Tag: traveling in greece

JET LAG IN GREECE – A PIECE OF PRACTICAL ADVICE TO MAKE IT MORE BEARABLE IN SANTORINI

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JET LAG IN GREECE – A PIECE OF PRACTICAL ADVICE TO MAKE IT MORE BEARABLE IN SANTORINI

 

Ahh jet lag – if you have ever taken one of those long half-globe flights, you probably feel sick at just the thought of it. That feeling when you live in a different time zone than everyone else around you is certainly not a fun thing. But there are ways to make it better and get it over with sooner. Today I’ll share some of my perspective for people coming to Santorini, Greece.

Don’t worry – this is not an article of some miracle cure that will banish your jet lag altogether. Sadly, it’s not possible – both you and me know that. This is an experience you just have to bear through before starting your big travel adventure in another country.

What you CAN do, though, is planning. It is key not to have anything crazy planned for the first day or two, you’ll just won’t be able to do much anyways. What I advise for people coming to Santorini is actually not to hurry here. When you land in Athens, just stay there for a couple of days. It is a great city and it will welcome you with open hands. Get a nice, quiet hotel room and try your best to plan active cafe trips during the Greek daytime and sleep tight during night. I think the vibrant city life can actually help you out with staying up longer and adjusting faster.

Moreover, you want to take in Santorni in all it’s glory. The island won’t disappear anywhere and it will be way better to be truly here from day one! Otherwise, you risk falling into the endless routine of sleeping on the beach under an umbrella and lying awake in your Santorini hotel room for days.

Santorini is a magical place and I can assure you that it’s worth it. Hope to see you here soon!

long trip to Santorini

Photo by Anna Sulte

 

 

A little walk with Andy & Christy

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A little walk with Andy & Christy

 

The other day I met the nicest couple from Singapore – Andy and Christy. From the very first seconds I could see that they share a very special connection. We met up in Oia and head on to Imerovigli.

 

And oh boy, do they look good together. These two hours flied by in seconds, it was truly a great experience. Here are some shots, I just hope that they do this wonderful couple justice. They have an aura of their own in their presence.

 

For me it’s always such a joy to meet loving people from other cultures – it teaches me that love is universal and even though we’re so different in the ways we act and experience our cultures, we still all love the same way. Singapore has become this special place for me and I have a deep admiration of their culture.

 

It’s always heartwarming to hear something back from the couples:

 

Hello Anna !

Thank you for v being such an amazing photographer and making the shoot so comfortable! We love the photos very much! Thank you! Will def recommend you if any of our friend need any

photographer in santorini!

 

Santorini photo session by Anna Sulte

CALM VIBES OF FIROSTEFANI WITH BARBARA AND MAURO JUNIOR

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CALM VIBES OF FIROSTEFANI WITH
BARBARA AND MAURO JUNIOR

This couple wanted something special for their one year anniversary, and let me tell you – a trip to Santorini is probably one of the best choices for this. We were looking for some of the places that would help capture their tender love and eventually we ended up in the logical destination of Firostefani.

It was magical, it seemed that these places have been waiting for them to arrive. Their connection is truly a special one and I hope these images convey at least a part of that special feeling in the air when being around them. Santorini is a place that attracts special couples, indeed.

 

Anna Sulte, Santorini photographer

FROM AUSTRALIA TO SANTORINI

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FROM AUSTRALIA TO SANTORINI – PRACTICAL TRAVEL ADVICE

 

Many Santorini visitors actually come from from outside EU, from far away lands like the US and Australia. Over the years working on the island as a photographer for many of these couples coming over in long distance flights, I have heard some experiences and gathered a bit of advice on how to make the whole experience better.

 

How to get to Greece on budget 

At this point it’s no surprise for most people that using a travel agent makes everything more expense. But you don’t have to stop there – using an agent also makes your life that little bit easier with package deals and hotel bookings etc. The secret lies in how to get the best deal. What I’ve heard as an approach is doing some flights pricing research on Skyscanner or Momondo before you sten into any travel agents office. With this information, you can say that you’ve done some online research and are looking for some offers from their side. Don’t show them the prices, but have a printed list at hand. As you negotiate, this will make the travel agent not stop at the deal that is the easiest to find for them, but rather the absolute lowest cost option they can provide.

 

From Athens to Santorini

When you land in Athens, it is best to plan a couple of days there to fight jet lag (the flight time is nearly 20 hours, so it’s no joke). When you’re ready to come over, I would suggest considering the ferry instead of flying. The difference in tickets is so huge, that most times you’ll be able to get a return ferry ticket cheaper than a one way flight ticket from Athens to Santorini.

 

Triple check your stuff

Even though it’s self explanatory, I can’t stress this enough. Before you leave, make sure to scan all your itineraries, tickets etc. etc. and save them in a safe place on the cloud. Have printed versions for extra safety, divide them in separate suitcases, just in case. Also, make sure you use mobile apps for flight tickets, if the flight company has one. If you have several suitcases for check-in, divide your stuff strategically – suitcases get lost more often than you think. For a couple, I would suggest sharing space in both suitcases, so that if one gets lost, you each have at least some basic clothing in the remaining one while you’re waiting for delivery.

 

Hope this helps. The main thing is to have an open mind and adapt to whatever happens along the way. That’s the magic of travelling :)

 

CHECKLIST OF SOME STUFF TO REMEMBER BEFORE YOUR TRIP TO SANTORINI

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CHECKLIST OF SOME STUFF TO REMEMBER BEFORE YOUR
TRIP TO SANTORINI

 

It’s all about the journey, not the destination. That’s probably one of the least true quotes ever, at least in the era of plane travel it IS totally about the destination. The journey is just a huge mess of a million things to remember and some pitfalls to avoid to make sure you get to your destination with the least amount of stress and effort possible.

Well, today is your lucky day, because I might help your life become just a tiny bit less stressful with this simple checklist of some things to remember when setting out for travelling to Greece, Santorini. This will be especially useful for all you guys taking those long international flights (i.e. enjoying the journey the most I guess :) ).

 

All things aside, here’s a simple list of some stuff. Feel free to print and checkmark. Remember your:

  • Passport
  • International drivers license
  • Credit card with no international fees
  • Call and notify credit card company and bank of travel
  • Download viber (or any other international communication app)
  • Update music on phone or MP3 player (yeah, the no-internet life is still a reality in some places)
  • Scan, print and add to iBooks app (great to avoid losing your ID info if the physical documents are lost or forgotten):
    • Passport
    • Divers license
    • Detailed itinerary
    • Maps
    • Hotel information – addresses and phone numbers
    • Ferry information – boat names, reservation numbers, times and gate numbers
  • Be sure to download all flight company apps and save your tickets there digitally, for a super safe option you can also print them.

This should cover most of the bases for you. Also, if you’re from outside EU, you’ll probably thank yourself for bringing some nice sleeping gear – get one of those neck pillows, they save lives! Also, forget your high fashion, do the flight in sweatpants or even pijamas for super extra comfort.

Candid Engagement photo shoot in Santorini

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Candid Engagement photo shoot in Santorini

 

Last year has brought some new and exciting couples my way again – I feel truly blessed to work with each and every one. This time I met up with Melandi and Sean, a South African girl and Englishman, who have found each other by some divine fate.

On this day we went for the most magnificent sunset over the Santorini roofs. We agreed that we will be looking for more candid shots, and no other request could make me more glad :) In my work I stride to capture those small and true moments and silly things when the couples radiate genuine love and affection.

They were truly a pleasure to be with and I hope these capture at least a small part of the beauty that is this couple and the Santorini sun :)

Some Santorini PRO tips from couples

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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!

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Some of the best brunch spots in Santorini

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Some of the best brunch spots in Santorini

 

Brunch – the ultimate holiday meal. Choosing the right place for this is a big deal. So here’s a fast rundown of some of the best places you might consider when looking for a relaxed brunch in Santorini!

 

Terra Nera

Agios Georgios, Perivolos 84703, Greece

Coffee and grill house – what could be more suitable for a filling brunch!? Combined with the Aegean sea side this is for sure one of the top places to head!

 

Cafe Galini

Hotel Galini, Firostefani 84700, Greece

Nice minimalistic Greek interior,  bright and cozy – try the pancakes, they’re awesome! And of course, beautiful views for dessert!

 

FlyAway Creative Restaurant &Bar

Eparchiaki Odos Firon – Ias | West East Suites, Imerovigli 84700, Greece

Creatively served excellent food with the backdrop of an amazing view on a glass terrace with infinity pools. Very dreamy if you manage to get a table outside and the weather is in your favour.

 

Kantouni Traditional delicacies

Central Square, Pyrgos 847 00, Greece

More down to earth and serving mostly very traditional simple Greek food – but it’s finger licking good! Also a good place if you’re looking to save some money but still get a great meal.

 

JuiceMe

Leoforos Megalou Alexandrou, Kamari 847 00, Greece

Lot’s of healthy and fresh foods – juices, salads etc. People say this is still one of the best spots to go for dessert :)

 

Some other spots that won’t disappoint

Google these if you’re looking for more options – Santa Irini Bakery in Perissa, Pelican Kipos in Fira, Brusco Wine Coffee Deli  in Pyrgos, ”Chocolat” Creperie – Pasteria – Cafe  in Perissa

Hope this gives you some ideas for your next great meal. Who knows, maybe we meet there! :)

 

Santorini photographer Anna Sulte

Santorini in spring – pros and cons

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Santorini in spring – pros and cons

 

Santorini is on everyone’s minds in the summer – they imagine lonely sandy beaches filled with sun and romantic walks through the village streets. But how about spring? Maybe it’s a good alternative to save money and avoid crowds of tourists? Today I give you some of my observations on the pros and cons of coming to this Greek island in spring.

 

PROS

  • There will definitely be less people around. For many couples that is a solid plus. No lines, less crowds, more laid back experience.
  • Hotels give off season discounts, so if you want to save some money for more travels in the season this is a good hack.
  • You will really be able to appreciate the scenery. If you don’t have to go everywhere with a big tourist group, you get more of the untouched nature to enjoy.
  • For most the summer weather is actually too hot. If you come then, during mid day you will just have not plan anything active, the most you can do then is sit by the pool in shade. Spring does not limit you, and you can fully use the daytime.
  • I would say that it is more authentic and romantic during the spring season. You mostly meet locals and some other active tourist couples.

 

CONS

  • Since there’s less visitors, some of the touristy places might still be closed. That just means you will have a bit less choice for, say, restaurants.
  • If you’re unlucky you might have a bit worse weather. But bad weather in spring just means you need to pack a sweater or two – nothing too crazy. The Greek island climate stays rather dry all year round.
  • If you’re looking for clubbing, you might be disappointed. Depending on the month, most of them will probably be closed. But on the other hand, that means emptier beaches.

 

So these are some of the main things to consider. If you visited during spring, would you add something? Hope this helps and gets you thinking and evaluating. Everyone is different, so I personally can’t say when you should come. All I know is that this is a place to see at least once in a lifetime.

 

Santorini vacation photographer Anna Sulte

Gennessey and Bryan – it’s never too late for a honeymoon!

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Gennessey and Bryan – it’s never too late for a honeymoon!

 

If you ask me, October is the perfect time for a getaway trip. Even more so, if you’re looking to honeymoon! Santorini becomes less crowded and even more romantic – the heat steps down a bit and there’s more locals on the street than tourists…

This is where this amazing couple comes in! Gennessey and Bryan had postponed their honeymoon for a bit, but all that it did was make it even more special! It had been more than a year since they got married, but none of that matters – they had that sparkle in the eyes as if they had married just yesterday. We took to the streets and used the best of the available light and less crowded spots.

What popped into my inbox a couple of days later warmed my heart:

Thank you SO MUCH!!! These photos are absolutely amazing! You completely captured the lighting and feeling that we wanted from these photos. We already miss the island, but we are so happy to have this memory of Santorini and our time with you!

You are so incredibly talented! Thank you, thank you!

Please let us know if you ever come to Seattle!

 

No, THANK YOU! Without meeting these amazing loving couples, my work would be worthless. All the best and hope to meet you again very soon.

Photo shot by Santroini photographer Anna Sulte

Joan and Anthony – a dreamy Santorini photo session

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Joan and Anthony – a dreamy Santorini photo session

Joan and Anthony is an amazing couple all the way from Vancouver, Canada. Freshly married, young and deeply in love, they came to Santorini for their honeymoon. And boy am I glad they chose this island – amazing couple that radiated love and warmth even in this windy day.

Speaking of wind, we managed to use it to our advantage. These kind of days are the best for dreamy photo shoots. It might have taken more attempts but I feel that the pictures do justice to the dreamy aura that surrounds Joan and Anthony wherever they go.

I’m glad and grateful to have been a part of their story. All the best and hope to see you again soon!

 

Santorini honeymoon photographer Anna Sulte

 

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Add some spice to your Santorini travel – join a Greek cooking class!

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Add some spice to your Santorini travel – join a Greek cooking class!

 

Travel is the best way to have new experiences. And that does not end with seeing some cool places or enjoying the warm breeze of Aegean Sea winds and the touch of the Santorini sun. For many of us, food is a very special part of the travel experience. So today I will share some of the essential info on taking Greek cooking classes right here on the Santorini island!

 

Good things come in pairs

This is true for cooking classes as well. More often than not they’re combined with a wine tour in some of the local Greek wineries. Prepare to blast your tastebuds with some of the greatest wine before heading to the kitchen.

 

Where to look for classes

Well, online of course :) But I  can say that the best ones are usually hosted by restaurants. Try to stay clear of some tour operators. As an example, the restaurant Selene is a solid choice, they have been in the business for more than 30 years and they know what they’re doing.

 

What kind of foods to expect

This of course depends on the people organising the class as well as the ones attending. I would suggest really trying to find out beforehand. More often than not they try to stick to classic Greek cuisine like fava, soutzoukakia, tzatziki etc. but do ask beforehand to avoid surprises. Occasionally there are modern Greek fusion classes which might not be what you’re interested in.

 

If you follow this you will have a great time, no doubt. Of course it’s not rocket science, but you just have to make sure to check some things. Bon apetit!

Santorini photographer Anna Sulte

 

 

Chill out on a yacht in the Volcanic Lagoon.

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Chill out on a yacht in the Volcanic Lagoon.

 

If you stumbled upon this, I feel that we can probably share this sentiment. Let a Santorini local give you some quick tips to make your experience even more awesome. Here are my top three pieces of info any would-be Santorini yacht rider has to know:

  • The time: This is probably the most undermined thing when reserving a boat – you see the flashy yacht and you just want to get on it anytime possible! But there’s one catch. It’s actually better to choose either morning or evening rides, because in the middle of the day it can be too hot to enjoy Santorini fully, even though you are riding on water.
  • The yacht: Basically pick whichever you like best, but make sure there is a sunroof to get some shade – Santorini sun really bites and it’s even stronger in the Lagoon.
  • Swimming: Make sure you ask the captain if he can stop at the hot springs. It is the absolute best place to do some swimming and diving from the yacht.

And that’s it. If you make sure to follow these three rules you’re dead set on enjoying the best times in the Santorini Volcanic Lagoon. Smooth sailing and see you on the coast!

Santorini photography by Anna Sulte

Rooftop couple photo session in Santorini.

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Rooftop couple photo session in Santorini.

When you’re in love, you have to do some crazy things. I felt Kerry and Sonny shared this feeling and were ready for something different.

Already upon spending the first minutes with them, I immediately felt like they’re my friends whom I haven’t met for ages. And of course these are the kind of people you can go on an adventure together. Oh, and did I mention that they look gorgeous!?

We went to Imerovigli. This time I was prepared to arrange something different – I was going to get them on some rooftops. Of course there were no guarantees and we just had to get there and see…

I was so happy that it worked! Thank you for a wonderful day, I can honestly say that Kerry and Sonny made me feel just like an island explorer. On top of that, they are seriously one of the most loving couples I have ever met!

Santorini photo session by Anna Sulte

The dreaded dilemma – Santorini vs Mykonos.

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The dreaded dilemma – Santorini vs Mykonos.

Let me just start off with pointing out that you will have a great time on both of these Greek islands, no doubt! And now let’s get ready to rumble!

In the right corner of the ring – Mykonos:

  • This is considered the best party island in Greece. If you want to dance till sunrise with your buddies, this is definitely the place for you!
  • They have clubs with such awesome names as Paradise and Super Paradise which are filled with super high quality thumping club music. These attract famous DJs whose sets usually run into the next day.
  • Sandy aches with clear water to rejuvenate you after the parties.
  • Not too family friendly, it will be harder to find things to do for the little ones.

And in the left corner of the ring – Santorini:

  • Mostly known as the best destination for loving couples, many even arrive to the island from abroad to get married in its scenic destinations.
  • More cafes and restaurants with a quiet and chilled vibe.
  • Swimming pools with STUNNING views, like infinity pools that end on the edge of cliffs overlooking the Volcanic Lagoon.
  • All types of interesting and different beaches, like black beaches formed from volcanic sand.
  • More family friendly, you can for example go on horse rides and go to a waterpark. If you take kids, double check that with your hotel – some hotels are on a Cliffside and they do not allow children for safety reasons.

 

The winner: Well, nothing in life is easy. You decide it’s subjective and depends on your needs. But this should help clear up your mind, at least. Whatever you do, make sure to come to Santorini someday.  See you there.

Santorini photographer Anna Sulte