Category: Culture

Ready for a wine tour? Read this first!

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, TipsTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Ready for a wine tour? Read this first!

 

It’s a little known fact, but Santorini actually has some of the most unique wineries in whole Greece. The reason for this lies in the origin story of the island – this small island in the Aegean Sea was actually created through a volcanic eruption and most of its land was born from molten lava mixing with the sea bottom and water minerals. This makes it one of the most interesting places to grow grapes that can be turned into a wine that still carries some special taste in each sip.

Now the wine is great of course, but what you have to know is that not all wine tours have been created equal – the offers you get in Santorini range quite a bit in terms of price and experience they offer. The best way to go about to finding your perfect tour is doing some actual research before – walk around and ask for prices (or use the good old Google), and also drop by some online review sites like Tripadvisor – they have been a great help for me for all kinds of tours and restaurants, and since these tours can get a bit expensive it is a good idea to spend those extra five minutes to double check.

The two of the major places I can recommend looking into are Boutari Santorini and Santo Wines – both are well established and nice places that have good reviews and customer satisfaction. So these are a good starting point if you’re looking for a good time and want a general overview of what Santorini has to offer in terms of wines.

Also while we’re at it, I should mention that there’s actually a Wine Museum in Santorini – if you’re into wine and want to get deeper knowledge about how and why Santorini is a special place to enjoy some fermented grapes, this is definitely the place for you to visit.

 

Cheers!

 

Boho chic style adventure in Santorini

Posted in Anniversary, Culture, Photo Session, TipsTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

Boho chic style adventure in Santorini.

 

Santorini is a place known for its scenic landscape with traditional Greek buildings on the Caldera and it attracts thousands of tourists every season. With that comes some pretty standard ways of enjoying what the island has to offer. But there are alternatives.

If you’re looking to strand off the beaten path a bit and do things differently and are looking for more of the authentic island life, this is for you. Tourists usually flock to Oia and that’s for a reason – it has most of the scenic architecture and little churches that couples love. It’s a great place to visit, but the crowds of tourists might ruin your vibe a bit in the busy season.

What you can do is to look at smaller, not so popular villages like Emporio and Pyrgos – these are places where you will meet locals more frequently and see people living a simple and sincere life – if you visit a cafe, you can be pretty sure that it is frequented by locals. Or you can set on your own little adventure equipped with fresh Greek produce and wine (of course) and head to a spot on the Caldera and then end the day with a magnificent sunset view from one of the rooftops in Akrotiri just to meet the sun early next day on a peaceful beach walk.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always find ways to enjoy places a bit differently than the crowd and find your own little diamonds on the island and connect with locals and your fellow travellers on a different level. And above all, remember:

”The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”  (Marcel Proust)

Photo from photo shoot with Danielle and Keith.

 

 

KAMARI BEACH VS PERISSA, Santorini

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, TipsTagged , , , , Leave a comment

BATTLE OF THE BEACHES – KAMARI BEACH VS PERISSA

 

No other question is on the minds of vacationers than this – which is the ultimate beach to be in Santorini? Everything is subjective, of course, but this time let’s narrow it down and look at two similar black beaches – Kamari and Perissa in Santorini. Which one is better and why?

 

Let’s start with Kamari. Here’s what I have to say:

 

  • It’s closest to Fira, so if you live around there, it’s definitely an option. If you don’t, each case varies but there’s probably some closer options to you.
  • This beach also has its own big rock on the right side – it’s called Mesa Vouno. It might be a nice place to explore or to gaze at while relaxing in the sunshine.
  • A lesser known fact is that this beach is actually the most beautiful at night (wink wink, time for a romantic night walk, maybe?). The rock shines in moonlight and creates a very special atmosphere.
  • Modern facilities to meet any needs.

 

On the other hand, Perissa can offer:

 

  • It’s basically right next to Perissa, only a tiny bit further from Fira. If you live there, it won’t make a huge difference, but if you come from outside Fira, this might be enough to change your mind – you can get your tan on quicker probably if you go to Kamari.
  • From this beach you can see the other side of Mesa Vouno.
  • Lots of modern facilities around – anything from cafes, resorts, hotels etc. etc.
  • Next to Perissa beach is Perivolos beach which is wider and has less restaurants than Kamari and Perissa.

 

The conclusion? Basically the beach look is almost identical – they’re two classic Santorini black beaches. So in my opinion, choose whichever you can get to the fastest and with less transport problems and if it’s full, head on to the other one. More or less, the only difference is choosing on which side you want Mesa Vouno to be :) Just relax and enjoy the sun, wherever you might be.

 

Anna Sulte Santorini photographer

 

 

Some Santorini PRO tips from couples

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, Greek food, Places, TipsTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Some Santorini PRO tips from couples

 

I have shared some tips about staying in Santorini already, but I keep meeting couples for photoshoots and all of them have experienced something nice on the island as well. So today I thought I could give you a roundup of some tips I’ve actually heard from them.

 

So here are some Santorini tourist hacks:

 

  • They highly recommend the cable car in Fira. I can only agree, one of the best views of volcano and lava rocks on the island!
  • Sailing is fun of course! Look for boat trips that have “snacks” on board included in the price. Depending on how lucky you are, these can actually turn out to be pretty substantial Greek meals.
  • Buses usually have lines of people waiting for them. If you do not want to be left waiting for the next one, check the departure schedule and arrive around 10 min earlier
  • Places to eat: some places I keep hearing again and again from you guys are 1800, Dimitris and Lolita’s Gelato. Also Kapari Wine restaurant, especially if you manage to book one of the limited tables overlooking the Caldera. What can I say, I can only agree – you have good taste :)
  • Best places to stay include Astra Suites, Grace Hotel and Kapari Natural resort, especially if you’re looking for that authentic Santorini Greek style architecture.

 

Hope this helps with your holiday plans. If you want to find out more, just scroll back to some of the older posts where I cover each of the towns on Santorini in detail!

Go on a Santorini island expedition – visit Thirasia

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, TipsTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

Go on a Santorini island expedition – visit Thirasia

Thirasia is one of the islands that lies close to Santorini. For travellers this means that you can pack much more in your Greece trip! Although the Greek island of all lovers and cute architecture is still Santorini, this smaller island definitely has its own unique things to offer. Today I’ll share some insider tips on how to organize your mini island expedition there.

Thirasia is relatively close to Santorini, the only way to reach it is by boat. Depending on the spot you would like to get off it should take you around 10-20 minutes to reach it. Sounds not so tough, right?  It’s a pretty bumpy ride.

To get there, you can either use the offers from tourism companies or pay 1 EUR if you go with the boat from Amoudi Bay (right next to Oia village).

Now, the point you get off in Thirasia will define your experience on the island. Here’s some options:

Riva: Has a beach from which you can see Oia and a small restaurant. Good spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Korfos: View of Santorini Island, volcano and the unique rocks of Thirasia. You will be able to take a quick swim, but keep in mind that the beach is quite rocky. Still, this place has several restaurants and cafes. Also keep in mind that you will have to do a small climb up a hill to reach the town – you can also rent a donkey.

And there you have it, the secret formula for a day on the neighbouring island, let me know how your trip turned out!

Photo of Amoudi bay, from my phone :)

Anna Sulte Santorini based photohrapher

 

The Unique face of Ammoudi village/bay in Santorini

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, Greek food, TipsTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The Unique face of Ammoudi village/ bay in Santorini

            I’m getting close to the end of my blog post series on the various different villages on the island of Santorini, if you’ve missed them, just take a look back – I give short info on the unique characteristics of each of these places you might visit during your stay. 15 Santorini villages.

Today it’s time to dive into one of the most unique small villages, which is actually almost a port – it’s the Ammoudi village/ bay. Go ahead and turn on Google Images and search for it. See what I mean? It’s just the perfect Greek port with tiny colorful houses washed by crystal clear aquamarine water.

Ammoudi is definitely known for its stunning ambience, and if you’re looking for a boat ride or a place to have great sea food, look no more! This place has some of the most highly acclaimed restaurants and taverns on the island – try their sea food and you’ll be hooked for life!

Santorini based photographer Anna Sulte

 

THE MEANING BEHIND THE POPULAR GREEK SOUVENIR – THE BLUE EYE

Posted in Culture, Photography, PlacesLeave a comment

THE MEANING BEHIND THE POPULAR GREEK SOUVENIR – THE BLUE EYE

            If you have ever been to a Greek souvenir shop or plan to go to one, you will most definitely run into the kind of blue eye that is made in glass. It’s a very popular symbol and it almost always is from Greece when you ask some person wearing it in a necklace, key chain, earrings or a million of other ways. It is popular all right, but few know that it has more than the iconic and classic looks – this souvenir has a very distinct meaning as well.

            They call this το μάτι (to máti) in Greek, and it is actually an “evil eye” – an amulet that is supposed to protect you from a curse that is said to be cast by envious people.         Whether you believe such things or not is up to you, but if you decide to buy it now you’ll at least know that this is not just an ordinary piece of pretty Greek glass.

santorin-vacation-photographer-greece-photo-shoots

Different Santorini – Volthonas village

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, TipsTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

Different Santorini – Volthonas village

Today on my blog post series of the various villages of Santorini it’s time to look at a small rock village 6km away from Fira – the Volthonas village.

It has been called one of the places with the most different architecture on the island – many villages in Santorini offer the classical small buildings built on cliff sides and the occasional captain’s house or cave house here and there, but Volthonas leaves a different impression. The local craftsmen here were very worried about storms, so they have adapted the village to tough weather in all sorts of ways. This creates a special feel of the places, where the unique layout merge with the traditional Santorini style houses and perfect little domed churches.

If you go to Volthonas, don’t forget to take a look at the oldest church of the village – Agia Anna, which dates back to 1827. It’s most beautiful detail is inside – it has a wonderful carved wooden panel which portrays scenes from the Old Testament. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, you can take the 20 min walk to the Panagia Trypa chapel, which is located on the edge of a cliff – the beauty of its location and the chapel itself will be the best reward.

santorini-photography-thira-villages-greece-trip-004

santorini-photography-thira-villages-greece-trip-005

santorini-photography-thira-villages-greece-trip-002

santorini-photography-thira-villages-greece-trip-006

santorini-photographer-honeymoon-trip-thira-cyclades-002

santorini-photographer-honeymoon-trip-thira-cyclades-006

santorini-photographer-honeymoon-trip-thira-cyclades-001

santorini-photographer-honeymoon-trip-thira-cyclades-008

santorini-photographer-honeymoon-trip-thira-cyclades-004

Santorini photographer Anna Sulte, vacation photographer in Greece

 

 

SANTORINI VOLCANO – WILL IT ERUPT ANY TIME SOON AND HOW TO GET TO IT?

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, Photography, TipsTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

SANTORINI VOLCANO – WILL IT ERUPT ANY TIME SOON AND HOW TO GET TO IT?

 

Hi, welcome back! Well, I must admit that the part about the eruption was a bit of a cliff hanger. To calm all vacationers, the Santorini volcano IS an active volcano, but experts say that it won’t be erupting any time soon. Besides, if it becomes unusually active, people will be notified well in advance – such places are monitored by scientists nonstop.

Nevertheless, the Santorini volcano is the very reason we have the island of Santorini. The whole island and surrounding smaller islands were created by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. This is the reason why Santorini has some of the weirdest beaches that the world has to offer, for example the Black and the Red beach, whose volcanic sand have taken a special colour.

Visiting the Santorini volcano is a special moment. You get to feel the power of the earth beneath your feet. When you go on the volcano tour, you take a boat and your final destination is the small uninhabited island Nea Kameni, which is entirely comprised out of relatively new volcanic ash and lava material – this is the place where scientists have placed their equipment for tracking the seismic activity of the volcano. From the moment the boat stops on the island, you can feel the different aura of this place. The active volcano craters are only some 15 minute hike away.

As you stand there next to the crater from which light smoke and sulphur smell emerges, you are once again reminded of the power of nature and the fact that you are but a small and magnificent piece in the bigger puzzle of the universe.

amazing-santorini-volcano-view-photo-shoot santorini-volcano

Santorini based photographer Anna Sulte.

The Small Gem of Santorini – Akrotiri village

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, TipsTagged , , , , 2 Comments

The Small Gem of Santorini – Akrotiri village

Today I’m continuing my mini blog post series on the various villages that can be found on the small Greek island of Santorini. If you thought that all the exciting stuff has been covered, think again! Let’s take a look at one of the oldest settlements on the island – Akrotiri.

Akrotiri is really a place for travellers, who want to escape the tourist crowds and rush of the capital Santorini – Fira. When choosing Akrotiri as your place to stay, you have to agree to some compromises, for example, there will be less places to have a coffee etc. BUT you’re going to have the chance to see more of the authentic island life – many ordinary Santorini farmers live there and go about their day as usual, without changing much of it to fit the needs of tourists.

Yet it definitely does not mean that Akrotiri is boring or that there are no places to see. First of all, it is one of the oldest settlements of Santorini and there’s a museum where you can see the ruins of buildings that were some of the first ones erected on the island! If you want to enjoy a more relaxed day on the beach, have no worry – the village has the great Red Beach to offer – the contrast of the red volcanic sand and crystal blue water is mesmerising and captures you for hours… just don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

akrotiri-santorini-village-destination-trip-vacation-photographer-004 santorini-explore-greece-trip-vacation-photographer-003 akrotiri-santorini-village-destination-trip-vacation-photographer-001 santorini-photography-greece-story-trip-holiday-001 santorini-photography-greece-story-trip-holiday-004 akrotiri-santorini-village-destination-trip-vacation-photographer-005 akrotiri-santorini-village-destination-trip-vacation-photographer-002 akrotiri-santorini-village-destination-trip-vacation-photographer-003 akrotiri-santorini-village-destination-trip-vacation-photographer-006

Photographer located, based on Santorini.

 

Image

Mesa Gonia – echoes of an ancient wine capital

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, TipsTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Mesa Gonia – echoes of an ancient wine capital

             Time to share the next small village on the Greek island of Santorini (if you’ve missed it, I’m planning to write a blog post on each of the villages of the island for you to get a sense of what to expect). Today let’s take a look at the small rural village just 8 km from Fira – Mesa Gonia! (second name Episkopi Gonias)

            This small village is surrounded by grape wines, and not without a reason. This place used to be one of the highest ranking and important wine tasting places on the island of Santorini, before it was destroyed by a massive earthquake. Some of the past glory still has been preserved – you can visit the Roussos Winery, which is still one of the oldest wineries on the island (it was established around 1836) and it has lots of treats and surprises for all you wine lovers!

            Mesa Gonia is definitely a quiet place suitable for people who enjoy their own space and try to avoid crowds, it’s even quieter than the nearby village of Kamari. As for places to see, there’s the winery and the church of Panagia Episkopi, which is said to be the most important monument from the Byzantine times in Santorini. ‘

All in all, it’s a small and beautiful village with small taverns and beautiful churches – all you can ask for your holiday getaway!

Here are few pictures from Mesa Gonia and  Panagia Episkopi.

santorini-mesa-gonia-village-thera-vacation-photography-explore001 santorini-mesa-gonia-village-thera-vacation-photography-explore002 santorini-mesa-gonia-village-thera-vacation-photography-explore003 santorini-mesa-gonia-village-thera-vacation-photography-explore004 santorini-mesa-gonia-village-thera-vacation-photography-explore005 santorini-mesa-gonia-village-thera-vacation-photography-explore006 panagia-episkopi-santorini-mesa-gonia-village-explore-find011

Panagia Episkopi

panagia-episkopi-santorini-mesa-gonia-village-explore-find009 panagia-episkopi-santorini-mesa-gonia-village-explore-find010 panagia-episkopi-santorini-mesa-gonia-village-explore-find005 panagia-episkopi-santorini-mesa-gonia-village-explore-find003 panagia-episkopi-santorini-mesa-gonia-village-explore-find002

 

Santorini photographer Anna Sulte

BEAUTIFUL EMPORIO VILLAGE OF SANTORINI

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, PlacesTagged , , , , Leave a comment

BEAUTIFUL EMPORIO VILLAGE OF SANTORINI

            Emporio is the largest village of Santorini, but it has more to it than just its size. It is located around 12 km away from Fira town and yet it has its own vibe and feel to it.

            It is one of the five traditional medieval fortified settlements of Santorini, so it has its own face that can tell a lot about that particular time period on the Greek islands. The look of the village has been very influenced by the tradition to build houses side by side to protect themselves and neighbours from pirate attacks, which were fairly common around these parts of Greece. The placement of the marvellous church of Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis of Emporio is also very traditional – it sits right before the entrance of the village.

            The Santorini village of Emporio can really spoil its inhabitants and tourists with spectacular views, above it lies a mountain ridge of Gavrilos, which hides some mysterious and recently discovered ruins that date back to the Byzantine period. Another rather popular site are the windmills that can be seen when you drive to this village from Fira.

            Emporio is worth a visit for anyone who wants to experience a breeze from the medieval times and how it combines with the modern day island of Santorini. Truly an interesting place with lots of unique views backgrounds for photo sessions!

Santorini-travel-Greece-photographer-explore-summer-001 Santorini-travel-Greece-photographer-explore-summer-005 Thera-Santorini-destination-travel-lifestyle-location-spots-003 Santorini-travel-Greece-photographer-explore-summer-002 Santorini-travel-Greece-photographer-explore-summer-004 Thera-Santorini-destination-travel-lifestyle-location-spots-005 Santorini-travel-Greece-photographer-explore-summer-003 Thera-Santorini-destination-travel-lifestyle-location-spots-004

 

 

PYRGOS – THE HIGHEST VILLAGE OF SANTORINI

Posted in About Santorini, CultureTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

PYRGOS – THE HIGHEST VILLAGE OF SANTORINI

            Today as part of the blog post series exploring the different villages of Santorini we are going to embark on a little excursion to Pyrgos – the village that can be found on the highest point of the island.

            The location of Pyrgos is really one of its best assets – there are stunning panoramic views of the whole island nearly from everywhere you go. Of course, the village also has stunning classical Greek architecture typical to fortress settlements of the Cylades, that is why it has been declared a protected settlement in 1995. This is also one of the five places where you can see castle ruins – the ruins of Kasteli Castle. At one point, Pyrgos became the capital of the island (after the Skaros Castle was abandoned in the 18th century and right before the current capital – Fira – was chosen).

            It is no wonder that Pygos has been declared a protected settlement – its architecture is a true gem! The village is full of traditional architecture, remains of neo-classical mansions, it has the romantic narrow winding paths on the hillside, small white houses, galleries, vineyards, churches which are all illuminated by the magical sunsets at this part of the island.

            Every sunset here is a little celebration. I really suggest you head up from the main square in the direction of Zannos Melathron and up – there you will discover a few hillside cafes with great wine – here you can indulge in a quiet meditation and watch as another evening sets over the island from the highest point.

Pyrgos is really worth a visit. This post only scratches the surface of the special feeling you get while being there. Be adventurous, pack your bag and embark on a journey there! Make sure you charge the battery of your camera, because you will want to take some snaps of the panoramic views all the time – guaranteed!

DSC_1364 DSC_1406 DSC_1466 copya DSC_1381 DSC_1446 DSC_1478 DSC_1413 DSC_1365

EXPLORING THE VILLAGES OF SANTORINI

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, TipsTagged Leave a comment

EXPLORING THE VILLAGES OF SANTORINI

            Hi, all! Today I just wanted to make this little intro post to share some exciting news about what you will see here on the blog. I have always taught that Santorini is a small island with a lot of character to explore, and what greater way to dive into these various vibes than by exploring the many small villages! This year I will begin my small mini-series of posts on these small hidden gems of the island – each village has its own unique taste and feel and at the same time each one ties perfectly into the overall mood of the island of Santorini.

There is plenty to explore and I think this will be an interesting journey for you and me both. There are 15 villages on the island; the oldest one is Megalochori, but the rest are not much newer. In this series we will dive into each of the villages in a separate blog post, so you will have the chance to get to know what is special about each of them (much like I did in the post about Imerovigli). You could say that each of them is like a wave in a painting of the Aegean Sea and only together they form the marvellous image that is Santorini. Get on board and let’s embark on an adventure!

Santorini-villages-church-narrow-street-session-destination

Santorini photographer Anna Sulte

SANTORINI FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS YOU MUST NOT MISS

Posted in About Santorini, Culture, TipsTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

SANTORINI FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS YOU MUST NOT MISS

Hello, all! Every once in a while I get questions about the things to do on the island of Santorini, and many of the questions relate to various festivals, celebrations etc. that are organised here. I thought I might provide you with a small list of the celebrations, which you should not miss, if you’re visiting the island at the right time!

Let me start by saying that most of the festivals take place during the summer months,  for example, the Santorini Jazz Festival in Kamari (10 km from Fira) lasts for three days in July and is known all over Greece. This is something you must absolutely experience, you can hear performances of Greek and international musicians there. It is a very special vibe, I think you’ll love it.

Most of the other festivals are connected with the church and religion in one way or another. Easter is very special for orthodox Greeks as well as 15 August — the feast day of the Holy Virgin, which is the largest celebration held in Santorini. The feast is held on the church of Panagia Episkopi. Preparations are done a day before, when traditional food and wine is distributed to the people.

These are the two biggest celebrations — one of artistic nature, the other one religious. You should definitely experience them, if you have the chance. There are some smaller festivals and cultural events, which you can explore: 29 May (feast of Agia Theodosia), 1 July (feast of Agioi Anargyroi), 24 June (feast day of Agios Ioannis), 8 September (the feast day of the Holy Cross), Festival of Megaron Gyzi (in August), Ifestia Festival or the Volcano Festival (August) and the International Music Festival.

Here you go, that is your starter pack of information about the Santorini religious feasts, festivals and cultural events. Be sure to check out all the detailed information about them, as well as ask about the cultural events happening in Santorini in your hotel when you arrive — they will gladly inform you about the hottest events! :)

Santorini-greece-FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS_-

Old and new Santorini in one picture by Anna Sulte, photographer located on Santorini.