THE #DANNIJOTRAVELS GUIDE TO SANTORINI, GREECE
Santorini is considered one of the world’s most beautiful islands — and with good reason; it’s famous for its dramatic monochrome black and red sand beaches, and has a sophisticated boutique hotel and restaurant offering too. There’s still plenty of that ‘old Greece’ charm though, with excellent family-owned tavernas. The island’s volcanic soil makes its produce uniquely special — look out for deep red cherry tomatoes, white eggplants and fava beans, as well as some of the best wine in Greece.
Dannijo co-founder Danielle Snyder outside a church on Santorini.
SLEEP
The charming Canaves Oia Suites has fewer than 30 rooms, each with a living area and its own private plunge pool — though the best spot to while away the day is on the semi-submerged main pool loungers overlooking the ocean.
The service was great, the food at its overpriced restaurant, Petra, less so (with the exception of its steak, one of best we've had outside of Tokyo). Read on for our Santorini dining recommendations…
The semi-submerged sunloungers in the pool at Canaves Oia Suites.
EAT
The best food on the island can be found at Taverna Katina, a traditional no-frills (not even a website) Greek restaurant with distinctive orange chairs on the water. If we did the trip over again, we’d have every meal here. Get the house white wine, octopus, Greek salad, then choose your own seabass. Katina even knitted a scarf for Danielle when she heard she had gotten engaged that morning.
Another favorite meal was at the informal and inexpensive Melitini. We ordered way too much, and plenty of wine, and the bill for two was under €50. The cuisine is Greek, but served tapas style — we loved the appetizer spreads and pita, as well as the lamb sausage. Ask for a table upstairs on the roof deck.
You have to walk through donkey poop to get to Armeni, but it's worth it. Situated on the water, its casual vibe belies the high quality of the food. The octopus was outstanding, the whole fish also excellent. Owner Nicholas is a legend and a huge 49ers fan.
Argo is one of the better restaurants in the town of Fira, with a solid vibe and good food. We feasted on snapper and Greek salad.
Don't go to Greece without grabbing a Gyro, the country's fast food of choice. It's the perfect late-night feast — load your pita wrap with every ingredient on offer, or keep it simple like Danielle who loved Pitogyros' halloumi pita, followed by nutty, honey-soaked baklava.
Danielle wears an arm party and #Dannijovintage bag by a pink bougainvillea at Canaves Oia Suites.
DRINK
Catch the sunset at Oia's Sphinx, where the rooftop bar does a great Aperol spritz — surely the drink of summer 2018. The view is magical, though we’ve heard mixed views on the food so consider yourself warned.
Over in Fira, PK Cocktail Bar overlooks the ocean and is the best place to watch the sunset. Timelapse the sunset — it takes a good 25 min and makes your arms tired but will be worth it when you’re 90.
For late night drinks and dancing, hit Marykay's Bar in Oia, which has a stellar DJ and strong local scene.
The island's volcanic soil means the local wine on Santorini is amazing — and inexpensive. You can find it pretty much everywhere you go. Order by the carafe.
There's plenty of 'old Greece' charm on Santorini, like the simple white buildings that populate each town.
DO
Bring your sneakers because Santorini is a great island for hiking. Like most of the Greek islands, it is very hilly, so expect lots of steep inclines. Leave your heels at home.
Greece is an island nation, so it’ll come as little surprise that the best way to see it is by boat. The Oia Sunset Cruise is a five-hour tour of some of Santorini’s best beaches, before taking in the sunset. Plan for a late dinner as you won’t return until after 10pm. We took the semi-private cruise, which hosts around 15-20 people.
Related Articles:
Meet Chufy, The Woman Bringing The World To Your Wardrobe
