Thursday 10 July 2014

Oia, Santorini

My husband and I have just got back from a hectic but amazing week on the Greek island of Santorini. We went for the wedding of some friends of ours, and I was really excited, not just about the festivities, but also about getting the chance to experience this beautiful island. I must admit, I've been a little obsessed with the place ever since the Kardashians went there for their "family vacay". The footage made it look amazing, and I couldn't wait to see it for myself. I've got so much to say about our time there that it's difficult to know where to start, so I'm just going to dive in. Here goes!

Our hotel was called Finikia's Place, and it's about a fifteen to twenty minute walk from the town of Oia. The facilities in the room were pretty basic (just in case you were wondering, this is NOT where the Kardashians stayed) but it was spotlessly clean and reasonably priced.




There was a nice pool area with sun loungers and shady umbrellas, although unfortunately not enough to accommodate all the hotel's guests, so you couldn't always guarantee a spot if you wanted one.


We found the staff very friendly and welcoming, including Paris and Crest, the hotel dogs. Who doesn't love a hotel dog? Here's Paris guarding the pool.


We settled in very quickly, and one of the first things we wanted to do was walk into Oia and explore. Santorini is famous for its coastal views and amazing sunsets, and Oia in particular attracts tourists from all over the world for precisely this reason, so my expectations were pretty high. Like anywhere else, not every inch of the place is a perfect picture postcard, and the surroundings as we first walked out of the hotel were nice, but not spectacular.

But then we started to approach Oia, and we were faced with this.




Definitely well worth the hike! We found a couple of cafes where I could quite happily have sat gazing at the view for hours. These shots were taken at Kastro.



Kastro is apparently a popular spot to watch the sunset. We didn't get to see it though, as we hadn't booked a table, and had to vacate our spot for those who had.

My favourite place in Oia, though, was Cafe Flora, where I had the most delicious chocolate milkshake. (Yes, I have the tastes of a five year old. But my husband can vouch for the quality of the grown up drinks.) We sat on the shady upstairs terrace and it was pretty much perfect. I could have sat there all day.





Dress - Topshop, Hat - Accessorize, Sunglasses - H&M
The shops around Oia are also well worth a look, especially those selling art and handmade jewellery. I was pleasantly surprised to find so many places I wanted to explore amid all the usual shops selling flip-flops and novelty playing cards. It's a really picturesque little town, but it's also cramped and very busy, especially as the sun begins to go down. Every little nook and cranny is filled with people sporting impressive camera equipment, all trying to find the best spot to capture the amazing scenery.

This was where our hotel came into its own. Not only was the food in the restaurant there out of this world - we had grilled calamari, fresh barbequed sea bass, succulent lamb chops, tons of Greek salad and some of the tastiest chips/French fries I have ever eaten (not all in one meal, I hasten to add) - but the views from the rooftop area were also spectacular. While the world and his wife jostled for space in the centre of Oia, we enjoyed front row seats and a much more relaxed atmosphere.

First though, a view of the front of the restaurant. This was also lovely and the better place to sit if a chilly breeze got up, which happened quite a lot. Top tip - don't go to Santorini without some sort of cover-up. Even if you're not the sort of person who feels the cold much, you will probably need it at some point.


 One of our lunches - Greek salad, grilled calamari and chips.


But the rooftop was my favourite part of the restaurant, and we sat here whenever we could. As you can see, we had an uninterrupted view of the best show in town.





There's something addictive about sunsets. Every night they seemed somehow better than the night before, and like everyone else on the island, we just couldn't stop photographing them. I'm not sure that any picture can do the real thing justice, but here's a couple of ours.


I have plenty more to share from our trip, but I think this is enough for one day!

Has anyone else been to Santorini? I'd love to know what you thought of it.

Kate x
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34 comments

  1. Oh wow, such a gorgeous post! So enjoyed looking at all these beautiful photos and hearing about your time in Santorini! Finikia's Place looks like such a pretty hotel to have stayed at <3

    I haven't been before but it's definitely on my bucket list; those cobalt skies and pure white buildings just make for such blissful backdrops. Oia sounds really interesting too, sometimes the shops abroad can come across as disappointing and touristy so it's great this wasn't the case and you found some interesting little spots.

    Ahh it's all so gorgeous! Glad you had a wonderful time :)

    Sophie | soinspo xo

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    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed the post Sophie! It really was one of the prettiest places I've ever been. x

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  2. I've never been here but it looks like such a beautiful place. The photos are all great and gives a real feel for the place, I looks like the perfect holiday, so peaceful! I really want to go on holiday now :) xx

    www.yazzyscorner.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! It really was lovely and I didn't want to leave! x

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  3. beautiful photos, thanks for sharing :)
    I really like your dresses!
    Rathana xo ✪FabFashionaire.com

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  4. Looks amazing! I love the bright dress your wearing in the second photo!

    The Velvet Black // UK Style, Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Alice! It's also from Topshop but I didn't list it as it's a few years old. x

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  5. It looks so lovely, those views are amazing!
    lots of love | jennifer's journal ♥

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  6. Such lovely photos! Love that crooked tumbler you're sipping from.

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  7. I went to Heraklion few months ago and inlove with Greece. I defo going there again. By the way, it seems like you had a lovely time there

    Kiss me Sunday // Bloglovin

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    Replies
    1. I did, and I know what you mean, I feel like I would like to explore Greece more too. x

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  8. it looks amazing!! i definitely want to visit one day :)

    www.simplymee89.blogspot.com

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  9. Oh my gosh such gorgeous pictures. You've inspired me, I'm looking at flights already!
    Meena | Meena Means Me
    x

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  10. Wow! I've heard great things about Santorini but these pictures make me want to book to go right now! Honestly it looks amazing, those sunsets are utterly beautiful! Em x

    Pickles & Pinafores // UK Fashion Blog

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Emma! The scenery certainly lives up to the hype. x

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  11. Indossi un abito bianco bellissimo

    WWW.ANGELICHIC.COM

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  12. I'm off to santorini in about a weeks time, I am so excited I can no tell you!! I'm going to Kamari which I dont this is too far from Oia so after reading this im defo going to have to explore!!

    Candidly Chloe xx

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  13. I LOVE Santorini, i havent been there since 2014 but its such a great place i always want to return back..Great post!
    xo
    Anastasia
    http://natbeesfashion.blogspot.co.uk/

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  14. i love santorini, it's such a pretty place!

    from helen at thelovecatsinc.com

    ps. you can win a cute Dahlia trench in my little giveaway! click here

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  15. O.M.G. santorini is one of my bucket list places to go to!!! i wish i can go one day!! :D

    Animated Confessions

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  16. Greece is one of my favorite destinations to visit. Lovely photos dear :-)
    http://naturelbellefemme.blogspot.com

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  17. These pictures are absolutely stunning! Definitely will be leaving hints for the boyfriend tonight...

    http://cluniburton.blogspot.co.uk/

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  18. I think this is really a marvelous place!!!! Kisses,
    Eni

    http://eniwherefashion.blogspot.it/
    https://www.facebook.com/eniwherefashion

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  19. omg, the view is stunning! Visiting Santorini is on my travel list. :)

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  20. I LOVE Santorini - being Greek it's so lovely to see other people enjoying the Greek weather and holidaying there…beautiful sunset and beautiful photos!

    Looks like you had a really lovely time!! :)

    Layla xx

    www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

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  21. This looks so beautiful! It is really on my bucket list - great picks x


    Jasmin Charlotte

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  22. Oh my goodness, what stunning photos!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

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