FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Santorini

The iconic Santorini blue domes

We've saved the best til last. Or rather...we've saved the most expensive til last! The island of Santorini (or technically Thira) was the last of the Cycladic Islands on our hit list and our last destination in Greece. As expected, the ferry was late and the disembarkation another round of organised chaos. This was where most of the ferry emptied and the port was like a fish market of drivers and guides waving their boards around looking for their customers. Fortunately we found our driver quickly and he had parked his car right near the exit so we didn't have to wait for other cars or buses to move.

Our hotel in Oia, Art Maisons Aspaki, was chosen by Jonah and we agreed to it as part of his birthday celebration. We booked nearly a year in advance when there was a special on and when revenge travel had not really taken off yet. Little did we know then how good a deal it was. The rates were now 40% more! We all love a good bargain! Our driver called the hotel just before arrival, and 2 porters were waiting for us at the carpark that was chock a block with cars, vans and buses. The rest of the trip would be made on foot. We soon understood why the porters were needed...they pushed their way through the crowds with our suitcases, including past the instagrammers lining up for the famous blue dome shot, and then down the steep stairs.

We were welcomed with a lovely drink, checked in and was soon able to enjoy our villa for the rest of the day. The hotel and our villa was beautiful, had one of the best positions in Oia, and was staffed with the most helpful and friendly staff. We had dinner onsite and it was so relaxing...but freezing once the sun went down! Fortunately they had blankets for us but we still didn't stick around for tea or coffee!

I won't write too much more as we didn't do too much more other than relax!