pool illuminated at dusk, surrounded by a stone patio and a low stone wall with small lights. In the background, there are hills and a body of water under a partly cloudy sky.
A close-up photo of a man wearing a woven straw hat and a woman behind him making a peace sign with her fingers. They are seated indoors with beige curtains in the background and other passengers visible further back.
A woman wearing a light-colored floral outfit and a beige over-shirt stands in a narrow, cobblestone alleyway with white textured walls and arched ceilings. She is holding the side of her skirt and leaning against the wall under a hanging lantern that illuminates the passage.
A sandy beach is bordered by rocky cliffs on both sides, with waves gently washing onto the shore. The sky is overcast, and there is a single tree visible on the right cliff. The sea extends into the horizon between the cliffs.
A rocky coastal area with a small inlet of water leading to a narrow sandy beach. Sparse vegetation and shrubs grow on the rocky terrain. In the background, there is a white building situated near a hilly landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
A sunset view over a body of water with silhouetted landmasses in the foreground and background. The sky is partly cloudy, and the sun's reflection creates a golden path across the water. Two boats are visible on the water, one closer to the shore and the other farther away.
The image shows the entrance to a place called Penelope's, accessed by descending a few steps. The doorway has a blue frame with a red arch surrounding it. There is a blue wooden gate at the top of the stairs, along with several potted plants placed around the entrance area. A large wicker container labeled Penelope's is also positioned beside the gate. The walls are white, and there is a wooden sign above the door displaying the name "Penelope's."
An outdoor seating area with a small round blue table and two blue wooden chairs with woven seats is set against whitewashed walls. The scene includes steps and a decorative blue metal window grille. There are some plants and cushions arranged on a curved white bench near a wooden door in the background. The overall setting is bright and sunny.
A small outdoor seating area with blue wooden chairs and a blue table is set against a white textured wall. There is a closed cream-colored umbrella to the left, and a white structure with arched openings is visible behind the table. In the background, a clear blue sky and some white buildings can be seen.
A coastal landscape at sunset with a view of the horizon over the sea. The foreground features white buildings with smooth, modern architecture, characteristic of Mediterranean design. The sky is partly cloudy, with the sun partially visible near the horizon, casting a soft orange and pink glow. The land below shows scattered houses and fields.
A sunset view over a coastal town with white buildings, a blue-domed church, and several rectangular planter boxes with plants in the foreground. The sun is setting behind distant hills and the sea is visible on the right side of the image.
A narrow beach with brown sand is bordered by rocky cliffs on both sides. Gentle waves from the sea approach the shore, and the sky is overcast with light clouds. Sparse vegetation is visible on the cliffs.
A coastal landscape featuring rocky, light-colored formations with narrow channels of blue water flowing between them, leading out to a calm sea under a cloudy sky.
A coastal landscape featuring rocky cliffs and a blue sea under a cloudy sky. In the distance, there are white buildings scattered along the shore with hills and mountains further back. The waves are gently crashing against the rocks along the coastline.
A coastal scene with rocky cliffs in the foreground and waves crashing against them. The ocean extends toward the horizon under a mostly cloudy sky. In the distance, there is a small settlement with white buildings and a few scattered rocks or small islands visible in the water.
The image shows a sunset over a coastal landscape with a mountain silhouette in the distance. The sky transitions from a deep orange near the horizon to a lighter gradient higher up, while the foreground includes darkened buildings and terrain.
The image shows a sunset with the sun partially obscured by dark clouds above a silhouette of a mountainous landscape and buildings. The sky features a gradient from orange near the horizon to darker hues higher up.
The image shows a coastal hillside town with white buildings and terraces overlooking a body of water. There are palm trees along a pathway descending the slope, and the terrain includes rocky cliffs stretching into the sea under a clear blue sky.
A camera with a large telephoto lens is placed on a surface in the foreground, overlooking a coastal landscape during sunset. The sun is low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the water and silhouetting cliffs and distant landforms.
The image shows a coastal cliffside village at sunset with whitewashed buildings and palm trees. The sun is setting over the sea, casting a warm glow across the landscape. The architecture is predominantly cubic with smooth, rounded edges, situated on steep terrain overlooking the water. The sky is clear with a few clouds.
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a floral-patterned shirt is seated outdoors. She is sitting on a chair next to a yellow umbrella, with a yellow wall and a round window behind her. The background includes white buildings under a clear blue sky. The lighting suggests it is either early morning or late afternoon.
A coastal landscape at sunset showing a calm sea, silhouetted cliffs, and a partly cloudy sky with warm hues. In the foreground, there are structures with beige-colored umbrellas and white architectural elements.
A narrow hallway with smooth, white walls leads to a small room with a kitchenette. The room features a hanging light fixture, a round window above a door, and an open door revealing a balcony with a table and wooden chairs overlooking a large body of water and distant hills. There is a plant and a coffee maker on a counter along one side of the hallway.
A minimalist bedroom with a curved white ceiling and polished dark floor. The room includes a bed with a gray upholstered headboard and white bedding, a white sofa with two red cushions, a small white side table, and modern wall art. There are also two small black tables stacked on the right side.
A top-down view of a white coffee cup with a black handle and saucer containing a dark liquid, placed on a textured white surface.
A small outdoor seating area features a blue-topped white table, a built-in bench with striped cushions, and blue wooden chairs with woven seats. The area overlooks a coastal town and the sea under a clear blue sky.
The image shows an outdoor seating area with blue wooden chairs and a blue table. In the background, there are two black chairs with woven seats placed against white stucco walls. The architecture features smooth, white walls with a small arched opening and a view of a clear blue sky.
A woman wearing sunglasses and a white blouse is seated at a blue table outdoors, with a menu open in front of her. The background features white walls, a blue gate, and a sign reading "Penelopes."
The image shows a coastal landscape with a calm blue sea bordered by rugged cliffs with varied coloration, including reddish and beige tones. In the foreground, there is dense green shrubbery and a small rocky area leading to the water. The sky is overcast with gray clouds. A mountain range is visible in the distance.
A person is standing on a rocky slope surrounded by multicolored, rugged cliffs with shades of white, yellow, pink, and brown. The area is strewn with various sized rocks and pebbles, and some sparse vegetation is visible on the cliffs. The sky above is overcast.
The image shows a calm coastal scene with a sandy shore scattered with variously colored rocks and boulders. In the shallow water near the shore, there are several large rock formations. In the background, there is a low, hilly landmass extending into the sea under a mostly overcast sky.
A coastal scene featuring clear blue water with a rocky shoreline. Two boats are anchored near the shore, one being a small sailboat and the other a motorized dinghy. The sky is overcast with clouds.
A small rocky beach with clear turquoise water is surrounded by tall, rugged cliffs. A few people are relaxing on the beach and swimming in the water. The sky above is overcast.
A man and a woman pose together for a selfie between two large rocky cliffs with the ocean and sailboats visible in the background. The man is wearing sunglasses, an orange cap, and a white shirt, while the woman has a short hairstyle, a septum piercing, and is carrying a backpack.
A wooden ladder is positioned between two rough, reddish rock walls in a narrow outdoor crevice. The ground is uneven and covered with small rocks and dirt. The sky is partly visible above the rock formations.
A narrow rocky crevice leads down to a body of calm blue water, with an overcast sky above and a small landmass visible in the distance.
A narrow rocky pathway leads down between two steep cliff faces toward a clear blue sea. A rope lies on the ground along the path, and the coastline is visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.
A narrow dirt path winds through steep, rocky cliffs with a blue rope anchored at the bottom, extending upward to assist in climbing. The sky is partly visible above the rugged terrain.
A wooden ladder is positioned against a tall, rocky cliff face with a narrow gap between the rocks at the top. The ground is covered with small gravel and pebbles, and the sky above is cloudy.
A wooden ladder is positioned against a narrow gap between two large rock formations. The ladder extends from a pebble-covered ground up through the gap, reaching near the top of the rocks. The sky above is overcast.
A rocky coastline with clear, calm water and a pebble-covered shore, featuring large rock formations extending into the sea under an overcast sky.
A rocky coastal cliff with a natural arch formation extends into clear blue-green water under a partly cloudy sky.
A coastal town with whitewashed buildings and some yellow and pink structures is built on a steep hillside overlooking a deep blue sea. The sky is clear and a vintage windmill is visible among the buildings. A boat creates a trail in the water near the horizon.
The image shows a sunset over a body of water with an island in the distance. The sky is filled with soft clouds and warm orange and pink hues, reflecting on the calm water below. There is a dark silhouette of a rocky landform on the right side of the image.
A coastal landscape featuring rocky cliffs and sparse vegetation overlooking the ocean with gentle waves under a cloudy sky.
A rocky coastline with cliffs surrounding a small cove filled with waves crashing against the shore, under a cloudy sky.
A coastal landscape featuring rocky cliffs and a small, calm bay with clear turquoise water. The surrounding area is mostly barren with patches of sparse vegetation under an overcast sky.
A coastal landscape featuring rocky cliffs extending into the blue sea, with green shrubbery in the foreground and a mountain visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
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