SANTORINI — A LOVE LETTER TO THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
Santorini: A Favourite For My Family
There are some places in the world that simply take your breath away before you even arrive — and Santorini is one of them. I don’t think anything quite prepares you for that first moment, sailing in on the Blue Star Ferry, when the caldera rises up in front of you like a story carved by gods and time. Towering volcanic cliffs, dramatic and ancient, wrapping around the sapphire sea — and perched delicately on top, the iconic white-washed villages gleaming like beautiful little pearls.
It’s a moment I never forget. Every time I see those cliffs, my heart fills. This is Santorini — powerful, poetic, unforgettable from the very first sight.
A Caldera that Captures the Soul
As the ferry glides closer, the layers of volcanic rock tell their timeless story — deep browns, smoky charcoals, and warm reds shaped by nature’s fiercest energy. And then comes the magic: the houses of Thira clinging impossibly to the edge, and further north, enchanting Oia, famous for those sunsets that turn the world gold.
This island isn’t just beautiful — it’s otherworldly. It’s the kind of place where you stand still, just to let your heart catch up with your eyes.
Villages of Wonder — From Oia to Megalochori
Everyone knows Oia for its sunsets — and yes, they truly are worth every gasp. Watching the sun melt into the Aegean here feels like watching time slow. But some of my favourite moments are in the quieter places, where everyday life still hums softly in between the postcard views.
Our special place is Megalochori — a charming village with winding lanes and white chapels, where doorways open into hidden courtyards and bougainvillea spill in pink waves across stone arches. Here, you find tiny boutiques, cosy tavernas, and a warmth that feels like you’ve stepped into someone’s home rather than a tourist destination.
Just nearby is one of Santorini’s sweetest secrets — the Heart of Santorini, a natural rock formation shaped like a love heart framing the caldera beyond. It’s one of those places that makes you stop, breathe, and whisper, “We are so lucky to be here.”
Beaches of Fire & Myth
To the south, the island reminds you of its dramatic roots.
Black sand and sparkling blue water at Perissa — footsteps warm beneath you.
The Red Beach with its rust-red cliffs tumbling into the sea.
And the lesser-known White Beach, glowing stark and bright against the coastline.
There is nowhere else in the world like these shores — wild, volcanic, and incredibly beautiful.
Sailing into the Heart of the Volcano
One of the most magical ways to feel Santorini is by boat. Cruising around the caldera, you see the island from a new perspective — towering cliffs, thermal waters rising from the volcanic springs, tiny coves, and the peaceful sister island of Thirassia. It’s like drifting through ancient stories, carried by sea breeze and sun.
Every stop feels like a secret, every moment a piece of history and heaven intertwined.
Wine, Legends & Breakfast in the Clouds
Santorini is generous in the most unexpected ways. Local wineries offer crisp volcanic wines — Assyrtiko that tastes like sunshine and sea — and long slow lunches looking out to infinity.
We also loved the Lost City of Atlantis Museum — a wonderful, playful dive into myths and mysteries that swirl around this ancient land.
And then there was our morning in the clouds. Perched just outside Megalochori on the caldera’s edge, we sat down to breakfast only to find the entire island wrapped in soft white mist. The clouds drifted around us as though we were floating — having coffee in the sky. It was surreal, peaceful, and pure Santorini magic.
The Island We Always Return To
It’s easy to explore Santorini — whether by bus, car, or quad bike, adventure unfolds in every direction. And yet, even as you wander, there’s this feeling of always wanting just one more moment. One more sunset. One more quiet lane. One more view that steals your breath and tucks itself into your memory forever.
There are many beautiful islands in the world — but Santorini?
Santorini is poetry. Santorini has the unparalleled superior views like nowhere else in the whole world.
It’s emotion.
It’s a place that feels almost unreal in its beauty, yet somehow becomes part of you.
Every time we leave, we’re already thinking of when we can return. And when the ferry pulls away and those dazzling cliffs fade into the horizon, I always whisper the same promise:
We’ll be back. We always come back.
Our villa with a private pool was the highlight of our 2025 trip.
Much love,
TJ Travels xoxo
What's the one thing you'd love to experience most in Santorini—its stunning sunsets, the iconic blue-domed churches, or something else entirely? I would love to hear your comments below + follow my journey on Instagram & don’t be shy to say hello!