Oia, Santorini - Jewel of the Cyclades

Our Santorini adventure continued on as we explored Santorini’s other, more well-known, and visited town, Oia. Taking the bus in the island is the more fun and hassle-free way of getting around as it can get rather expensive to rent a car (especially if you only plan to explore the towns and not the beaches), and taxi cabs are few and far between.

Oia Santorini

* While Fira is Santorini’s capital and busiest town, Oia is where all the tourists and couples flock to experience Santorini’s picturesque beauty.



Oia Santorini

* Because of this, Oia is known as the more expensive part of Santorini, with the fancier shops, more posh restaurants and more exclusive “boutique” hotels. Definitely come here with money to spare as the place isn’t backpacker friendly.


Oia Church

* The charming Oia church, located in the town square; one of the many churches in Santorini dedicated to sailors and seafarers.


Oia Santorini

* My fiancee posing by the caldera under this horseshoe looking entrance. Only in Santorini can something as simple as a gate look this picture-worthy!


Oia Santorini

* Respect! After experiencing the culture and hospitality of the people, I just can’t help but root for them.


Oia Santorini

* Beautiful Oia is also where people go to see the famed Santorini sunset, referred to as the most romantic in the world. Unfortunately we were in the island on a rather cloudy week, so we totally missed it!


Oia Santorini

* Our first couple shot of the day. By this time, Monicca and I had mastered the art of jostling with other couples for pictures with the best view. And believe me, Santorini had LOADS of couples!


Atlantis Books Santorini

* The famous Atlantis Bookstore in Santorini! Perfect for the hipster/bohemian/intellectual at heart.


Atlantis Books Santorini

* As my fiancee and her aunt explored the pricey shops nearby, I was glad to have some time to window-shop Atlantis Books’ wide selection of mechandise, written in various languages.


Atlantis Books Santorini

* I was about to purchase some books when I realized that my bag was coming dangerously close to being overweight, with all the sculptures and souvenirs that I had purchased so far on this trip! My practical self won that day.


Oia Santorini

* What a view!! Only in Santorini can something as simple as stairs look this picture-worthy.


Oia Santorini

* In fact, only in Santorini can something as simple as (insert any noun) look this picture-worthy!! Here I am giving my best "wandering traveller" look.


Oia Santorini

* The fiancee enjoying her day while giving her "visiting celebrity" look. Check-out the famous Santorini windmill in the background!


Oia Santorini

* While on Santorini, expect to walk on steep, winding and uneven pathways, which get narrow due to the loads of tourists. That’s a small price to pay though to get this amazing view.


Oia Santorini

* The port of Oia, with its own tavernas, famed restaurants and drinking scene. Would have been great to have explored this side of town; if not for the three hundred step one-way trip.


Oia Santorini

* One more couple shot whilst on top of Fort Londsa, an old castle-ish fortress which offers the best view of the whole town.


Xenones Filotera

* While in Santorini, we stayed at the Xenones Filotera boutique resort. Conveniently located in the middle of Oia and Fira, the hotel was very accessible, had clean, spacious bungalows and great, helpful staff! Pictured here was my bungalow, which I had all to myself!


Xenones Filotera

* Our awesome pool with a great view of the caldera. I had so much fun watching the time pass-me-by while lounging on the pool chairs, staring at the distance and having a brewski or three.

Xenones Filotera

* Monicca enjoying the generous breakfast, provided every morning in each bungalow’s private veranda.

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