If the chic Greek Island of Santorini isn't on your bucket list then it needs to be! Without a doubt one of the most beautiful Islands I've visited that's also very different to any other. With it's magnificent views, white houses with blue domed roofs and stunning sunsets it's one of the most romantic places we've visited.
With so many options of hotels it was hard to choose but we finally decided on the Honeymoon Petra Villas Needless to say with it being right on the edge of the cliff the views were out of this world out over the Caldera. Based in Imerovigli the hotel is in a really great destination. We were a 5 minute walk away from local restaurants and bars but also out of the hustle and bustle of Thira, making it a peaceful hide away to return to.
We booked a cave room which was full of character and also had it's own private balcony. We personally didn't book a room with a plunge pool because 'Honeymoon Petra' actually has a stunning pool area (a rarity in Santorini), which is where we spent most of our relaxing days.
Most holiday makers flood into Oia for the Santorini sunsets but we felt so lucky that Honeymoon Petra Villas had exclusive spots all along the cliff edge with exceptional views of the whole island. These unique spaces meant we got to enjoy peaceful uninterrupted views of the sunset with a cocktail in hand, making our visit all the more special and unique.
On our first morning we woke up and took a walk into Thira (about 20 minutes each way) to see the main town and experience the winding cobbled streets along the cliff edge. There are lots of pretty small boutique style shops and lots of domed Grecian buildings to photograph on the way. It can get very busy here particularly around cruise ship arrivals so I'd recommend going very first thing in the morning or later on in the day. We then spent the rest of the day relaxing near the pool and enjoyed a sundowner at the hotel bar. For dinner we took a 5 minute stroll to the 'Aegean Restaurant' where we had a delicious meal with local Greek food.
On the second day we booked a boat trip through Santorini Sailing Centre which was a sunset catamaran trip including a BBQ and drinks. This was a good way of seeing more of the Island in a fun way especially if you don't have much time to play with whilst you are there. You get to see the red beach, black beach and even swim in the caldera!
The following day we visited Oia (pronounced like 'ee-a'). With myself and Stefan being big foodies we wanted to visit the highly recommended 'Melitini' restaurant which offers the most amazing Greek tapas style dishes. We then took a walk through the streets to walk towards the Byzantine Castle ruins and down the 218 steps to Ammoudi Bay (make sure you have shoes with grip on here as I can be slippery). After all that downhill exercise we stopped for a drink at the Katina Taverna before then getting a taxi (I'd highly recommend this so you don't have to do all the steps back up - the restaurant can call one for you) we made our way to our next stop which was Domaine Sigalas. This was a vineyard offering a variety of wine tastings and a bite to eat. You can also buy the wine whilst you are there so we bought a couple of bottles to bring home. We got a taxi back from here to the hotel before sunset to avoid the crazy traffic leaving Oia after sunset, choosing instead to watch it from Galini Café alongside a drink and dessert.
On our last day we spent most of the day relaxing and taking in the views. Before sunset we walked across to 'Skaros Rock'. Here you can climb right up to the top however it is a little high up and get's busy so we decided to continue around the rock to a little church called 'Ekklisia Theoskepasti'. Here it was very quiet and gave us the most idyllic view of the sunset. Once the sun had disappeared we stopped off for a pre-dinner drink at a little speak easy style bar called 'Bar to Navagio' before making our way to 'To Briki'. A restaurant serving lovely traditional Greek food which was perfect for our last night.
On our last day we woke up, had the glorious hotel breakfast and took in the stunning views for one last time before making our way to the airport!
Wedding Venues in Santorini:
If you are looking to have an intimate wedding with a view then there are a few luxury & stylish venues in Santorini that would work perfectly to suit different tastes.
Below are a couple of sophisticated villas that can be hired out for weddings. This is perfect if you want the option to stay at your venue overnight or even turn it into a longer holiday!
Aenaon Villas -
https://www.aenaonvillas.gr/gallery/
Erossea Villa
https://www.erosseavilla.com/
Ero Santorini
https://www.erosantorini.com/concept
You can also have an option of a winery venue wedding with a gorgeous Caldera view.
Venetsanos Winery
http://venetsanoswinery.com/weddings-photos/
Or a Beach Wedding with natural & organic touches -
Akro Santorini
https://www.akrosantorini.com/weddings/ceremony-at-the-beach/
If you have any questions on travelling or planning your wedding in Santorini then we'd love to hear from you at holly@wonderlustevents.co.uk
Catch you all soon,
Holly x